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Did you just come to know about VPNs? No problem! There is a first time for everything. We are here to help! Here we highlight everything a new VPN user must know about the super-useful technology. Let’s get started, shall we?

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN offers protection as you browse over the Internet, by establishing a secure connection on both, public and private networks. A VPN does this, by routing your traffic via different servers around the world and protecting you from any threats lurking around the web – hacker attacks, data theft and more.
People can use a VPN for many purposes including but not limited to, minimizing exposure online, safeguarding their data and gaining access to censored content. Console gamers also use VPN on their PS4 and Xbox One.

Unblocking Streaming Services

Apart from ensuring better security, VPNs also enable you to get your way around any prevalent censorship and access geo-blocked content from around the globe. Do you wish to access the complete Netflix catalog even without residing in the United States? Perhaps, Hulu from around the globe? Normally, you can’t do that owing to the geo-blocks.
However, if you have a VPN for Netflix, you can do just that, i.e. unblock Netflix US from anywhere in the world or access Netflix Japan for instance. Likewise, it can help you efficiently change your location to any other country and unblock just about anything within a span of seconds.

Avoiding Censorship

If you plan on going to a country that has significant internet censorship in place – or currently reside in one – you can solve this problem with a VPN. A reliable VPN can enable you to access the Internet in such a place. Whether you are worrying about the great firewall of China, VoIP apps in Dubai or any other kind of media in Russia; government censorship wouldn’t be a problem for you anymore.

Safe and Unlimited Torrenting

Torrenting itself might not be illegal, but the downloading of pirated content constitutes something illegal. Therefore, many countries have banned the larger torrent sites. ISPs and copyright watchdogs often track the Torrenters’ activity, often resulting in fines and even jail sentences. But a VPN won’t just let you access torrent sites but hide your activity with P2P servers specialized for torrenting.

How can a VPN ensure maximum privacy?

A reliable and trustworthy VPN ensures maximum privacy by not only hiding your IP address but providing other features such as a kill switch that terminates the Internet connection in the event of a connection failure. On the other hand, a 256 – bit military grade encryption ensures that the data is completely secure when being transmitted.

No-Logs Policies

A VPN must have a strong No-Logs-Policy – an absence of which could mean that your online activity might be recorded by the service. The reputed VPN services guarantee that any information pertaining to your connection and bandwidth data will not be collected or stored; through a Zero Logs Policy. This means, your information is secure in case the authorities demand it to be handed over.

You must always opt for a Zero-Logs VPN service provider, unless you have absolutely no interest in leaving no digital footprint.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this article has answered all your pressing questions and given you at least some satisfaction regarding how helpful a VPN app can prove to be for you. So, if you want to unblock streams from the leading streaming giants with fast speeds or want to be left alone with your data or simply believe in an Internet without borders; a solid VPN can help you in this regard.
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Using a password is arguably the most common and popular security measure available for most types of accounts and information storage. But unfortunately, it is often one of the most vulnerable to hackings and other types of cyber-attacks.

A 2016 study revealed that hackers and other cybercriminals usually perform the most significant data breaches with the aim of stealing individual identities. However, after these attacks take place, the most common response from companies is simply to change your password to avoid having it happen to you.


The problem with this is that using a password has a lot of flaws and imperfections. For starters, passwords don’t generally provide a very strong way to identify a person and basically, anyone who gets their hands on a password can simply log on to an account and do or take whatever they wish.

Additionally, an account’s security level is based only on the strength of the password being used. And most of the time, this isn’t a very strong measure since people don’t usually want to remember long strings of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Instead, users typically use a password that is simple and easy to remember. In other words, they unknowingly use something that’s easy to hack.

Because of the deficiencies with using a single password, many companies are now turning to more secure solutions, such as email encryption and multi-factor authentication, to control account access and provide users with alternatives to traditional passwords.

Still, this might leave you wondering what precisely multi-factor authentication is and how it can help improve your online safety and security.

What Is Multi-Factor Authentication?

In simple terms, multi-factor authentication is the process used to identify an individual online by validating more than one claim from several different categories of authentication, which are presented by the user.

