Avira Phantom VPN 2.45.1.24068

Here are recurring questions and related user issues concerning Avira Phantom VPN, focusing on known security problems and breaches:

1. Was there a known vulnerability in Avira Phantom VPN that exposed user traffic?

Yes, a significant vulnerability was identified in Avira Phantom VPN for macOS (up to version 2.23.1). This flaw allowed all IP traffic to the VPN server's IP address to be sent in plaintext outside the VPN tunnel, even if not generated by the VPN client. Additionally, DNS lookups for the VPN server's IP were performed in plaintext. This misconfiguration could enable adversaries to trick users into sending traffic to arbitrary IP addresses outside the encrypted tunnel, compromising user privacy.

More details on NIST

2. Has Avira Phantom VPN been involved in any data breaches?

In September 2023, Avira experienced a data breach where an entity named "Ninja Defender" accessed approximately 8.39KB of data, primarily email addresses. The breach was detected within chat applications, notably Telegram. While the data compromised was minimal, it raised concerns about the security measures in place.

Read more at InsecureWeb

3. Does Avira Phantom VPN use outdated encryption protocols?

Reports have indicated that Avira Phantom VPN utilized the deprecated SSLv2 protocol, which has known security vulnerabilities. Using outdated encryption methods can expose users to potential security risks, as these protocols may not provide adequate protection against modern threats.

TechRadar's overview

4. Is there a kill switch feature in Avira Phantom VPN?

Avira Phantom VPN includes a kill switch feature in its Windows application. This feature disconnects the device from the internet if the VPN connection fails, preventing data leaks. However, this feature is not available on all platforms, which may leave users on other operating systems vulnerable during unexpected disconnections.

Check VPNWiki for details

5. Does Avira Phantom VPN collect user data despite its no-logs policy?

While Avira Phantom VPN claims a strict no-logs policy, it does collect certain user data, including diagnostic information and data consumption metrics. Additionally, the service stores user emails and payment details. Given that Avira is based in Germany, it may be subject to data retention laws, potentially allowing government access to user data under certain circumstances.

Full details on VPNWiki

6. Is Avira Phantom VPN suitable for users in countries with strict internet censorship?

Avira Phantom VPN does not offer specialized servers or obfuscation techniques to bypass internet censorship. As a result, users in countries with strict internet regulations may find the service ineffective in accessing restricted content or maintaining anonymity.

Learn more on VPNWiki

7. Does Avira Phantom VPN support modern VPN protocols like WireGuard?

Avira Phantom VPN supports the WireGuard protocol on its Android application, offering enhanced security and performance. However, this protocol is not available on other platforms, limiting its benefits to Android users only.

Read more at VPNMentor

8. Has Avira Phantom VPN addressed the known vulnerabilities and security issues?

Avira has acknowledged the vulnerabilities and has taken steps to address them in subsequent updates. Users are advised to ensure they are using the latest version of the application and to stay informed about any security advisories issued by Avira.