According to the business magnate, the implementation of end-to-end encryption would add a layer of protection to Twitter DMs, making it impossible for anyone to hack or spy on private messages.

End-to-End Encryption for Twitter DMs

“Twitter DMs should have end-to-end encryption like Signal, so no one can spy on or hack your messages,” Musk tweeted on Thursday.

Twitter’s DM feature has long been criticized for lacking end-to-end encryption — a key security feature that other platforms, such as WhatsApp and Zoom, have.

The implementation of end-to-end encryption on Twitter would certainly be welcomed by its hundreds of millions of users as this increases privacy and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. It may also address some of the compliance issues the company has had with European authorities.

Twitter has been the target of multiple cyberattacks over the years, including a Bitcoin scam in 2020 that saw criminals hack the accounts of multiple public figures. Also, in 2020, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) fined the social media platform €450,000 for failing to meet its data protection regulations.

Elon Musk’s Twitter Acquisition

Twitter announced that it reached a definitive acquisition agreement with Musk on Monday. The deal, which is worth approximately $44 billion, comes down to $54.20 per share.

“The Twitter Board has reached an agreement with @ElonMusk,” a tweet by Twitter chairman Bret Taylor said.

The acquisition deal is pending regulatory approval. It is expected to be completed within six months, after which Twitter will become a privately-held company.

Musk has been a vocal critic of Twitter’s moderation policies. After the announcement of his successful bid to take over the company, Musk, in a series of tweets, emphasized that his goal is to protect free speech.

“For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral, which effectively means upsetting the far right and the far left equally,” he tweeted.

According to Musk, freedom of speech on Twitter is crucial to have a functioning democracy in the US and other countries across the world. “The civilizational risk is decreased the more we can increase the trust of Twitter as a public platform,” Musk said during an interview at TED 2022.

“Twitter has become kind of the de facto town square, so it’s really important that people have both the reality and the perception that they can speak freely within the bounds of the law,” he explained.

Twitter’s co-founder Jack Dorsey appears to be happy with Musk’s takeover of the company. “Twitter as a company has always been my sole issue and my biggest regret. It has been owned by Wall Street and the ad model. Taking it back from Wall Street is the correct first step,” Dorsey tweeted.

“Elon is the singular solution I trust,” he added.

Whether Musk plans to address the rampant misinformation, harassment, and spread of harmful content on Twitter remains to be seen.

On Thursday, in the wake of the monumental deal, Twitter revealed that its revenue climbed to $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2022, an increase of 16% year-over-year.

The company’s quarterly report also showed that its monetizable daily active users rose to 299 million, a 15.9% growth from the first quarter of 2021.

What is End-to-End Encryption?

Encryption is fundamental for keeping data safe online, and end-to-end encryption is particularly important for upholding user privacy on messaging platforms. End-to-encryption secures user data during transit by enciphering it. This prevents unauthorized third parties from gaining access to or decoding it.

If you’d like more information about apps with end-to-end encryption like Signal or WhatsApp, check out our article on the top encrypted messaging apps.

If you’d like to improve your data safety while using Twitter, consider using a VPN. Check out our guide to the top VPN providers of 2022 if you need a recommendation.

The post Twitter DMs Should Have End-to-End Encryption, Says Elon Musk appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

According to Microsoft’s report, the cyber and military attacks together have aimed to “degrade or disrupt” Ukraine’s government and military.

Russian Hackers Conducted 237 Operations Against Ukrainian Targets

At the outset of the invasion, many pundits expressed their surprise at the low number of disruptive or devastating cyberattacks from Russian threat actors. However, in the following weeks, Microsoft has provided a more extensive look at Russian cyber operations in Ukraine than ever before.

Microsoft found that at least six Russian state-linked hacking groups had similar targets as the Russian military. It is currently unclear if the two are actively coordinating, or are working independently on a common set of targets. However, it is likely that Russia wants to undermine Ukraine’s political will and cripple its resistance through a highly-synced effort.

“Russia’s use of cyberattacks appears to be strongly correlated and sometimes directly timed with its kinetic military operations,” Microsoft vice president Tom Burt said.

Microsoft has worked with Ukrainian cybersecurity officials and private sector organizations to defend against cyberattacks. Its report provides a detailed analysis of Russian cyber operations during the first month of its invasion of Ukraine.

Over 40% of Destructive Attacks Aimed at Critical Infrastructure

Microsoft added that Russian cyberattacks have “had an impact in terms of technical disruption of services and causing a chaotic information environment.”

However, it has not been able to determine the larger strategic impact so far. On the positive, its report provides crucial information about Russian attacks and targets. By and large, national government entities were targeted, while IT services, the energy sector, media and communications outlets, and nuclear facilities also found themselves in the crosshairs.

Below are some insightful points from the report:

• Organizations in critical infrastructure sectors were targets of over 40% of the destructive attacks. Any harm to these entities could have “negative second-order effects on the government, military, economy, and people.”
• Ukrainian government organizations (national, regional, and city-level) were targets of 32% of destructive incidents.
• With each wave of malware deployment, the threat actors slightly modified the malware to evade detection. Microsoft estimates there have been “at least eight destructive malware families deployed on Ukrainian networks, including one tailored to industrial control systems (ICS).”

Microsoft believes that the threat actors will deploy more destructive malware if they manage to maintain their existing levels of productivity.

Statement from Senior Ukraine Government Official

Speaking on the correlation between the Russian military and cyber warfare, Victor Zhora, a senior Ukrainian government cyber official, said it is more prevalent in attacks on telecom infrastructure in some sectors.

“Ukraine was, unfortunately, kind of a playground for cyber weapons over the last eight years,” Zhora commented. “And now we see that some technologies that were tested or some of attacks that were organized on Ukrainian infrastructure continue in other states,” he added.

Zhora also spoke about the dangers posed by Russian hackers and the resilience of Ukrainian network defenders. “They continue to threaten democracies, threaten Ukrainian cyberspace. Nevertheless, I don’t think they can scale their cyber warriors or they can use some completely new technologies that can attack Ukrainian infrastructure,” Zhora said.

Russia continues to wage an information war alongside its military and cyber operations in Ukraine. Over the last few weeks, the country has taken a series of measures that severely restricts access to uncensored information. If you want to learn how you can bypass censorship in Russia, check out our article on how to get a VPN that works in the country.

The post Russia Has Battered Ukraine with Destructive Cyberattacks, Microsoft Says appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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What Is a Browser Hijacker and How Do I Remove One? — A Quick Guide

Browser hijackers can be downright annoying, with the malicious software spamming you with ads, tracking your browsing activity, and hijacking your search engine. Worse still, some browser hijackers can pave the way for more malware to be installed on your device. Some common examples include:

• Ask Toolbar
• CoolWebSearch
• Coupon Server
• GoSave

Fortunately, you can remove malware, including browser hijackers, from your system, either by uninstalling them or by using good antivirus software.

To protect yourself from browser hijackers and other forms of malware, it’s always wise to use a VPN. NordVPN is an excellent VPN that comes with Threat Protection built-in, which protects your computer in real-time from harmful threats.

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For more information on how to remove browser hijackers, check out our full article below.

New types of malware are detected almost regularly. In 2020, SonicWall recognized more than 268,000 different types of malware variants. That number’s likely to have gone up in 2022. Browser hijackers are just one of the many new types of malware used today, and worse still, many of them pass off as genuine software.

In this article, we’ll answer the titular question: what is a browser hijacker and how do I remove one? We’ll also cover examples of the most common browser hijackers so that you know what to look for and how to keep your devices secure.

What Is a Browser Hijacker?

Browser hijackers are a type of malware (malicious software) that can quite literally hijack your internet browser. Once infected, hijackers forcibly change your web browser’s settings without your approval.

Some browser hijackers are more annoying than dangerous, generating tedious pop-up ads that provide marketing income for the creator. These hijackers, which are a form of adware, can be irritating, as they make it difficult to browse content without interruptions.

However, others are far more malicious and can capture data entered into the browser through a process known as keylogging. Some can even introduce malware into your computer.

