VPNs: Tech's shiny privacy shield that might just leak your data faster than a bad sprint review

The use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has become increasingly popular, but concerns about their safety and security remain. A VPN's safety depends on its creator and how it is operated, with negligence and malice being two primary factors that can make a VPN unsafe. Negligent VPNs may use outdated protocols, leak user data, or fail to block IPv6, while malicious VPNs can harvest user data, track activity, or plant malware. To determine a VPN's safety, users can research the provider, read reviews, and test the VPN's protocols, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Paid subscriptions and open-source apps are also indicators of a safe VPN. Companies like Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN have demonstrated strong security measures, with Proton VPN being majority-owned by the nonprofit Proton foundation and having open-sourced its entire product family. By taking these factors into consideration, users can make informed decisions about their online security.