Why using a free VPN is a bad idea

If you are unlucky and run into an unreliable service, you will lose not only time, but also money.

1. What are VPNs and why you need them

VPN (virtual private network) is a technology for encrypting and transmitting data over the Internet. It works as follows: all information passes through a secure virtual tunnel through one or more intermediary servers. As a result, the data cannot be intercepted and the sender cannot be tracked down.

VPNs are often used when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Indeed, in cafes, restaurants and other similar places with free access to the Internet, passwords and other data are often stolen. But encryption will easily protect them.

In addition, a VPN provides access to applications and websites blocked in different countries. And it doesn't matter who banned the resource - the local provider or the owner of the service himself. You will get access anyway.

In addition, VPN spoofs the IP - identifier that reveals the location of the Internet user. Thus, you can protect your privacy from the owners of sites or ad systems.

To use these features, you just need to install a special program on the device - a VPN-client - and use it to select a server for a secure connection.

But not all VPN providers are created equal. Free services can do more harm than benefit.

2. Problems using free VPNs

Surveillance and sale of personal data

If you do not pay for VPN with money, then you risk paying with personal data. Services that promised users the protection of privacy for free have been convicted of the opposite more than once. It turns out that they can track the sites you visit, your location and even the information transmitted. This information is then sold to ad networks, government agencies, or simply to scammers.

Vulnerabilities for hacker attacks

Free, yet bona fide VPN providers simply cannot afford good talent and continuous technology improvements. Sooner or later, this leads to security holes. Hackers can use them to hack into your devices or even bank accounts.

Slow or unstable performance

Even more money is required to maintain a powerful high-tech infrastructure. With no charge for their services, VPN services can only afford a small number of servers. These resources may not be enough to serve thousands (let alone millions) of users. As a result, connection stability and speed suffer.

Intrusive advertising

Another controversial way of making money on free VPN services is through advertising. Moreover, the display of banners in the VPN client itself is not always limited. Some free services manage to display pop-up ads in the browser and other programs. This kind of monetization can be very annoying.

Functional limitations

There are also shareware VPN providers. You can use them without spending a dime and even trust most of them. But the free possibilities of such services are always severely limited. If you don't want to spend money, be prepared for limited traffic, low speed and lack of access to most functions and servers. In addition, free VPN services often allow only one of the user's devices to connect.

3. Benefits of Paid Solutions with Surfshark VPN Service

In 2018, the ranks of paid VPN providers joined Surfshark. During this short time, the company has attracted the attention of millions of users and has earned a good reputation among experts.

Surfshark guarantees the privacy and security of information. And this is not just a promise: the company is registered in the British Virgin Islands - in a jurisdiction that allows not to store user data. The service collects only what is needed: email addresses and transaction data, as well as encrypted passwords from the Surfshark account.

To protect all transmitted information, a presenter is used here encryption standard - AES ‑ 256 ‑ GCM. And the presence of a private DNS service on each server in the company provides additional resistance against content blocking and tracking user actions.

Surfshark's reliability is confirmed by independent experts. The service technologies have been successfully tested by cybersecurity specialists from the AV-Test Research Institute and the company Cure53.

The service provides a fast and stable VPN network. At the disposal of the company more than 1 700 servers in 63 countries. This infrastructure is enough to ensure that you don't experience lag even when playing online or streaming video. There are no speed or traffic limits.

You will not be bothered with ads. Surfshark does not display any ads.

Enjoy advanced features. Some of Surfshark's features are not available with free VPNs as well as many other paid VPN services. For example, all Surfshark subscription options include the following function:

• Camouflage Mode - Hides VPN usage from the provider. This can be useful if your internet service provider blocks these services.
• Kill Switch - interrupts the Internet connection if VPN disconnects for any reason. This way, you will never be left without protection.
• CleanWeb - blocks ads and data trackers on the Web, protects against phishing attacks.
• Whitelister - Allows selected apps and sites to bypass VPN. Useful, for example, for working with banking and other financial services.
• MultiHop - allows the transmitted data to pass through several countries to make your Internet activities harder to track.

Surfshark is available on a variety of platforms. There are apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, AppleTV, and other television systems. You can also set Surfshark as a plugin for the Chrome or Firefox browser. The service allows you to connect an unlimited number of gadgets to your account.

You can resolve all issues with 24/7 support. Consultants are available via online chat and a contact form, after filling out which the client will be answered by email.

Surfshark costs only 150 rubles per month. Or $ 2. This rate is valid when paid two years in advance and sets Surfshark apart from other commercial VPN services. If you choose a monthly option, it will turn out to be more expensive - $ 11.95 per month. If you don't like something, you can simply return the money within 30 days after payment.

Try a reliable VPN