4 Common Browser Hijackers

To help you identify browser hijackers and avoid installing one by mistake, we’ve covered some of the most common types below. If you spot any of these on your computer while installing new software or browsing the web, check out our guide on how to remove browser hijackers further down in this article. Typically, a browser tracker will fall into one of three categories:

• Adware: Adware is designed to spam you with advertisements in the hope you’ll part with your money. By clicking on adware pop-ups, you’re putting money directly into the pockets of the people who create these frustrating tools. And aside from being irritating, they consume lots of resources, slowing down your computer.
• Trackers: Trackers do exactly what they say on the tin; they track your activity online, keeping logs of everything you do online. This includes keeping detailed records of your browsing history, IP address, search history, and more. They use this information to send targeted advertisements to unsuspecting individuals. Your details could also be resold to third parties.
• Malware: The most malicious browser hijackers can install malware onto your computer. This could lead to worse problems such as identity theft or even ransomware that locks you out.

To give you an idea of what you’re looking out for, we’ve detailed some of the more common browser hijackers below.

1. Ask Toolbar

When you install new software onto your computer, you might notice the installation wizard asking if you’d also like to install the Ask Toolbar. If you agree, it’ll automatically change your default search engine and your homepage. This toolbar is an example of a browser hijacker that hides in plain sight.

You may remember an online company called Ask Jeeves from the early days of the internet; this is the same company, rebranded. The toolbar is well-known for filling your browser with adware, failing to return comprehensive search results like Google would, or simply redirecting your searches to sponsored websites.

2. CoolWebSearch

This hijacker is a type of spyware that’s capable of taking over your search engine, and it can infect any popular browser, including Chrome and Firefox. It’ll redirect your search engines so that they’re forced to use the CoolWebSearch engine, which gathers marketing revenue and logs your search activity.

You could even find your internet browser’s favorites and browsing history filled with adult content and sponsored websites. It uses various techniques to prevent removal, especially since it’s bundled with other programs that you might accidentally install.

3. Coupon Server

This is another type of adware, and as the name suggests, spams you with pop-up windows that offer money-saving coupons and other shopping links. Unfortunately, these links redirect you to even more adware and spyware. You may also be forcibly directed to the Coupon Server homepage, which has been camouflaged to look like a search engine.

4. GoSave

Like Coupon Server, GoSave promises discounts for online shopping, but they’re obviously false. Instead, you’ll be hounded by online advertisements that spam your search queries and other activities online. What’s more, if you follow any of the links, there’s a risk of a serious malware infection too. This hijacker can also capture information including your IP address, cookies, and other browsing data.

Browser hijackers on Mac

Since Apple’s operating system is quite different from Windows or Android, the browser hijackers that target Macs are a little different. If you’re using a Mac, you should also be on the lookout for the following malicious toolbars:

• Search Baron
• Safe Finder
• Trovi
• Weknow.ac
• Bing Redirect

Bear in mind that you might want to do a review of your Mac’s security settings, as, for example, Mac’s firewall is typically disabled by default on new machines. We’ve written an article on how to change your Mac’s privacy settings.

7 Tips To Protect Your Browser From Hijackers

While you can’t guarantee that you’ll never unwittingly download a browse hijacker, there are some good cyber hygiene habits you can follow to avoid falling victim to unwanted browser malware. Below, we’ve detailed some tips that will help you to prevent browser hijacking and ensure that your web browser remains secure:

1. Avoid links, attachments, and downloads from suspicious sources

When it comes to cybersecurity, this is a general rule that you should follow. Avoid downloading software from unknown sources. Also, start using a private search engine.

2. Always check what you’re installing

As we’ve mentioned above, some software installation wizards will offer you browser toolbars and extensions. Make sure you read the instructions on-screen and deselect any checkboxes that are automatically ticked for you.

3. Be wary of free software repositories

Be careful when downloading new software from the web. While you may find a legitimate download for the software you want, it’s not uncommon for browser hijackers to be packaged alongside software.

4. Choose a secure browser

Ideally, you should be using well-known and trusted internet browsers, such as Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari. However, not all of these browsers are perfect in terms of privacy and security. It’s best if you use dedicated browsers for privacy.

5. Keep your browser up to date

In addition to running regular updates, make sure that you keep your internet browser up to date. Hackers continually discover new exploits and vulnerabilities, so it’s essential to update your browser.

6. Turn off JavaScript

JavaScript is used by many programs to deliver interactive web content, but it can also be abused by malicious actors. By disabling Javascript, you can reduce the number of risks that you’re exposed to when browsing the internet, though it will affect site functionality.

7. Use antivirus software and a VPN

The best antivirus software offers increased protection against online threats beyond simple device scanning, including extensions that detect malware in real-time.

Of course, even when you use cybersecurity software and follow all of the cyber hygiene habits outlined above, there’s still a risk of infections. Below, we’ll outline the warning signs that tell if your browser has been hijacked.

One of the best ways to protect your computer from browser hijackers is to use a VPN with cyber security features built-in. NordVPN is an excellent VPN that prioritizes user security. It’s got an extensive server network and uses the latest security technologies.

More importantly, NordVPN offers Threat Protection, which stops you from downloading malicious software. It also prevents you from landing on harmful sites and blocks any intrusive ads or trackers on the spot.

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How To Tell if Your Browser Has Been Hijacked

Fortunately, most browser hijackers will show one or more telltale signs that they’ve made their way onto your computer. It might be time to understand how to remove a browser hijacker if you notice one or more of the following signs:

• Webpages loading slower than you’re used to
• Constant pop-up advertisements that follow you from site to site
• Your default search engine, for example, Google, has been replaced by something else
• New icons or toolbars appearing in your browser

However, bear in mind that not all browser hijackers will signpost their arrival on your device. If a browser hijacker infects your internet browser but doesn’t give away its presence, it’s possible that the malware may spy on your internet activities.

In this case, it could be gathering data, installing tracking malware on your device, or recording information that you input into websites, such as keystrokes. Keyloggers are a serious problem, and often hide their presence. In either case, it’s time to remove the browser hijacker from your computer.

How To Remove a Browser Hijacker

The good news is that most browser hijackers can be simply uninstalled from your device without much effort. Below, we’ve covered the steps to follow to remove browser hijackers from popular browsers.

How to remove a browser hijacker from Google Chrome

1. Start by opening the Chrome browser on your computer.
2. Click on the menu (3 small dots) and then Settings. On Mac, you’ll have to choose “Chrome” and then “Preferences” at the top of your screen while the browser is open.
3. Scroll down a little, then select “Advanced.”
4. Select “Reset settings” and then “Restore settings to their original defaults.”
5. Finally, click on “Reset settings” one final time to confirm. This will clear your cookies and remove any browser hijackers, though bear in mind that it’ll remove any of your legitimate Chrome extensions too.

How to remove a browser hijacker from Firefox

1. Start by opening Mozilla Firefox on your computer.
2. Open the menu (3 small lines) and then choose “Help.” On Mac, you’ll need to click “Firefox” and then “Preferences.”
3. Now, choose “More troubleshooting information.”
4. Finally, select “Refresh Firefox” to reset your browser to its original settings and remove any unwanted extensions or trackers.

How to remove a browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge

1. Start by opening Edge on your device.
2. Locate “Settings” within the three-dot menu, similar to Chrome. On Mac, again, you’ll click on “Edge” and then “Preferences” first.
3. Click on “Reset settings” in the menu on the left-hand side.
4. Finally, click on “Restore settings to their default values” to reset your browser to factory defaults.

How to remove a browser hijacker from Safari

1. Click on “Safari” at the top of your screen while Safari is open.
2. Select “Preferences” next. As a side note, in the “Privacy” menu, you can disable Javascript if you like.
3. Click on “Extensions” and look for any unwanted browser hijackers or toolbars that are visible here.
4. 
5. Choose to “Uninstall” any unwanted extensions after selecting them to remove them from Safari.

However, bear in mind that this may not get all browser hijackers if you’re dealing with some of the sneakier, more malicious hijackers. In this case, follow the steps below to be sure:

1. Click on the small Apple icon at the top of your screen.
2. Select “About This Mac” (which may be “Overview” on some devices) and then choose “System Report.”
3. Under the “Software” parent menu, select “Applications.”
4. 

It’s always wise to be vigilant. We’ve given you the names of some of the most common browser hijackers. However, pay attention to any software you don’t recognize and verify its purpose using Google.

If in doubt, drop us a comment below, and we can tell you whether you have malware that needs to be removed!

Final Thoughts

While browser hijackers can pass themselves off as innocuous tools that are offered alongside legitimate software, you should never install unknown software onto your device. The consequences could range from minor annoyances to full-blown identity theft, and you could be paving the way for other malware infections.

