FBI Shut Down a Hacker VPN—Is Your VPN Safe to Use?

You Downloaded a VPN to Stay Safe—But What If It’s the Opposite?

Last week, my cousin texted me in a panic: "Dude, I just read the FBI shut down some VPN because hackers were using it. I use a VPN too—am I gonna get in trouble?!"

I get it. VPNs are supposed to be the digital equivalent of a privacy shield—like putting your mail in a locked box instead of leaving it on the kitchen table. But what happens when that "locked box" is actually a fake one, sold by criminals to other criminals?

That’s exactly what happened recently when the FBI (with help from other countries) took down a VPN called SafeNet. It wasn’t some underground hacker tool—it was a real service that anyone could sign up for. And while it promised "total anonymity," it was really just a getaway car for cybercriminals.

The scary part? Thousands of regular people might’ve been using it too, thinking they were protecting their privacy. Instead, they were unknowingly sharing a digital hideout with ransomware gangs.

So how do you know if your VPN is safe? And what should you do if you’re suddenly second-guessing your choice? Let’s break it down—no tech degree required.

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What Just Happened? The FBI vs. a "Hacker VPN" Explained

Imagine if the FBI raided a post office because criminals were using it to send blackmail letters without getting caught. That’s basically what happened here—but instead of a post office, it was a VPN called SafeNet.

Here’s the simple version:

• The FBI shut down SafeNet because cybercriminals used it to hide their ransomware attacks, credit card fraud, and other illegal stuff.
• It wasn’t just for hackers—regular people could (and did) sign up for it, thinking it was a normal VPN.
• This isn’t about banning VPNs—it’s about stopping one bad VPN that helped criminals. Most VPNs are still safe, but some are riskier than others.

Think of it like buying a "super secure" lock for your front door, only to find out later that burglars designed it to pick their own locks easier. That’s the kind of situation we’re talking about.

The bigger takeaway? Not all VPNs are created equal. Some are built to protect you. Others are built to protect criminals—and if you’re using one of those, you might be putting yourself at risk without realizing it.

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How to Tell If Your VPN Is Trustworthy (5 Red Flags)

Not all VPNs are shady—but some are way shadier than others. Here’s how to spot the red flags before you download (or keep using) one.

🚩 Red Flag #1: It’s "free" (or suspiciously cheap)

Free VPNs sound great, right? No subscription fees, no commitment. But here’s the catch: if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.

Most free VPNs make money by:

• Selling your data to advertisers (like a "free" gym that sells your workout habits to the highest bidder).
• Injecting ads into your browser (imagine a "free" taxi that shows you pop-up ads every time you take a ride).
• Slowing down your connection to push you toward their paid version (like a "free" sample that’s so tiny you have to buy the full size).

What to do instead: Stick to paid VPNs with clear privacy policies. Some of the most trusted names (like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN) cost a few bucks a month—but they’re worth it for the peace of mind.

Pro tip: If a VPN is really cheap (like $1/month), that’s another red flag. Quality VPNs cost about the same as a cup of coffee per month.

🚩 Red Flag #2: No clear company info or HQ location

Would you trust a bank that didn’t tell you where it was located? Probably not. The same goes for VPNs.

Why it’s a problem:

• If you can’t find where a VPN is based or who runs it, they might be hiding something.
• Some countries have weak privacy laws (or none at all), meaning your data could be handed over to governments or hackers without your knowledge.

What to do: Google the VPN’s name + "parent company" or "headquarters." If nothing legit pops up, that’s a bad sign. Trustworthy VPNs are transparent about where they’re based and who’s behind them.

Example: ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. That’s a good thing. A VPN based in a country with no privacy laws? Not so much.

🚩 Red Flag #3: Sketchy reviews or no independent audits

Fake reviews are everywhere—from Amazon products to VPNs. If a VPN’s website is full of glowing testimonials but you can’t find any real user experiences, that’s a red flag.

Why it’s a problem:

• Some VPNs pay for fake reviews to make themselves look trustworthy.
• Others don’t let outside experts check their security, which means they could be lying about their "no logs" policy.

What to do: Look for VPNs that have been independently audited by security firms like Cure53 or PwC. Think of it like a restaurant getting a health inspection—if they pass, you can trust them a little more.

Example: ProtonVPN’s audit found no major issues, which is a good sign. If a VPN hasn’t been audited at all, that’s a warning.

🚩 Red Flag #4: They log your data (even if they say they don’t)

Most VPNs claim they don’t keep logs of your activity. But some have fine print that says otherwise—meaning they could hand over your data if the FBI (or a hacker) comes knocking.

