How-To Geek - Privacy & Security

You Can Now Sign Into Amazon with Passkeys

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 17:54:11 GMT

Amazon is one of the first major retailers to offer passkey sign-in. You no longer need a password to log into the Amazon website, as you can save a passkey directly to your phone or computer instead. Sadly, Amazon's passkey implementation is a little clunky, and Amazon's apps still lack passkey support.

Tor Browser 13.0 Finally Adds a Landscape Aspect Ratio

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 17:13:46 GMT

The Tor Browser 13.0 update introduces several long-awaited improvements, including a landscape aspect ratio, a fix for the "red screen of death," and several enhancements from Mozilla's Firefox ESR 115. Updated app icons and GUI elements are also part of the mix, though Tor Browser retains its basic look and feel.

How to Delete Your Old Online Accounts (and Why You Should)

Chris Hoffman — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 14:30:33 GMT

You've probably signed up for a lot of online services that you no longer use. Most of those accounts probably still exist, and they likely contain a mix of your personal data, identity details, and credit card numbers. Don't leave juicy targets lying around for attackers.

Vivaldi Will Block Chromium's Data-Collecting Topics API

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 20:13:14 GMT

After several years of thankless work, Google Chrome's Privacy Sandbox is finally coming to fruition. But, despite the inspiring name, Privacy Sandbox is just a targeted advertising scheme that's built into Chrome. While this new user-tracking system is anonymous (and less invasive than the third-party trackers it's replacing), it's obviously very creepy to some people, and it's baked into the Chromium engine. For this reason, Vivaldi is taking steps to block the Topics API, which is the crux of Privacy Sandbox's user-tracking system.

Update Your Apple Devices to Patch a Critical Zero-Click Exploit

Andrew Heinzman — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 14:55:36 GMT

If you own any Apple hardware, it's time for a quick software update. Researchers at The Citizen Lab have discovered a zero-day exploit that allows hackers to install malware on an iPhone without any interaction from the victim. This exploit has already been used to distribute NSO Group's Pegasus spyware. To address the vulnerability, Apple is pushing security updates to the iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch.

Does Discord Notify When You Kick Someone?

Mahesh Makvana — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 16:00:29 GMT

Are you looking to kick someone out of your server and want to know if Discord will notify them of your action? You've come to the right place. Let's explore what Discord alerts users about, what exactly happens when you kick a user, and how to do that in Discord.

How to Remove Your Profile Picture From TikTok

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 12:00:27 GMT

Don’t like your current profile picture on TikTok? Want to go back to the platform’s default picture for profiles? You can replace your current photo with the default one using TikTok’s mobile app or the desktop site on your devices. We’ll show you how to do that.

Blink Security Cameras and Doorbells Are 50% Off for Labor Day

Cory Gunther — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:31:29 GMT

Looking to keep tabs on your home and feel comfortable whether you're home or not? While there are endless options these days, Amazon brand Blink has a wide selection of options for inside, outside, or at your front door. Better yet, Blink's security gear is on sale for Labor Day, where you can get a quality camera for up to 50% off.

Google Photos Update Will Help You Hide Private Pictures

Andrew Heinzman — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 15:00:27 GMT

Back in 2021, Google Photos introduced "Locked Folder," a feature that allows you to hide images behind a password or biometric verification. But Locked Folder has two major limitations — it only works on Android, and it doesn't support cloud backups. That's changing today, as Google announces Locked Folder support for iOS, plus cloud backups for locked photos. (You still have the option to keep locked photos out of the cloud, of course.)

How to See Exactly Where a Photo Was Taken (and Keep Your Location Private)

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:30:26 GMT

Modern smartphones (and many digital cameras) embed GPS coordinates in each photo they take. Yes, those photos you're taking have location data embedded in them — at least by default. You may want to hide this information when sharing sensitive photos online.

How to Make Your Reddit Profile Private

Mahesh Makvana — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 12:00:29 GMT

Don’t want people finding out more about you on Reddit? Want to make your Reddit profile private so people don’t have access to your personal information? If so, we have a few ways to help you make your profile more private on this platform. Let us show you what those ways are.

