Look into free or low-cost VPN services that offer transparent, secure, and legitimate services. Many reputable VPN providers offer free trials or limited free plans.
When you download a "cracked" executable file, you are essentially running software from an unverified third party. Because Proton VPN is open-source and highly secure, the only way to "crack" it is to modify the application's core code. This leads to several major risks:
Downloading and installing cracked software comes with a significant risk of malware infection. These cracks are often repurposed by malicious actors to distribute harmful software, potentially leading to data breaches or the compromise of sensitive personal information.