Antivirus Software Frequently Flags VPNs: Are VPNs Really Safe?

2024-12-06

A few days ago, while researching Windows VPN products, I downloaded dozens of popular VPNs, only to find that most of them were flagged as containing viruses by my antivirus software. This experience made me realize that VPNs on the Windows platform still pose considerable security risks.

During the installation process, most VPN installation packages were either deleted outright by my antivirus software or flagged as containing viruses. Seeing these warnings gave me flashbacks to the days when I was plagued by antivirus alerts while using various software on Windows. By contrast, installing LetsVPN has always been smooth, with no antivirus warnings during installation. This, coupled with the absence of user complaints about such issues, made me think that VPNs should always work like this. But these constant virus warnings reminded me of the chaotic days of using cracked or obscure software on Windows.

It's safe to say that all experienced Windows users have encountered antivirus warnings at some point. The openness and compatibility of the Windows system have given it a massive user base, but they have also made its application ecosystem incredibly complex. Back in the early XP era, pirated software was rampant online, and various enthusiasts were creating custom niche software and tools. At that time, users had relatively low awareness of copyright and security precautions.

Many similar software programs come with prominent notices on their websites, claiming that the antivirus warning is a false positive. They even provide "helpful" instructions on how to add the software to your antivirus whitelist or suggest temporarily disabling your antivirus software to complete the installation.

Antivirus Alerts: False Alarm or Real Threat?

To answer this question, we first need to understand how antivirus software flags suspicious behavior or viruses. Generally, when we install software on Windows, antivirus programs use two stages—static scanning and dynamic analysis—to detect and flag suspicious activities. They check the source of the installation file, the digital signature, matches with virus definitions in their database, and whether the extracted file contents contain malicious code. Simultaneously, antivirus software monitors behaviors during the installation process, such as modifications to system files, the registry, startup items, network operations, or attempts to elevate privileges. If high-risk behaviors are detected, the software will be marked as "suspicious." This might be a bit difficult to grasp, but comparing it to airport security makes it easier to understand. Antivirus software is like a security scanner; it checks your luggage (software packages) for obviously dangerous items like guns or knives (signature matches in virus definitions) or oddly packaged items (packed files, missing digital signatures). At the same time, the security personnel beside it observe your behavior for any anomalies. If you're repeatedly touching your pockets (modifying the registry) or trying to access restricted areas (modifying system files), you might trigger security alarms.

Now that we understand how antivirus software detects threats, let's take a look at these types of software: cracked programs, game localization patches, and various system optimization tools. These either modify the installation packages of legitimate software or require elevated system privileges to function, so there's indeed a certain probability that they will be falsely flagged as viruses by antivirus software.

Strictly speaking, these aren't really false positives. It's like a security guard who sees someone picking your lock and assumes they're a thief. If he only considers someone a thief when he sees them taking money, many would slip through the cracks. He doesn't recognize that it's actually the electrician you hired to fix your meter.

But even so, can you really feel safe installing them? How can you be sure it's a false positive and not something fishy? Most people, when faced with antivirus warnings, choose to trust the software in order to use its services. However, they may not realize that they're essentially gambling, as if saying, "I bet there's no bullet in your gun." If you win the bet, you can use the software as intended. But if you lose, at best you'll be annoyed by spam pop-up ads; at worst, your system could be infiltrated by malware, leading to unpredictable losses.

If a VPN Is Maliciously Exploited, the Consequences Can Be Severe

People often say that if you start downloading pirated software, you must be prepared for it to be "tampered with." While there's some truth to that, it depends on the specific situation. VPN software, for example, is a special case.

A VPN is a network communication tool that requires high-level system permissions to operate. All of a user's network access needs to be processed by the VPN. If such a highly sensitive tool is exploited by malicious actors, the consequences could be more serious than you imagine. It's equivalent to having all your online activities exposed under someone's surveillance—they can do a lot with that information. Similar news reports are not uncommon, such as “Multiple VPN Software Found to Contain Hidden Trojans That Capture Login Credentials from Financial Applications” and “VPN Installation Package 'Inviting the Wolf into the House': Suspected Jin Eye Dog (APT-Q-27) Group's Espionage Operation”.

After reading this, don't assume that just because your antivirus software doesn't flag anything, it's safe. During the software installation process, antivirus programs have limited detection capabilities—this is only the first line of defense. While they can catch most suspicious software, some advanced packing techniques can still bypass antivirus detection. For ordinary users without technical expertise, it's nearly impossible to discern these threats.

How to Ensure the VPN You Download Is Safe

So, how can you safely use VPN software on Windows? Here's a better way to identify trustworthy options:

There are internationally recognized information security testing standards online, such as AMTSO (Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization). This organization was jointly established by over 60 internationally renowned cybersecurity companies, including Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft, Watchdog, and Qi An Xin. It has a set of testing standards jointly developed by information security product suppliers and testing laboratories. Software that has passed AMTSO certification is equivalent to obtaining a "free pass," allowing it to navigate the internet monitored by various antivirus programs without hindrance.

LetsVPN is one of the software that has obtained this "pass."

Think about it—if a software can pass the scrutiny of so many top cybersecurity companies, its security is certainly trustworthy. But to obtain this "pass," the following criteria must be met:

1. Application Through Member Organizations

First, you need to apply for testing through AMTSO member organizations like AppEsteem. The AMTSO testing standards document spans dozens of pages, with more than a hundred testing criteria that must all be passed.

2. Continuous Compliance

AppEsteem's certification is not a one-time process. The software must continuously comply with AMTSO standards throughout its lifecycle. Each updated version of the software needs to undergo independent testing.

3. Security of Download Links

Not only does the software itself need to be tested, but even the download links must undergo security checks.

Looking at these certification conditions, obtaining AMTSO certification isn't exceptionally difficult; any product aiming to ensure user safety can achieve it. However, the certification process is cumbersome and requires long-term commitment to testing each version. Therefore, many products are unwilling to invest the effort to raise the security threshold for users. They prefer to simply tell users to ignore antivirus warnings.

Where to Find AMTSO Certification： You can check for AMTSO certification through the AppEsteem. The site has a "Whitelist and Blacklist," detailing lists of safe and fraudulent software. You can search here to see if the software you want to install is on the list. For example, by searching, you can find that LetsVPN is already in their list of safe software.

Here's a little surprise: I actually found many familiar VPN products in the fraudulent software list published by AppEsteem. Well-known ones like Turbo VPN are prominently listed. You can also search to see if there are any products you recognize.

Special Reminder

A secure VPN will not be flagged by antivirus software. LetsVPN has now passed AppEsteem's AMTSO certification, so you can install and use it with confidence. However, I'd like to remind everyone that the safety of LetsVPN does not guarantee that the "LetsVPN" you download is safe. If you accidentally download an installation package that has been maliciously modified, it can still pose security risks. To avoid this, remember the following points:

1. Download from Official Sources

Always download from reputable stores like the App Store, Google Play, or the official LetsVPN website.

2. Avoid Cracked or Free Versions

Do not trust so-called cracked or free versions online; these are usually tampered with. After all, there's no such thing as a free lunch.

3. Heed Antivirus Warnings