VPN hides your IP, but not you: the hidden danger
The article explains that VPNs do not provide complete anonymity, as they do not hide users from tracking through accounts, cookies, and browser fingerprints. Free VPN services may pose an additional threat by collecting data and sharing it with third parties. The technology is useful for protecting on public Wi-Fi networks and hiding IP addresses, but does not protect against phishing and malware.
The article debunks the myth of complete VPN anonymity, explaining that the technology hides the IP address and encrypts traffic but does not prevent identification through accounts (Google, Facebook), cookies, and browser fingerprints. Special attention is given to the risks of free VPN services, which may collect user data, share it with advertisers, or contain malicious code. Author Tomer Adoni emphasizes that VPNs are useful for protection on public Wi-Fi and hiding IPs from websites, but are not a panacea: they do not prevent phishing, password theft, or malware infection. For comprehensive security, strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and software updates are recommended. The article is educational, cautioning against over-reliance on the technology.