According to a recent report by Cybernews, a free VPN service is known to steal and expose the data of thousands of users in China. The cyber security analyst has found Airplane apps' reviews on the App store exceeding 3K exposed extremely sensitive information of users, including IP addresses, usernames, domain names, etc.
The free VPN app is not only accessible on android but also on Mac, Windows, and iOS, which means that many people in China have suffered from this data breach. On a serious note, it is no more surprising to hear that more than 50 percent of VPN users have installed a Virtual Private Network on their android devices. VPNs are popular to boost gaming performance rates or access restricted content in areas without the freedom to watch specific content. So, most people prefer to use free VPNs to enjoy the stuff they like. But, along with so many benefits of free VPN, some risks are also associated, for instance, data breaches or malware affecting your device's security.
Aras Nazarovas, a Cybernews analyst, revealed that the VPN app leaks data which can be de-anonymized easily. By de-anonymization, he means it could cross-reference anonymous data with other identifiers to track those using this app. By doing so, users' personal information would be exposed. He further added that the application could function as spyware and also has the potential to cause arbitrary code execution. This remote code execution (RCE) refers to attacks enabling hackers to execute malicious code on a device remotely.
Moreover, we also learned that the free VPN app asks for the user's permission to access media, including camera and voice records. In addition, it can modify contacts and install malware. The most dangerous aspect of this app is that Antivirus apps are incapable of catching this app as harmful to the device. It is essential to mention that the VPN service is free, but ultimately, you pay the price by selling your data without consent.
In addition, Cybernews discovered on Google Play Store that almost 59 percent of VPN ownership belongs to China. So those living in China must be very careful while using VPN because their data can be leaked to the authorities. To help you out, Techradar has listed trustable China VPN to suggest what is best for you, and they continue to revise that list.
Lastly, to further investigate the app, Cybernews communicated with AP Network PTY- the Australian firm responsible for making this VPN, and asked them about this leak in the past month. As they haven't received any responses to this date, they plan to disclose their data due to their enormous public interest value.
Read next: Do VPNs Really Make Your iPhone Secure? New Report Raises Alarm On iOS Data Leaks
The free VPN app is not only accessible on android but also on Mac, Windows, and iOS, which means that many people in China have suffered from this data breach. On a serious note, it is no more surprising to hear that more than 50 percent of VPN users have installed a Virtual Private Network on their android devices. VPNs are popular to boost gaming performance rates or access restricted content in areas without the freedom to watch specific content. So, most people prefer to use free VPNs to enjoy the stuff they like. But, along with so many benefits of free VPN, some risks are also associated, for instance, data breaches or malware affecting your device's security.
Aras Nazarovas, a Cybernews analyst, revealed that the VPN app leaks data which can be de-anonymized easily. By de-anonymization, he means it could cross-reference anonymous data with other identifiers to track those using this app. By doing so, users' personal information would be exposed. He further added that the application could function as spyware and also has the potential to cause arbitrary code execution. This remote code execution (RCE) refers to attacks enabling hackers to execute malicious code on a device remotely.
Moreover, we also learned that the free VPN app asks for the user's permission to access media, including camera and voice records. In addition, it can modify contacts and install malware. The most dangerous aspect of this app is that Antivirus apps are incapable of catching this app as harmful to the device. It is essential to mention that the VPN service is free, but ultimately, you pay the price by selling your data without consent.
In addition, Cybernews discovered on Google Play Store that almost 59 percent of VPN ownership belongs to China. So those living in China must be very careful while using VPN because their data can be leaked to the authorities. To help you out, Techradar has listed trustable China VPN to suggest what is best for you, and they continue to revise that list.
Lastly, to further investigate the app, Cybernews communicated with AP Network PTY- the Australian firm responsible for making this VPN, and asked them about this leak in the past month. As they haven't received any responses to this date, they plan to disclose their data due to their enormous public interest value.
Read next: Do VPNs Really Make Your iPhone Secure? New Report Raises Alarm On iOS Data Leaks
