Windscribe, the well-known free VPN provider, has recently faced a setback. Authorities in Ukraine seized their VPN servers. The company has since announced that these servers weren’t encrypted. They are now issuing apologies for this oversight.
Windscribe is a popular free VPN and ad blocker. It offers apps that can be installed on almost every device. However, two of their VPN servers were confiscated in June 2021 by Ukrainian authorities.
It was discovered that these servers lacked encryption. This means that users connecting to them didn’t enjoy complete privacy or anonymity. In a blog post, a Windscribe representative addressed the situation.
In a blog post by Windscribe, a representative made the following comment regarding the situation:
On the disk of those two servers was an OpenVPN server certificate and its private key. Although we have encrypted servers in high sensitivity regions, the servers in question were running a legacy stack and were not encrypted. We are currently enacting our plan to address this.
The company also mentioned that there is no need for users to fret about potential data breaches. They reassured users that their data remained secure.
According to the blog post, it would be very challenging for anyone to access this VPN traffic. This includes hackers or other malicious entities.
In extremely limited cases, an entity in possession of the private key, with a very high level of resources and access to your network could impersonate a Windscribe VPN server and capture VPN tunnel traffic running through it.
It’s unfortunate that hackers often possess significant resources and network access. This is precisely why individuals turn to VPNs in the first place – to bolster their online privacy.
This is not an isolated event concerning free VPN companies. Many free VPN providers have been scrutinized in the past. Some have even been found to engage in data collection practices.
These Free VPN & Ad-Blocker Apps are Secretly Collecting User Data
Why You Can’t Trust a Free VPN
Windscribe has taken steps to rectify these issues. They addressed their customers in the blog post, outlining the actions being implemented.
We are making changes to our OpenVPN certificate authority which involves client side changes some of which are breaking depending on if you use our applications or not. The majority of you using our client applications will not need to do anything beyond waiting and/or logging out and back into the app.
Protect Yourself with IPVanish
TROYPOINT consistently advises against using free VPNs. There’s often a hidden trade-off with these seemingly cost-free options. They might compromise your security or privacy in some unforeseen manner.
IPVanish has earned our trust as a VPN provider, and it’s been our go-to choice for years. We highly recommend them for their exceptional service and dedication to user privacy.
IPVanish operates with a strict no-log policy. This means users can rest easy, knowing their information will never be compromised or released. You can browse the internet with confidence.
Perhaps the best part is that IPVanish manages its own servers. This approach offers enhanced security and reliability, ensuring a consistently fast VPN experience. Whether you’re streaming or engaging in other online activities, you can count on a smooth connection.
IPVanish Boasts Major Speed Improvement with Network Upgrade
Want a deeper understanding of IPVanish and all it offers? Take a look at our comprehensive review below:
Stay informed about the ever-changing world of streaming. We provide news, reviews, tips, and much more. Follow the TROYPOINT Advisor for weekly updates to enhance your streaming experience.
Our Advisor is your guide to cord-cutting. It’s packed with valuable tips to maximize your enjoyment of your favorite streaming devices and services. Learn how to unlock the full potential of your entertainment setup.
Join our community of over 800,000 Advisor subscribers by clicking the link below.