A recent investigation into an online platform called 911 revealed that it was selling access to hundreds of thousands of Microsoft Windows PCs that cybercriminals use to carry out their crimes.
911 services snoop on users’ devices through suspicious software updates and malware bundled with other services. A popular method used to access devices is through free VPNs.
What is 911?
911 is also known as a “residential proxy” service. It allows users to lease a local IP address to relay their Internet communications. You can use your home computer as a VPN server to enjoy anonymity and the impression that you are a regular user when browsing the Internet.
Since many traffic tracking websites block IP addresses that have multiple users, known as shared IP addresses, these services can be a great way to access those websites without revealing your own IP address.
There are legitimate uses for these services, however, they can also be misused by cybercriminals.
911 marketed their service as a “free VPN or ‘free proxy’ service. However, they did not inform users who downloaded their app that they also allowed others to connect to their Internet and IP address.
How was 911 harmful?
Canadian researchers found that 911 had about 120,000 computers where other users could connect to the service. The computers were primarily in the USA.
Their assessment of the service was damning:
“The 911 Network uses at least two free VPN services to trick users into installing malware-like programs on their computers… We have identified two free VPN services that use techniques to trick users into installing software that appears legitimate but makes them part of the network. “
If that wasn’t enough, they also found that many of the IP addresses provided by 911 were from US universities, colleges, critical infrastructure sites, defense establishments, and even police and government networks. This means that there were serious security risks.
Krebs on the security blog further investigated 911 and found hyperlinks to Communist China. At the beginning of its existence, the 911 website existed exclusively in simplified Mandarin – the only language used in communist China.
He also found clear evidence from the site’s online history that it was aware of what it was doing and that the 911 team had been open about promoting the service to cybercriminals.
Evidence also showed that the software was disguised as security patches for popular video software such as Flash Player and Media Player.
911 gained a large following among cybercriminals and was often recognized on cybercrime blogs. 911 users exploded in August 2021 after competitor VIP72 went out of business and in January 2022 when LuxSocks, another competitor, went out of business.
The message to free VPN users
As Riley Kilmer, co-founder of security firm Spur.us, which monitors anonymity services, told Krebs, “[S]ervices like 911 have two methods of getting new IP addresses. Free VPN apps and … Trojan torrents. They’ll download Photoshop. . . to ensure it is backdoored using a 911 proxy.
This means that a VPN can come with software like 911 when you download it. Once in your system, it is almost impossible to remove, which means that your Internet connection as well as your IP address could be used by cybercriminals from anywhere in the world.
This could result in you being subject to a criminal investigation for any activity that occurred through your Internet connection, even though you did not know or participate in it.
The message of the 911 incident is clear. This is another reason why free VPN services are simply not worth the risk.
VPNs can be expensive to use. If the service is offered for free, there must be a catch. Unfortunately, this catch can usually mean compromising your privacy and security online, sometimes in ways you can’t even imagine.
A VPN service that is authentic costs only a few dollars a month. It’s a small cost to pay to make sure your devices and your Internet connection and your IP address are safe from the kinds of cybercriminals who use services like 911.
Is free Proton VPN safe?
Proton VPN Free is one of the best free VPNs we’ve tested. It is a trusted cyber security company and therefore safe to use. The applications are open source. Proton VPN free is the only free VPN that has unlimited bandwidth, as we said before.
Are Proton VPN reliable? ProtonVPN provides superior security and privacy features. It also has a user friendly interface and maintains high speeds in all speed tests. ProtonVPN protects user data with advanced server architecture, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch.
Is free Proton VPN secure?
Is Proton VPN secure? ProtonVPN is a safe VPN to use. ProtonVPN does not store any data. This means that even if someone wants to access your personal information, ProtonVPN will not give the information to anyone. It also allows for Tor integration and SecureCore servers to provide additional security, if needed.
Is https Proton VPN com free VPN safe?
Proton VPN is private, anonymous, unlimited and free. It was developed by the same scientists who met at CERN, the birthplace and origin of the Internet. They also created Proton Mail.
What does the free version of Proton VPN do?
Proton VPN free plans allow users to bypass government censorship or other restrictions on your browsing activities. By using our free VPN, users can easily access websites that are restricted in their country.
How do I get a 911 proxy?
Set up a 911 S5 proxy
- Go to the “Settings” tab. In the “General Settings” section, remove the “Automatically change time zone” and “Automatically close programs when proxy settings change” options. Click “Save” to save the custom proxy port.
- Go to the “ProxyList” tab and double-click the proxy you want to use.
How do you use emergency on Android? Simply swipe up on your phone screen to get to the lock screen, then tap Emergency Call. A dial pad will be displayed where you can enter the desired number. Your registered emergency contact numbers will be displayed at the top of the screen. The medical information icon will be located at the bottom of your screen.
How do you get a 911 SOCKS5?
1.) Open the 911 S5 proxy and enter the settings page. 2.) In the General Settings section, enter the port range that can be used for port forwarding. 3.) Right-click the proxy you want to use with ProxyList/TodayList and select the Forward Port to Proxy option to select the appropriate proxy port.
Do 911 proxies expire?
