Why I’ve Avoided VPNs for Years—And Why You Might Need One in 2025
I’ve always been wary of VPNs. Even though I’m security-minded, the concept of funneling all my internet traffic through someone else’s server raised immediate red flags. The idea of entrusting my data to a third-party company—one that could say one thing while doing another—felt risky.
Yet, VPNs have exploded in popularity. Every influencer and their mother promotes one, and you can’t scroll far without seeing a VPN ad backed by affiliate links. For the record, I’m not affiliated with any VPN providers. I don’t get paid to write this. My goal here is to offer an unbiased breakdown of the pros, cons, and risks of using a VPN in 2025.
Let’s start with what a VPN actually does.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) secures your internet connection by encrypting your traffic and routing it through its own servers before sending it to its final destination. This process hides your IP address and encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server, offering protection from prying eyes on local networks (like public Wi-Fi) or your ISP.
However, SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS) is separate from VPN encryption and happens between your browser and the website you visit. These two layers of encryption can work together for enhanced security, but they serve different purposes.
How the Full Process Works Step by Step:
1. You Request a Website (https://darkmarc.substack.com):
Your device prepares the web request and encrypts it with SSL/TLS if the website supports HTTPS.
2. VPN Encrypts the Request:
The VPN client on your device further encrypts the request, creating a double layer of encryption—SSL/TLS and VPN encryption. The VPN sends this encrypted request to your ISP.
3. ISP Receives the Traffic:
Your ISP sees the encrypted data and sends it to the VPN server’s IP address. It cannot see the content or the destination website (https://darkmarc.substack.com).
4. VPN Server Unpacks the Request:
The VPN server removes its layer of encryption but keeps the SSL/TLS encryption intact to ensure the content is protected. It prepares the request for the destination website.
5. VPN Forwards the Request:
The VPN server forwards the SSL-encrypted request to the destination website (https://darkmarc.substack.com).
6. Website Responds:
The website processes the request and sends a response, encrypted with SSL/TLS since it uses HTTPS.
7. Creates SSL-Encrypted Response:
The response is protected by SSL/TLS, ensuring only your device can decrypt it later. The website sends it back to the VPN server.
8. VPN Re-encrypts and Sends Back:
The VPN server re-encrypts the response with its own encryption and sends it back to your ISP.
9. ISP Forwards the Encrypted Data:
Your ISP forwards the encrypted response to your device. It remains encrypted and unreadable during this step.
10. VPN Unpacks the Response:
The VPN client on your device removes the VPN encryption, leaving the SSL/TLS encryption intact.
11. Browser Decrypts SSL:
Finally, your browser decrypts the SSL/TLS encryption and displays the content of https://darkmarc.substack.com.
Why I’ve Been Skeptical
At its core, a VPN sounds like a great tool. It protects you from bad actors who want to monitor your traffic, steal your IP, or worse, use it to piece together personal information like your name, email, and even physical location.
But there’s a catch.
To use a VPN, you’re essentially trusting a single company with all your internet traffic. If that company isn’t as honest or secure as it claims, you’re worse off than if you didn’t use one at all. Even if they’re trustworthy today, that can change:
New investors or a sale could shift the VPN company’s priorities.
A data breach could expose all the information you tried to protect.
Government surveillance or coercion could force them to log and share your data.
If you’re privacy-focused enough to consider using a VPN, you should also weigh the risks of putting all your trust in a single entity.
But in 2025, It’s Time to Rethink
Despite my doubts, the threat landscape in 2025 has shifted. Cyberattacks have grown more advanced, with attackers using automated tools to scale everything from malware deployment to network reconnaissance.
Exploits now adjust to their targets with minimal input, and reconnaissance tools can map networks and identify vulnerabilities in minutes. Even small-time hackers—once limited to prebuilt tools—can now launch sophisticated attacks with little effort, thanks to faster, smarter frameworks.
Data breaches have become so frequent that exposed emails, passwords, phone numbers, and financial records are almost expected. Hackers can cross-reference leaked data to uncover identities and access sensitive accounts. Ransomware gangs, state-sponsored groups, and cybercriminals now operate with unprecedented speed and precision.
Traditional privacy measures—like relying on HTTPS or basic proxies—are no longer enough. In this hostile environment, upgrading your defenses is essential—and using a VPN is a smart first step.