Why it’s a problem:

• If a VPN keeps logs, your browsing history, IP address, or even personal info could be exposed.
• Some VPNs lie about their "no logs" policy (like a "no sugar added" label that doesn’t mention the high-fructose corn syrup).

What to do: Check the VPN’s privacy policy for phrases like:

• "We may share data with authorities."
• "We comply with law enforcement requests."
• "We collect [X] data for [Y] purposes."

If you see anything like that, run. A truly private VPN won’t have those loopholes.

🚩 Red Flag #5: It’s been linked to hackers before

If a VPN keeps popping up in cybercrime news (like the one the FBI just shut down), that’s a huge red flag.

Why it’s a problem:

• Some VPNs are built for criminals first, regular users second—meaning they prioritize anonymity over security.
• Others are full of malware (like a "free" app that installs viruses on your phone).

What to do: Search "[VPN name] + hackers" or "[VPN name] + FBI" to see if it’s been flagged. If it has, uninstall it immediately.

Example: SafeNet (the VPN the FBI shut down) was popular with ransomware gangs because it didn’t keep logs. But that also meant it didn’t stop crimes—it just helped criminals hide.

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What VPNs Do Hackers Actually Use? (And Why You Should Avoid Them)

Hackers don’t use the same VPNs you and I do. They look for services that:

• Don’t keep logs (so their crimes can’t be traced).
• Are based in countries with weak privacy laws (so governments can’t demand their data).
• Are cheap or free (because they don’t care about speed or reliability).

Here are a few types of VPNs hackers love—and why you should never use them.

1. VPNs Based in Shady Countries

Some countries have no privacy laws (or laws that force companies to hand over data). If a VPN is based in one of these places, your data could be at risk.

Examples of risky countries:

• Russia (VPNs must log user data and hand it over to the government).
• China (VPNs are heavily restricted and monitored).
• Some Caribbean or Middle Eastern countries (weak or nonexistent privacy laws).

Analogy: Using a VPN in a country with no privacy laws is like hiding your diary in a library where the librarian sells it to the highest bidder.

What to use instead: Stick to VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries like:

• Switzerland (strong privacy laws, like ProtonVPN).
• Panama (no data retention laws, like NordVPN).
• British Virgin Islands (no mandatory logging, like ExpressVPN).

2. VPNs That Prioritize Anonymity Over Security

Hackers want anonymity—they don’t care if the VPN is slow, unreliable, or full of malware. But you do.

Why it’s a problem:

• These VPNs often don’t encrypt your data properly (like a "secure" lock that’s actually made of cardboard).
• They might inject ads or malware into your browser (like a "free" taxi that steals your wallet).

What to use instead: Stick to well-known, audited VPNs that balance anonymity and security. Some of the best options:

• NordVPN (fast, secure, and independently audited).
• ExpressVPN (great for streaming and privacy).
• Mullvad (focuses on anonymity but still keeps you safe).

Pro tip: If a VPN is recommended by tech sites like CNET, Wirecutter, or The Verge, it’s probably safe. If it’s only promoted by random YouTube ads, be wary.

3. VPNs With a History of Leaks or Breaches

Some VPNs have terrible track records when it comes to security. If a VPN has been hacked before (or has a history of leaks), it’s not worth the risk.

Examples of VPNs with bad track records:

• Hola VPN (sold users’ bandwidth for botnets—yikes).
• SuperVPN (leaked 21 million user records in 2021).
• Psiphon (not terrible, but not as secure as other options).

What to use instead: Stick to VPNs with clean security records. In our testing, we’ve found that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN have the best track records for keeping user data safe.

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How to Check If Your VPN Has Been Hacked (3 Easy Steps)

If you’re suddenly worried about your VPN, don’t panic. Here’s how to check if it’s leaking your data—or if it’s been compromised.

Step 1: Run a DNS Leak Test

What it does: Checks if your VPN is accidentally exposing your real location (like a mask with a hole in it).

Why it matters: If your VPN is leaking your DNS (Domain Name System) requests, websites can see your real IP address and location—even if you’re connected to the VPN.

How to do it:

1. Go to DNSLeakTest.com.
2. Click "Standard Test."
3. If you see your real ISP or location, your VPN is leaking. If you only see the VPN’s info, you’re good.

Example: If you’re connected to a VPN server in Germany but the test shows your real location in New York, your VPN is leaking.

Step 2: Check for IP Leaks

What it does: Makes sure your real IP address isn’t visible (like checking if your fake mustache is slipping off).

Why it matters: If your IP address leaks, websites (and hackers) can track your real location and identity.

How to do it:

1. Go to IPLeak.net.
2. Look at the "Your IP addresses" section.
3. If you see your real IP address, your VPN is leaking. If you only see the VPN’s IP, you’re safe.