How to Generate SSH Keys in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Ian Paul — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 15:00:28 GMT

If part of your life includes logging in to a remote server be it for a self-hosted blog, a Nextcloud installation, or sending your latest changes to GitHub, you need SSH keys. In Windows 10 and 11 we are spoiled for choice when it comes to generating new keys.

Proton Reveals What’s Next for Its Password Manager

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 19:10:50 GMT

Proton Pass exited beta testing just two months ago, yet it's already a compelling alternative to traditional password management services. Not only does Proton Pass boast full end-to-end encryption, but it integrates with Proton's suite of privacy-focused apps, particularly Proton Mail. There's just one problem; Proton Pass is still quite simple, and it's missing some important functionality. That's why Proton is sharing a roadmap for upcoming password management features.

WinRAR Has a Severe Security Flaw: Update Your PC Now

Andrew Heinzman — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 16:48:37 GMT

A severe WinRAR vulnerability discovered by Zero Day Initiative could allow hackers to execute arbitrary code on your PC. Users should install the latest WinRAR update (version 6.23) to patch this vulnerability. Note that WinRAR does not offer automatic updates, so this release must be installed manually.

Does WhatsApp Notify When You Screenshot?

Mahesh Makvana — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 12:00:24 GMT

Wondering if WhatsApp notifies people when you take a screenshot of their chat or Status? Curious if you’ll get a notification when someone screenshots your chats or Status? Here's what you need to know about WhatsApp screenshot notification settings.

How to Log Out of Reddit on Mobile and Desktop

Mahesh Makvana — Sat, 12 Aug 2023 12:00:27 GMT

Whether you’re looking to use a different account or you’re giving your device away to someone, it’s easy to log yourself out of your Reddit account on your iPhone, Android, and desktop device. We’ll show you how to sign out of your account and what to do if you can’t find or use the sign-out option. Let’s get started.

Can My Cloud Provider Peek At My Files?

Sydney Butler — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 11:01:59 GMT

We've (almost) all embraced cloud services. Yet, have you ever wondered, "Can my cloud provider see my files?" This isn't just techno-paranoia but a genuine concern. Let's look at how cloud storage may not be as private as you think.

How to Completely Remove Your Online Presence

John Bogna — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:00:28 GMT

Embarrassing old posts, data brokers selling your information, a desire for more privacy; there’s any number of reasons for wanting to erase yourself from the internet. But is it actually possible to delete yourself entirely? The short answer is probably not — but you can make yourself a much smaller target.

Google Will Help Delete Your Personal Data From the Web

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 20:08:14 GMT

It's never a great feeling when you discover your home address, phone number, or private email address somewhere on a public site. It's especially bad when that information is public and you never find out. Google already indexes countless webpages every single day, and now the company is rolling out new privacy tools that will let you know if a site is found with your information.

PSA: Scammers Are Using Parking Meter QR Codes to Rip You Off

Jason Fitzpatrick — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:00:28 GMT

It turns out that parking meter QR codes aren't just convenient for all of us looking to quickly pay for our parking spot, but also for scammers looking to lift your credit card data. Here's what you need to know.

Microphone Jammers Promise Better Privacy, But How Do They Work?

Sydney Butler — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 12:01:29 GMT

Audio jammers, sometimes called "microphone jammers" are interesting gadgets that promise to prevent mics in your vicinity from recording sound. This may feel like something from a Bond novel or comic book advert, but the existence of jammers is no joke.

Here's How Virtual Credit Cards Can Protect You When Shopping Online

Tim Brookes — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 11:00:27 GMT

If you've ever had your credit card or debit card details compromised you'll be well aware of what a hassle it can be. Virtual credit and debit cards can help you avoid financial headaches and your accounts getting locked down by hiding your real card number.

Proton Mail is Fighting Back Against Tracking Links

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:24 GMT

Emails are full of tracking links, especially in newsletters and promotional mailing lists, which can pass sensitive information about you to the sender. They're such a problem that Proton Mail, the privacy-sensitive alternative to Gmail and other email platforms, is trying to prevent it with a new "Tracking Links Protection" feature.

Can Your Typing Style Be a Privacy Risk?

