Should Every Smartphone User Have a VPN Installed?
Massive data breaches happened in 2024, from X (formerly Twitter) to the AT&T data breach. Both of these relate to the smartphones we use daily, with consumer data like email addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, and birthdays stolen. Again, all data is connected to our everyday smartphone use.
With that in mind, we can assume our smartphones are more vulnerable than we can imagine – or perhaps smartphone users are the ones creating the risk.
Read on to learn whether every smartphone user should have a VPN installed.
Should Smartphone Users Use a VPN?
The short answer is yes. Considering the current cybersecurity landscape, it’s recommend that every smartphone have a VPN. For example, you can get Surfshark in minutes; it's not a tricky process, but it could have endless benefits. Every year, smartphone security technology and software get better and stronger, yet, year after year, cyberattacks are skyrocketing.
Some of the latest data from Forbes revealed in May 2025 that 21% of people use a VPN on their smartphone at least once per day. The uptake in usage is thanks to the fact that a lot of devices now come with VPN packages as a perk and, sometimes, services like online banks provide a free subscription.
To combat the growing surge in mobile-related cyberattacks, users must be equipped with stronger protection, encryption, and overall security while browsing.
Standard Smartphone Security Technology and Software
Let's compare the latest mobiles: the Samsung S25 and the Apple iPhone 16 (standard models).
- Samsung S25: This device uses a multi-layered security platform called the Samsung Knox that prevents malware and hacking attempts. Within the technology is the Knox Vault, an even more secure location for users to store sensitive data, and a Secure Folder section for encrypting specific data like files. It also uses AI-powered security features.
- iPhone 16: The iPhone 16 doesn't have a fancy name for its software, but it does use Secure Enclave, safety checks, lockdown mode, and automated security updates.
Despite the technology, we wouldn’t say either is exactly ‘excellent protection’. These are, despite the fancy names, standard smartphone security features that simply aren’t protecting smartphone users enough.
Hackers can still bypass security features, and users still make themselves more vulnerable by visiting spam websites and clicking on clickbait phishing emails. No basic smartphone security feature can stop that.
Looking more generally at every smartphone brand, devices only come with basic security features; some you’ll recognise include:
- Biometrics
- Automatic security updates
- Encrypted storage
- Password managers
What Not to Do With Your Smartphone
Even a VPN will only do so much. There are some essential tips we have for you about what not to do with your smartphone to protect yourself and your data:
- Don't use public Wi-Fi; use secured networks and a VPN.
- Don't click on spam emails or links from a source you don't recognise.
- Don't install suspicious apps with zero reviews, unusual requests for personal information, and unnecessary permissions.
- Don't follow spammy streaming links.
- Don't use public charging points if they ask you for your personal information before starting charging. ‘Juice Jacking’ is a new trend where attackers install malware onto a device using these charging points;
- Don't have your hotspot turned on and open to anyone.
The list of don'ts could go on forever.
A VPN on your smartphone gives you the guaranteed network security you need to browse securely using the latest encryption technology.
You can use them anywhere, on the go, and toggle them on and off for your convenience. They're an excellent tool that's easy to download and inexpensive, so what are you waiting for?
