In the TV series “Once Upon a Time”, Rumplestiltskin gives this bit of sage advice:
“All magic comes with a price”.
Never was this more true than with personal VPNs.
The Promise vs. The Reality
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become the latest “must-have” security tool, marketed with promises of complete online privacy and protection. However, the reality is far more complex—and concerning—than most users realize. Recent security incidents throughout 2024 and 2025 have revealed that VPNs, particularly free and budget options, have become prime vehicles for cybercrime, potentially exposing users to greater risks than they would face without any VPN at all.
The Growing Threat: VPNs as Malware Delivery Systems
The statistics are alarming. Security firm Kaspersky discovered that in Q3 2024, the number of users encountering malicious apps posing as free VPNs increased by 2.5 times compared to Q2 globally. Perhaps the most shocking revelation came in May 2024 with the takedown of the 911 S5 botnet. This malicious network spanned 19 million unique IP addresses across over 190 countries worldwide, making it possibly the largest botnet ever created. The botnet was built using several supposedly “free” VPN services: MaskVPN, DewVPN, PaladinVPN, ProxyGate, ShieldVPN and ShineVPN.
Users who installed these apps had their devices transformed into proxy servers channeling someone else’s traffic. These compromised devices were then used for various illicit activities by cybercriminals who paid the organizers for access—including cyberattacks, money laundering, and mass fraud.
The threats continue to evolve. Cybersecurity firm Cleafy has issued an alert regarding the rapid proliferation of the Klopatra malware, which cunningly disguises itself as Mobdro Pro IP, a seemingly free VPN application. The Klopatra botnet has currently exceeded 3,000 nodes, with the majority concentrated in Spain and Italy.
Beyond Malware: The Data Privacy Paradox
Even when free VPNs aren’t actively distributing malware, they often betray their fundamental purpose. Experts predict that malware may impact 39% of free Android VPNs by 2025. 84.5% will be affected by IP address leaks and third-party tracking will reach 76.5%
The core problem is simple: free services must generate revenue somehow. This is often achieved by collecting and selling vast amounts of user data, including browsing history and personal information, to analytics or advertising companies. The “free” VPN becomes a tool for surveillance rather than protection.
Does the Average User Really Need a VPN?
The honest answer for most users is: probably not. Modern websites use HTTPS encryption by default, providing adequate protection for most activities. Financial institutions already employ robust encryption and security measures.
VPNs may have value in when accessing company resources (generally using a company-provided solution), protecting data on genuinely unsecured public WiFi (though most modern networks are more secure than in the past), if you are doing something illegal or socially unacceptable, or if you are a journalist or activist working in a country with an oppressive regime. But for the average user checking email, browsing social media, or shopping online, a VPN adds performance degradation, as well as unnecessary complexity and potential risk without meaningful security benefits.
Red Flags: How to Identify Dangerous VPNs
If you feel you must use a VPN despite the risks, you should watch for these warning signs:
Immediate Red Flags:
- It’s completely free: Legitimate security infrastructure costs money to maintain
- Unknown company: No clear information about ownership or location
- Excessive permissions: Requests access to contacts, SMS, phone calls, or accessibility services
- Poor reviews or fake reviews: Manipulated reviews can boost an app’s ranking, misleading users into downloading malicious VPN apps
- Aggressive marketing: Pop-ups, spam emails, or bundled with other software
If you Insist: Safer Alternatives
If you must use a personal VPN, look for established, paid services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN (paid tier), with proven track records. Look for transparent pricing typically $5-15 per month (legitimate security isn’t free), strong encryption protocols, kill switch functionality to prevent data leaks and regular security audits by reputable third parties.
An Alternative Thought:
Instead of relying on VPNs, be sure to adopt more effective security practices such as strong, unique passwords, a reputable password manager, two-factor authentication wherever offered, antivirus software from reputable providers. Also be sure to Verify website URLs before entering sensitive information to be sure you are on the website you think you are on and avoid public WiFi for sensitive activities.
The Bottom Line
The VPN industry has evolved from a niche security tool into a massive market worth billions, but this growth has attracted bad actors who exploit users’ security concerns. Increased government control over personal data in various countries is pushing people to seek out tools for anonymity, making free VPNs an easy target for threat actors.
For most users, the risks of using a personal VPN—especially a free one—far outweigh any potential benefits. The promise of complete privacy and security is largely marketing hype that doesn’t match the technical reality. Worse, as we’ve seen, VPNs can actively compromise the very security they claim to provide. Remember, free VPNs are not free—you pay with your data, privacy, and potentially your device’s security.