Free VPN apps are very popular because of their functionality. But among them there are also programs that pose great dangers. You shouldn’t use these 15 apps.
The wrong VPN service turns your phone into a zombie. (Source: ra2studio / depositphotos.com)
VPNs (Virtual Private Network) are extremely convenient programs for everyday Internet surfing. They allow you to travel safely even on unsecure networks and ensure that your personal information is not passed on to third parties. You can also use the software to bypass country restrictions. The latter is particularly interesting for film and series fans who want to watch streaming content from abroad.
Many of these programs are paid for and are not exactly cheap, which is why free VPN applications are particularly popular. They promise a similarly large scope as the paid subscription models, but for free.
However, there are sometimes black sheep among these free apps. Cybercriminals are aware of the popularity of freeware and are trying to smuggle fake apps into app stores. As security experts from Human Security report, the fraudsters have succeeded again. 15 free VPN apps from the Google Play Store contain malicious software.
You have to delete these apps now
If such a fake app is installed on your smartphone, it can be controlled remotely by cybercriminals. To do this, a proxy is secretly installed, an intermediary between client and server. In this case a scam server. Without you noticing, your internet bandwidth can be tapped in the background.
The experts say that web requests are forwarded to email sites, online retailers, Twitch streaming platforms and other Internet addresses. But scammers are also able to carry out phishing, spamming and ad fraud on your behalf. You would then be liable for the scam in the event of a lawsuit.
To prevent this from happening, you should check whether one of the following 15 apps is installed on your smartphone and then delete them immediately.
- Lite VPN
- Anim’s Keyboard
- Byte Blade VPN
- Fast Fly VPN
- Fast Fox VPN
- Fast Line VPN
- OK VPN
- QuickFlow VPN
- Sample VPN
- Swift Shield VPN
- Turbo Track VPN
- Turbo Tunnel VPN
- Yellow Flash VPN
- VPN Ultra
- RunVPN
Google was immediately notified of the threat and immediately removed the relevant applications from the Play Store. Google Play Protect is now also able to detect and block dangerous apps. However, such fake apps always return under new names. So keep your eyes open and check the user ratings and the manufacturer before each download.
These free apps pose no danger
So that you don’t have to spend a long time looking for a trustworthy and free app for your Android device, we have picked out the best four VPN applications for you. If you are looking for a reputable free VPN service for another operating system, the following articles will help you.
These programs offer you all the functions you need and you don’t have to pay a cent for them. For some of them, like our test winner CyberGhost VPN, the trial version with a money-back guarantee can also be worthwhile. You can enjoy all the advantages of paid VPN software for at least 30 days.
CyberGhost
- Free option: 45 day money back guarantee
- Free locations: All countries and server locations
- Bandwidth limitation: No bandwidth limitation
- Volume limitation: No volume limit
- Particularities: All functions can be used free of charge for 45 days
to offer
NordVPN
- Free option: 30 day money back guarantee
- Free locations: All countries and server locations
- Bandwidth limitation: No bandwidth limitation
- Volume limitation: No volume limit
- Particularities: Full-fledged VPN that can be used free of charge for 30 days
to offer
ProtonVPN
- Free option: Permanently free, without advertising
- Free locations: 3 countries (USA, Netherlands and Japan)
- Bandwidth limitation: No bandwidth limitation
- Volume limitation: No volume limit
- Particularities: Free version can only be used on one device
to offer
hide.me VPN
- Free option: Permanently free, without registration
- Free locations: Five server locations
- Bandwidth limitation: No bandwidth limitation
- Volume limitation: 10GB per month
- Particularities: Free version can only be used on one device
to offer
- ” Tip: The best VPN providers for more security and data protection
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