A major new study has cast serious doubt on the reliability of free virtual private network (VPN) apps, uncovering widespread security and privacy risks that affect millions of consumers and enterprises worldwide. The analysis, conducted by Zimperium zLabs, examined 800 VPN applications available on Android and iOS and found that many fail to deliver the protection users expect.
VPNs have long been marketed as essential tools for safeguarding privacy, securing communications, and enabling remote access on mobile devices. However, the latest research shows that the reality often falls far short of the promise. In fact, in some cases, the very apps designed to protect users are riddled with vulnerabilities that expose personal and corporate data to serious risks.
The report, titled A Deeper Dive: Unpacking the VPN Threat Landscape, highlights a growing concern: that free VPN apps not only fail to shield users from threats but may actually introduce new avenues for exploitation. With outdated code, weak encryption, misleading privacy claims, and excessive permission requests, these apps can become Trojan horses within both consumer devices and enterprise environments.
Troubling Findings from the VPN Landscape
The study revealed a number of critical issues that undermine the core purpose of VPNs. Among the most concerning were:
Apps that provide no real privacy protection at all.
Applications requesting dangerous permissions that extend far beyond their stated purpose.
Evidence of personal data leakage.
Reliance on outdated, vulnerable code libraries.
For consumers, these flaws translate into a false sense of security. While a VPN may appear to be encrypting and anonymising traffic, behind the scenes it may be exposing users to data harvesting or potential breaches. This is particularly concerning given that many free VPNs attract millions of downloads, with users assuming that high popularity equates to reliability.
For enterprises, the implications are even more serious. With the widespread adoption of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, insecure mobile VPN apps can represent a significant weak link in organisational defences. When employees install questionable apps on their personal devices, they may inadvertently expose sensitive corporate data to malicious actors.
David Matalon, CEO at Venn, summarised the issue bluntly:
VPNs continue to play a vital role in securing and anonymising network connections; however, they can provide a false sense of security and user privacy.
He warned that consumer-grade VPNs and browser extensions often lack the rigorous audits needed to ensure encryption and privacy standards are met.
BYOD and the Enterprise Security Challenge
The report underscores how the consumer risks of free VPNs extend into the workplace. As remote and hybrid work models expand, more employees are relying on personal devices to access sensitive company systems, often over insecure networks such as public Wi-Fi.
James Maude, field CTO at BeyondTrust, noted that VPN technologies have always posed challenges.
VPN technologies have long presented security challenges to organisations in an age of identity attacks and compromises.
he said.
This shift to a zero-trust security model is echoed by other experts.
Brandon Tarbet, director of IT and security at Menlo Security, argued that organisations need a multi-layered response. “Endpoint visibility and management is table stakes. What is rapidly becoming a requirement is the need for web content-level data security.”
In essence, the message is clear: enterprises can no longer assume that employees’ VPN apps provide adequate protection. Instead, they must adopt holistic security frameworks that mitigate risks even when the VPN layer is compromised.
The Scope of the Problem
Beyond organisational threats, the Zimperium study highlighted several specific technical flaws in the apps it reviewed. Notably, more than 6% of iOS VPN apps were found to request private entitlements, permissions that could theoretically allow deep access into the operating system. While it is unclear whether these permissions were granted, their mere inclusion raises serious questions about adherence to Apple’s security guidelines.
Other problems identified include:
Weak or outdated encryption protocols that fail to meet modern standards.
Misleading or opaque privacy policies that misinform users about data collection.
Overly broad permission requests, such as access to contacts or location data, which have no legitimate purpose for a VPN.
Apps with outdated third-party libraries containing known vulnerabilities.
Vishrut Iyengar, senior solutions manager at Black Duck, warned that the problem extends beyond VPNs themselves to broader mobile app security practices. “Today, we are facing a concerning reality that many enterprise mobile apps still lack basic protections such as code obfuscation, secure storage and updated third-party libraries,” he explained. Mobile devices, he argued, are now a prime target for attackers precisely because these weaknesses are so prevalent.
The cumulative effect of these shortcomings is stark. Instead of enhancing security, many free VPN apps serve as vehicles for surveillance, credential theft, and even full device compromise. In effect, they invert the traditional security model, turning a supposed defensive tool into a vulnerability.
Towards a Safer Digital Future
The findings from Zimperium zLabs raise urgent questions for both consumers and enterprises about the future of digital security. While VPNs remain an important component of privacy and secure communications, relying on free, unvetted applications carries unacceptable risks.
For individuals, the key takeaway is caution. Users should be sceptical of free VPN apps, especially those with vague privacy disclosures or extensive permission requests. Paid VPNs from reputable providers, while not perfect, generally undergo greater scrutiny and are more likely to offer genuine protections.
For enterprises, the lessons are even more urgent. BYOD policies need to be supported by robust frameworks that go beyond traditional perimeter security. Zero-trust architectures, endpoint visibility, and layered security controls are all critical to ensuring that insecure VPN apps do not become gateways for attackers.
As the report concludes, many free VPNs provide little real security. Instead, they can introduce new risks that undermine both personal privacy and organisational resilience. The promise of a safer internet will only be realised when VPNs and other security tools are subjected to rigorous standards, transparent audits, and responsible development practices.
Until then, both consumers and enterprises should approach free VPN apps with extreme caution. In the words of Matalon, “VPNs can provide a false sense of security.” Without stronger oversight and smarter strategies, that false sense of safety may prove more dangerous than having no VPN at all.
I can personally attest to the integrity, and security, of Private Internet Access (PIA) so if you’re looking for a quality VPN, definitely check that one out.
This post was written by Rob Gordon, an IT geek, gadget lover and blogger. Rob has been using the internets since 1994 when the only streaming video was that coffee pot in Cambridge (rip)….
Follow Rob on X – @robgordon – about.me/robgordonuk