Instead, follow our advice on how to remove a browser hijacker if you start noticing any of the common signs that we’ve outlined above. You should also familiarize yourself with good cyber hygiene habits, in addition to ensuring that you’re using a combination of the best cybersecurity tools to keep yourself safe online.

The post What Is a Browser Hijacker and How Do I Remove One? appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

We discovered that transaction logs and personal identification were stored in an insecure manner. We notified Grink, and they closed the breach as swiftly as possible.

Several Thousand Switch Financial Transactions Exposed

We found thousands of transaction logs in an unsecured Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 bucket. In the logs, we found personally identifiable information (PII) of Switch users.

These logs have details about financial transactions, including names, email addresses, and amounts. We also found documents that appear to be used by Switch to verify its users.

Subsequently, this breach revealed messages between users in the comments field, tied to each user by name. We found that a total of 4,765 Switch users were affected, and 127 verified users had their documents exposed. 

Driver’s Licenses of Verified Users Leaked

The documents that Grink accidentally published include driver’s licenses and passports belonging to individuals in the United States.

The leaked images above are samples of high-resolution photos of ID cards that are required by some fintech apps to verify their users. Such sensitive data should always be encrypted if it’s retained at all.

Timeline of the Breach

Our security team has outlined a specific timeline ranging from breach discovery to the closing of the breach by Grink. Our VPNOverview security team notified Grink of the issue, which resulted in them securing the exposed files. The following is a timeline of the process:

Note: Grink updated their bucket security 22 days after we notified them of the breach.

Stolen Documents Are a Cybercriminal Favorite

Some forms of PII have more value to cybercriminals than others in identity theft operations. Sensitive documents, like driver’s licenses and passports, can be used to commit fraud.

Statistically, email addresses and account passwords are less valuable to cybercriminals because they do not always provide immediate ROI (Return on Investment) like the former. Albeit, email addresses can be used in many ways to conduct a very common form of social engineering cybercrime known as phishing. 

For example, during the peak moments of the pandemic, cybercriminals used compromised driver’s licenses to steal unemployment benefits. These documents can also be used to cash a check, verify a criminal’s identity when boarding a plane, or open bank accounts.

Furthermore, driver’s licenses are highly valued on the dark web, selling for between $20 and $80 each, as opposed to passwords which go for about a dollar.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Driver’s License and Your Personal Information

If you have confirmed that your driver’s license was stolen or compromised in this Switch Fintech breach or otherwise, you should always report it to the relevant authorities. It is important to note that different countries deal with online fraud in different ways.

In the United States, for example, you can arrange an identity theft protection with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which will alert you of your information appearing for sale on the internet. You can set this up through the FTC’s identity theft portal. You should also check your credit reports and bank statements for signs of fraud and unauthorized transactions.

You could also look into ordering yearly credit reports for free which you can review once a year for signs of another account being opened in your name. It is also possible to freeze your credit files for free with services such as Equifax, TransUnion, Innovis, the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange. Credit freezes prevent cybercriminals from opening credit and utility accounts in your name.

It would also be a good idea to set up account security with your bank to alert you of accounts set up in your name. Multi-factor authentication across your devices will also help by preventing criminals from logging in to your accounts.

Cybercriminals don’t have to directly breach your data to exploit your personal information. Often, it is enough for someone to have a photograph of your personal documents. Over the years, millions of U.S. driver’s licenses have been compromised in breaches or failures to secure a database. This could be the case with Switch, too.

Storing Unencrypted Sensitive Data is Asking for Trouble

There have been plenty of breaches involving Amazon Web Services S3 buckets. Minimizing risk in all possible ways when it comes to personal documents is no laughing matter. Clearly, vendors should not leave electronic data unsecured as cybercriminals can piece together a scheme to target people with bits and pieces of information that they collect over some time.  

Our security researcher Aaron Phillips shared the following remarks:

“This is a nightmare scenario for fintech app publishers. Storing personal documents unencrypted is unacceptable, and Switch users deserve better. These documents are some of the most sensitive pieces of PII that could possibly be leaked.”

The post Fintech App Switch Leaks Users’ Transactions, Personal IDs appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: Watch the 2022 NFL Draft from Anywhere in the World

The 2022 NFL Draft is almost here! Round 1 selection is Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m. (EST). Rounds 2-3 will be on Friday, April 29 at 7 p.m., with the final selections, Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30 at noon.

All rounds will be covered by ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network. But football fans traveling abroad or jumping ship from traditional cable providers might need an online stream. Want to unblock geo-restricted American websites and platforms while outside the country? Just follow this quick step-by-step guide:

1. Get a good VPN. We recommend NordVPN for live streaming video.
2. Sign up for an account.
3. Download the VPN onto the device you want to watch the 2022 NFL Draft on.
4. Log in to the VPN with the info you created at registration.
5. Connect to a server in the USA.
6. Now visit SlingTV. Now that you’re using an American IP address, the website will let you access its services!

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There are plenty of ways to live stream the NFL Draft with a VPN. We’ll show you some other outlets, and even some free ones in the article below!

The 2022 NFL Draft is just days away, with Round 1 selection set for Thursday, April 28 at 8 pm (EST). A three-day event, Rounds 2-3 will be on Friday, April 29 at 7 pm, with the final selections, Rounds 4-7 on Saturday, April 30 at noon.

All three days of the 2022 NFL Draft will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network. Cable cord-cutters and NFL junkies traveling outside the United States might need to pull up an online stream to keep up with 2022 Draft selections.

If you’re in the United States, you can use SlingTV to watch. If you’re outside the country, you can still get access to this platform by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). We’ll break it down for you in the article below.

How to Watch the 2022 NFL Draft Online from Anywhere in the World

While the NFL is one of the most-watched sports in the US, getting coverage of the 2022 NFL Draft outside the country is tough. On top of that, when you try to use American-based websites abroad, you’ll be hit with geo-restrictions. This means the sites only work if the website can recognize your IP address as coming from within the US.

These days, you don’t have to give up when you read an error message saying: “This site is not available in your country.” By using a VPN, you can actually get an American IP address no matter where you are in the world and unblock these sites.

Want to unblock SlingTV to watch the 2022 NFL Draft? Just follow the quick guide below:

Step-by-step guide: How to watch the 2022 NFL Draft with a VPN

1. Choose a solid streaming VPN. For live streaming TV, we like NordVPN. They’ve got some of the fastest connections and speeds we’ve seen from American servers.
2. Sign up for an account.
3. Download the VPN onto the device you want to watch the 2022 NFL Draft on. NordVPN’s PC app is great, but you can also download it on mobile devices and even your SmartTV.
4. 

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5. Log in to the VPN with the information you created at registration.
6. Connect to a server in the USA. Once you’re connected wait about five seconds.
7. Now visit SlingTV. Now that you’ve got that American IP address, the website will let you access its services! Just tune in to ESPN and watch all the 2022 NFL Draft coverage.

Where to Watch the 2022 NFL Draft Online

If you’re looking for an online avenue to live stream the 2022 NFL Draft, your best bet is SlingTV. Out of all the streaming platforms that offer American TV channels, it’s hands-down the cheapest. Of course, if you want to “one-and-done” the NFL Draft, you could take advantage of free trial offers from other services.

Here’s a quick comparison of the major TV services that offer access to ESPN, which will broadcast the entire 2022 NFL Draft.

VPNs also offer privacy protection and extra security safeguards against hackers and insecure, unlicensed sites. If you’re looking to take a different route to watch the 2022 NFL Draft — or any NFL games next season — check out our guide on 12 free NFL live streaming sites.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch the 2022 NFL Draft?

We’ve reviewed countless VPNs, and we can tell you that not all are created equal. While the best free VPNs can be useful for lots of online activity — protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi, for example — live streaming isn’t one of them. Streaming American television is going to need a VPN that can handle the data consumption and bandwidth.

Here are some issues you might run into when using a free VPN.

1. Data limits: This is likely the first problem you’ll have to deal with. Most free VPNs have daily or monthly data caps. If you go over the limit, you’ll notice a huge drop in quality. These caps aren’t usually enough to stream more than an hour or so. This is where you’ll find strings attached to your “free” VPN. Want more data? You’ll have to upgrade and buy a plan or more data.
2. General speeds: Another bothersome issue with free providers is that they offer significantly slower speeds than premium VPNs. You’ll likely have to get used to buffering, interruptions, and freezing, which is always frustrating.
3. Limited server network: A service like NordVPN offers more than 5,300 servers across 60 countries, which gives you a ton of high-speed options from around the globe. Free providers won’t be able to come close to this, and you’ll have a much smaller network to choose from.

