Attention those using VPNs to access Instagram...

Access to the social media platform Instagram was blocked in Turkey by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (BTK) on the morning of August 2.

In Turkey, which is the 5th country with the highest number of Instagram users at 57 million 100 thousand, many users looking to bypass the access block have turned to VPN (Virtual Private Network) applications. However, free VPN services in particular carry serious security vulnerabilities and risks.

Making statements on the subject, Ethical Hacker Tamer Şahin said, “The biggest risk of connecting via VPN is that internet traffic can be monitored. They can see all the sites you visit and seize passwords. They can also seize personal information. They can see the sites you visit and what searches you make on Google.

They can control your internet life. There are those who have had all their data stolen while logging into Instagram. VPN data leaks are marketed as ‘200 million users' data leaked. Internet history leaked.’ There is a very high profit here,” he said.

Stating that there are numerous VPN software programs available, Şahin continued his warnings as follows:

“There are VPNs embedded within the software we use on the internet; they are very cheap because they collect data. They share this data with advertisers, sell it, use it for statistical purposes, and exploit it through illegal means.

Networks that are neither secure nor fast are eventually hacked. It then turns out that they have recorded every website visited by the people connected to them. You install a VPN to access Instagram, but when that VPN remains active, you could lose your personal information when you log into internet banking or e-Devlet.”

Prof. Dr. Levent Eraslan, President of the Social Media and Digital Security Education and Research Center, listed the risks and problems in four points:

“Privacy issues: Free or unreliable VPN providers may collect your data and share it with third parties. This can lead to the misuse of your personal information.

Security vulnerabilities: VPN applications containing malicious software can infect your device and steal your data.

Slow connection: Some VPNs may slow down your internet connection and negatively affect your Instagram experience.

Legal issues: In some countries, the use of VPNs may be subject to legal restrictions.”

According to a report by Milliyet, Tamer Şahin stated that intelligence agencies also produce and distribute these reliable-looking software programs, and monitor the internet traffic of those who install them for free, adding, "When we look at app stores right now, we see that VPN software has suddenly entered the top 10 on both Android and iOS, replacing games. There is currently a major race to seize data."

The penalty for the crime of fraud through information systems includes a prison sentence ranging from 4 to 10 years. In addition to this sentence, a judicial fine of no less than twice the benefit obtained from the crime may also be imposed.