Real-World Examples: Why You Might Need a VPN
Scenario #1: The Hacking Forum Trap
Imagine you join a hacking forum to learn more about cybersecurity. You’re careful not to use your real name or primary email address. But you don’t use a VPN, so your real IP address is logged in the site’s database when you sign up.
A few months later, the forum is hacked, and its database—containing usernames, emails, and IP addresses—is leaked online. Even though you thought you were anonymous, an attacker now has your IP address.
Here’s what happens next: armed with your IP, the attacker cross-references it against millions of leaked databases from breaches on major sites like LinkedIn, Dropbox, Facebook, and even government agencies or credit reporting services.
We covered this in detail in Hackers Are Leaking Your Data Online: Here’s How to Stay Safe—showing how hackers use breach data to connect the dots and uncover your full identity. Tools like Have I Been Pwned allow you to check how much of your data has already been leaked.
Using automated tools, attackers can map out your full identity, including:
Your full name
Home address
Phone number
Email accounts
Social Security number
Even information about your financial or medical history
Once they have this information, you’re exposed to identity theft, targeted phishing attacks, and social engineering schemes that could cost you big.
A VPN would have prevented this by masking your real IP, leaving attackers with nothing useful even if the forum’s database was leaked.
Scenario #2: The Coffee Shop Attack
Now picture this: you’re at a Starbucks, catching up on some online banking or checking your accounting platform. You’re connected to the free public Wi-Fi, along with a handful of other people.
One of them is an attacker using a tool called Wireshark, which is used to monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time. With Wireshark, they can’t see the exact content of your activity (thanks to HTTPS encryption), but they can see where you’re going—the domains you visit, like mybank.com or accountingplatform.com.
This catches their attention. They notice you’re visiting sensitive sites and decide to escalate.
They fire up a Wi-Fi Pineapple—a portable device designed to impersonate trusted Wi-Fi networks. It tricks nearby devices into connecting to it instead of the real network. Once connected, the attacker can intercept all your traffic and even manipulate it.
Here’s how they do it:
First, they launch a deauthentication attack, which temporarily disconnects your device from the real Wi-Fi network. When your device tries to reconnect, it automatically joins the Wi-Fi Pineapple, which is broadcasting the same network name (SSID) but with a stronger signal. Your device assumes it’s legitimate and connects without warning.
Now that you’re on their network, they downgrade your HTTPS connection and present you with a phishing page that looks identical to your bank’s login screen.
Since you were just on the real site moments ago, you don’t suspect a thing. You enter your username and password—handing them directly to the attacker. Within minutes, your account is compromised.
These scenarios present powerful reasons for using a VPN, but there are still valid concerns that a security-minded person might have. After all, when you route all your traffic through a third-party service, you’re placing a lot of trust in that provider.
So let’s break down the risks—what could go wrong with VPNs, and what you should watch out for.
The Big Problem with VPNs
VPNs offer significant protection, but they come with their own set of risks. When you use a VPN, you are placing complete trust in the provider. Here’s why that can be a problem:
The VPN provider knows every website you visit.
They know when you visit it and how long you stay connected.
They can see your connection’s origin and what devices you’re using.
Claims of “no logging” aren’t always reliable—some providers have been caught secretly logging user activity.
Data breaches at VPN companies can expose sensitive user data.
VPN companies can be acquired by less trustworthy entities, changing their policies overnight.
Governments can force VPN providers to log and hand over user data, depending on the jurisdiction.
Malicious or poorly run VPNs can inject malware or track user activity instead of protecting it.
Free VPNs often monetize your data, selling it to third parties for profit.
A security tool shouldn’t introduce new risks—but with VPNs, these are real concerns. Even the most well-meaning VPN provider could be compromised by external pressure, new investors, or targeted attacks.
Mitigate Risks with VPNs – A Zero Trust View
In modern cybersecurity, the Zero Trust model means you assume no system is safe by default. Every access point, device, and service is treated as potentially compromised unless proven otherwise. Core principles include:
Least Privilege Access: Only grant access to data and services on a need-to-know basis.
Verify Every Connection: Require authentication at each step, even within trusted networks.
