VPN appeared on ipad

McAfee and similar security software, intended for iOS/iPadOS, are largely pointless. Unlike traditional computer systems that may benefit from virus-scanning/screening software, this type of software protection is ineffective with sandboxed security architectures employed by iOS/iPadOS

The McAfee App installs a local network proxy on your iPad (or iPhone) - and uses this local proxy to both intercept and redirect your device’s network traffic to McAfee’s servers over a VPN connection. It is for this reason that you see the “VPN” flag.

There are no true Antivirus Products available for iOS/iPadOS. Those that claim to provide AV protection are little more than “snake oil” - and should generally be avoided.

Providing your iPad has been kept up-to-date with system software updates, you should not be overly concerned for your iPad being directly compromised by malware. Due to the sandboxed system architecture of iOS/iPadOS, unless jailbroken your iPad is not susceptible to traditional malware infection per-se.

Yes. Get rid of McAfee altogether. It’s completely worthless, especially on an iphone.