A recent cybersecurity incident has brought to light a major data breach in a popular free VPN service called SuperVPN. Cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler discovered the breach and reported it to vpnMentor. The breach exposed a database containing over 360 million records — 133 GB worth of data, including sensitive information including original IP addresses, email addresses, geolocation, and records of servers used.
“There are two (2) apps named SuperVPN available officially on both the Apple and Google application stores,” Fowler reported. “Notably, the two apps named SuperVPN are listed under separate developers on both Google Play and Apple’s app store. SuperVPN for iOS, iPad, and macOS are credited to developers Qingdao Leyou Hudong Network Technology Co., whereas the second app of the same name is developed by SuperSoft Tech.”
This isn’t the first time that SuperVPN has experienced a data breach. In fact, the recent incident is just one in a series of breaches that have plagued the VPN provider. In 2020, security researchers discovered a critical vulnerability in the SuperVPN Android app that enabled attackers to execute man-in-the-middle attacks. Again, in May 2022, SuperVPN was one of the VPNs whose user data was leaked in a Telegram group. These breaches highlight a recurring pattern of security weaknesses and inadequate safeguards within the SuperVPN service.
Risks of Free VPNs
While the demand for VPN services has skyrocketed in recent years, it has also led to the proliferation of unreliable and insecure VPN options. This puts your personal information at risk of being leaked in a data breach.
The SuperVPN data breach serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with using free VPNs. These risks, such as compromised privacy, data logging, and security vulnerabilities, highlight the importance of opting for a reputable VPN service.
Reputable VPNs, like our top 10 VPNs in 2023, prioritize user privacy, employ robust encryption protocols, and have transparent policies. Prioritizing a VPN provider with a strong track record in protecting user privacy and employing robust security measures is crucial for ensuring a safe and secure online experience.