Continuous Monitoring: Constantly assess and log activity for anomalies or breaches.
When applying Zero Trust principles to VPN usage, the key is reducing trust in the VPN provider while building layered defenses. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Always Use HTTPS (SSL/TLS Encryption)
Check that the website uses HTTPS (indicated by a lock icon in the browser).
Never enter sensitive data (passwords, credit card numbers) on non-HTTPS websites.
Use browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere to ensure encrypted connections wherever possible.
Why This Matters: Even if a VPN protects your traffic between your device and its server, the traffic between the VPN and a non-HTTPS website remains vulnerable.
2. Encrypt Highly Sensitive Communications with Public Key Encryption (PKE)
For high-risk communications (with your accountant, attorney, or bookkeeper), use end-to-end encryption platforms that rely on public/private key pairs:
The public key encrypts the message.
The private key decrypts it.
Example of a Secure Communication Workflow:
You receive an email with a link to a secure client portal (e.g., for legal or financial communication).
Your password to the portal is only the first layer of security—it grants you access to the platform.
Once inside, the platform generates and uses your private key to decrypt your messages.
Keep your private key safe by storing it offline, away from cloud services or internet-connected devices.
Use Tor + VPN for Enhanced Privacy (Except for Extremely High-Risk Activities)
Tor (The Onion Router) is a free, open-source network designed to protect your privacy by routing your internet traffic through multiple volunteer-operated servers (called nodes) around the world.
Each node peels off one layer of encryption (like layers of an onion) to pass the traffic to the next, making it nearly impossible to trace your activity back to your real IP address.
Combining Tor with a VPN can add an extra layer of protection by masking your real IP address from Tor’s entry node while hiding the fact that you’re using Tor from your ISP.
How to Use Tor with a VPN (Tor-over-VPN):
a. Connect to a trusted VPN provider.
b. Launch the Tor Browser, which routes your traffic through Tor’s encrypted network.
c. The VPN will only see encrypted traffic heading to the Tor entry node—not the final destination website.
When NOT to Use a VPN: If you’re engaging in extremely sensitive activities (e.g., whistleblowing, avoiding state surveillance), don’t use a VPN. It’s possible that a powerful actor could intercept your encrypted Tor traffic and, with the right resources, attempt to break it.
4. For Extreme Anonymity: Use Anonymous Wi-Fi + Tor Only
In high-risk scenarios, your physical location, internet connection, and communication methods can expose you.
Using a VPN can create a link to your identity if you pay with personal information (credit card, email, etc.). The most secure approach is to rely on Tor-only, anonymous Wi-Fi, and Public Key Encryption (PKE) for all sensitive communication.
Step 1: Connect to Anonymous Public Wi-Fi from a Distance
Avoid your home network entirely. Instead:
Use public hotspots (cafés, libraries, open networks).
Long-range adapters such as:
Yagi Antenna – Directional, great for connecting to distant networks.
ALFA Network Adapter – Excellent range and reliability.
Why? Connecting from a distance ensures that your physical presence isn’t linked to the network you’re using.
Step 2: Boot into Tails OS
Tails OS is specifically designed for anonymity and leaves no trace on your device.
Forces all internet traffic through Tor.
Runs entirely in RAM and disappears when shut down.
Built-in secure tools for file encryption, messaging, and PKE-based email communication (using OpenPGP).
For extra security, remove your computer’s hard drive to avoid any possibility of data being written to it or hidden malware persisting across sessions. This ensures that all activity is contained within Tails’ live environment and leaves no recoverable traces on the device.
Why? It ensures that all activity takes place within Tails’ live environment, which runs entirely in RAM and disappears without a trace once you shut down. Even if an attacker gains access to your device after you’ve used it, there will be no data to recover.
Step 3: Use Tor Without a VPN
Rely on Tor-only for all online activity. Adding a VPN is unnecessary in extreme-risk cases and may reduce your security if the VPN logs data.
Tor Best Practices:
Use the Tor Browser for browsing.
Verify HTTPS connections to ensure traffic is encrypted at the exit node.
Avoid personal accounts or anything that could link back to your real identity.
This approach minimizes the chances of being physically traced or having your internet traffic correlated back to your real identity.
