I agree with nevaeh on the issues that come with the tag ‘free’ VPN. From a different perspective, the most vulnerable to data compromises are organizations, particularly those in the IT sector. For instance, creators of the 911 S5 botnet, one of the largest botnets ever, used several free VPN services to build their network. Users who installed these VPN apps had their devices turned into proxy servers for cybercriminals, who then used them for illegal activities like cyberattacks, fraud, and even money laundering.
The relevant authorities took down this botnet, but it had been operational for nearly a decade and put the data of millions of users worldwide at risk. It’s a strong reminder that with free VPNs, you often get more than you bargained for and not in a good way. Paid VPN providers don’t pose the same risks because they’re financially motivated to deliver secure, reliable services.
The only strength of a free VPN is that it’s free. People typically don’t expect high end service when they get something without paying. But if you pay for a subscription, you can expect better speeds, extensive and advanced features, solid encryption, and 24/7 support.
You have no room for failure when you run a paid VPN because they’re obliged to deliver what they’ve promised. This is what I have to say about how a paid VPN makes a difference.