Have you ever wondered if your VPN could be hacked? If you rely on one to protect your privacy or secure your online activity, it’s a valid concern. No software is entirely immune to threats like hacking, and understanding the risks is the first step to staying safe.
In this article, we’ll explore what happened when real VPNs were hacked, potential VPN setup vulnerabilities, and how to recognize if your VPN has been hacked. We’ll also provide tips on what to do if your VPN is compromised and how to select a secure VPN to keep your data safe.
Protect Your Data with CyberGhost VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal. CyberGhost VPN uses advanced security features like strong encryption, RAM-only servers, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activity remains private and secure. An independent auditing firm has verified our no-logs systems work as promised, and we release quarterly transparency reports to keep you updated on everything happening behind the scenes.
Yes, A VPN Be Hacked. Here’s How
The chances of your VPN being hacked are low, but they’re never zero. One misconfiguration or oversight can lead to a data breach. Like any software, VPNs have some vulnerabilities, as no software is flawless.

VPNs can be hacked due to software vulnerabilities, such as outdated or poorly designed client apps, encryption algorithms, or tunneling protocols. While reputable providers actively patch these vulnerabilities, you should stay informed about potential threats and choose a provider with a strong security track record. In rare cases, the VPN server itself might be compromised, but VPN service providers worth their salt invest heavily in server infrastructure and security to avoid this.
Unfortunately, user error and device vulnerabilities also play a role, which means your VPN can be hacked even if it’s secure. If your login credentials are stolen, for example, hackers could access your VPN connection, so strong passwords and good safety habits like enabling two-factor authentication are crucial for keeping your data safe.
Let’s look into these weaknesses in more detail.
6 Common VPN Weaknesses Hackers Could Exploit
While VPNs are designed to protect your online privacy, not all VPNs are created equal. Some services may have vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit, but top-tier providers like CyberGhost take extensive measures to address these risks. Here’s what to watch out for—and how reliable VPNs mitigate these weaknesses.
1. Poor Encryption
Encryption is the foundation of VPN security, but not all encryption is created equal. Outdated encryption algorithms are vulnerable to techniques like brute-forcing and reverse-engineering. Strong encryption uses complex formulas to encode your data, making it extremely difficult to crack.
2. Outdated Tunneling Protocols
If encryption is your data’s bulletproof ride, the VPN tunneling protocol is the highway that takes you there. Tunneling protocols determine how data is encrypted by the VPN and decrypted when it reaches the VPN server. They also determine how your data gets there. VPNs can offer different protocols, but older ones may be susceptible to hacking because they don’t support new encryption algorithms and aren’t configured to protect against new attack methods.
3. Flawed Authentication
Flawed authentication means the VPN’s initial security barrier is weak. This can happen when using outdated protocols, simple passwords, or poor verification steps. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to access the VPN network without permission.
4. Insecure Network Management
Secure online communication happens through the VPN servers – this whole process’s backbone. Regardless of how well the VPN software runs or how strong its local encryption and access rules are, improper server management can spell disaster. A VPN should ideally own and manage its servers, with various protective measures in place. A VPN that cares about the privacy and security of its clients won’t log session data either – and even go so far as to use RAM-only servers.
5. DNS Leaks
The DNS is an immense ledger that makes it possible to connect websites names (i.e. duckduckgo[.]com) with their IP addresses (52.250.42.157) so device connections can find them. When a VPN relies on public DNS servers or misconfigures DNS routing so requests still go through your ISP’s servers, your DNS queries might not be encrypted or routed through the VPN tunnel. This means your ISP or other third parties could still monitor which websites you’re trying to access, compromising your privacy. With a private DNS, your activity is completely hidden – barring exceptional instances.
6. Data Logs
Many VPNs claim to keep zero data logs, but their terms and conditions say something different. VPNs shouldn’t store any sensitive user data. Your IP address, bandwidth usage, and especially anything related to your online activity shouldn’t be recorded or stored on the VPN’s servers so that your data can remain protected.
3 Weaknesses to Look for on the VPN Hardware Side
Even the hardware supporting a VPN can have vulnerabilities. Here are three key areas that can put your privacy at risk:
Data Center Security
Weak physical security at data centers can leave VPN servers exposed to unauthorized access. Without measures like multi-factor authentication and strict access controls, a breach could compromise local traffic or even the entire network. That’s why reliable providers enforce stringent security protocols to protect their infrastructure. At CyberGhost, we own and maintain our own VPN servers instead of renting them from a data center. This ensures we can apply controlled access and robust security.