Another advantage of each 911 S5 Proxy package is that it has no expiration date. You have a lifetime subscription to 911 S5 Proxy, regardless of the package you choose. Depending on the package, you get between 150 and 9000 proxy servers, and with each package you get free software and unlimited bandwidth.
How do you use 911 SOCKS5 on Mac?
If you want to use SOCKS5 for everything on your Mac, you can easily configure it in your network settings. Open network settings and click Advanced. Then select Proxy. Enter your username and password. Click OK, then apply. The Mac will now connect to the Internet using our SOCKS5 server.
How many proxies Does 911 have?
Depending on the package you choose, you will get between 150-9000 proxy servers. Plus, every package comes with free software and unlimited bandwidth.
What is a proxy server do?
Definition of proxy server: A proxy is a system or router that acts as a gateway between a user and the Internet. This prevents cyber attackers from entering a private network. It is a server that is called an intermediary because it is the bridge between the user and the web pages they browse online.
How do I change my 911 password?
Enter your username or email address below and click “Reset Password.” You must enter the username or email address associated with your profile. Once you submit your information, an email will be sent to the email address on file. It will also include a link to a password reset page.
Are free VPN safe?
VPN services that are free are not that secure. This is due to the need for expensive equipment and expertise to keep large networks and users secure. You can pay for premium VPN services with dollars or you can use free services using your data.
Free VPNs are not to be trusted at all. Security researchers recently found serious vulnerabilities in ten of the most popular free VPN solutions available on the Google Play Store. Free VPN apps can also be used to disguise a malware distribution network.
Should I leave my VPN on all the time?
VPNs provide the best online security, so you should leave your VPN active at all times to protect yourself from cyber attacks and data leaks while using public Wi-Fi, and from intrusive snoopers like ISPs or advertisers. So always keep your VPN on.
When is it a good idea to use a VPN on your phone? All data exchanged between your phone, tablet or smartphone and the VPN server is encrypted. The most common scenario when you can use a VPN VPN is when you are working remotely and using your laptop to connect to a private network, thereby protecting your personal information.
When should you not use VPN?
When Shouldn’t You Use a VPN? A VPN can be a bad choice for gaming or downloading as it can slow down your connection speed. You can also deactivate your VPN when you want to access content that is not available in your region.
Is it OK to leave VPN on all the time?
The answer to the question “Should I leave my VPN on?” is “Yes.” VPNs provide the most secure online security. It’s essential to keep your VPN on at all times to protect yourself from cyberattacks and data leaks when using public Wi-Fi. So always keep your VPN on.
Is there a downside to using a VPN?
Similarly, using a VPN service can have disadvantages. Performance, speed and price. The best encryption always introduces some degree of latency. When using a VPN service can slow down your internet connection speed due to the processing power required to process encryption.
What is the purpose of using VPN?
The primary goal of a VPN is to hide your online activities. VPNs are typically used to protect against hackers and snoopers on public networks, but they can also be useful in hiding your IP address, browsing activity, and personal information on any Wi-Fi network, even at home.
When should you use a VPN?
Always use a VPN every time you’re online. VPNs mask your location by connecting to remote servers, so no one can watch what you’re doing. NordVPN also comes with various additional features such as threat protection or kill switch, which provide additional layers of protection.
What is VPN and why do I need it?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Networks. Essentially the term “VPN” means that a VPN is a VPN that provides an encrypted server and hides your IP address from government agencies and potential hackers. A VPN protects your identity even when you’re using shared or public Wi-Fi, and your data will be protected from prying eyes connected to the Internet.
Can I use 911 on my phone?
Accessing 911 using your wireless phone is a critical tool for ensuring public safety. However, wireless 911 calls also create unique problems. Because cordless phones are mobile, they are not tied to one fixed address or location.
How do I add 911 to my phone? Hold the power button until Emergency Mode appears. Press it and five options will open: flashlight, emergency share my location, phone, internet and flashlight. Below these options will be a button to make an emergency call. Press the button and it will confirm if you want to call 911.
Can you call 911 on any phone?
Any phone will work if your phone is not activated or assigned a number. If you are disconnected from the dispatch center, you must call 911 to reconnect. They will have no way to call you.
Can 911 be called from anywhere?
If there is an outage in the cellular network, any 911 call will automatically connect to any available network, regardless of your carrier, to complete the emergency call. If you have Internet access, you can also enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone. You can also text 911 using the 9-1-1 numbers.
Can all cell phones call 911?
Before the phone can be given away, it must be turned off and disconnected. Deactivated phones can still dial 911 and connect to emergency services. Every cell phone in North America must be able to dial 911, even if there is no plan or SIM card.
Can 911 be used on Android?
On most Android devices, the emergency call button only opens a dial pad, but does not automatically dial 911 once you press it. To activate it, press aEmergency Call, then press 9-1-1.
Why can’t I dial 911 on my Android phone?
Software updates for the app and phone software were released in January to fix the problem. Some Android users may not be able to call 911 if they haven’t updated their software or apps. 911 officials are urging Android phone owners to update their Microsoft Teams app and phone software as soon as possible.
Can you use 911 on a cell phone?
It is important to immediately notify the 911 operator of your 911 location whenever you make an 911 call by electronic telephone. Be sure to give the emergency operator your wireless phone number so that the emergency operator can call you back if the call is dropped.