The process is also sometimes referred to as advanced authentication, step-up authentication, or two-factor authentication. Regardless, it is simply the means of verifying an individual’s identity by using more than just a simple password as recognition.
In most cases, multi-factor authentication will involve two or more of the following basic elements:

Something is known by the user, such as a PIN or password.
Something owned by the user, such as a mobile device or email account.
A user biometric, such as a fingerprint, facial scan, or voice recognition.

Essentially, the concept of multi-factor authentication understands that no authentication factor is completely secure. In fact, any type of authentication factor will have both its own strengths and weaknesses. However, multi-factor authentication improves identification by using a second or third factor to compensate for the weaknesses of the other factors being used.

By now, it should be easy to see why multi-factor authentication is needed to ensure the safety and security of your online presence. Below, we’ll go over a few of the benefits of using multi-factor authentication.

Increased Security

As we’ve already mentioned, traditional password security is no longer as effective as it once was. Fortunately, multi-factor authentication can supplement a traditional password with an additional factor that cannot easily be guessed, such as a verification code sent to your mobile device or a given biometric factor such as your fingerprint or a facial scan.

These additional factors make it much harder for a cybercriminal to get into your accounts unless they actually possess all the factors required by the system.

Simple Account Access with Single Sign-On Software

Most people assume that using multi-factor authentication will make logging into their accounts a more complicated and time-consuming process. However, the added security of multi-factor authentication allows companies to provide their users will login options such as single sign-on.

Single sign-on, or SSO, is the process of authentication which allows a user to gain access to multiple applications or accounts by using a single set of login credentials. Therefore, once a user is authenticated, they will be logged onto the single sign-on account and will have access to any other apps or accounts that are covered by the software.

One of the biggest challenges in implementing multi-factor authentication is the belief that it will make logging in more complicated. But when combined with software such as single sign-on, multi-factor authentication benefits internet users by making it easier to sign into a variety of different apps at the same time.

Regulatory Compliance

Today, there are many different compliance standards when it comes to organisations that use and store their customer’s sensitive information. And, in many cases, some laws specify the need for these organisations to implement safety features such as multi-factor authentication.

So, not only does multi-factor authentication keep your personal identifiable information safe and simplify logging into your accounts, but it is also a step towards regulatory compliance for most companies and organisations, which ensures that your online safety is held in the highest priority.
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If you are like most people, then you access the Internet to watch funny cat videos, stream TV shows, connect with friends and family on social media, send emails, etc. However, there is a lot more to the cyberspace than you know.
The following are some of the less-known yet amazing things you can do on the Internet:

1. Create Disposable Email Addresses


One of the most annoying things about some websites is that they require your email address for you to download an eBook or access a service. However, you don’t want your inbox to be flooded with all kinds of promotional emails or spam, do you? Well, you don’t have to!
There are a number of websites such as guerrillamail and mohmal that allow you to create disposable/temporary email addresses with temporary inboxes which you can access to retrieve any emails you are sent for meeting the short-term requirements. It’s one of the best ways to stay anonymous online and prevent unnecessary spam, etc. Plus, you don’t have to worry about sharing email addresses with websites that you aren’t familiar with or don’t trust.

2. My Fridge Food

Nothing is more frustrating than coming back to home after a long, hard day only to be welcomed by the inevitable problem- what to cook for dinner? You will be glad to know that the Internet has the perfect solution for this.
The MyFridgeFood website gives recipes based on what’s in your fridge! Yep, all you need to do is name the ingredients you have available and it will scan through its massive database to identify all possible scrumptious meals that you can prepare with just them. Not only this takes the guesswork out of the process, you get to save food by learning about dishes you didn’t even know existed.

