Can a VPN be hacked? Things to be aware of

VPNs are designed to protect your internet traffic, but they aren’t immune to hacking. Attackers can target vulnerabilities in the VPN app, its protocols, the provider’s infrastructure and supply chain, or even the device you’re using.

In some cases, attackers don’t need to hack the VPN directly: phishing, malware, and stolen credentials can give them another way in. A successful attack can expose sensitive data, compromise your account, or weaken the VPN’s security.

So, can a VPN be hacked? Yes, and understanding how these attacks work makes it easier to choose a secure provider and avoid common threats. Here’s what you need to know.

How can a VPN be hacked?

Attackers can hack VPNs by targeting weak points in the app, server, protocol, account, or end-user device. Attackers may also compromise software libraries used to develop the VPN, so they don’t necessarily have to hit the VPN itself. More details below.

1. Exploiting app vulnerabilities

Just like any other app, VPNs may contain bugs that let attackers bypass security controls, access sensitive data, or run malicious code. Attackers may find these flaws through security research or exploit them after discovering them elsewhere.

Keeping your VPN app updated reduces risk, since providers can patch known vulnerabilities before attackers can use them.

2. Targeting VPN server infrastructure

Attackers can target VPN servers through exposed services, software vulnerabilities, or stolen employee credentials (e.g., through phishing or other social engineering). If an attacker gains control of a server, they may access sensitive configuration data or interfere with connections passing through it.

VPN providers also need to secure the infrastructure behind their apps, including authentication systems and management interfaces. A weakness in any of these systems can give attackers a way into the wider VPN network.

Some of the best no-logs VPN providers use so-called zero-knowledge servers designed to operate without storing user-identifying data. If an attacker breaches one, there’s little useful information to steal because the server never stored it.

3. Attacking vulnerable VPN protocols

VPN protocols may have flaws that allow attackers to weaken their security or bypass it entirely. PPTP in particular is considered easy to crack, and any provider worth their salt has removed it from their offering. Even L2TP/IPSec has been largely phased out because of its age, performance, and some weaknesses.

Modern VPNs typically use OpenVPN and WireGuard (or proprietary protocols), and sometimes IKEv2/IPSec on mobile devices because it can switch between networks (e.g., Wi-Fi to mobile) without dropping the VPN connection.

These protocols are not bulletproof. If misconfigured, they could make the VPN more vulnerable to hacking.

4. Stealing or guessing credentials

Attackers don’t always need to target the VPN itself. They can also use phishing to trick you into handing over your credentials. Otherwise, they may use brute-force attacks to guess your password or credential stuffing to try passwords leaked from other breaches.

Of course, these attacks are much less useful if you enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Even if an attacker gets your password from another breach or tricks you into revealing it, they’ll still need the extra verification.

5. Compromising user devices

Compromising the device running your VPN can bypass much of its protection. Malware on your computer or phone may read data before the VPN encrypts it, capture passwords as you enter them, or access information after it decrypts it.

Attackers can infect devices through malicious downloads, phishing, vulnerable software, or other methods. Once they control the device, they don’t need to crack the VPN’s encryption to get at the information you’re trying to protect.

6. Supply-chain attacks

A supply-chain attack compromises software or one of its components during development or distribution. For instance, a hacker may tamper with an update, dependency, or distribution system, allowing malicious code to reach your device through software that appears legitimate.

Supply chain attacks are particularly difficult to spot because you downloaded the VPN from the provider’s website or a trusted app store. The provider may also be unaware of the compromise until someone finds and reports the malicious code.

QuickFox, a VPN and network acceleration app, is one such example. In 2026, attackers tampered with its Windows installers to deliver a Trojan to some users. According to Fortinet, the compromised builds remained in circulation from 2025 until QuickFox removed the malicious code in version 3.59.6.

Other ways VPNs can expose your data

Even if no one has literally hacked the VPN, there are other ways your data can be exposed, such as:

• IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks: VPN connection or browser configuration issues can reveal your real IP address or DNS requests, while WebRTC can sometimes reveal network information directly to websites. You can test for VPN leaks with a tool like IPLeak and report any issues to customer support.
• Poor logging or data handling: A VPN provider may collect, retain, or mishandle connection logs and other user data, potentially exposing information that you expected it to protect.
• Malicious or fake VPN apps: Malicious VPNs can monitor your traffic, collect your personal info, or install malware on your device instead of securing your connection.

Things to check before choosing a VPN

While even a legit VPN can be hacked, providers can reduce the chances of exposing your data. Here’s what to look for:

• Recent independent audits: Anyone can say they’ll secure your data and never log your activity. However, independent security and no-logs audits (no older than two years) can add credibility to those claims.
• Modern, secure VPN protocols: Most VPNs have phased out insecure VPN protocols like PPTP and older ones like L2TP/IPSec in favor of OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard, or proprietary options. Avoid VPNs that still offer easily exploited protocols.
• Regular app updates: With AI finding security holes in software faster than entire research teams, a frequently updated VPN app is more important than ever.
• Clear and specific privacy policy: Your provider should clearly specify what data they collect (if any), including why and for how long, who they may share it with (no vague and unnamed “partners”), and what data they may disclose to authorities in response to a potential legal request.
• Multi-factor authentication: Hackers may target you with phishing scams to steal your VPN and other logins. MFA adds an extra verification step to keep your accounts secure.
• Bug bounty or vulnerability disclosure program: Not every good VPN needs to pay outside researchers to find bugs in their software. Still, the provider should offer a formal way for people to report security problems. See Mullvad’s example.

Can a VPN be hacked? FAQs