2022 NFL Draft Schedule

What to Expect During the 2022 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently holding the top pick this year, with the Detroit Lions and Houston Texans following right behind with No. 2 and No. 3 selections. Of course, last-minute trades could throw off draft order — the most glaring being 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel’s announcement that he wants out of San Francisco.

Though promising quarterbacks are sparse, there is plenty of talent on the block this year. Top prospects like Michigan’s edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson, Cincinnati cornerback Sauce Gardener and NC State offensive tackle Ickey Ekwonu will be closely watched.

The post How to Watch the 2022 NFL Draft Online from Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Quick Guide: How to Watch the 2022 Europa League Semi-Finals from Anywhere

The 2022 Europa League semi-finals are here! The matches will be played across two legs, on April 28th and May 5th at 8 p.m. (BST). If you’re traveling outside your country, or don’t have access to a good stream, a VPN can help you out. We’ve got all the information you need to live stream the matches for free!

Here’s an easy guide you can follow to catch all the action:

1. Sign up for a VPN service. NordVPN is our pick for the 2022 Europa League. Its got a wide network of servers and great speeds which will give you a fantastic viewing experience.
2. Download and install the VPN app from the provider’s website.
3. Log in to the app using the credentials that you created when signing up.
4. Connect to a server in Austria.
5. Head over to the Servus TV website.
6. Find the stream for the RB Leipzig vs. Glasgow semi-final match.
7. Enjoy the action!

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Looking for West Ham United vs. Eintracht Frankfurt? We’ll show you how to watch with either an Australian or American service. Check out the rest of the article for more information on the games, including more free broadcasting and streaming options, and full fixtures and schedules.

The 2022 UEFA Europa League competition is nearing its final stretch. Four of Europe’s top clubs will face each other this week in the Europa League semi-finals. In the first match, the English Premier League team West Ham United faces German side Eintracht Frankfurt. In the second semi-final, another Bundesliga representative, RB Leipzig, takes on Scotland’s Rangers.

The matches will take place at the same time over two legs: the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals is on Thursday, April 28, at 8:00 p.m. BST, and the second takes place on Thursday, May 5, at 8:00 p.m. BST.

For football fans, it really doesn’t get much better than the Europa League. We’ve got all the information you need to live stream the action from kick-off to the final whistle. We’ll even show you how a VPN can help you access streams (including free ones!) in case you’re facing some geo-blocking trouble.

Watch the 2022 Europa League Semi-Finals Live and For Free

Football is a game for the masses, but sometimes it can be difficult for fans to stream sports like the 2022 Europa League semi-finals. If you’re traveling outside your country or live in a region where streaming subscriptions cost way too much, watching UEFA football can be difficult.

Streaming sites use your IP address to determine where you are located. If you happen to be outside their licensed region, they will block access to the stream. There’s nothing worse than getting ready to sit down and enjoy a game of football, only to realize you cannot access your stream.

Luckily, a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, helps overcome geo-blocking by changing your IP address. This way you can make it appear as if you are accessing the site from a different country. You can use a VPN to access free and legal streams in other countries, like Servus TV in Austria. You can stream the 2022 Europa League Semi-finals on Servus TV for free, without having to sign-up or provide any personal or card information.

Here’s how, just follow our step-by-step guide:

Step-by-step guide on watching the Europa League semi-finals free with a VPN

1. Subscribe to a VPN provider. For sporting action like the Europa League, we recommend NordVPN. It offers super-fast speeds and a large number of servers in Europe. It is a great choice for streaming football games.
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3. Download and install the app onto your device. NordVPN works on all major operating systems such as iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Android.
4. Open the app and log in using the credentials that you created at the time of signing up.
5. Connect to a server on the app. To watch the 2022 Europa League Semi-finals on Servus TV, connect to a server in Austria.
6. Head over to the streaming site and find the stream for RB Leipzig vs. Rangers.
7. Enjoy the exciting football action!

For West Ham United vs. Eintracht Frankfurt, you could check out Stan Sports in Australia, or FuboTV in the United States for a stream with English language commentary. In Step 5, you would just need to connect to a server either in Australia or the US.

Both Stan Sports and FuboTV offer a free trial of their services. However, you will have to provide details like your name, email address, and credit/debit card information when signing up. Make sure you cancel your subscription before the free trial period expires.

Where to Watch the 2022 Europa League Semi-Finals

UEFA football competitions are immensely popular all over the world. We’ve provided a table below which contains a list of countries and which channel or streaming service will carry the 2022 Europa League Semi-finals.

If you have access to any of these streams, but are located outside the broadcasting region, you can use a VPN and switch to a server in the country where the stream is based. Check out the list below:

There are also a number of unlicensed streams to watch sports like soccer. However, it is a good practice to rely on legal streams. Unlicensed streaming sites are not known for their safety and could have malicious actors lurking around. If you decide to use one of these streams, one of the advantages of using a VPN is to protect yourself from these threats.

Can I Watch the Europa League With a Free VPN?

You may have heard about free VPNs, which claim to offer the services of a premium VPN at zero cost, and wondered if they are suitable for streaming the Europa League. Unfortunately, free VPNs have serious concerns which make them less than optimal for watching football matches.

Here are a few:

1. Data limits: Most free VPNs have daily or monthly data caps. Once a user exceeds this limit, the quality of their streaming experience drops considerably. Furthermore, these caps are usually not enough to stream a whole football match in high definition.
2. Speed Issues: Another big concern with Free VPNs is that they offer significantly slower speeds than their premium counterparts. This means that your stream will take a long time to buffer and may even pause frequently.
3. Limited server network: Free VPNs have fewer server options than premium VPNs, and they are usually concentrated in a few regions. This limits the number of streams you can choose from, and you may not be able to access the right stream from the list above.

If you’re only looking for a VPN to watch the Europa League, and don’t want to shell out the asking price, you could avail NordVPN’s 30-day free trial. The plan allows you to try out NordVPN for a limited period. You can cancel the trial at any point within 30 days and get all your money back.

Fixtures and Times

The schedule for the matches is provided below (time in BST):

Europe League Semi-Finals: What to Expect

This year’s Europa League Semi-finals are turning out to be an intense affair. The teams involved play exciting football, and are eager to bring home the prestigious European trophy. English side West Ham and Germany’s RB Leipzig will be the favorites in their respective ties, but you can never rule out an upset in football.

West Ham’s opponents Eintracht Frankfurt pulled off a shock upset in the quarter-finals against Spanish giants FC Barcelona, but find themselves undermanned due to suspension and injuries to key players like Evan Ndicka, Kristijan Jakic, and Diant Ramaj. The pundits expect Declan Rice and company to carry on West Ham’s quest for European glory.

In the second semi-final, RB Leipzig have the stronger squad, with the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Christopher Nkunku and Konrad Laimer, and are expected to get past the Rangers over two legs.

The post Watch the 2022 Europa League Semi-Finals for Free from Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

The British army has reverted to using paper and pen for registering recruits and other related activities in the meantime. While the army recruitment portal, called the Defence Recruitment System (DRS), is back online, access is restricted as the external DRS portal remains offline.

Data of 120 Applicants Leaked Online, Method of Breach Unknown

The MoD shut down the DRS in mid-March after the information of 120 applicants was found on sale on the dark web. The UK’s defense ministry is still investigating the method and extent of the attack. The exact point of entry the hackers used to gain access is unclear. There are speculations that the incident was “a low level compromise” and may not involve international actors.

The MoD reportedly decided to shut down the DRS to prevent unauthorized access to its other systems. The DRS is linked with “numerous MoD systems including Joint Personal Admin (JPA) and Training and Finance Management Information System (TAFIMS).”

A source told The Register that the recruits’ data was selling for 1 BTC (approximately $42,733 today).

Army Recruitment Impacted for Over Five Weeks

“Following the compromise of a small selection of recruit data, the army’s online recruitment services were temporarily suspended pending an investigation. This investigation has now concluded allowing some functionality to be restored and applications to be processed,” a spokesperson for the British army said in a statement.