3. Use VPN to Unblock Websites


There is insurmountable content on the Internet. However, you may not able to access some portion of it due to geo-restrictions. For instance, one of the most popular networks BBC is blocked for every user outside of the UK. Similarly, there are a number of videos on YouTube which are geo-restricted by the publishers. However, there is an easy solution to this problem- VPN.
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network which is a software or online service that can be used to bypass the location-based restrictions for all kinds of content by using select servers that are located overseas.
You can use a VPN to unblock any web service. You can also it for the following:
  • Safely connecting to public wi-fi hotspots by concealing your identity
  • Paying lower prices for video games, subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.) by using a server in a country that offers lower prices
  • Removing IP-enabled bandwidth restrictions to enjoy a faster Internet connection

4. Fax Zero (free faxes)

Although we live in an age where the primary communication products are emails, video calls, IMs, etc. there are certain events which require you send an actual fax. However, you don’t have to pay a visit to your local office supply store to send one, as the Internet has got you covered.
There are many online services that allow you to send faxes from the comfort of your own house. For instance, FaxZero is a simple and intuitive online tool that allows you to send faxes instantly and easily. Plus, if your fax is less than three pages long and you don't need to send more than 5 faxes a day, then you don’t have to pay a penny or even sign up for the service. It’s easily the most convenient option for your occasional fax needs, and it’s free!

5. Talk to Strangers Anonymously

The concept of online chatting isn’t really new. We have all kinds of social media websites, instant messengers, forums, email services, etc. However, you can also chat with random strangers under full anonymity and without filling out any sign-up forms, etc. Omegle.com is a unique website that emphasizes on quick online chatting service without the users revealing their identities.
As you can imagine, anonymous chatting opens a whole wide range of opportunities and adds a new twist to online communication. You can use these platforms to just strike a deep meaning conversation with someone, get something off your chest, or even make new friends. You can be more open and unrestrained knowing that your true-self won’t be judged- that’s the beauty of it. At any rate, it’s a unique experience that everyone must try at least once.

6. Online Alarm Clock

The standard alarm clock was replaced by smartphone years ago. After all, the mobile gives all these options for setting up multiple alarms with different tones, volume, vibration patterns, etc. However, what are you to you if your phone is discharged or you can’t find it for some reason? If you have your laptop or computer nearby you, then you can set up an alarm in a matter of seconds!
There are many websites that allow you to set alarms in a matter of seconds. For instance, you can go to setalarmclock to set an alarm and choose a tone (Beep, Tornado Siren, Bike Horn, Music Box, etc.). You don’t even need to enter the time manually as the homepage offers a generous number of common alarm times that you can select from.

7. Solve Complex Math Equations

Math equations giving you a hard time? Try Mathway. It’s a nifty Math Problem Solver app which allows you to solve all kinds of math problems under popular subjects including algebra, calculus, statistics, chemistry, trigonometry, etc.
Mathway is essentially a “virtual math tutor” that solves your equations in a step by step manner just like a real tutor. It can even store your problems for future references. Plus, it’s absolutely free! However, if you don’t want to see the third-party advertisements, then you can pay a small subscription fee for a distraction-free experience.
So, there you have it- some of the most amazing things you can do on the Internet you wish you knew earlier! How many are you going to try today?
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Online security has become one of the most talked-about topics. As an Internet user, you must ensure that you stay private and secure online at all times. Large corporations could also be snooping on your data for the purpose of serving you with targeted ads. In addition, governments are increasingly passing restrictive Internet-use laws, which could greatly limit your online freedom. Here are some of the tactics that you can use to maintain your online privacy.

Use of VPNs

Anyone who takes his/her online privacy seriously is likely to use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) when browsing. VPN software encrypts your data pockets into a secure tunnel, thus guaranteeing a secure connection between your device and a remote VPN server. Therefore, all the data that is being transmitted via your network will remain invisible to third parties.
Besides protecting your privacy, VPNs shield you from hackers since it will be extremely difficult for them to track your IP address and hack your network. In addition, VPNs guarantee you an unrestricted browsing experience and unlimited access to information.

Use of Pseudo Accounts

You can also stay anonymous online by simply pretending to be someone else. It is both advisable and practical to adopt pseudo names on some sites as a way of preventing identity theft or unwarranted intrusion. There are several online tools that can help you come up with life-like pseudonyms, personal information, and even fake postal and ZIP codes.
Besides this, you should consider using a different name, especially on social media platforms. You do not need to provide your actual name on sites such as Facebook or Twitter, more so if you think that it may lead to an unwarranted intrusion into your private life. The use of other names other than your own helps you shield your real identity.

