Why using a VPN may not be such a good idea.

[Itshim]

Has to be better than not having one. But as I recall someone on here thinks so.for me had one for I guess 10 years or so never had a problem, not sure how to prove a negative.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Chris

I don’t know, but there’s no reason why they couldn’t be. It doesn’t have to be a brilliantly executed clone as long as it’s superficially similar and functions as a VPN. If you were downloading it from a fake website, it’s likely because you’ve not used the product before, or not enough to easily spot a fake. All they need to do is get you to install it.

But, I repeat, this is not a problem unique to VPN products. Any app can be copied and there will always be unwary users out there to download it. With reference to the thread title, the article Richard linked to is not proof that using a VPN may not be a good idea.

From what I can gather, VPN users are swapping their trust with their data from their ISP to a VPN (even if it is authentic) and often paying for the privilege.

I suppose it's worth it if you're downloading copyright content for free, especially if your ISP has a vested interest in the material in question.

Originally Posted by RichardCoulter

From what I can gather, VPN users are swapping their trust with their data from their ISP to a VPN (even if it is authentic) and often paying for the privilege.

I suppose it's worth it if you're downloading copyright content for free, especially if your ISP has a vested interest in the material in question.

You misunderstand the point. It doesn’t matter what you download any piece of software in order to achieve, whether legal or not. If it is a fake product, containing spyware, it can steal your credentials and cause you all sorts of bother.

A VPN made by a disreputable company might enable that company to do those things without their product being a fake clone of anything else. However a VPN made by a reputable company with security protocols as solid as they claim them to be, renders you much safer from those who might want to snoop on your browsing.

[RichardCoulter]

Originally Posted by Chris

You misunderstand the point. It doesn’t matter what you download any piece of software in order to achieve, whether legal or not. If it is a fake product, containing spyware, it can steal your credentials and cause you all sorts of bother.

A VPN made by a disreputable company might enable that company to do those things without their product being a fake clone of anything else. However a VPN made by a reputable company with security protocols as solid as they claim them to be, renders you much safer from those who might want to snoop on your browsing.

Is it safer to stick to VPN apps on places like the Play Store as (presumably) they will be vetted & checked?

I can’t speak for the Play Store but there are VPNs on the Apple App Store I wouldn’t touch with a 10ft pole. They’re the ones with a small handful of reviews and Chinese sounding names all over them.

Do your research outside of the app store, identify who are the large, reputable companies, then return to the App Store / play store and download from there. There are plenty of people here who can give you recommendations.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by Paul

Thats a very silly attitude, the advice is sound.

It is.

I do have one concern about vpns, apart from the privacy. I see a lot of advertsing that appears to imply a VPN is the only security you need. It is not. While it is useful for appearing to be in different countries, and the encryption can reduce snooping, a VPN is not a good substitute for good security software because it won't stop that dodgy link you just clicked installing malware, and it won't stop that malware working.

In fairness, if you need to use client software to access the VPN, that client software may well offer extra security facilities, but most don't.