Beware of Fake VPN Apps: Google’s New Badge Helps You Find Secure Options
You’ve probably heard about the benefits of VPNs—bypassing region locks, securing your internet traffic, and keeping your data private. But with more people turning to VPNs, there’s also an increasing number of fake VPN apps trying to take advantage of unsuspecting users. These impostor apps may seem harmless, but they can be dangerous, as they might steal personal data, eavesdrop on your web traffic, or even infect your device with malware.
To help protect users, Google has introduced a new Verified badge on the Play Store, which will make it easier to identify legitimate, secure VPN apps.
The Verified Badge: Your Key to Safe VPNs
The Verified badge will appear next to trustworthy VPN apps in the Google Play Store. This badge features a shield icon with a checkmark, signaling that the app has passed an independent security review by the App Defense Alliance, an organization that Google has partnered with for years. This makes it easier to distinguish secure apps from potentially dangerous ones.
What Does the Badge Mean?
The Verified badge doesn’t just confirm that the app is what it claims to be; it means the app goes above and beyond to ensure your security. It shows that the app meets and exceeds industry security standards.
Which VPNs Are Verified?
Examples of VPNs that have earned the Verified badge include NordVPN, Aloha Browser, and hide.me. While the badges haven’t been rolled out just yet, they should appear soon with an update to the Play Store. Once available, check to see if your VPN app is verified—if not, you may want to look for a more secure option.