The U.S. government has issued a critical warning for iPhone and Android users, urging them to avoid installing certain VPN apps that pose significant security risks.
This new advisory from the FBI and CISA comes as part of broader efforts to combat vulnerabilities in mobile security, particularly with SMS and RCS texting, which have been in the spotlight recently.
While the agencies emphasize the importance of keeping phone firmware updated, using password managers, and employing safe browsing practices, the focus now is on VPN apps.
The government specifically warns against using personal VPNs, citing that they often increase the attack surface rather than protect users.
Many free or low-cost VPN apps, commonly found on the Play Store or App Store, have been flagged for offering subpar encryption, leaking data, and even sharing users’ personal information with third parties.
This warning isn’t new. Cybersecurity experts have long cautioned about the risks of free VPNs. Kaspersky recently reported a significant increase in the number of dangerous free VPN installs, which are often malware-ridden or used by malicious actors to exploit users.
In tests conducted on 100 popular Android VPN apps, almost 20% were flagged as malware, and many others suffered from encryption failures and privacy risks.
The U.S. government’s cyber defense agency has also weighed in, advising against using VPNs unless necessary for accessing sensitive data or navigating untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi.
While VPNs are crucial for privacy in certain situations, such as when traveling abroad or accessing restricted content, users must be cautious about which apps they trust.
The government recommends only installing VPNs from reputable developers and ensuring that Play Protect is enabled on Android devices.
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In conclusion, while VPNs can be useful for protecting privacy and security, users must be vigilant about the apps they install.
Avoiding free or low-quality VPNs and opting for trusted, paid services is essential to safeguarding personal data and avoiding potential threats.
