The Top Vpns to Avoid: Protect Your Online Security Now
Once you start using the internet, your online security becomes a top priority. That’s why it’s crucial to choose the right virtual private network (VPN) to protect your personal information and sensitive data from cyber threats. Make sure to avoid these top VPNs that fail to provide reliable protection and put your online safety at risk.
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What Makes a Good VPN?
Before delving into the list of top VPNs to avoid, let’s first understand what makes a good VPN. When choosing a VPN provider, there are certain criteria that you should look for in order to ensure that you are getting the best possible protection for your online activities.
1. No-Logging Policy
The primary purpose of using a VPN is to protect your privacy and keep your online activities hidden from prying eyes. Therefore, it is crucial that you choose a provider with a strict no-logging policy. This means that they do not track or store any information about your browsing history or personal data.
2. Strong Encryption
Encryption is what keeps your data safe from hackers and other malicious entities on the internet. A good VPN should use strong encryption protocols such as AES 256-bit encryption to ensure that your data remains unreadable even if it falls into the wrong hands.
3. Network Size and Speed
A VPN with a large server network will give you more options to choose from and also provide better speed and performance. This is particularly important if you are using a VPN for streaming or torrenting. Look for providers with servers in multiple countries so that you can access geo-restricted content.
4. Customer Support
In case you encounter any issues while using the VPN, good customer support is crucial. Look for providers that offer 24/7 live chat support or have a prompt response time to ensure that your concerns are addressed quickly.
Now that we know what makes a good VPN, let’s dive into the top VPNs to avoid in order to protect your online security.
HolaVPN
HolaVPN is one of the most well-known free VPN services, but it has been repeatedly flagged for engaging in unethical practices. The biggest issue with HolaVPN is its peer-to-peer (P2P) network which uses other users’ devices as exit nodes for their traffic. This means that when you use HolaVPN, your connection is routed through someone else’s device, potentially exposing your data to malicious actors.
HolaVPN has been caught selling user bandwidth and even carrying out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on behalf of paying customers. These actions not only put the users at risk but also pose threats to the internet as a whole.
PureVPN
PureVPN claims to be a no-logging VPN service, but an investigation by privacy advocate Ryan Dochuk revealed otherwise. Dochuk found that PureVPN was logging connection timestamps and sometimes even IP addresses of its users despite its claims of being a strict no-log provider.
PureVPN’s encryption standards have also been called into question after researchers found vulnerabilities in their OpenVPN protocol implementation. This could potentially allow hackers to intercept and decrypt user data.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is another popular VPN that has been known to engage in shady practices. In 2017, the Center for Democracy and Technology filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accusing Hotspot Shield of deceptive trade practices. The complaint stated that the VPN was secretly collecting user data, including IP addresses, location information, and device information.
Moreover, in 2018, a security researcher discovered a flaw in the Hotspot Shield app that could have exposed users’ real IP addresses even when connected to the VPN. This issue was not addressed by the company until it was publicly exposed. Or, if you want to optimize your online activities without sacrificing the speed of your VPN connection, consider using a reputable VPN provider.
Betternet
Betternet is another popular free VPN service that has been called out for its questionable practices. In 2019, a security researcher discovered that Betternet’s Android app was injecting malware into users’ devices through an ad library. This not only compromised users’ devices but also put their personal information at risk.
Betternet has also been found to leak DNS requests, exposing users’ browsing history to potential surveillance or tracking by ISPs.
SuperVPN
SuperVPN is one of the most downloaded free VPN apps on Google Play Store with over 100 million downloads. However, this app has been flagged by security experts for containing critical vulnerabilities that could allow hackers to intercept and read users’ internet traffic.
SuperVPN does not have a no-logging policy which means they can potentially track and store your online activities.
OperaVPN
OperaVPN is a free VPN service offered by the popular web browser Opera. However, it should be noted that OperaVPN is not actually a standalone VPN provider but rather a proxy service operated by SurfEasy (a subsidiary of Opera). This means that OperaVPN is not a true VPN and does not offer the same level of privacy and security as other VPNs.
Moreover, OperaVPN has been criticized for its lack of encryption and its data sharing agreement with Facebook which could potentially expose user data to the social media giant.
Free VPN By FreeVPN.org
Free VPN by FreeVPN.org is another popular free VPN service that has been called out for its questionable practices. Security researcher John Mason discovered that the app was leaking DNS queries, exposing users’ browsing history to their internet service provider (ISP). The process for configuring your iPhone’s Virtual Private Network settings is simple yet crucial for ensuring secure internet usage on your device.
Free VPN by FreeVPN.org uses a single key to encrypt all connections, making it susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks where an attacker can intercept and read your internet traffic.
The Importance of Choosing a Reliable VPN
As evident from the above examples, using a subpar or unethical VPN can put your online security at risk. A good VPN should provide you with peace of mind knowing that your personal information is safe and secure. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly research and choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider. However, if you want to learn a step-by-step guide on disabling your VPN, check out this detailed tutorial on How To Turn Off Your VPN and ensure your online activities are no longer routed through a secure server.
Using a reputable paid VPN service may require investing some money, but the added layers of security and peace of mind are worth it in the long run. As always, make sure to read reviews and do your own research before committing to any particular provider.
Final Remarks
In today’s digital landscape, protecting your online security has become more important than ever before. While virtual private networks (VPNs) can be an effective tool in safeguarding your online activities, it is essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy provider. The top VPNs mentioned in this article have been flagged for engaging in unethical practices such as logging user data or exposing users’ personal information. By avoiding these providers, you can ensure that your online security remains intact while browsing the web.
NordVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 60 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 67% off 2-Year Plans and UberEats Voucher
ProtonVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 70+ Countries
✔️ High-speed VPN for Gaming or Streaming
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Surfshark
✔️ 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 79% off + 2 Months Free
What are Some VPNs That Should Be Avoided?
Some VPNs that should be avoided include those with poor privacy policies, unreliable connections, and a history of data breaches. It is also recommended to avoid free VPNs as they may sell user data to third parties for profit. It is important to do research and read reviews before choosing a VPN service to ensure its reliability and trustworthiness.
Why Should I Avoid Certain VPNs?
You should avoid certain VPNs because they may not provide strong encryption or data protection, making your online activities vulnerable to hackers. Some VPNs have been found to collect and sell user data, compromising your privacy. In some cases, using a VPN can also slow down your internet connection. It is important to research and choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN provider to ensure the security and privacy of your online browsing.