You’ve probably thought that using a VPN is enough to keep your browsing safe. For years, VPNs have been sold as the ultimate shield against online threats. But reality tells a different story.
A recent study published in Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PoPETs) reveals that many of the most downloaded VPNs on Google Play are neither as independent nor as secure as they claim. In fact, many share infrastructure, backend services, and even providers—putting your data privacy at serious risk.
In this article, we break down what the research uncovered, what risks you face by blindly trusting some VPN apps, and—most importantly—how to actually protect your business with proven solutions like those TecnetOne offers in partnership with Acronis.
The Study That Uncovered the Problem
Researchers from Arizona State University and Bowdoin College analyzed the infrastructure, documentation, and codebase of dozens of popular VPN apps on the Play Store.
Their findings were alarming:
- Many VPNs are not independent but part of larger, hidden conglomerates.
- They share servers, backend providers, and protocols—creating room for security breaches and data leaks.
- These “hidden families” of VPNs have been downloaded more than 700 million times globally.
Why is this a problem? If the servers are controlled by opaque companies or those tied to foreign governments, your data may be anything but secure.
Three Major Families of Insecure VPNs
The study grouped these apps into three families with overlapping infrastructures. Here are some examples:
- Family A: Companies like Innovative Connecting and Quihoo 360 (China).
Apps: Turbo VPN, Snap VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Robot VPN.
- Family B: Apps sharing the same hosting IP.
Apps: Global VPN, XY VPN, Melon VPN, Super Z VPN, Touch VPN.
- Family C: Providers with near-identical code and custom protocols.
Apps: X-VPN, Fast Potato VPN.
In each case, users believe they’re using an independent service, but in reality, their data is traveling through the same shadowy network.
Read more: Acronis TecnetOne Platinum Partner: Guaranteed Data Protection
The Risks to You and Your Business
Using these VPNs can lead to serious consequences:
- Sensitive data exposure: Passwords, browsing history, financial data.
- Malware and spying: Unsecured servers make it easier for attackers to snoop.
- False privacy claims: If you don’t know where the servers are or who controls them, you’re not truly protected.
- Regulatory risks: For businesses in healthcare, finance, or industry, unverified VPNs could mean violations of data protection laws.
Free VPNs: The Biggest Illusion
The study also warns about a common trap: free VPNs. If they’re not charging you, they’re likely monetizing your data in other ways.
Cheap can become very expensive—think data theft, customer leaks, reputation loss, or even targeted attacks on your business.
How to Actually Stay Protected
Don’t stop using VPNs—just choose carefully. Here’s what to look for:
- Avoid free or untransparent apps.
- Choose verified and audited providers.
- Use paid VPNs with real support and warranties.
- Know where the servers are and who owns them.
- Make VPNs part of a broader cybersecurity strategy.
This last point is exactly where TecnetOne and Acronis come in.
Also of interest: Acronis Named Cybersecurity Champion by Canalys
How TecnetOne and Acronis Secure Your Business
As an Acronis partner, TecnetOne offers far more than just VPNs:
- Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud combines backup, anti-malware, recovery, and network security into one platform.
- Full coverage from endpoint to cloud, minimizing data leak risks.
- Regular audits and international certifications ensure you know exactly who’s handling your data and how.
- No reliance on opaque or free apps that jeopardize your privacy.
TecnetOne supports you every step of the way—from risk assessments to secure VPN setup, immutable backups, and incident response planning. You don’t just stay protected; you stay resilient.
Final Thought: Trust Can’t Be Improvised
This research highlights a point we always stress at TecnetOne: cybersecurity is not improvised. Not all VPNs are created equal, and some of the most downloaded ones hide serious threats.
If you truly want to protect your company, you need proven, transparent, and expert-backed solutions.
With TecnetOne and Acronis, you gain the armor you need to grow your business—without worrying about invisible threats lurking in the shadows.
