Picture this.
You want to stay safer online, so you download a free VPN. It promises privacy, anonymity, and protection — all without costing you a penny. Sounds perfect, right?
Here’s the catch:
With free VPNs, if you’re not paying with money, you’re usually paying with your data.
What a VPN Actually Does
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) routes your internet traffic through a secure tunnel, hiding your location and making it harder for snoops to track you.
Used properly, it’s a great tool for privacy.
But not all VPNs are built the same.
Why Free VPNs Are Risky
• Many log your browsing activity — the very thing they claim to protect.
• Some inject ads or even malware into your connection.
• They often use weak encryption, giving you a false sense of security.
• Free servers are overcrowded, slow, and unreliable.
Instead of protecting your privacy, they can actually compromise it.
Real Example
In 2020, researchers found that several free VPN apps on the Google Play Store were secretly collecting user data and selling it to third parties.
Millions of people downloaded them, thinking they were adding security — when in fact, they were being tracked more than ever.
Do This Today
- Delete sketchy VPN apps
If it’s free and you’ve never heard of the company, it’s not worth the risk. - Choose a reputable VPN
Paid services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN (which has a limited free tier) are safer bets. - Check the privacy policy
A good VPN will clearly state they don’t log or sell your activity. - Only use official app stores
Avoid sideloading VPN apps from unknown sources. - Ask if you really need one
For most people, using HTTPS websites and keeping software updated offers plenty of protection.
Key Takeaway
A free VPN can end up costing you far more in privacy than you’d ever spend on a safe, trusted service.
When it comes to security, it’s worth paying for peace of mind.
At The Cyber Workshop, our Cyber Hygiene Workshop explains tools like VPNs in plain English — when to use them, when you don’t need them, and how to spot the dodgy ones.
Till next time,
If a VPN is free, it’s probably making money off you in other ways.