Sydney Butler — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 10:15:47 GMT

The 4 Best Free Password Managers

Tim Brookes — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 16:00:50 GMT

Password managers vastly simplify your life while simultaneously improving your security. They can generate secure passwords and two-factor authentication codes, and make it easy to share credentials. Today we'll look at the best free tools for the job.

Stop Blurring Sensitive Information (Here's How to Do It Right)

Joe Fedewa — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 11:00:16 GMT

When there's something in a photo that you'd like to keep personal---such as a credit card number or someone's face---you might blur it or scribble over it. But that's actually not a secure way to redact information---here's why.

How to Tell If Your Phone is Being Tracked

John Bogna — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:00:53 GMT

Suspicious apps and email messages can harbor spyware designed to hack your phone. Even some standard apps like Find My on iPhone can be used to track you if you're unknowingly sharing your location. So how can you tell if your phone is being tracked? The following signs could be a clue.

Your Weather App Is Spying on You, Here's What to Do

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

You look at your weather app to check for rain and scan the radar, not to be on somebody's radar. But millions of people use weather apps that track them and violate their privacy. Here's why it matters and what to do about it.

Is Hola VPN Safe on Chrome?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 11:00:22 GMT

Hola VPN is a service that advertises heavily across the web, claiming it can help you access sites you normally can't. However, there are some serious issues with the technical side of how it works, not to mention a long history of scandal---all of which raises the question of whether you should use the Hola VPN extension in the first place.

Can a Smartphone Photograph Reveal Your Fingerprints?

Sydney Butler — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:00:33 GMT

Technology continually progresses, and so too do the potential threats to personal digital security along with it. There has been increasing concern about the possibility of fingerprint data being harvested from digital photographs. Is this just techno-paranoia or a genuine privacy risk?

Proton's Subscriptions Are Going Up in Price

Arol Wright — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:52:39 GMT

If you're looking for a comprehensive tech subscription, Proton's is one of the best you can get. The premium version gives you expanded access to multiple services, including Proton VPN, as well as expanded storage and other additions. Now, though, it's going up in price.

5 Browser Security Myths That Need Busting

Sydney Butler — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:15 GMT

Misinformation or outdated advice about online security can make you and your personal data vulnerable. So let's look at five common browser security myths so you can keep your understanding of browser security and the browser itself up to date together.

What Is Red Teaming and How Does It Work?

Gaurav Shukla — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 08:00:45 GMT

Businesses and organizations are under a growing threat of cyberattacks, and red teaming is one of the ways organizations prepare for them. Here's how red teams operate and why they are important.

How VPN Encryption Works

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:00:49 GMT

A virtual private network is a service that lets you connect to servers anywhere in the world, letting you pretend you're somewhere you're not and securing your connection in the process. How does VPN encryption work, though? Here's how it keeps your connection secure.

5 Ways to See If Your Phone Is Being Tapped

John Bogna — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 11:00:00 GMT

For better or worse, our smartphones are always with us, so if someone taps into the camera or mic, it's a serious problem. But how can you tell if your phone is being tapped, and how do you protect yourself?

10 Common VPN Mistakes People Make

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a handy tool. But it's all too easy to use them for the wrong task, misconfigure them, or otherwise make common VPN mistakes. Here's how to avoid them and get the most out of your VPN service.

Which Browser Offers the Best Privacy Protection?

John Bogna — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:00:16 GMT

Each website visit yields valuable data, sold to marketers so targeted ads can follow us around the web --- unless you're using the right browser. But what's the best browser for privacy? There are myriad options other than Chrome or Safari if you're concerned about online privacy and security.

Is a VPN Worth Paying For?

Tim Brookes — Sun, 28 May 2023 07:00:08 GMT

A virtual private network, or VPN for short, allows you to protect your browsing activity by encrypting internet traffic. Unfortunately, VPNs aren't free nor are they foolproof. So is it worth paying for one?

FTP Is Dangerous, Here's Why You Should Use SFTP Instead

Sydney Butler — Wed, 24 May 2023 11:00:55 GMT

In this day and age, data security and privacy are crucial. FTP's outdated and insecure nature leaves your information vulnerable to cyber threats. It's time to embrace the more secure and encrypted alternative, SFTP, to protect yourself.

