While VPNs guarantee security, cybersecurity experts warn that there are many VPN applications that expose their users to cyber surveillance and attacks. According to experts, many free VPNs use insecure protocols and log user activity. Assuming that the VPN provider uses the latest encryption methods and changes its routing points frequently, this service should provide a secure and robust service. Balmas added that in many cases, especially free VPNs, leave users open to viruses and potentially violate privacy. According to research conducted in 2020, on 283 VPNs shows that many free VPNs contain malware.
In fact, as many as 38 percent of VPNs showed signals of malware infection. The same study also found that 72 percent of free VPNs embed third-party trackers in their software. These trackers are used to collect data about online activities so that advertisers can better target ads.
