Virtual Private Networks(VPNs) are one of the most popular ways to protect your online identity and ensure your privacy online. But what if I told you that some free VPNs can compromise not only your privacy, but also the security of your home internet? That’s exactly the case with the Big Mama VPN app, which is starting to cause quite a stir.
How does Big Mama VPN work?
Big Mama VPN is a free app available on Google Play that promises anonymity and changing your IP address. On the surface, it sounds great: you don’t need an account, the app has no data restrictions, and it’s free.
But as always, nothing is really free. This VPN actually allows other people to use your internet connection and sells access to your IP address through a proxy network.
Big Mama is not just about VPNs. It connects to a proxy network that offers shared access to “real” IP addresses from home and mobile connections. In other words, anyone can pay to use your IP address for various purposes. There are currently over 21,000 IP addresses on this network in the UAE, 4,000 in the US, and hundreds more IP addresses in various countries around the world.
Impact on the average user
Using a Big Mama VPN has several levels of risk. There are more serious issues besides the potential for slowing down the internet and increasing data consumption:
- IP address misuse: your IP address may be linked to illegal activities such as the distribution of illegal content or phishing.
- Possible legal consequences: if your connection is used by hackers to attack companies or government institutions, you as the owner of the IP address may be the first to be questioned.
- Loss of trust: your connection may be flagged as suspicious, which may lead to certain web services being blocked.
Real numbers and impact
According to available data, more than 1 million users have downloaded the Big Mama VPN app. Of that number, every one of them could be a potential target for abuse. Big Mama’s proxy network offers over 25,000 IP addresses, creating a vast network that is an attraction for cybercriminals.
Comparison with other free VPNs
Big Mama VPN isn’t the only free service that hides similar risks. Many other free VPNs rely on selling user data or misusing connections. For example:
- Hola VPN: It has been accused of selling user connections as residential proxies.
- Betternet: Studies say it contained malware and tracking codes!
On the other hand, paid VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer transparent rules and ensure user data protection.
Technical details and cybercrimes
Residential proxy: How does it work?
Residential proxies allow you to redirect Internet traffic through real IP addresses. These addresses look legitimate and are difficult to block. While this technology is used for ethical purposes, such as website analysis or ad verification, cybercriminals use it to:
- DDoS attacks: Overwhelms target servers with requests.
- Phishing campaigns: create the appearance of legitimate communication.
- Operating botnets: spreading malware or sending spam in bulk.
Cybercriminals and Big Mama
According to Trend Micro and Kela analysis, Big Mama VPN has been actively promoted on more than 40 cybercrime forums. Hackers shared tutorials on how to abuse the service and recommended it for espionage, brute-force attacks, and other illegal activities.
How to spot a secure VPN service
To avoid similar risks, follow these rules:
- Read the terms of use: if a VPN openly admits to selling your connection, you’d better not use it.
- Check reviews: look for independent reviews and analysis.
- Use paid services: even if they’re not free, they usually offer better security and privacy.
- Trust only official shops: Only download apps from Google Play or the App Store.
Examples of cybercrime
Known cases of proxy network abuse include:
- Russian hacking groups: they used proxies to attack European institutions.
- Spreading ransomware: Proxies have been exploited to distribute encryption malware.
- Mirai botnet: It exploited millions of devices for large-scale DDoS attacks.
In conclusion
Big Mama VPN is a warning to anyone looking for free solutions. While it may seem like a simple and convenient solution at first glance, it actually poses serious risks to users’ privacy, security and trustworthiness.
If you really want to protect your data, invest in a reputable paid VPN. Protecting your privacy is worth it.
Article source: Wired, Big Mama VPN
