A major VPN provider, SuperVPN, has allegedly been involved in a colossal internet data breach, affecting over 360 million users worldwide. This exposure involves an array of sensitive user data, including email addresses, geolocation data, unique user IDs, original IP addresses, and references to the websites visited by the users.
This substantial data breach should be a wake-up call for users globally. A reputable cybersecurity researcher, Jeremiah Fowler, discovered and reported the compromised database. "This is a perfect illustration of what data may be taken, shared with governments, or revealed in the case of a data breach," Fowler noted.
The VPN service in question has over 100 million downloads worldwide, across the Google and Apple app stores, demonstrating the vast number of individuals potentially impacted by this breach.
As an increasing number of individuals worldwide become concerned about data privacy or wish to circumvent restrictions, they often turn to a VPN. Unfortunately, the recent events underscore the necessity to choose a reliable VPN provider.
Fowler pointed out in his analysis that SuperVPN has a confusing identity across different platforms. For instance, SuperSoft Tech is listed as the developer of the VPN on Google Play, while Qingdao Leyou Hudong Network Technology Co. is credited for creating the app on Apple's app store.
Intriguingly, Fowler found references to a third company, Changsha Leyou Baichuan Network Technology Co., within the compromised data. His analysis led him to suspect that Qingdao Leyou Hudong Network Technology Co. was likely the owner of the breached database.
Fowler noted that all these companies seem to have connections to China, raising concerns about the transparency and security of these free VPN services. The companies did not respond to any requests for comment, and their websites do not disclose their ownership or location.
SuperVPN is not new to controversy and has drawn the attention of cybersecurity professionals in the past. In 2020, the VPN was marked as a significant risk, and users were urged to uninstall it due to its potential to expose millions of VPN users to hacking threats. An Australian researcher had even flagged SuperVPN as one of the most malware-rigged VPN programs back in 2016.
Reputable VPN providers, such as PrivateVPN, have a clear and transparent policy regarding their operations. They provide details about their ownership, location, and how they handle and protect users' data.
Trusted VPN providers have a proven track record of protecting user data. They have secure protocols in place and invest significantly in their cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent data breaches.
Proven VPN providers ensure compliance with global privacy laws. They do not store or share user data without explicit consent, and they are subject to regular audits to confirm their adherence to these standards.
In the wake of such alarming data breaches, users need to be more vigilant about their choice of VPN services.
Before deciding on a VPN, thorough research is necessary. Look for a provider with a positive reputation and proven track record of securing user data.
While the allure of free VPNs can be tempting, the adage "you get what you pay for" is applicable here. Often, paid VPNs provide higher quality service and better security measures.
Transparency is essential when it comes to handling your data. Check for detailed privacy policies, and avoid VPNs that do not openly share their information handling practices.
The incident involving SuperVPN underlines the critical importance of choosing a reliable VPN provider. While the allure of free VPNs may be strong, remember that your data security is at stake. As Sebastian Schaub, CEO of Hide.me VPN, aptly put it, "There isn't much you can do to stop the bad activity while it continues." It is our responsibility as users to prioritize our data security and make informed decisions. The most sensible option is to choose proven and trusted VPN providers like PrivateVPN, whose commitment to user privacy and data security has been tried and tested over the years.