Google Play VPNs: 281 free apps tested for leaks, and the findings are concerning

Colleagues, I’d like to flag a cybersecurity story. A study of 281 free Android VPNs found that many of them fail at their core purpose: protecting traffic.

What was found:
• 29 apps leaked traffic outside the encrypted tunnel.
• 61 transmitted data in plaintext.
• 76 sent Advertising IDs, and 246 contacted ad and tracking servers.
• In 5 cases, the configuration file was transferred without encryption, creating an opening for connection interception.

Why it matters: a free VPN does not always mean privacy. I would rely on independent audits rather than store badges alone.

Do you check who is behind the VPN app on your device?

#cybersecurity #VPN #Android #privacy