Proton's New Family Plan Offers Secure VPN, Email, & Storage

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 23 May 2023 08:00:13 GMT

Proton, known for the popular privacy-focused ProtonMail and Proton VPN services, will be launching an industry first today in the form of its Family plan. This plan will offer all the company's major services---Proton VPN, Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar---in one single package for up to six people for just $19.99 per month if you sign up for two years.

What Are Tracking Cookies, Really?

John Bogna — Sun, 21 May 2023 09:00:00 GMT

What sounds delicious and has raised numerous privacy concerns since it was introduced? Why, tracking cookies, of course. Everyone's heard of them by now, but what exactly are tracking cookies, and how do they work?

10 Things You Should Think Twice About Buying Online

Tim Brookes — Fri, 19 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

Online shopping has revolutionized retail, mostly for the better, but some purchases require more care and attention than others. Make sure you do your due diligence when buying online before you fall for a fake or a scam.

How to Spot a WhatsApp Scam

Gaurav Shukla — Thu, 18 May 2023 13:00:16 GMT

From fake tech support to Facebook Marketplace, scammers are trying to deceive unsuspecting users everywhere. And WhatsApp Messenger hasn't remained unscathed. So here are some tips to help you identify a scammer and some common scams on WhatsApp.

How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember It)

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 16 May 2023 16:00:00 GMT

"Be sure to use a strong password" is advice we all constantly see online. Here's how to create a strong password---and, more importantly, how to actually remember it.

Why You Shouldn't Connect to a VPN on Your Router

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 10 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

VPNs are great privacy tools, and connecting to one on your router means that your whole network is protected without any extra steps. However, doing so comes with a number of drawbacks that may make you think twice before setting it up.

Western Digital Confirms Hackers Stole Customer Data

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 08 May 2023 11:38:49 GMT

Back in March, Western Digital revealed it had been hacked, and many of the company's online services were down for two weeks as "proactive measures." Now we know more about what hackers stole from WD customers.

Is Putting Tape Over Your Webcam Actually a Good Idea?

Chason Gordon — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT

When you walk around an office or café, you'll often see people using an array of items to cover up their webcam. Sometimes it's tape, post-it notes, folded business cards, stickers, their thumb, or a marlin. I smear peanut butter over my webcam, but chunky peanut butter. It's more secure than smooth.

How to Detect and Remove a Keylogger From Your Computer

Russ Ware — Wed, 03 May 2023 11:00:32 GMT

Keyloggers can get onto your computer and mobile device in a variety of ways and for several different reasons. Knowing how to detect and remove keylogging software is important for retaining your digital privacy and protecting your sensitive data from being stolen and misused.

What's the Difference Between a DOS and DDoS Attack?

John Bogna — Mon, 01 May 2023 09:00:54 GMT

DDoS and DoS attacks are some of the most common cyberattacks we see, but how do they actually work? We'll break each one down and look at how they differ, plus how you can protect yourself from both.

Here's Why You Should Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Your bank, email provider, and maybe even your favorite gaming platform have prompted you to set up two-factor authentication. If you're a little unclear on what it is or why you'd want to start using it, read on to learn how two-factor authentication can keep everything from your bank account to your game collection more secure.

How to Join or Start a Twitch Watch Party With a VPN

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sat, 29 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT

A Twitch Watch Party is a great way to meet up with friends online and catch up on your favorite shows or new movies together. What happens when you're in different parts of the world, though, and may not have access to each others' streaming libraries? Like with unblocking Netflix, VPNs may provide the answer, though it's not quite as straightforward as you'd like.

8 KeePassXC Features You Should Be Using

Jordan Gloor — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:00:52 GMT

KeePassXC is one of the best password managers out there, known for its (intentional) lack of cloud-syncing. But just because it's offline doesn't mean it's light on functionality. Here are some handy extras that will enhance your security and overall experience of KeePassXC.

AT&T Sells Your Data By Default (Here's How to Opt Out)

Jason Fitzpatrick — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 08:00:48 GMT

If you're an AT&T internet, television, or wireless subscriber, your default account settings allow AT&T to collect and sell your personal data, including web browsing data, to advertisers. Here's how to opt out.

Google Authenticator Adds Cloud Sync for Your 2FA Codes

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 14:38:43 GMT

Google Authenticator used to be a popular option for using two-factor authentication codes on mobile devices, but apps like Authy and 1Password are much better options now. Google is trying to change that by fixing Authenticator's primary limitation.