The login page for potential recruits currently displays a message saying “we are currently experiencing technical issues.” It directs candidates looking for updates on the status of their application to call a dedicated number.

UK’s Data Protection Authority Notified

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), the official body responsible for data protection in the country, has been notified about the breach.

“After making inquiries and carefully reviewing the information provided, we decided no further action was needed at this time,” an ICO spokesperson told the Guardian.

The UK is not currently fighting in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the country has deployed a growing number of soldiers to Poland and Estonia.

Unfortunately, UK army recruitment numbers have fallen below target over the last few years. In fact, in six out of the eight previous years, the army could not meet its 82,050 official recruitment target. Consequently, it has decided to drop its target to 72,500 by 2025.

The impact of this data breach and system shutdown on the army’s recruitment efforts remains to be seen.

The post Data Breach Forces UK Army to Shut Down Recruitment Portal appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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How to Avoid NFT Scams: The Safety and Risks of NFTs in 2022 - Summary

NFT scams are on the rise. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of vulnerabilities in the NFT marketplace to swindle people of their digital assets. If you’re looking to get involved in buying or selling NFTs, it pays to know about these threats and how to avoid them.

The most common NFT scams include:

• Fake NFT marketplaces
• Phishing NFT scams
• Malicious actors posing as customer support
• “Rug pull” scams
• “Pump and dump” schemes

Cybercriminals employ incredibly creative techniques to scam unsuspecting people. Thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself from falling for NFT scams.

Here are some safety tips:

• Set up your crypto wallet on a reputable platform with advanced security features.
• Research about NFTs before investing in them.
• Use cybersecurity software like NordVPN to protect your data and ensure you’re safe online.
• Store your private keys and seed phrases properly.

In this article, we do a deep dive into the risks of NFTs and the most common NFT scams. We also highlight some tips to protect your digital assets.

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Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are one of the latest trends to hit the internet. While some of these assets look like simple designs that could’ve been put together with Photoshop, artists and collectors make a lot of money buying and selling NFTs. Much like cryptocurrencies and other valuable digital assets, cybercriminals are ever-present in the world of NFTs.

Whether you’re involved in trading NFTs or intend to dip your toe in the NFT market, you need to know about the risks involved. In this article, we’ll explain what an NFT is, the risks of NFTs in 2022, some of the most common NFT scams to look out for, and how to avoid them.

What Is an NFT?

We all know that the acronym, NFT, stands for non-fungible token, but what does non-fungible mean? Well, non-fungible refers to something that is unique and can’t be replicated.

NFTs are essentially unique tokens that correspond to specific positions on a blockchain. These tokens are often attributed to digital art, music, video games, and other forms of digital media.

Think of a blockchain as a decentralized database for logging transactions, and NFTs represent a line in that database. You are probably familiar with NFTs that appear to be simple digital art. However, an NFT can also prove ownership of real-world, physical items, including real estate.

While NFTs are relatively new, they’re already attracting a lot of money. According to Dexerto, the most expensive NFT ever sold fetched around $91.8m in December 2021. Almost 30,000 NFT collectors banded together to make the purchase.

Prices of NFTs are largely speculative right now, as collectors begin to hoard these digital assets in the hopes that their value will grow.

What Are the Risks of NFTs?

NFTs are stored in cryptocurrency wallets and are traded using blockchain technology. As a result, NFT investors are exposed to the same online threats as everyone who uses cryptocurrencies.

In February this year, hackers made away with $1.7 million worth of NFTs after a phishing attack on the NFT trading platform, OpenSea. More recently, in March, the NFT gaming platform, Axie Infinity, which has seen more than $4 billion in sales, was breached. Due to the cyber attack, Ronin, an Ethereum-linked blockchain service for processing transactions in the Axie Infinity ecosystem, lost over $600 million.

While blockchain security is relatively strong, users are still exposed to various threats including malware infections and phishing attacks. There is also a possibility that your NFT wallet could be hacked or the NFT platform you use may be compromised.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most common NFT scams to help you identify potential risks and adopt the best cybersecurity practices.

The Most Common NFT Scams

Cryptocurrency and NFT scams are more common than ever today. NFTs are increasingly being targeted as the market grows and gains momentum.

So, read the tips below, and be sure to triple-check your approach to cybersecurity.

1. Malicious or fake NFT marketplaces

When shopping online, you probably search for a product and pick from one of the hundreds of retailers available. But how do you know if a particular seller is trustworthy? Most of us stick to tried-and-tested brands and websites to avoid falling victim to scammers.

The same applies to any NFT marketplace you come across. Always do your research before using an NFT platform. Hackers often set up fake NFT trading platforms to access the wallets of unsuspecting victims.

If you make the mistake of putting your security seed phrase or private keys on a dubious NFT marketplace, your entire digital wallet could be emptied

2. Phishing NFT scams

It is not uncommon for cybercriminals to use phishing attacks to snare NFT investors and sellers. Phishing usually involves an email suggesting that someone has made an offer to buy your NFT or that you have received a free NFT. The email may contain a link that looks legitimate but will take you to a fake NFT platform.

If you fall victim to an NFT phishing scam, you may inadvertently give away your seed phrase or private keys. We recommend typing the URL of any NFT platform you want to visit into your browser to check if the address is legitimate. Never click on links in emails unless you are certain that the sender is trustworthy. Remember, scammers can easily disguise a link to appear genuine.

3. Cybercriminals posing as customer support

Some crypto and NFT platforms are known for their awful customer support service. As a result, you will find people asking for help on community forums.

The problem with asking for help on public forums is that it may leave you open to attacks from unscrupulous people. Posing as technical support staff, these cybercriminals might talk you into doing something that you wouldn’t ordinarily do. For example, they may ask for permission to connect remotely to your computer and take screenshots of your credentials to hack your wallet.

4. “Rug pull” NFT scams

This is one of the newest threats to NFT buyers. As the name suggests, this scam involves having the rug pulled from beneath your feet after you are lulled into a false sense of security. Typically, with rug pull NFT scams, a new NFT collection is released and the creator announces future events, giveaways, and other grand NFT projects.

Once a lot of people buy into the scam, they’ll simply scarper with all of the cash that has been invested in the project.

One of the most recent rug pull scams involved an NFT collection known as Frosties. A lot of people lost their investment after the NFT creator’s official Discord channel disappeared overnight. One user in Singapore, identified only as Kerry, lost around $45,000 due to the NFT scam.

In 2021, rug pull scams reportedly led to a loss of around $2.8 billion collectively in the NFT world. Before investing in any NFT — new or old — do some research. Find out who is behind the project, their credentials, and what plans they have for the collection.

While there is no guaranteed way to avoid falling victim to this scam, these indicators should help you determine the legitimacy of an NFT.

5. “Pump and dump” schemes

Pump and dump schemes are usually orchestrated by a malicious group. This NFT scam involves raising the value of a cryptocurrency or NFT in a short space of time and absconding with the money people invest in it.

To carry out pump and dump schemes, scammers may purchase a lot of NFTs from a collection to artificially inflate the price. When gullible investors see the NFT collection suddenly grow in popularity and buy into the hype, they drive the price even higher.

At this point, the people behind the scam quickly sell off their NFTs for a profit, which causes the price to nosedive. As a result, other investors can be left with a worthless asset.

Again, do your research on any NFT that you’re interested in before purchasing it. Most NFTs will show steady growth over time. If there’s a sudden spike in value or transaction volume, you could be dealing with a pump and dump scheme.

Other NFT Scams and Risks

The NFT scams highlighted above are some of the most common threats in the NFT world, but there are others to be wary of.

Malware infections

You must be vigilant of potential malware infections. We recommend using the best cybersecurity tools to protect yourself. NFT platforms are susceptible to malware attacks as the technology is new and potentially has several undiscovered vulnerabilities.

Cybercriminals have adopted a process known as “airdropping” to spread malware. Airdropping involves sending an NFT directly to a crypto wallet without any charge. NFT creators do this sometimes to promote new or upcoming projects. However, cybercriminals can also airdrop malware disguised as an NFT to unsuspecting victims.

If you accept an NFT airdrop without knowing who sent it, you could be opening your wallet to malicious software designed to steal your private keys, seed phrases, and other information. Cybersecurity software such as antivirus can help safeguard you from malware attacks. Educating yourself on the risks of malware and how to avoid it should be your first line of defense.