Step 4: Use Public Key Encryption (PKE) for Sensitive Communication
When sending sensitive information (documents, messages, etc.), always encrypt it using Public Key Encryption (PKE):
Encrypt with the recipient’s public key so only they can decrypt it with their private key.
Use Tails’ built-in OpenPGP tools for email encryption.
Keep your private key offline and secure to prevent unauthorized access.
Why? Even if your message is intercepted, without the private key, it remains unreadable.
Step 5: Use Strong Operational Security (OpSec)
In high-risk situations, your behavior and habits can expose you, even if your tools are secure. To protect yourself, follow these essential OpSec practices:
Never use personal accounts or services tied to your real identity. Avoid logging into personal email, social media, or cloud storage while using Tor or Tails.
Create new, anonymous credentials for each task. Use unique usernames and passwords for every account. Avoid patterns or reusing any personal details.
Use secure messaging apps like Signal, Session, or Ricochet for real-time encrypted communication.
Minimize web use and have a single task per session. Don’t browse the web and then leak sensitive info in the same session. Use Tails OS for one purpose at a time.
Disconnect and shut down completely after each session. Remove the Tails USB, disconnect from the internet, and if possible, remove your device’s battery.
Never reconnect immediately. Wait and plan your next session carefully to avoid patterns in your activity.
Consider your browser?
Which browsers collect user data? Which do not?
With the best VPN your browser can still read everything and while unlikely it’s possible. And a threat actor can also install
Adopting a Zero Trust mindset means layering encryption, verifying connections, and minimizing trust in any single service provider. When used correctly, VPNs, Tor, public/private key encryption, and anonymous Wi-Fi create a powerful defense against surveillance and breaches. For those in high-risk situations, combining these tools with strong OpSec is the best way to stay truly anonymous.
The Verdict: VPN’s Are a Good Idea
Using a VPN is a good idea for most people’s everyday use. It protects your data on public networks, hides your IP address, and can help bypass geographic restrictions.
However, given the Zero Trust framework we are using, it’s critical to choose a VPN provider that minimizes trust, offers transparency, and implements strong security practices.
Best VPN Options Based on Zero Trust Principles
In a Zero Trust framework, the goal is to minimize trust in any single provider and verify security at every level. When it comes to VPNs, this means choosing services that are independently audited, minimize data storage, and operate in jurisdictions with strong privacy protections. Here’s how we selected the best options:
Selection Criteria
1. Undergo Independent Security Audits
A VPN can claim anything, but without verification, it’s just marketing. The most trustworthy VPNs undergo regular independent audits by reputable third-party firms to verify:
No-logs claims: Prove they don’t store connection or activity logs.
Infrastructure security: Ensure no vulnerabilities in their servers, apps, or protocols.
Why This Matters: Audits reduce the chances of misleading claims and hold the VPN accountable for privacy practices.
2. Use RAM-Only Servers (No Data Written to Disk)
The best VPNs use RAM-only (volatile memory) servers, which means all data is wiped when the server is rebooted. Nothing is written to physical storage, making it almost impossible for user data to be retained or recovered after a session.
Why This Matters: Even if a server is seized, there’s no data to retrieve. Traditional disk-based servers could retain logs for weeks or months.
3. Operate in Privacy-Friendly Jurisdictions
The 14 Eyes surveillance alliance consists of countries that cooperate on intelligence-sharing and can compel VPNs to log and hand over user data.
This includes countries like:
Five Eyes: United States, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand (most aggressive)
Nine Eyes: Add Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway
Fourteen Eyes: Add Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden
VPNs outside the 14 Eyes alliance are less likely to face legal pressure to log or share user data. Countries like Switzerland, Panama, and the British Virgin Islands have no mandatory data retention laws and offer stronger legal protections.
Why This Matters: Jurisdiction is critical. Even the most privacy-friendly VPN in a surveillance-heavy country could be forced to comply with secret government requests.
4. Support Modern Encryption Protocols
Modern VPN protocols like WireGuard offer stronger encryption and faster performance compared to older protocols like OpenVPN and IPSec. WireGuard is open-source, with fewer vulnerabilities, and has a more streamlined codebase, reducing the attack surface.
Why This Matters: Encryption ensures that your traffic remains secure, and using modern protocols minimizes the risk of security flaws.