Proton Just Launched an Encrypted Password Manager

Arol Wright — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:51:15 GMT

Proton started out with just one product --- ProtonMail. Since then, it has moved on to develop a whole suite of secure software. Now, one new tool is joining the rapidly-growing list. Meet Proton Pass, a new secure password manager.

How to Fix an Urban VPN Connection Error

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:00:49 GMT

Urban VPN is a free VPN that offers a lot of locations you can connect to, as well as a wide range of apps for the most common phones and computers. However, there are some issues with Urban VPN, most notably some all-too-common connection errors. Let's go over how to fix those.

What Is "Juice Jacking", and Should I Avoid Public Phone Chargers?

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Your phone battery is low again, and you're miles from your charger at home. There's a public charging kiosk or maybe a USB charging port right at the airport terminal counter you're sitting at. But is it safe to charge your phone with a public port?

What Is an Anti Mining VPN?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 09:00:00 GMT

When shopping for VPNs, you may occasionally come across a service claiming to be an anti-mining VPN. What is an anti-mining VPN, though, and is it an important criterion when considering a purchase?

Proton Mail and Calendar Now Have Better Sharing

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 07:00:37 GMT

Proton might be best known for its VPN service, but the company also makes email and calendar apps with privacy in mind. Now they're more interoperable with your friends and family.

How to Check if Your Password Has Been Stolen

Chris Hoffman — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Many websites have leaked passwords. Attackers can download databases of usernames and passwords and use them to "hack" your accounts. This is why you shouldn't reuse passwords for important websites, because a leak by one site can give attackers everything they need to sign into other accounts.

Why You Should Use a Password Manager, and How to Get Started

Chris Hoffman — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 15:00:00 GMT

The majority of people use very weak passwords and reuse them on different websites. How are you supposed to use strong, unique passwords on all the websites you use? The solution is a password manager.

How to Clear Google Search History

Joe Fedewa — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Google knows a lot about you based on your search history. That's the point of Google Search, to learn about people and serve them relevant advertising. Fortunately, Google offers tools to allow you to remove that knowledge at your leisure.

Private Internet Access Now Gives You Unlimited Connections

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 09:00:36 GMT

Private Internet Access is one of the most popular VPNs, and it's our current budget pick across the best VPN services. Now it's getting even better, with the addition of unlimited simultaneous connections.

Proton VPN Is Coming to Your Web Browser

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 15:53:41 GMT

Proton VPN is one of the best VPN services around, especially since it has integrations with Proton Mail and the company's other privacy-focused products. Now there are official browser extensions for the VPN.

Torrenting on a VPN? Don't Connect to US Servers

Fergus O'Sullivan — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:00:31 GMT

You probably know you need a VPN for torrenting or run the risk of being fined into oblivion. However, just because you're using a VPN doesn't necessarily mean you're safe, especially if you're using servers based in the United States. Here's why.

Using Your Real Email to Sign In? Your Privacy Is at Risk

Jason Fitzpatrick — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:17 GMT

Many people use their primary email to sign in to practically everything. That's a privacy nightmare, and you might be shocked to see how easily someone can use it to effectively stalk you and violate your privacy.

How to Build Your Own VPN Using a VPS

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 09:00:59 GMT

If you're not sure you can trust commercial VPNs, one alternative is to set up a VPN for yourself using a virtual private server, or VPS. With some know-how, you could be up and running in just a few minutes and for just a couple bucks.

What Is a VPN, and Why Would I Need One?

Chris Hoffman — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 16:00:00 GMT

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites, shield your browsing activity from prying eyes on public Wi-Fi, and more.

How to Hide Your IP Address: The 5 Best Ways

Anthony Heddings — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Your IP address is like your public ID on the internet. Any time you do anything on the internet, your IP address lets servers know where to send back information you've requested. Many sites log these addresses, effectively spying on you, usually to deliver you more personalized ads to get you to spend more money. For some people, this is a significant issue, and there are ways to hide your IP address.