Server Configuration
Misconfigurations can create server vulnerabilities that malicious hackers could exploit to access server data. To counter this, top providers don’t log any useful data and use RAM-only servers that wipe all data with every reboot. CyberGhost VPN has a strict no-logs policy (independently audited by Deloitte) and employs RAM-only infrastructure to ensure no information is stored, keeping your privacy intact.
Location
Some jurisdictions require VPN providers to log and share user data with authorities, which can compromise your privacy. That’s why a VPN must choose its headquarters location carefully. Privacy-friendly jurisdictions include Romania (where CyberGhost VPN is located), the British Virgin Islands, Panama, and Switzerland.
Protect Yourself with CyberGhost VPN
Not all VPNs are created equal, but CyberGhost VPN has you covered. With AES-256 encryption, cutting-edge protocols like WireGuard, RAM-only servers, private DNS, and a strict no-logs policy independently audited by Deloitte, CyberGhost ensures your online privacy is never compromised. Choose a VPN that prioritizes your security at every level.
How to Know if Your VPN Is Hacked

Trustworthy VPNs are generally very secure, but can still be compromised. Here are some signs that your VPN might have been hacked:
- Frequent disruptions: If your VPN connection constantly drops and reconnects without any apparent reason, it could be a sign of interference or a compromised server.
- Significant slowdown: A sudden and noticeable decrease in your internet speed while connected to the VPN could indicate that the server is overloaded or compromised, or your connection has suffered a Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attack. Keep in mind, though, that some speed reduction is normal when using a VPN due to the encryption and rerouting of your traffic.
- Revealed real IP address or DNS requests: If an IP address or DNS leak test shows your real location or DNS requests while connected to the VPN, it means your data is not properly protected and could be exposed to third parties.
- Unfamiliar settings or activity: If you notice any changes to your VPN account settings that you didn’t make, such as a sudden change in server location or protocol, it could indicate unauthorized access.
- Unusual network traffic or behavior: If you observe unusual network traffic patterns or your devices are behaving strangely, it could be a sign of malware or other malicious activity related to a VPN compromise.
- Data breach reports: Stay informed about any reported data breaches or vulnerabilities related to your VPN provider. If your provider’s VPN systems have been hacked, they will usually notify their users and advise on the necessary steps you could take next to secure your accounts or data.
Not all of these signs definitively mean your VPN has been hacked. It could be symptoms of other issues like server problems or network congestion. That’s why it’s important that you choose a reputable VPN provider with a strong track record of security and privacy.
CyberGhost VPN uses strong encryption to keep your data safe from prying eyes and maintains a strict no-logs policy so your online activity remains private. Our kill switch and DNS leak protection prevent accidental data exposure so your information stays secure even if your connection drops.
Why You Are at Risk if Your VPN Is Hacked
If a VPN is compromised, it could lead to sensitive data leaks, potential operational disruptions, and, in some cases, brand damage for the provider. The fallout can be just as bad for individuals, too. Here’s what to expect if your VPN is hacked:
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- ☢️ Device takeover. A hacked VPN can give cybercriminals direct access to your devices, letting them install spyware, ransomware, or other malicious software. This could lead to them controlling your computer, smartphone, or tablet remotely, stealing sensitive data, or locking you out entirely.
- ☢️ Leaked financial details. A breach could expose your financial details, such as credit card numbers, online banking credentials, or payment app information. Attackers might use this data to make unauthorized transactions, drain your accounts, or commit fraud in your name.
- ☢️ Identity theft. Cybercriminals can use your sensitive data to borrow money, apply for government benefits, take out personal loans, commit credit card fraud, and commit several other online crimes.
- ☢️Targeted attacks. If your VPN keeps logs, then compromised VPN data can reveal your browsing habits, IP address, and location, which cybercriminals could use to launch more personalized attacks, such as spear phishing, doxxing, or social engineering campaigns.
So, how do you deal with a VPN hack? While it’s tempting to panic, there are practical steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the damage. Take a deep breath, then follow these tips.
What to Do If Your VPN Is Hacked
If your VPN ever gets hacked, it’s important to immediately:.

- Stop using the VPN. Using a potentially compromised network potentially gives cybercriminals access to your devices or sensitive information.
- Uninstall the VPN. Many VPNs have services running in the background. Depending on how the VPN was hacked, cyberattackers would use its app to get more of your information and even direct access to your devices.
- Ditch the VPN credentials. Assume any data you’ve entered on sign-up got compromised, including your email, password, name, etc. Never use the same email/password combination again. If you use your password for other apps, websites, or emails, change those too. It’s also important to be more attentive with any emails sent to that address in case you’re targeted with phishing scams.
