Researchers raise privacy concerns over free VPN apps after finding exposed user data

  • Cybersecurity researchers from vpnMentor say exposed data includes emails, passwords and more
  • The free VPNs left users exposed to malware, identity theft and potentially worse, researchers say

App stores have been filling up with both free and subscription-based VPN apps, but some have been found to endanger user privacy. Photo: Shutterstock
Following the implementation of a new national security law in Hong Kong this month, the city saw a surge of interest in virtual private networks (VPNs). But while many are turning to VPNs to protect their privacy, some could actually be putting user privacy in danger.

Cybersecurity researchers recently announced that they discovered a group of free VPN apps that left their server completely open and accessible, exposing private user data for anyone to see.

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