A VPN app can secure your safety online, but not always. For example, a free VPN accessible through the Google Play Store has reportedly exposed many users’ data at risk.
A recent report says that a database with more than 18 GB of connection logs can be found all over the Internet. How can you stay safe in the midst of this security concern?
Free VPN service puts user data at risk
(Photo: Unsplash’s Privecstasy)
Android users should beware of a free VPN app that can display their information online.
In May, Cybernews reported that the free VPN apps can expose users’ information when using a smartphone. Now it has been confirmed that one of these applications contains BeanVPN.
The latest Tom’s Guide story revealed that this VPN app has more than 25 million data from worldwide users. The database includes IP addresses, ID, connection timestamps, and more.
This security issue has been bugging researchers lately because people could easily click and download it. Unbeknownst to them, the hackers behind this plan were able to immediately steal their credentials.
The information in this database can be used to de-anonymize BeanVPN’s users and find their approximate location using geo-IP databases. The Play Service ID can also be used to track the user’s email address. find out what they are logged in to on their device with,” said Aras Nazarovas, a Cyber News security researcher.
Related article: Tor Plus VPN: Can It Help You Really Stay Anonymous Online?
Privacy Violations
Tom’s Guide has included in its article that IMSOFT is the company behind BeanVPN. While it says in its own policy that the free VPN service doesn’t store timestamps and IP addresses, the company hasn’t really addressed this.
In this regard, the Romania-based company has violated its privacy policy. Rather than promise to protect user data from online exposure, it doesn’t do what it wrote in its rules.
Speaking of user data, an exposed database can do the users more harm than good.
For example, an incident in 2021 caught the attention of Cybernews. At the time, the company discovered that three VPN services had leaked confidential information: ChatVPN, SuperVPN and GeckoVPN.
The worst part about this research is that experts found that the data was being sold on the dark web. There is also a separate database that Cybernews has seen. The insecure digital storage came from UK law enforcement agencies.
If the hackers get the data, it could affect not only the users but also the companies that this information is linked to.
Why choose a paid VPN over free?
It’s good that people can now use a VPN app for free. This is a user-friendly approach for a VPN company to its customers. However, keep in mind that choosing this type of service has limitations.
For example, a fake VPN app will not have enough safety and security features that you can access on paid versions. Please note that buying a premium VPN guarantees lasting protection, as it comes from a trusted provider.
Also read: Best Working VPNs for Netflix in 2022 | This is why you should or shouldn’t buy them
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Written by Joseph Henry
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