- Contact your bank. If the VPN provider’s systems were hacked and customer information was leaked, your payment details may have been compromised too. In that case, it’s crucial to contact your bank as soon as possible and warn them about potential fraud.
- Reassess your VPN. Not every hack is a complete compromise. That said, VPN hacks are more worrisome than others since these services are supposed to protect you and may handle sensitive information. Be on the lookout for opinions from cybersecurity experts – does the VPN’s response address the issue? Was the breach handled professionally? Will you feel comfortable trusting the VPN service with your privacy going forward?
- Use a better VPN. The safest option is to switch to a more secure VPN, preferably one that hasn’t been hacked, like CyberGhost VPN. When choosing a new provider, you can use these 6 VPN Weaknesses as a security checklist.
CyberGhost VPN is among the strongest choices for protecting your online privacy. The service doesn’t store any payment information. Whatever data you provide on sign-up remains separate from the network.
CyberGhost VPN has a strict no-logs policy and RAM-only infrastructure. Hypothetically, if unauthorized third parties got physical access to a CyberGhost VPN server, they’d have to bypass the machine’s local encryption. Unlike other VPNs, CyberGhost VPN experts fully install and manage our server software minimizing the risk of insecure configurations, as was the case with the NordVPN hack in 2018. Even if the hacker managed to decrypt server communication, they would get nothing because CyberGhost VPN doesn’t store or link any traffic to you.
Cyber Attacks That VPNs Can Protect Against
VPNs may not be invulnerable, but they offer great protection from cybercriminals lying in wait. Still, it’s important to know what kind of threats a VPN can protect you from and what it can’t do. Here’s a short summary of what a VPN can and can’t do for you:
VPNs can protect you from | VPNs can’t protect you from |
✅ DDoS Attacks | ❌ Malware or Phishing Attacks |
✅ Man-in-the-Middle Attacks | ❌ Backdoor Attacks |
✅ Evil Twin Attacks | ❌ Evil Maid Attacks (requires physical access to your computer/device) |
✅ Mac Spoofing Attacks | ❌ OS Vulnerabilities (RDP hack, Wi-Fi Sense sharing, etc.) |
✅ ARP Spoofing Attacks | ❌ Software Vulnerabilities |
✅ Session hijacking | ❌ Honeypots |
Real-Life Examples of VPNs That Were Hacked
Let’s look at a few cases where VPNs suffered data breaches as examples of how a VPN can be hacked. Understanding VPN weaknesses can help you learn more about what qualities make a VPN trustworthy. Let’s check out 3 examples.
1. The 2018 NordVPN Hack
Since paid VPNs work with cybersecurity experts and invest in their infrastructure, they’re less likely to get hacked … right? Usually, that’s the case. Once in a while, though, even trustworthy VPNs could experience data breaches.
In March 2018, an unauthorized third party got access to a NordVPN server in Finland along with its private key, which lets you encrypt and decrypt communications. That meant they could’ve intercepted (and decrypted) any traffic going through the server.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what happened when NordVPN was hacked and what it means.
What Happened | What It Means |
Remote unauthorized access to a NordVPN server for roughly 30 days. | Perpetrators could intercept traffic passing through the server for 30 days. |
An undisclosed remote management system left in place by the data center enabled the NordVPN breach. | The breach showed how difficult it is to ensure the same level of security across multiple companies and infrastructures and 2) the importance of choosing a VPN that fully manages its server setup. |
An unauthorized third party obtained a NordVPN encryption key. | The third party could decrypt traffic passing through the specific server for 30 days and could reroute connections through a different server. |
In hindsight, NordVPN could’ve handled the hack better. The company never disclosed if it knew what the attackers managed to steal or do while they had access to its server.
2. Pulse Secure VPN Hack
Throughout 2020 and 2021, security researchers uncovered several vulnerabilities in Pulse Connect Secure, a popular VPN service. These vulnerabilities let attackers access legitimate credentials, bypass authentication mechanisms, execute malicious code remotely, and gain unauthorized access to the corporate networks using the VPN.
The investigation revealed 12 distinct malware families, likely from multiple actors, exploiting the hacked VPN. They targeted a wide range of organizations, including government agencies, defense contractors, and companies in the technology, finance, and transportation sectors. That led CISA to issue an emergency directive for all federal agencies to check their file system integrity.