How to Browse the Web With Maximum Privacy

Sydney Butler — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 09:00:02 GMT

It seems that the modern web makes it hard to stay private, but there are still ways to make it less likely that anyone can trace you. While no one can promise 100% privacy protection, these tips can maximize your odds.

1Password Wants to Replace Your Password With a "Passkey"

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 11:50:45 GMT

Many devices and web browsers now support passkeys, which are intended as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords. One of the best password managers is now testing passkey support, side-stepping the problem of master passwords.

No, Incognito Mode Won't Protect You When Torrenting

Fergus O'Sullivan — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:31 GMT

Torrenting isn't strictly legal and you might get into trouble for downloading copyrighted material, but thankfully there are ways you can protect yourself. However, your browser's incognito mode isn't one of them, despite plenty of people on Reddit and other advice sites seeming to think so.

5 AI Technologies Hackers Can Use in Terrible New Ways

Sydney Butler — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

AI technologies may be disrupting numerous industries, but at least in most cases, we can see how they'll be more useful than harmful in the long run. However, these new tools are also opening many new opportunities for nefarious types.

How Cheap VPNs Can Cost More Than You Bargained For

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 08:00:21 GMT

Times are hard and money's tight. It's no more than reasonable to want to limit your expenses on certain things and VPNs are as good a candidate as any. Are VPNs something you can skimp on, though? Do you really need to pay $100 per year to get a great VPN?

Do You Really Need to Have Your VPN On All the Time?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:00:19 GMT

If VPN marketing material is to be believed, the only way to stay safe while online is to keep your VPN on at all times. Is that really necessary, though? What are the positives about always having your VPN on, and are there any negatives?

Is Your Phone Listening to You?

Jordan Gloor — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 07:00:30 GMT

We hear it all the time: "I swear my phone is listening to me because I just saw this ad about the exact thing I was just talking about." Online ads undeniably have a way of promoting the same products and services we talk (and think) about. So is your phone really spying on your conversations?

PSA: Your Wi-Fi Camera Might Be Streaming to the Whole World

Jason Fitzpatrick — Sat, 28 Jan 2023 07:00:27 GMT

If you're still using old Wi-Fi security cameras around your home, they might be broadcasting directly to the internet where anybody can watch you.

Why You Should Choose a VPN With Diskless Servers

Fergus O'Sullivan — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:30:00 GMT

If you're shopping for a VPN, there are plenty of criteria to keep in mind, like price, performance, and even the interface. One thing you'll hear about less is the type of servers a provider uses---in particular, a new type called a diskless server, which offers great benefits to both speed and privacy.

How to Pick a VPN for Torrenting

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:00:17 GMT

If you're going to torrent, you're going to need a VPN to protect yourself while doing so. How do you pick a good VPN for torrenting, though, is there something a good torrenting VPN has that others don't? Or is it more about what a VPN doesn't do that makes it good for torrenting?

Can You Use Any VPN for Torrenting?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:00:59 GMT

You may already know you should always use a VPN while torrenting, but you may not be aware that not every VPN fits the bill. Some VPNs, in fact, are so bad that you may not have used one at all. Here's what you need to know.

Do I Really Need a VPN for Torrenting?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 11:00:45 GMT

If you're a torrenter, you probably have heard the many warnings about needing to use a VPN while using BitTorrent to download files. Do you really need to heed these warnings, though, and can you maybe torrent without a VPN?

Torrenting? Here's How a VPN Can Protect You

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 11:00:34 GMT

If you've ever heard of torrenting, using the BitTorrent protocol to download files from the internet, you probably also know that a VPN is the best way to protect yourself from the attention of copyright watchdogs. Why is that, though?

10 Google Account Privacy Settings to Change

Joe Fedewa — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT

Google offers many different services these days, and a single Google account spreads your information across a lot of them. There are some things you can do to lock down security and privacy on your account. We'll show you.

Should You Trust Your VPN?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 09:00:07 GMT

VPNs love to claim that they keep users' data private and their browsing anonymous. However, because of the way VPNs work, you're taking them at their word on most of this, meaning that you're trusting them to keep you safe. Should you, though?

9 Cybersecurity Tips to Stay Protected in 2023

Marshall Gunnell — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT

As new technology emerges, cybersecurity protocols also evolve. However, there are some basic tips you should carry with you everywhere to stay better protected against cyber attacks. Here are some general rules to follow to stay safe in 2023.