Use of Disposable Email Addresses

Many apps and websites require you to sign up with a valid email address before accessing their products and services. Nonetheless, you may end up getting pestered with annoying marketing emails. This is an intrusion into your privacy and can be sidestepped by using disposable email addresses whenever you subscribe to apps or websites.
The disposable email addresses will enable you to access apps and websites without ever revealing your true identity. There are numerous disposable email services to choose from including Mailinator and MailDrop.

Manage and Block Trackers

Most websites that you visit often track your online activity with the objective of determining your browsing habits. This is unethical since you will definitely end up being served with unwanted ads. The trackers that sites use are often invisible. In addition, it is hard to tell when you are being tracked by a website.
You can maintain your anonymity by blocking and managing such trackers with browser extensions, for instance, Ghostery. These extensions reveal the trackers that websites use. Afterwards, you can take control of the trackers by deciding which ones are comfortable to you and which ones you would like to block.

Use Encrypted Email

Contrary to what you may have been made to believe, popular email services such as Yahoo and Gmail are not that privacy-oriented. You will still be served ads and other unnecessary emails once you sign up for these email services. This attests to the fact that they aren’t particularly privacy-friendly. To avoid this, consider email service providers that do not log users’ IP addresses or reveal their data. Keeping your emails encrypted goes a long way in ensuring your online anonymity. You can learn how to send anonymous emails here.

Proxy Servers

Proxy servers are basically computers that can be used to process your online activity. These computers act as intermediaries between your device and the Internet. Using a proxy server is a great way of maintaining your online privacy since it hides your IP address alongside its own.
If the proxy is located in a different country from your own, you will be able to easily fool trackers and websites into thinking that you are in a different location. This prevents you from being targeted with ads thus ensuring a private browsing experience.

Alternative Search Engines and Browsers

Most people use Google whenever they are searching for something online. We cannot deny the fact that the search engine is accurate, efficient, and fast. Nonetheless, Google’s search system is personalized in such a way that it relies on your search history rather than the keywords that you are currently typing in. To avoid this intrusion, you should turn off the personalized search system that Google uses. Besides this, consider alternative search engines such as DuckDuckGo.
It is equally advisable to use alternative browsers apart from popular ones such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, and Firefox. These browsers may not be as secure as you might think since they log your data. To have a more guarded web browsing experience, you should try out browsers such as Dooble and Comodo Dragon since they are privacy-focused.

Conclusion

Your online privacy goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free browsing experience. The tips above help you prevent government agencies, hackers, and corporations from snooping into your online activity.
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Linux is always a better option than other operating systems in terms of security, and it is an ideal OS for the privacy and security conscious user, but the best way to secure your online activity and increase your privacy is to use a good Linux VPN, a Virtual Private Network that encrypts all your internet traffic and prevents monitoring of your online communications. VPNs are useful tools to access business or home networks when you are traveling, and region-restricted websites, hide your browsing activity when you use a public Wi-Fi connection, avoid internet censorship, and download files.


Finding the best VPN Provider for your specific needs can be tricky because all VPN services are unique: they use different encryption methods, have unique software clients, vary in speed, and support different platforms.

How to Start Using a Linux VPN?
To get familiar with the technology, check reviews and recommendations on the web, and only then try a specific provider. Many reputable VPN providers usually offer a free trial of their service, and one of the best options to get started with a Linux VPN is to choose VyprVPN free trial.

VyprVPN is a reliable service with a great balance of innovative features and affordable prices that meet the highest VPN selection criteria. Linux platform is also supported, so this VPN provider can be a good option for Linux users who are usually of low priority for most software developers and VPN providers.VyprVPN works well on Ubuntu and Linux Mint and you can find downloadable Command Line Interface for these Linux distributions on the company’s website. It may also work on some other Debian-based distributions, but they are not supported at this time. You can easily install VyprVPN using detailed instructions in the support sections on the provider’s website. There are set-up guides for OpenVPN and PPTP protocols. If you have some difficulties with installation, you may contact technical support by completing a support form.

