One thing I don't see talked about very often is the permissions that VPN apps ask for.

A lot of people install a VPN, tap "Allow" a few times and never think about it again. That's understandable, most of us just want the VPN connected as quickly as possible.

But if you've ever looked through your phone's permission settings, you might have wondered why a VPN app needs access to certain things. Are those permissions actually required or are they collecting more information than necessary?

After reading through documentation from several VPN providers and comparing how Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS handle VPN apps, here's what I found.

First, not every permission comes from the VPN company

This is probably the biggest misconception.

Some permissions are required because of how the operating system creates a VPN connection. Others are optional features that you can choose to use or ignore.

So seeing a permission request doesn't automatically mean the VPN is doing anything suspicious.

Common permissions you'll see

VPN Connection Permission

This is the permission everyone sees.

On Android and iOS, the system asks whether you want to allow the app to create a VPN connection. Without this permission, the app simply can't function.

Verdict: Completely normal and required.

Network Access

A VPN obviously needs internet access to connect to its servers and route your traffic.

Without it, the VPN wouldn't be able to encrypt or transmit anything.

Verdict: Required.

Notification Permission

Many VPN apps ask to send notifications.

These are usually used for things like:

• Connection status
• Kill Switch alerts
• Subscription reminders
• Security warnings

If you don't want notifications, you can usually disable them without affecting the VPN itself.

Verdict: Optional.

Location Permission

This is the one that confuses people the most.

Some VPN apps request location access not because they want to track where you are but because Android ties certain WiFi related features to location permissions.

Features like automatically connecting on public WiFi may rely on this.

If the app doesn't explain why it needs location access, it's worth looking into before granting it.

Verdict: Sometimes legitimate, depending on the feature.

Files and Storage

Some VPN apps ask for storage access.

Possible reasons include:

• Exporting diagnostic logs
• Importing VPN configuration files
• Downloading certificates

If the VPN doesn't offer any features that involve files, this permission is worth questioning.

Verdict: Sometimes necessary.

Accessibility Permission

This is one permission I'd be much more cautious about.

Accessibility access gives apps broad control over parts of your device. Most VPNs don't need it for normal operation.

If a VPN requests Accessibility without clearly explaining why, I'd want a very good reason before enabling it.

Verdict: Investigate before allowing.

Contacts, Photos, Camera or Microphone

For a standard VPN service, these permissions usually aren't necessary.

There can be exceptions for example, scanning a QR code to import a configuration or attaching screenshots to a support ticket but they shouldn't be required just to use the VPN.

If a VPN insists on these permissions without explaining why, I'd be skeptical.

Verdict: Generally unnecessary for core VPN functionality.

Permissions vary depending on the platform

You might notice that the same VPN asks for different permissions on different devices.

For example:

• Android tends to expose more individual permissions.
• iOS keeps many permissions more tightly controlled by the operating system.
• Windows and macOS usually rely more on system level networking permissions than app specific prompts.

So don't be surprised if the Android version requests more permissions than the iPhone version.

A few good habits

Whenever I install a new VPN, I usually check these things:

• Read the explanation before granting any permission.
• Only enable optional permissions if I actually plan to use the related feature.
• Review permissions again after major app updates.
• Download VPN apps only from official app stores or the provider's website.
• If a permission seems unrelated to networking or security, look for an explanation before approving it.

Should you worry?

In most cases, no.

A reputable VPN needs certain permissions to create a secure tunnel and manage your connection. That's completely expected.

The bigger concern isn't that a VPN asks for permissions, it's whether those permissions make sense for the features the app provides and whether the provider is transparent about why they're needed.

If an app requests broad access without any explanation, that's usually a better reason to pause than the permission itself.

Not "bad."

Just something that gets a lot more attention and budget than the actual risk reduction it provides.

Interested to hear answers from people working in security operations, GRC, cloud security, and engineering.

I have a feeling this could get controversial.

So I was on VC with a friend last night and watched him auto farm while literally lying in bed on his phone, and now my caveman brain wants that too.

I mostly exploit on PC with the usual stuff, but lately I’ve been playing way more on my Android and iPad because my laptop fans sound like a jet. I started googling around for mobile script executors and saw people talking about things like Delta Executor and similar apps that claim cross-platform, key system, script hubs, etc.

Problem is, I keep seeing mixed opinions - some say mobile executors are patched every other day, others say they’re fine if you don’t go full rage and keep scripts simple. Maybe I’m overthinking this but I don’t feel like getting my main yeeted.

So a few questions: are mobile executors actually safe-ish in 2026 if you’re smart about it? Any you’d recommend or avoid for stuff like basic autofarm/ESP/teleport? How annoying are the key systems in practice?

Would love real experiences, not YouTube “100% UNPATCHED” kids.

I’ve been putting together a study tool while preparing for CompTIA exams, mostly to organize my own studying. It’s reached a point where I’m wondering if the features would actually be useful to other people or if I’m overcomplicating it.
For those of you who have passed A+, Network+, Security+, or other CompTIA certifications, what features did you find most helpful when studying? Was it practice questions, flashcards, study plans, labs, explanations, or something else?
I’d really like to hear what worked for you and what you think existing study resources are missing. Any feedback is appreciated.

With excitement around GTA 6 continuing to build, cybersecurity researchers are warning that scammers are taking advantage of the hype by creating fake websites that promise early access, beta invitations or exclusive versions of the game.

According to recent reports, some of these sites look surprisingly convincing using AI generated artwork and GTA themed branding to appear legitimate. Victims are then asked to pay in cryptocurrency often hundreds of dollars for supposed early access or special editions that don't actually exist. Instead of getting the game, many users end up receiving nothing or are tricked into downloading malware.

Researchers also found fake PS5 and Xbox beta offers, malicious PC downloads disguised as updates and counterfeit mobile apps designed to display ads or install unwanted software. In some cases, the scams are aimed at stealing login credentials or other sensitive information.

The warning comes down to one simple point, if a website claims to offer unofficial GTA 6 access in exchange for crypto or asks you to download files from an unknown source, it's almost certainly a scam.

With one of the biggest game launches in years on the horizon, it's probably worth being extra cautious and relying only on official announcements and trusted storefronts.