3. Android VPN Hacks (SuperVPN, Gecko VPN, and Chat VPN)
In early 2021, the personal data of more than 21 million Android users were exposed through the VPN apps on their devices. Malicious hackers targeted three different free Android VPNs: SuperVPN, Gecko VPN, and Chat VPN. The cyber attackers harvested deeply sensitive user information and advertised the data cache to the highest bidder on a popular hacker forum.
While I wouldn’t call these services “big VPNs,” their downloads reach into the millions since they’re free. If you used these services, the attackers got hold of your data, including your email address and password, name, country, device serial number, device IMSI no., device type and manufacturer, and payment information.
How did it happen? The attackers admitted they had accessed all this sensitive information because nobody bothered to change the default database login credentials when they set up the VPN servers. It also didn’t help that these free VPNs collected sensitive user information, despite promising to respect people’s privacy.
That isn’t SuperVPN’s first rodeo, either. In 2020, the service suffered a major data breach that exposed user activity logs, passwords, payment information, and more. Free VPNs often promise cutting-edge digital protection and no activity logs, but the reality is typically different. If nothing else, this leak effectively confirms that at least some free VPNs store sensitive user information and don’t offer proper protection.
These three examples of how VPNs can be hacked essentially show their problems were caused by lackluster security. Whether it’s weak database protection (free Android VPNs), exploitable user authentication (Pulse Secure), or faulty server setup (NordVPN), one small mistake can easily lead to a major breach.
FAQ
Yes, a VPN can protect you from hackers by encrypting your internet traffic and concealing your IP address. This protects you from snoops trying to intercept your data or target you based on your location. This is especially useful on public Wi-Fi. That said, VPNs can’t protect against all threats. They won’t prevent phishing attacks, malware downloads, or exploits of device vulnerabilities. For comprehensive security, you should combine your VPN use with strong passwords, two-factor authentication, antivirus software, and cautious online behavior.
It depends on your VPN’s security and the hacker’s method of attack. The most recent VPN hacks resulted in personal information leaks, exposed user activity logs, and even malware infections. A trustworthy VPN service is less likely to be hacked. When reliable VPNs experience a data breach, the event is usually limited by multiple failovers, like server encryption and virtualization, behavior firewalls, and proactive security management.
CyberGhost VPN, for one, has built its network from the ground up using privacy-by-design principles and a stringent no-logs policy. On the other hand, free VPNs are often gold mines for malicious hackers. Cybercriminals have successfully hacked numerous free Android VPNs and sold highly sensitive user information on the dark web.
Yes, someone can still track you through a VPN, but it’s much harder. A VPN doesn’t make you untraceable, but it provides a strong layer of privacy protection. It conceals your real IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties to monitor your activity or link it to your identity. Even so, tracking methods like cookies and scripts can still follow your activity across websites, and your VPN’s IP address might be visible. To reduce your risk of being identified, avoid logging into accounts or sharing personal details while browsing. CyberGhost VPN protects your digital identity through a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to make sure your online activity isn’t recorded or stored.
No free VPNs aren’t safe from hacking and other security threats. They often lack robust security infrastructure and may store sensitive user data. Many free VPNs collect and sell your information, leaving you exposed to privacy violations and cyber attacks. CyberGhost VPN takes your security seriously. We don’t store session data, and our strict no-logs policy ensures your activity remains private. With our 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost risk-free and see the difference for yourself.
Leave a comment
Buddy Wynn
Posted on 23/02/2023 at 11:07
If your cell phone, wifi, or pc is already hacked,,
Is the VPN before or after transmission?
Ghostie
Posted on 28/02/2023 at 16:24
Hi, Buddy,
To answer your question, the VPN encrypts your traffic before it leaves your device, regardless of what it is. However, if your hardware is already compromised by malware or a malicious party, no VPN will be able to help with that.
We have a post on how you can tell if your phone is infected and what you can do about it, which you might find helpful.
Stay safe!
Mary Myers
Posted on 18/12/2022 at 07:38
If I get a notification that I don’t know who the sender is, should I NOT hit the link they send about a bank card being misused?
Ghostie
Posted on 20/12/2022 at 10:12
Hi, Mary
Your instinct is correct. If you don’t know who the sender is, you should not, under any circumstance, click on links you receive. There’s a good chance someone might be trying to infect you with malware.
If you have probable cause to believe that your card might be misused, log in to your online bank service (or call customer service) and check the records yourself. And if you see suspicious activity, cancel the card yourself by using a) the online bank portal, b) calling your bank on their official customer service number, or c) by going to the closest office in-person.
Happy Holidays and stay safe!