5. Don’t Require Personally Identifiable Information
The best VPNs allow anonymous sign-ups and offer anonymous payment options, such as:
Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Monero)
Gift cards
Some even allow cash payments by mail.
Why This Matters: If you pay with a credit card or provide your real email, it creates a potential link to your identity. Anonymous payment options reduce that risk.
VPNs selected using these criteria ensure your privacy and security are verifiable, minimize legal exposure, and avoid weak encryption or surveillance risks. Always prioritize services that undergo audits, offer RAM-only servers, and operate outside surveillance-heavy jurisdictions.
Top VPN Providers Based on This Criteria
ProtonVPN
Ownership: Operated by Proton AG, owned by the Proton Foundation, a Swiss nonprofit focused on protecting digital rights.
Founder: Andy Yen (Taiwanese-American), a physicist and privacy advocate. He holds a Ph.D. in physics from Harvard and worked at CERN before founding Proton. Current Residence: Lives and works in Switzerland, where Proton’s headquarters are located.
Key Features:
Strong no-logs policy, regularly audited (view audit history)
Secure Core servers: Routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland for extra protection
Jurisdiction: Based in Switzerland, known for its excellent privacy laws
Supports Tor over VPN
Mullvad VPN
Ownership: Independently owned and operated by Amagicom AB, a Swedish company with a strong focus on privacy.
Founders: Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson, both Swedish developers and privacy advocates. Current Residence: Both founders live in Sweden and oversee the company’s operations from there.
Key Features:
No personal information required—you can sign up anonymously with just a random account number. Anonymous payment options: Accepts cash, cryptocurrency, and gift cards.
RAM-only servers ensure no data is retained.
WireGuard protocol for faster and more secure connections.
Independent audits verify their no-logs policy (view audit history).
Jurisdiction: Sweden, a privacy-friendly country with strong data protection laws.
IVPN
Ownership: Operated by Privatus Limited, a Gibraltar-based company dedicated to digital privacy.
Founder: Nick Pestell (British), a security professional and privacy advocate. Current Residence: Lives in Gibraltar, where the company is headquartered.
Key features:
No personal information required—account numbers only, no email address needed. Accepts cryptocurrency for added anonymity.
Multi-hop support for extra privacy.
RAM-only infrastructure and independent security audits. (view audit history)
Jurisdiction: Based in Gibraltar (privacy-protective legal environment).
NordVPN
Ownership: Part of Nord Security, a cybersecurity company based in Panama.
Founders: Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, Lithuanian entrepreneurs with expertise in cybersecurity and online privacy. Current Residence: Both founders live in Lithuania, while NordVPN’s corporate structure is in Panama for privacy reasons.
Key features:
Undergoes regular third-party audits to verify no-logs claims. (view audit history)
RAM-only servers and multi-hop support.
Modern encryption protocols, including WireGuard (marketed as NordLynx).
Jurisdiction: Based in Panama (outside surveillance alliances).
OVPN
Ownership: Privately owned and operated by OVPN Integritet AB, a Swedish company focused on transparency and security.
Founder: David Wibergh (Swedish), an advocate for internet freedom and secure online communications. Current Residence: Lives in Sweden and manages OVPN’s operations from there.
Key features:
Focuses on privacy-first infrastructure with physical server security.
No-logs policy backed by legal proof in court.
Multi-hop support and strong encryption protocols.
Jurisdiction: Based in Sweden (privacy-focused regulations).
VPNs Not Recommended
Not all VPNs are trustworthy. Some have logged user activity despite claiming otherwise, operate in surveillance-heavy jurisdictions, or lack transparency and independent audits.
Here is a list of VPNs that should be avoided, with the reasons they don’t meet privacy and security standards:
1. Brave VPN (US-Based)
Ownership: Operated by Brave Software, the same company behind Brave Browser. The VPN is powered by Guardian VPN, a white-label solution.
Founder: Brendan Eich, co-founder of Mozilla and creator of JavaScript. He is a strong advocate for user privacy and an open internet.
Current Residence: Lives in California, United States, where Brave Software is headquartered.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Jurisdiction: Brave VPN operates in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, which can legally compel companies to log and share user data with other member nations.
Lack of Transparent Audit Publication: While Brave has undergone audits, full reports have not been publicly disclosed, leaving some details unclear.