Here are the main features that make VyprVPN a perfect choice for any Linux user.
  • It is one of the fastest VPNs as the company has 700+ servers across 5 continents and more than 200,000 IP addresses. The number of servers is constantly increasing. The company guarantees unlimited speed, bandwidth, and server changing.
  • The service allows up to 5 simultaneous VyprVPN connections.
  • The service uses the safest security protocols such as PPTP, OpenVPN, Chameleon, and L2TP and combines them for the best safe connection (for pro and premium members).
  • This is a private encrypted network and no third parties are involved in the operation process.
  • The pricing policy is flexible and there are 3 packages: basic, pro, and premier plans. All the packages have 3-day trial versions. If you subscribe for longer periods, you can save up to 50%. You can pay using your credit card or PayPal.
  • You can find answers to the most common questions in Helper Center Section or contact customer support via email, online chat or by filling the special contact form. The service offers 24 hour emergency support for all time zones.
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If you’ve ever traveled abroad or visited a place where certain websites are blocked, then you know how important it is to have a reliable VPN service. VPNs have grown in popularity over the past few years and for good reason: as people become more aware of the risks associated with their online privacy, they want a way to protect it.

VPNs stand for virtual private networks. They help protect your personal info by encrypting your Internet traffic and anonymizing your personal data. When you connect to a specific VPN server, the IP address becomes your own, and websites think you’re actually in that country.

While they’ve extremely popular among Internet security experts for years, they’re beginning to grow in popularity other demographics, mainly those who tend to travel abroad or those who want to unblock geographically restricted content. Whatever your reasoning may be, it seems like privacy services like VPNs are essential.

But while VPNs are traditionally used to protect your privacy and unblock restricted content, there are others ways they can be used as well.

Here are a few tips to help make the most out of your VPN.


You Can Use a VPN to Save Money on Car Rentals, Flights, and Even Hotels!

Because most pricing websites set their prices based on users’ geographic location, you can actually find cheaper rates by using a VPN. Crazy, right? It’s called ‘price discrimination’, and it’s been happening for years. Fortunately, you can bypass these geographically hiked prices and find the cheapest rates with a VPN.

Here’s how it works:
  • Set your Internet Browser toIncognito Mode and connect to any particular server location.
  • Look up the sites you’re trying to rent from and check their prices.
  • Now close and reopen your incognito browser,deleting the cookies from the sites you visit.
  • Connect to a different VPN location, and search the same sites for prices.

It’s as simple as that! You can check different VPN server locations to find amazing deals. In fact, some people have reported saving thousands of dollars on trips by simply checking prices through different VPN server locations.


You Can Use Your VPN to Help Boost Internet Speeds.

Sometimes VPNs slow your Internet connection, but other times they speed it up. That’s because VPNs encrypt your connection—thereby bypassing common problems like Internet throttling, which usually results in decreased speeds.

If you’re using a paid VPN subscription (and I suggest you do), you should also have the option to switch between protocol options to help improve your browsing. Most VPN services offer three options: OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP. PPTP usually offers the highest speeds, so on the off chance you’re experiencing slowed connections, try switching to that.

You Can Use Your VPN to Make Public Hotspots Secure.

Public places like airports, coffee shops, and restaurants usually offer free Internet. They’re also notorious for having paper-thin security measures. Just last year theEconomic Times published an article on how dangerous public Wi-Fi is. The fact you’re sharing a network with countless other people means your data is at risk.

Luckily, a VPN keeps you safe from these kinds of networks by routing your Internet activity through a separate network. You’re able to browse public Wi-Fi, but you’re surfing secure. Next time you connect to your local coffee shop’s Wi-Fi, make sure your VPN is on and take full advantage of the public network while remaining completely anonymous.

You Can Even Use Your VPN to Create an Entire Privacy Network.

One of the best things about VPNs is the fact that they work on almost any platform. However, not all VPNs work the same. ExpressVPN is a choice in that it works the same on some Internet-enabled platform, some other famous VPNs are OpenVPN, Hotspot Shield, CyberGhost and so on. You can connect most VPNs to your iPhone, your Windows computer, you can even use a VPN router to interconnect all your various devices at once.

With a VPN, you’re able to turn your once-vulnerable home network into an impenetrable fortress.

Use these tips and take full advantage of your VPN. Let us know if you have any tips, tricks, or secrets of your own!
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