2024 saw an increase in the number of malicious free VPN apps
In 2024, more and more people have encountered malicious free VPN apps.
This is evident from the new research by security software company Kaspersky. Experts have found that VPN users worldwide may have downloaded 2.5 times more malware and malicious programs between July and September than in the previous three months when they tried to get a free service. This increase continued for the rest of the year.
The demand for VPN apps has never been higher. The best VPN services are great tools to boost your online experience – from providing greater privacy and security against growing digital threats to unlocking foreign streaming libraries, censored sites and games. However, many free applications can cause more problems.
The danger of free VPNs
“Users tend to believe that if they find a VPN app on an official store, such as Google Play, it is safe. And they think that it is even better if this VPN service is free! But often this turns out to be a trap are.” says Vasily Kolesnikov, security expert at Kaspersky.
In May 2024, American law enforcement has been dismantled what is considered the largest botnet ever, i.e. a network of infected devices. At least 18 fake free VPN apps were largely used to create it, including MaskVPN, DewVPN, PaladinVPN, ProxyGate, ShieldVPN, and ShineVPN. You can view the full list here.
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Every time someone downloaded these malicious apps, their device turned into a proxy server, allowing attackers to redirect Internet traffic. The network counted 19 million unique IP addresses in more than 190 countries around the world from hijacked devices.
The investigation also found that the malicious servers created by unknowing free VPN users were later sold to other cyber criminals for launching cyber attacks, money laundering and mass fraud.
If free VPNs aren’t used to inject malware, they can still compromise your privacy through invasive online tracking and data collection – exactly what you want to stop if you’re using a VPN at all.
Kolesnikov said: “To stay safe, users should remain wary of these threats and use a security solution, along with a trusted and proven VPN service.”