White-Label VPN: The VPN infrastructure is powered by Guardian VPN, which lacks the same transparency and independent history as privacy-first VPN providers like Mullvad or ProtonVPN.
2. PureVPN (Hong Kong-Based)
Ownership: Operated by GZ Systems Limited, headquartered in Hong Kong.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Jurisdiction Concerns: Hong Kong was once a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, but increased government control from mainland China has raised significant surveillance risks.
Data Logging Incident: In 2017, PureVPN provided user logs to law enforcement despite advertising a "no-logs" policy.
No Independent Audits: Since the incident, PureVPN has not undergone independent verification of its no-logs claim.
3. IPVanish (US-Based)
Ownership: Operated by StackPath (formerly), now owned by J2 Global, a U.S.-based tech conglomerate.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Data Logging Scandal: Despite claiming a no-logs policy, IPVanish was caught logging and sharing user data with law enforcement in 2016.
Jurisdiction: Based in the United States, making it subject to Five Eyes data-sharing agreements.
Corporate Ties: Owned by J2 Global, a company with extensive ties to ad-tech and media industries, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
4. HideMyAss (HMA) (UK-Based)
Ownership: A subsidiary of Privax Limited, part of Avast Software (based in the Czech Republic).
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Jurisdiction: Based in the United Kingdom, a Five Eyes member where government agencies can demand user data and share it with other nations.
Logging History: Provided logs in multiple law enforcement cases, contradicting its no-logs marketing claims.
5. Hotspot Shield (US-Based)
Ownership: Operated by Pango Inc., which is now part of Aura, a U.S.-based company.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Alleged Data Logging: Accused in a 2017 report of collecting and selling user data to third-party advertisers.
Traffic Redirection: Redirected users to affiliate websites for profit.
Jurisdiction: Operates under U.S. law, making it subject to data retention and surveillance requests.
6. Betternet (Free VPN, Canada-Based)
Ownership: Operated by AnchorFree, the same company behind Hotspot Shield.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Embedded Tracking Libraries: Found to contain multiple tracking libraries that collect user data for monetization.
Weak Security: In 2016, researchers discovered severe vulnerabilities in Betternet’s software, making it one of the least secure VPNs.
Jurisdiction: Based in Canada, part of the Five Eyes alliance.
7. Hola VPN (Free VPN, Israel-Based)
Ownership: Operated by Hola Networks Ltd., headquartered in Israel.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
No Encryption: Provides minimal encryption, exposing users to significant security risks.
Turns Devices into Exit Nodes: Other users can route their traffic through your device, potentially linking your IP to illegal activity.
Data Monetization: Known for selling user bandwidth and data to third parties.
8. StrongVPN (US-Based)
Ownership: Originally independent, now part of J2 Global, a U.S.-based conglomerate.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Jurisdiction: Based in the United States, subject to data retention laws and surveillance requests.
Corporate Ownership: Owned by J2 Global, raising concerns due to its ad-tech connections.
Lack of Transparency: No significant independent audits or transparency reports.
9. VPN Unlimited (US-Based)
Ownership: Operated by KeepSolid Inc., a U.S.-based company.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Jurisdiction: Based in the United States, making it vulnerable to subpoenas and government data requests.
No Transparency: The company has not undergone independent audits to verify its no-logs claims.
Potential for Data Requests: As a U.S.-based provider, it can be compelled to share user data under legal subpoenas.
10. SuperVPN (Free VPN)
Ownership: The company behind SuperVPN is unclear, raising serious transparency concerns.
Why It’s Not Recommended:
Severe Security Flaws: Multiple vulnerabilities have been found, allowing attackers to intercept traffic.
No Transparency: The service lacks a clear privacy policy and has not undergone any audits.
Data Selling: Suspected of selling user data to third parties for profit.
Each of these VPNs fails to meet security standards due to data logging, lack of transparency, weak encryption, or their jurisdictional risks.
For secure alternatives, choose privacy-first VPNs that undergo independent audits, offer anonymous payment options, and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
Great post man!
Greate post! I'm a believer in using VPNs, and personally use mullvad. The most important thing for people to know about choosing a VPN (your post is much more detailed) is to NEVER EVER use a free VPN.