Social engineering attacks

Social engineering attacks rely primarily on data harvesting. Scammers learn all about you, your habits, hobbies, and other information. Armed with this knowledge, they’ll try to win your trust before asking you to do something that you wouldn’t normally do.

Social engineering attacks rely on human nature — your desire to help out a trusted friend or colleague — and they aren’t limited to NFT users.

This scam has been used to target individuals and businesses around the world. Be on guard when you receive messages from unknown parties who are unusually friendly or make out-of-the-ordinary requests.

Fake NFTs

One of the glaring cons of NFTs, particularly NFT artworks, is that they can be easily copied. The sale of knock-off products isn’t a new tactic used by unscrupulous people. Criminals have been selling knock-off designer clothing, accessories, concert tickets, and more, for many years.

Thankfully, some telltale signs can help you work out whether an NFT is fake:

• Is it priced lower than the original?
• Does it seem too good to be true?
• Is the NFT listed independently from the collection that it is supposedly part of?
• Is the trading volume very low or non-existent?
• Is the seller’s contact information different from that of the registered owner?

Fake NFTs don’t have the same value as the original thing. So, if you part ways with your cash for a fake NFT, you’ll be left with a worthless asset.

How To Stay Safe When Buying or Selling NFTs

Many of the safety tips for buying or selling NFTs apply to other digital assets. Below, we’ve highlighted some tips to help protect your NFTs and crypto assets.

1. Set up your cryptocurrency wallet on a reputable platform

Create your crypto wallet on a platform that is well-known and reputable. Also, ensure that the wallet is compatible with the NFT platform you’re looking to use. We recommend doing some research to find a platform that appeals to you.

Here is a list of some of the top crypto wallets:

• Coinbase
• Ledger
• Public
• Electrum
• Mycelium
• Exodus
• Trezor

2. Enable the security settings on your new crypto wallet

If you’re using a reputable crypto wallet, there would be security protocols in place to protect your funds. However, these settings are not always enabled by default. Some wallets offer two-factor authentication and protection against phishing attacks.

Spend time getting familiar with the new wallet and the security features it offers.

3. Properly research potential NFT investments

Before you put your money into any NFT, do your homework. Spend as much time as you need learning about the creators of the NFT collection, their goals, and their credentials. Also, review the transaction history of the NFT creators.

There are many well-known NFT creators. Be cautious of buying from new creators or traders who have little to no social presence and credentials.

4. Protect your wallet with a unique, secure password and 2FA

You are automatically assigned a public and private key when you set up a crypto wallet. However, you still need to create a password for your wallet. Use a unique, secure password for every account.

We also recommend using two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This is one of the strongest forms of authentication, as hackers would need to have your password and access your mobile phone to log into your wallet.

5. Protect your devices with cybersecurity software

The importance of using powerful cybersecurity software can’t be overstated. It is easy to encounter malware, spyware, and other malicious software while browsing online. So, it is essential to always protect your personal information.

Here are some important cybersecurity tips:

• Install powerful antivirus software to safeguard your devices from malware.
• Use a VPN to encrypt your data and improve your online security. We recommend a premium VPN like NordVPN.
• Always use secure passwords, and consider using a password manager.

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6. Hide your private keys or seed phrases

The public key of your wallet is essential for sending and receiving crypto. While your public key is visible in blockchain transactions, your private key should never be shared. Your private key is the key to all of your digital assets, allowing you to trade or prove ownership of them.

You’ll usually get a seed phrase or backup phrase, which can be used to restore your private key when you misplace it. Most wallets will store your private key within your wallet. But, this is a security risk.

This is why some traders choose “cold storage.” Cold storing involves saving your private keys on a computer without an internet connection, on an external hard drive, written down on a piece of paper, or even memorized.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, now you have a fair idea of some common NFT scams and how to protect yourself against them. If you’re just getting started in the NFT space, it is important to exercise caution. Never share your seed phrases or private keys, and avoid visiting unknown NFT marketplaces or clicking on suspicious links.

Many basic cybersecurity precautions hold true in the NFT space. Stay alert and ensure you’re on the lookout for cyber threats. As long as you’re exercising caution and protecting yourself with the best cybersecurity software, your NFTs and other digital assets should be safe.

The post How to Avoid NFT Scams: The Safety and Risks of NFTs in 2022 appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

STORMOUS Group Claims Hack

A ransomware gang known as STORMOUS has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Russian-affiliated hacking group claims it hacked some of Coca-Cola’s servers, making off with around 161 GB of information without the company’s knowledge. STORMOUS is apparently looking to sell off the data for $64,396.67 or 1.6467 BTC.

Though the group is relatively new — first appearing in late 2021 — this isn’t the first time it has claimed a high-profile cyber theft. Earlier this year, STORMOUS claimed a breach of Epic Games, attempting to sell off over 200GB of data.

It has not yet been confirmed or verified by cybersecurity analysts and experts if Epic Games, nor any of STORMOUS’s other alleged victims, has actually been breached or not.

Response from Coca-Cola

In response to the claims, a Coca-Cola spokesperson told The Record that the company has informed law enforcement about the possible breach. Scott Leith, the company’s communications vice president released a statement saying: “We are aware of this matter and are investigating to determine the validity of the claim.”

The group has also previously tussled with US-based cybersecurity companies. It claims that it was attacked by these companies, which led to the suspension of its Telegram channel. However, STORMOUS did not mention the names of the US cybersecurity companies responsible. STORMOUS warned it would do its best to “disrupt the various western unions.”

Hackers Previously Pledged Support to Russian Government

Though believed to be more financially than politically motivated, STORMOUS has also made headlines by taking an anti-West stand in the past, pledging their support to Russia in the Ukraine conflict. In March, the group claimed it breached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, stealing passwords, phone numbers, emails and card numbers from military servers. The group also often posts messages in Arabic.

“The STORMOUS team has officially announced its support for the Russian governments. And if any party in different parts of the world decides to organize a cyberattack or cyberattacks against Russia, we will be in the right direction and will make all our efforts to abandon the supplication of the West, especially the infrastructure,” the group said in March.

“Perhaps the hacking operation that our team carried out for the government of Ukraine and a Ukrainian airline was just a simple operation but what is coming will be bigger!!,” it added.

If this story piqued your interest, we recommend checking out our explainer on ransomware. It will also tell you how you can remove the dangerous malware from infected devices.

The post STORMOUS Hacking Group Claims Coca-Cola Breach appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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How Secure Are Food Delivery Apps? Which Apps Are Safer? — A Brief Guide

Most food delivery apps definitely suffer from privacy pitfalls. They often collect, store, and use enormous amounts of user data, which is a privacy issue and also makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals looking to obtain user data.

This is why we made a list of three relatively safe and very well-known food delivery apps for you. We’ll discuss these apps in detail and look at their privacy policies, security, and user-friendliness. The apps we chose are:

• Uber Eats
• Instacart
• Just Eat Takeaway

There are also tips and advice for protecting your information when using such apps, including a good password manager and a strong VPN. A great VPN that we recommend to keep your data safe is NordVPN. Its strong encryption protocols and diverse server choice will go a long way in protecting your data.

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For our complete analysis of Uber Eats, Instacart, and Just Eat Takeaway, and great tips to protect your data, read the full article down below!

The security of your food delivery app is probably not the first thing on your mind when you’re ordering a hearty dinner or a cheeky midnight snack. Nevertheless, your online privacy is very important, and food delivery apps increasingly collect tons of personally identifiable information.

Food delivery apps gather a great amount of data, such as your address, phone number, and sometimes even your credit card information. Needless to say, you want to be sure these apps only gather information that is necessary for your food delivery, store this data safely and don’t abuse the information they gather.

This article will discuss the potential privacy risks of using food delivery apps. We will also discuss three secure food delivery apps, their privacy settings, and what you can do to protect yourself against privacy issues that food delivery apps might expose you to, such as data breaches.

The Privacy Risks of Food Delivery Apps

Food delivery apps are more popular than ever and this trend will most likely continue: some expect the US food delivery industry to be worth 220 billion dollars in 2025! This will likely amount to about 40% of all restaurant sales. And, you might be one of many who regularly uses these apps.

“What’s the big deal?” you might ask yourself.

The issue lies in how much data these apps collect and the fact they share this data with other parties. Data sharing often happens consciously, in line with the app’s privacy policy, but data can also get stolen.

