How to choose the best among dozens of free VPNs for Android

The phone holds a great amount of personal and financial information. They have turned out to be such an essential part of everyone’s life. Cyber offenders are constantly developing new means of hacking smartphones and intercepting data.

So, in this article, we would like to share some tips with you on how to protect your phone from hackers using free VPNs, and some other tips that will help you keep your smartphone safe.

The role of free VPNs for Android in online security

Using free VPNs for Android is an important yet not the only step on the way to online security. Such simple tools don’t require any particular knowledge or expenses but guarantee the following: 

1. Privacy and anonymity.

The principal mission of any VPN is the protection of one’s privacy on the Internet. Every time you connect to a VPN with an Android device, your internet traffic will be encrypted. That means that any of your online activities, such as browsing history and app usage are secret, and neither ISPs nor any third parties will be able to track your online activities.

2. Reliable security of a public Wi-Fi network

Public Wi-Fi does expose your device to certain risks. A free VPN provides strong encryption, protecting your data.

3. Get around geo-restrictions.

Whether it is traveling to other countries or seeking to have information resources located around different regions, a free VPN opens the gateway to global content. Android users are allowed to connect to servers in other countries to circumvent geo-restrictions and open themselves to a whole new world of entertainment and information.
You can find the best free VPN for any OS on freevpnmentor.com.

Common ways Android smartphones are hacked

• Malicious apps: Very often fraudsters create fake applications, which look like they are genuine. Once you download such an app, it might give access to your phone’s data to the hacker.
• Phishing links: There are certain fraudulent links that, via text messages, or social networking sites, lure you to provide personal information or download malware.
• SIM swap scam: A hacker may call your mobile service provider to initiate the process of forwarding your phone number to a new SIM card. He gains control of your phone number and shuts down two-factor authentication.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: attacks in which an attacker is going to intercept your traffic on a public Wi-Fi network. In such a manner, they will be able to redirect you to whatever website, download infected software on your device, and many other things. Free VPNs are probably the best protection against such kinds of attacks.

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Warning signs that your smartphone has been hacked

1. Accounts locked: If you suddenly can’t access your email, social media, or other accounts, it could be a sign that someone else has taken control.

2. Rapid battery drain: Malware running in the background can consume a lot of power, causing your battery to drain faster than usual.

3. Spikes in data usage: If you notice a sudden increase in data usage, it could be due to malware sending data from your phone.

4. Increased number of pop-ups: Frequent, unexpected pop-ups or ads may indicate that your phone is infected with adware.

5. Unfamiliar apps: Finding apps that you didn’t download means your phone may be jailbroken.

6. Strange messages, calls, or emails: If you receive or see strange messages, calls, or emails that you did not send, your phone may be hacked.

7. Unfamiliar photos or screenshots: If there are new photos or screenshots on your phone that you don’t recognize, it could mean someone has remote access to your camera or screen.

How to protect your phone from hacking by scammers

To keep away from hackers, you must use a VPN and take the following preventive measures:

1. Don’t jailbreak your phone: Jailbreaking your phone removes built-in security features and makes your phone more vulnerable to malware and other attacks.

2. Download apps from official stores: only install apps from trusted sources such as the Google Play Store to reduce the risk of downloading malware.

3. Keep your phone with you: Never leave your phone unattended, especially in public places, to prevent physical access by hackers.

4. Create strong passwords: use unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts and change them regularly.

5. Enable the Find My Phone feature: This feature helps you locate or remotely lock your phone if it is lost or stolen.

6. Turn on automatic updates: Keep your phone’s operating system and apps up to date to protect against new security threats.

7. Identify phishing scams: Be wary of emails or text messages that ask for personal information or suggest clicking suspicious links.

Hackers are increasingly targeting smartphones, so it’s important to stay vigilant. Taking preventive measures and using a VPN can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of phone hacking.