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VPN: Do You Need One?

How much of your life is on the internet? How much do you communicate online?

If you’re like most of us, you probably reveal much more about yourself than you intended. Your schedule, your relationships, your general location, your political and religious loyalties- all are open to public scrutiny on the web. Skilled hackers can also obtain your credit card, social security, and bank account numbers, plus your identification codes.

The web is notoriously insecure. What’s even more alarming is that your ISP is allowed to sell your browsing history.

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How, then, can you keep your data secure?

One of the most effective methods is the virtual private network (VPN), an encrypted connection between you and the network’s private server. Some experts call such connections “tunnels”. The network masks your identity, because to a hacker or a spy, your web surfing appears to originate from the VPN’s address. It’s highly unlikely your data will be intercepted, especially if the sites you visit are secured with HTTPS protocol. If it is intercepted, though, it’s almost impossible for anyone to trace it back to you.

What level of protection do you need?

How do you know you need a VPN? It depends on how concerned you are about data privacy. If you never use public WiFi networks, you never buy anything online, and you keep a low profile, ordinary internet precautions may be enough. Even in this case, an extra level of protection may be wise.

You certainly should consider a VPN if you use public WiFi. You need to be especially wary on public networks. Not only is public WiFi  vulnerable to spies, some such networks are actually run by the thieves. The Applebee’s name on the network doesn’t always mean Applebee’s operates it. Anyone spying on the airport or coffee shop WiFi, though, will be unable to intercept data you’ve routed it through a VP network.

Consider, also, whether and how often you shop via the internet. Buying online can expose your credit card numbers, bank account numbers, personal I D codes, and other private data.

Finally, what is your profession? What are your hobbies? How do you use social media? If you’re a journalist, a public official, or a celebrity, you could be a high-profile target. Countless people may have powerful incentive to ruin your life, and an insecure web connection may be the opening they need.

 

If any of this applies to you, you need an extra measure of online security. You may need a VPN.

 

(For a secure home internet connection, talk to us. We can help.)

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SECURE BROWSING: CHROME CRACKS DOWN ON UNENCRYPTED SITES

Chrome, the most popular web browser in the world, will soon be getting rough with websites that don’t use proper encryption. Such sites can expose visitors to hacking and malware.

The next version of Google’s famous browser, Chrome 56, will be active in January 2017. The new version will warn web surfers about any sites that are still unencrypted. In a small window next to the address bar, Google will mark such sites as “Not Secure”. This warning will flag any sites using the older HTTP application protocol, rather than the more secure HTTPS. Later, these pages will also be marked with red triangles.

 

WHY CHROME IS CHANGING ITS SECURITY PROTOCOLS

Google’s current method for warning users is very different: a “neutral indicator”. Emily Schechter, an executive in the Chrome Security Team, explained why Google is changing its warning protocols. “When you load a website over HTTP”, she said, “someone else on the network can look at or modify the site before it gets to you.” Attacks via such means are not uncommon.

 

HOW YOU CAN SURF MORE SAFELY

Meanwhile, there are several steps by which you can make your Chrome browsing safer.

The easiest ways are to activate privacy extensions.

Disconnect is an extension that enables blocking of sites that would otherwise track you across the internet. Disconnect will also increase your connection speeds noticeably.

Adblock Plus and uBlock Origin will block autoplay video, pop-ups, and other annoying ads. They will not only keep advertisers from tracking your internet use, they will reduce your data consumption dramatically. If you worry about exceeding your data cap, you need an ad blocker.

Web of Trust is a worldwide community. It rates websites based on user experience. By regularly checking ratings on Web of Trust, you’ll have a better handle on which websites to avoid.

 

VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORKS

Logging in through a virtual private network (VPN) is an advanced approach to browser security. Some people call VPNs ‘the nuclear option’. They require somewhat more effort to set up than the Chrome extensions, and you’d have to pay for the best ones. The advantage of a VPN is that it encrypts your data, then routes it through secure external servers. Nobody- not even the NSA or your internet service provider- knows where you’re going on the web.

 

(For secure browsing, you need a secure internet connection. Talk to us. We can help.)