After all, every platform which harbors a large amount of data automatically becomes an attractive target for hackers and other cybercriminals. In fact, according to the FBI, about 280,000 customers of an unnamed grocery delivery company had their data sold on the dark web in July 2020.

Needless to say, if your data falls in the wrong hands, this could have devastating consequences. An obvious example would be your payment information getting stolen and abused. That’s why, to help protect you, we will now discuss three relatively safe food delivery apps.

The Top 3 Secure Food Delivery Apps

There are always privacy and security risks when using an online service, especially if it’s a service that gathers a lot of personal data, such as a food delivery app. Nevertheless, we believe if you stick to the safest alternatives, you can avoid a lot of problems. That’s why below we’ve listed three apps that are relatively secure. We’ll discuss their security, privacy, and user-friendliness.

1. Uber Eats

The first food delivery app on this list is one that most food aficionados will recognize instantly: Uber Eats.

Needless to say, this app is part of Uber Technologies Inc. Some key privacy and security features of this app include the following:

Security

UberEats seems to have given a decent amount of thought to security and requires users to make an account to place an order. This is a great way to prevent more basic instances of credit card fraud.

What’s even better, is that you can secure your Uber Eats account with two-factor authentication. This ensures that malicious actors can’t access your account easily.

As far as your credit card info goes, you can store your credit card information on Uber to make it easier to order food, but this information will be encrypted. In other words, even if people get access to your account, they shouldn’t be able to steal this information (according to Uber).

They will only see the last four digits of your credit card number and the date of expiry. The data is encrypted so that even Uber’s internal employees can’t access it.

Privacy

It’s great that Uber is transparent about how much data they collect, but that doesn’t make this amount any less worrying. Uber Eats collects names, email addresses, phone numbers, login information, home/work addresses, location data, payment information, data about users’ devices, and app-based communications.

Uber uses the data above for everything from seeing where drivers or deliveries are in real-time, to customizing users’ accounts, research, and marketing their products. More shockingly, they also have access to call recordings and messengers between users to, as they say, help “resolve disputes.”

The main thing we recommend to keep your Uber Eats data safe is by enabling two-factor authentication for your account. This way, for someone to hack into your account, they need your email address, password, and a code that Uber sends to your phone every time you want to log in.

This scenario seems quite unlikely, to say the least. Furthermore, we recommend taking more general steps to protect your online privacy and security (check the next section!).

Lastly, it must be noted Uber Eats has had some privacy issues in the past. Most notably, in 2020 researchers from cybersecurity firm Cyble stated they had found personal data and login credentials from 579 Uber Eats customers going round on darknet forums. They also found data belonging to about 100 Uber Eats drivers.

User-friendliness

Uber Eats scores high when it comes to user-friendliness. Signing up is easy. In fact, if you already have an Uber account, you don’t need to do anything: Uber and Uber Eats use the same account. If you’re new to Uber, simply sign up with your name, last name, phone number, email and password.

Once you’re in, it’s easy to find the food and/or beverages you’re looking for. The app allows you to filter by price, duration of delivery, type of food, discount deals and much more. The software is easy to use and feels very intuitive.

Furthermore, Uber Eats is free to use and offers 24/7 customer support.

2. Instacart

Instacart is an American grocery delivery platform that operates in both the United States and Canada. The app partners with local stores to deliver groceries directly to customers’ homes. Their main selling point is that they deliver items on the same day.

Instacart has been under fire before for privacy reasons before. They received especially strong backlash when it turned out that their users’ data, like with many other food delivery apps, was for sale on the dark web.

However, it has to be noted they have made significant improvements to their privacy, such as offering two-factor authentication. Moreover, after discovering some privacy irregularities, they took even more far-reaching privacy measures in August 2020, improving their infrastructure dramatically. These are some important privacy and security characteristics of Instacart:

Security

Not too long ago, Instacart implemented two-factor authentication for shopper logins. This makes it part of a fairly select group of food delivery apps doing so.

They don’t just use it for shopping logins but also require two-factor authentication for making changes to your user account. They also periodically ask users to verify their identity. Moreover, they also banned the option to switch between devices in the middle of placing an order, among other security measures.

Many of these security measures came when Instacart discovered a potential privacy violation when third-party employees got their hands on privileged user data. The company was swift to retaliate, which is a good thing.

Privacy

Instacart gathers a ton of information about their users. They collect both data you enter and data related to how you use the app. Examples of the former include your exact location, phone number, credit card details, and if you use their medication delivery service, health information.

The latter includes your IP address, pages you visit, information about the browser and operating system you are using, and any searches you run on Instacart.

Note that Instacart uses quite advanced and intrusive technologies to gather information about its users. For instance, they use, apart from cookies, pixels, scripts, and even device identifiers to gather a lot of data on their users.

We do view this extensive approach to data gathering as a potential privacy issue.

Moreover, there have been some privacy incidents, despite Instacart’s seeming commitment to data security. The most serious incident was when the data of thousands of Instacart users was found on the dark web in 2020.

Among this data were the names of customers, the last four digits of their credit cards, and their order histories. According to Instacart, they were not aware of any breach.

Vagueness regarding the use of data

Instacart uses personal data for much of the same that all food delivery apps seem to do: to provide and improve their service, charge the customer for products they buy, research to make their product better, and use targeted advertising.

However, there were also a few data uses mentioned in Instacart’s privacy policy which we found a little more dubious. The following is an example of this:

“Fulfill any other business or commercial purposes at your direction or with prior notice to you and your consent.”

The vagueness of this sentence makes us very curious about just how varied these “purposes” could be in practice. Another example of vague language in Instacart’s privacy policy that concerned us is as follows:

“We share information on both a non-personally identifying basis (including, but not limited to, order and delivery details but not including credit card information) or an aggregate basis.”

We understand from the above how Instacart shares data that falls within this category. However, it doesn’t explain what data they share on an aggregate basis. They just list a few examples, but who knows what other data they might gather “on an aggregate basis” and who they share this with.

On a brighter note, Instacart clearly states their service is not intended for those under 13 years of age and they show commitment to deleting data that is accidentally collected from these youngsters.

What’s also quite positive is that they seem to be very careful about the way they handle PHI (personal health information) of people who use their service to get their medication delivered at home.

They are clear about how they use this information and how they protect it. For instance, they completely encrypt PHI both at rest and in transit.

User-friendliness

Instacart is quite user-friendly. The website and app are free to use for consumers and signing up are easy and straightforward. You simply enter your name, email, and password to make an account and you’re good to go.

You can now log in on both their website as well as in the app. They also offer a premium version (Instacart Express) for $99 a year which gives you some additional benefits, such as free deliveries for orders over $35.

Now it’s time to fill out your zip code, select the store you want to shop at, and fill up your shopping cart. You can filter products by category too, such as “discounted items.”

Unfortunately, we thought Instacart’s customer service isn’t nearly as prompt as other facets of its app. Like too many companies nowadays, they present you with endless FAQs and menus if you have a query and eventually you’ll get to see some contact form if your question hasn’t been answered yet. They only have a dedicated helpline for seniors.

3. Just Eat Takeaway

Just Eat Takeaway is one of the largest players in the international food delivery sector. They operate in a dazzling number of countries, including the Unit­ed States, Unit­ed King­dom, Ger­many, Cana­da, The Nether­lands, Aus­tralia, Aus­tria, Bel­gium, Bul­gar­ia, Den­mark, France, Ire­land, Israel, Italy, Lux­em­bourg, New Zealand, Nor­way, Poland, Por­tu­gal, Roma­nia, Slo­va­kia, Spain, and Switzer­land.

Below we’ll list some privacy and security characteristics of this app:

Security

Although Just Eat shows some clear positives when it comes to privacy, its security still leaves something to be desired. For instance, they don’t require an account to place an order.

This means someone only needs access to your payment or credit card information to commit fraud on the app if you don’t have an account. This is something that cybercriminals can easily achieve with credential stuffing.

Just Eat Takeaway also doesn’t offer multi-factor authentication. Even if you have an account, if you’re not able to protect it with an extra security layer, it’s still pretty easy for criminals to access it.

However, Just Eat users have suffered from their fair share of scams. Earlier in 2022, one restaurant owner ended up losing £,9000 due to fraudulent activity on his account!