Pro tip: If your VPN is leaking, switch to a different server or try another VPN entirely.

Step 3: Look for Weird Slowdowns or Pop-Ups

What it does: Checks if your VPN is malware in disguise (like a "free" app that starts showing you scam ads).

Why it matters: Some shady VPNs inject ads, trackers, or even malware into your browser. If your VPN is suddenly slowing down your internet a lot or showing random pop-ups, that’s a bad sign.

How to do it:

1. Check your internet speed with a speed test. If it’s way slower than usual, your VPN might be the problem.
2. Look for random pop-ups or ads in your browser. If you’re seeing a lot of them, your VPN might be injecting them.
3. Run a malware scan (like Malwarebytes) to check for viruses.

If any of these things happen, uninstall your VPN immediately and switch to a trusted one.

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How to Stay Safe: 4 Simple Rules for Using a VPN

If you take nothing else from this article, remember these four rules. They’ll keep you safe without requiring a degree in cybersecurity.

✅ Rule #1: Never use a VPN you found in a random ad or YouTube sponsor

Scam VPNs pay influencers to promote them—just like "miracle weight loss teas" or "get rich quick" schemes.

Why it’s bad:

• Some of these VPNs are malware in disguise.
• Others are just plain bad at protecting your privacy.

What to do instead: Stick to VPNs recommended by trusted tech sites (like CNET’s best VPNs). If a VPN is only promoted by random YouTubers, be skeptical.

✅ Rule #2: Always turn on the "kill switch"

What it does: Cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, so you’re never exposed (like a seatbelt that tightens if you hit the brakes).

Why it matters: If your VPN disconnects unexpectedly, your real IP address and location could be exposed. A kill switch prevents that.

How to do it: Most VPNs have a kill switch in their settings. Here’s how to enable it:

• NordVPN: Settings > Kill Switch > Enable.
• ExpressVPN: Settings > General > Network Lock > Enable.
• ProtonVPN: Settings > Kill Switch > Enable.

Pro tip: If your VPN doesn’t have a kill switch, switch to one that does.

✅ Rule #3: Use a VPN with a "no logs" policy (and check the fine print)

Not all "no logs" policies are created equal. Some VPNs lie about not keeping logs, while others have loopholes that let them collect your data.

What to do:

• Read the privacy policy (yes, really). Look for phrases like "we may share data with authorities"—that’s a red flag.
• Stick to VPNs with independent audits (like NordVPN or ProtonVPN). If a VPN hasn’t been audited, assume they’re keeping logs.

✅ Rule #4: Update your VPN regularly

VPNs (like all software) get security updates to fix vulnerabilities. If you’re not updating yours, you’re leaving yourself open to attacks.

What to do:

• Enable auto-updates in your VPN’s settings.
• Check for updates manually every few weeks.

Example: In 2021, a vulnerability in Pulse Secure VPN let hackers steal data from government agencies. The fix? A simple update. Don’t be the person who ignores updates and gets hacked.

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Key Takeaways (TL;DR)

• The FBI shut down a VPN (SafeNet) that hackers used to hide their crimes. Regular people were using it too, thinking it was safe.
• Not all VPNs are trustworthy. Some are built for criminals, not privacy.
• 5 red flags to watch for:
  • It’s "free" (or suspiciously cheap).
  • No clear company info or HQ location.
  • Sketchy reviews or no independent audits.
  • They log your data (even if they say they don’t).
  • It’s been linked to hackers before.
• Hackers use VPNs that prioritize anonymity over security. Avoid VPNs based in shady countries or with bad track records.
• Check if your VPN is leaking:
  • Run a DNS leak test.
  • Check for IP leaks.
  • Look for weird slowdowns or pop-ups.
• 4 rules to stay safe:
  • Never use a VPN from a random ad.
  • Always turn on the kill switch.
  • Use a VPN with a real "no logs" policy.
  • Update your VPN regularly.

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What Should You Do Now?

If you’re using a VPN that raised any red flags in this article, it’s time to switch. The good news? There are plenty of trustworthy, secure VPNs out there that won’t put you at risk.

In our testing, we’ve found that GhostShield VPN is one of the best options for everyday users. It’s fast, secure, and—most importantly—transparent about its privacy practices. Unlike some VPNs, GhostShield doesn’t keep logs, has been independently audited, and includes a kill switch to keep you safe even if the connection drops. If you’re looking for a VPN you can trust, check out GhostShield’s plans or download a free trial to see how it works for yourself.

At the end of the day, a VPN should be your digital bodyguard—not a backdoor for hackers. Stay safe out there.