6 Essential VPN Features You Should Be Using

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 17:00:00 GMT

If you're using a VPN or planning to sign up to one, there are a few easily overlooked features that will help you make the most of your new virtual private network. Let's take a look at six of them.

You Should Stop Using LastPass

Corbin Davenport — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:42:33 GMT

LastPass used to be one of the best password managers, but more recently, its reputation has taken a hit from multiple security breaches. Now the company has confirmed the last one was really bad.

VPNs: Are Virtual Servers Just as Secure as Physical Servers?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:00:27 GMT

When choosing the best VPN service, you'll likely have found that a minority of VPNs use what are called virtual servers for some locations. What are these virtual servers, and are they as secure as physical ones?

How to Browse the Web Anonymously: A Simple Guide

Fergus O'Sullivan — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 08:00:00 GMT

You're being watched while on the internet. Marketers want to slurp whatever data you generate, while some governments want to make sure you don't visit sites they don't like. Let's go over a few tips for anonymous browsing so you can avoid this surveillance.

What Is a Passkey, and Should You Use Them?

Joe Fedewa — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 08:00:06 GMT

Passwords: We all have far too many of them, and they're probably not nearly as secure as we think. Passkeys are the next evolution of passwords, and they're trying to bring us a more secure, password-less future.

How Advertisers Track You Across the Web (and What You Can Do About It)

Tim Brookes — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Online privacy is a myth. Whether you know it or not, on the internet you're daily served tracking cookies, device fingerprinting scripts, internet service provider super cookies, and more tricks designed to get you to hand over as much data as possible. Here's how these tools and schemes work.

Should You Use Tor Over VPN or VPN Over Tor?

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT

If you've looked into how you can browse anonymously, you may have come across the idea of combining a VPN with Tor. That involves choosing, though, between VPN over Tor and Tor over VPN. Let's go over what these terms mean and which you should use.

LastPass Just Had (Another) Security Breach

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 10:39:01 GMT

The LastPass password manager suffered a security breach back in August, resulting in source code and other proprietary information being stolen, but no account information. Now it has suffered another breach, and this time, some user data was stolen.

Why You Shouldn't Use BitTorrent Over Tor

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sun, 27 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT

If you're looking to get started with torrenting, you probably know that you should use some kind of protection when doing so. However, one of the more popular ways to stay anonymous online, The Onion Router or Tor, is generally not recommended for use with the BitTorrent protocol. Why is that?

How Penetration Testing Keeps Systems Safe

Fergus O'Sullivan — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 08:00:50 GMT

If you're reading about cybersecurity, the term penetration testing will come up as a way to see if systems are secure. What is penetration testing, though, and how does it work? What kind of people perform these tests?

How to Securely Shop Online: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself

Marshall Gunnell — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Cybercrime is an epidemic. In the U.S. alone, nearly half a million complaints are filed about it each year, according to the FBI---and that's just what's reported. Here's how you can stay safe and avoid becoming a statistic.

Why You Should Use a Credit Card to Shop Online

Fergus O'Sullivan — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT

If you're buying anything online, whether it's physical products or digital subscriptions, you may be worried about scams, payment issues, or other shenanigans. There is a simple way to avoid a lot of these issues when paying online, and you likely already have it in your pocket: your credit card.

The Commodore 64 Can Now Be a Two-Factor Authenticator

Corbin Davenport — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:29:46 GMT

The Commodore 64 might be 40 years old, but there's still an active community for developing new games and software for the once-popular 6-bit computer. With the help of a new program, TOTP-C64, the C64 can act as a two-factor authentication app for your online accounts.

Brushing Scams: Here's Why You're Getting Random Packages

Jason Fitzpatrick — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:30:00 GMT

Across the United States and other countries, millions of people are surprised to receive packages they never ordered. In most cases, the source is a scam called "brushing." Here's why you're getting free loot.

Here's When You Should Use Tor Instead of a VPN

Fergus O'Sullivan — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 11:00:00 GMT

If you've been looking into the different ways to browse anonymously, two terms will come up regularly: VPNs and Tor. However, when you compare these two, you'll quickly see that they have very different use cases.