Beware of Chinese VPNs

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent tool in your security toolbox. If you need to browse the web on public Wi-Fi, using a VPN to encrypt your connection provides a useful layer of security from “snoopers” on the network. While not needed as much on a trusted connection, a VPN can also provide an additional layer of privacy or security when browsing some websites on a trusted connection (although it will slow down your Internet connection).

AppleInsider recently released an article claiming that Apple and Google are profiting from Chinese VPNs collecting users’ private data. Apple responded stating that they offer strict guidelines on what VPN apps (as well as apps on the App Store) are allowed to do concerning one’s privacy. However, I would still caution users who are considering a VPN to search for a reputable provider before signing up for a VPN service, and to not simply trust any VPN you come across, even if the VPN is listed on a curated App Store. I personally would not be comfortable with a Chinese VPN having access to all of my data routed through the VPN (as when you’re using a VPN, your goal is to trust the VPN provider with keeping all of your Internet traffic safe and private).

I’ve used a series of VPNs over the years (Hotspot Shield, WiTopia, Private Internet Access, Intego, OpenVPN, and ProtonVPN). I now recommend ProtonVPN as my VPN provider of choice.

Here are the reasons I recommend ProtonVPN:

• ProtonVPN offers a generous (unlimited) free tier without advertising or any gimmicks.

• ProtonVPN runs on a variety of devices (all of the main devices I use or would ever use) with a wide range of servers.

• ProtonVPN is backed by Proton, a Swiss-based company known for their emphasis on user privacy with a no-logs policy.

• Some tiers of ProtonVPN offer built-in ad, tracker, and malware blockers, plus Secure Core that sends Internet traffic through both the country server of your choice and another country’s server (such as Switzerland or Iceland) for greater privacy (some features require a paid subscription).

I recommend signing up for ProtonVPN from my friends at CyberTeam US. CyberTeam US offers bundles of cybersecurity services including ProtonVPN, encrypted email US-based antivirus, a password manager, mobile device security, identity theft protection, and the ability to remove your information from data broker websites. They are US-based, Veteran-owned, and they will take care of all of the hard work for you so you can sit back and enjoy your devices without worrying about cybersecurity. Contact my friends at CyberTeam US today!

Additionally, here are a few updates from previous newsletters I wrote:

• My JETS article is scheduled to be published in the December 2025 issue if all goes as planned. I will update here once the article is published.

• In a previous article, I wrote on Sharyl Atkisson’s research and concerns with 5G wireless technology. After doing some research, I have discovered that at least around Arkansas, there isn’t a major difference in 5G and 4G LTE network deployments where I am now using 5G on my iPhone when around town (but in “5G Auto” mode so it still switches to 4G LTE when it would save battery life). I’ve noticed that on Verizon’s towers around here, there are times when my phone will switch from 5G UW, 5G, and even down to LTE. However, I have been told Verizon’s towers still have the overall best coverage across Arkansas.

• I am still limiting some of my wireless exposure even if I am using my iPhone in 5G mode. I am using wired connections around the house when it makes more sense than to use wireless connections, and I have reduced the power of my Wi-Fi router so that it covers my house without being “overkill”. I watched a video on GoldCare about wireless exposure and health. While I am not going to do all of their recommendations (such as bringing wireless-reducing blankets with me on trips), there was still some useful information in it (especially if I ever needed to set up an EMP-shielded room for emergency purposes).

• I have been playing with ChatGPT’s integration with Siri on my M2 MacBook Air. So far I haven’t found it to be useful and not much of an improvement to Siri in general. I’ll leave it enabled, but I am personally sticking with Grok and Claude for most of my AI interactions. I have no plans to pay for a ChatGPT subscription.

• My newsletter comes in two tiers, a free tier and a paid subscription tier. I’m also posting individual paid content on my Patreon. For free subscribers to my newsletter who may wish to support my newsletter but without signing up for a paid subscription, I am now including a link in free newsletters in the footer called “Buy Me a Chicken Sandwich”. It uses the Buy Me a Coffee service (but since I don’t drink a ton of coffee, I decided to use “Buy Me a Chicken Sandwich”instead) which is basically a virtual “tip jar”. If you find the newsletter useful and wish to send a one-time “tip”, then feel free to “Buy Me a Chicken Sandwich”.