Privacy

As far as privacy goes, we have to conclude that Just Eat’s privacy notice seems quite fair and transparent. Their privacy statements differ a little bit between jurisdictions, but they cut to the chase fast about the data they collect and why. For instance, within the EU, they collect and use the following information to process your order:

• Names
• Addresses
• Contact details
• Order and transaction details
• Payment information

This information is also used to help you if you want to connect with customer service and some of this information is also used when you submit restaurant reviews. They also use your name, transaction details, and payment information in order to combat fraud.

As far as keeping your data safe, Just Eat mentions they use appropriate technical and organizational protective mechanisms. We do have to note this is a little vague. Lastly, they also offer the opportunity to opt out of receiving marketing communication.

User-friendliness

We’d say Just Eat Takeaway is sufficiently user-friendly, but can still improve on this front. We were able to test the Dutch version of the app since our office is located in the Netherlands.

We noticed that the categories are not as clearly indicated at the top of the screen as we would have liked. The app does mention some categories but these are not really highlighted.

Instead, the app jumps straight into pictures of the closest restaurants, with many of them covering the same niche. We would have liked a stronger focus on different categories of food for more variety.

On the bright side, we thought the ordering process was very straightforward. Although problematic for security reasons, the opportunity to check out as a guest does make the app a lot more user-friendly for people who just want to use the app once or twice without creating an account.

Making an account is also quite fast and straightforward. Just Eat also allows you to use your Facebook or Google account, rather than creating a new one. It’s also free to use for consumers.

Unfortunately, we do think Just Eat’s customer service is severely lacking. We checked out the British, Dutch, and Spanish versions’ customer support options and were disappointed. All versions offer some FAQs and if you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, you can fill out a contact form.

The British version does offer a live chat, which is available during work hours and from 9:00 to 13:00 on Saturday. The Spanish version also offers this, but you need to be logged in, making this option unavailable to guest users.

The Dutch version didn’t even seem to offer a live chat at all. Another positive is that the Spanish version offers a phone number users can reach.

How To Keep Your Data Safe on Food Delivery Apps

Of course, it’s important to find a food delivery app that you trust to take care of your data. However, we believe you should also take steps yourself to keep your data safe. After all, the only online entity you’re completely in control of is, well, yourself. That’s why we’ll list three important ways down below to help keep your data safe.

1. Use a good password manager

We believe this is the most important security measure to take to secure your food delivery app accounts. A password manager, after all, remembers your accounts’ passwords for you. This means you won’t have to use the same password for all your accounts or use dangerously simple passwords in order to remember them.

Often, a password manager can also generate strong, complex passwords that are hard to crack. Moreover, most password managers protect passwords by using powerful end-to-end encryption. This means only the person who has the master password (you) is able to see your passwords.

If you combine a strong password manager, such as 1Password or NordPass, with two-factor authentication (something not all food delivery apps support, unfortunately), it should be exceptionally difficult for hackers to get into your account. Lastly, some password managers, such as NordPass and 1Password, also offer a data breach scanner.

This scanner alerts you when your information has been compromised in a data breach and will prompt you to change your passwords. Considering the fact that plenty of food delivery apps have suffered from data breaches in the past, this is a useful security mechanism.

2. Use a good VPN

Using a good VPN is another important step to protecting your data. A VPN helps to anonymize your data traffic by hiding your real IP address. This increases your online privacy. Furthermore, a VPN also encrypts your data traffic, making it unreadable to unwanted interceptors. This greatly improves both your online privacy and security.

Many websites and apps these days offer more than adequate encryption to protect your data. However, it’s never a good idea to rely completely on another party’s defense systems. It’s much better to take matters, at least partly, into your own hands.

This is where a VPN’s powerful encryption comes in. It will protect your details, such as your credit card information, when placing an order, and when logging into your account, for instance. We highly recommend NordVPN if you need a reliable VPN for protecting your information online. There are other benefits of using a VPN that you should know about too.

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Furthermore, if you’re in a foreign country and want to use a food delivery app that you’re unfamiliar with, it’s best to use a VPN before you connect to it. A VPN protects your information, especially when you’re connected to public (unsecured) Wi-Fi networks. This becomes all the more important if you intend to pay online too.

3. Read the app’s privacy policy or a summary

When it comes to online privacy, it’s often a matter of how much you’re willing to give up in exchange for enjoying a certain service. Because the fact is, you’re virtually always sacrificing a degree of privacy when using modern online services such as food delivery apps.

It is no secret privacy policies are often very lengthy and complex. If this puts you off, you can also choose to consult a website like ToSDR, for instance, which contains summaries of user agreements and privacy policies of many large companies. You may want to learn more about the privacy caveats of user agreements and privacy policies.

The Bottom Line

As we’ve seen in this article, there are quite a few privacy and security issues food delivery apps can expose users to. Fortunately, there are also apps that try to protect their customers with safety features such as two-factor authentication, periodical identity identification, and transparent privacy policies.

If you stick to the safest food delivery apps and take protective measures, such as using a VPN, you have the best chance of protecting your data, without sacrificing on convenience!

The post How Secure Are Food Delivery Apps? Which Apps Are Safe? appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

The Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project is aimed at collecting data such as the hourly water flow in residential areas, and sending that data to the water department. Customers can view their usage data online via a computer or smartphone app. The goal of the metering system is to promote mindfulness of water usage.

In response to complaints about the smart meters, some City Council members want residents to pay a $20 monthly fee to opt out.

Oceanside City Approved the System in 2020

Oceanside, California received funds from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in 2020 for the city’s ambitious $4.5 million project to replace thousands of water meters with smart ones.

The new devices, which are designed to help conserve water and monitor usage, will alert residents about leakages and other water issues. They could potentially help the community lower water bills and prevent property damage. The water monitoring system is expected to save 784-acre-feet of water (over 255 million gallons) as well as reduce Oceanside’s dependence on imported drinking water.

The grant to the city is part of the WaterSMART program launched by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The installation of AMI smart meters across Oceanside started in 2021. The goal is to replace about 45,000 traditional water meters. The project is set to be completed in 2023.

Are the Meters Surveillance Devices?

Growing sensitivity toward surveillance and data collection has put smart devices such as smartwatches, smart speakers, baby monitors, and smart thermostats under increased scrutiny.

AMI smart meters are automatic devices that monitor water use and transmit the data to the water department. The concerns among some Oceanside residents appear to be centered on the fact that the devices could potentially be used to collect information about things other than water use.

“The AMI smart meter is really a surveillance device masquerading as a metering device,” Oceanside city resident Richard Newton said at a City Council meeting, according to the San Diego Union-Tribute. Newton argued that if a manual meter reading at the end of the month can show a household’s water consumption, smart meters aren’t needed.

Principal Water Engineer Lindsay Leahy has stressed that the purpose of the project is not surveillance, but to help people monitor and conserve their water usage.

$20 Monthly Fee to Opt Out

Oceanside authorities are considering enforcing a $20 monthly fee on customers who refuse to have the new automatic meters installed on their property. Several residents have described the fee as infuriating, arguing that it will be particularly high for the “economically challenged” members of society, The San Diego Union-Tribune noted.

However, city officials believe customers should pitch in for, at least, a part of the cost of having an employee manually read a meter once a month.

“Depending on the ultimate number of meters that are requested to be read manually, the cost associated with obtaining the read could be high as staff would need to make an individual trip to read a meter completely manually,” minutes from a City Council meeting said.

Oceanside Councilmembers are divided on the subject, with Mayor Esther Sanchez opposed and Councilmember Peter Weiss absent from talks.

The dilemma surrounding the cost of opting out is currently being discussed by the City Council, with a potential final decision expected in about six months.

According to The San Diego Union-Tribune, it appears that the meters will be installed regardless, the only difference being that those who are allowed to opt out will not have a “data transmitter” installed. Cities across the state of California are adopting the new smart water meters, with only a few cities giving residents the option to opt out, Leahy noted.

If you are concerned about the effects of digital transformations on your privacy, our full guide to privacy risks in smart cities could make for an interesting read.

The post California Residents Raise Concerns Over Smart Water Meters appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

The hacker apparently took advantage of an inherent vulnerability in the ZEED reward distribution code to generate extra tokens and cash in up to $1 million. However, they failed to transfer the tokens from the attack contract before setting it to self-destruct. The exploit caused the price of YEED to crash to zero.

“It appears that @zeedcommunity suffered an exploit. The exploiter gained ~$1m. The gains currently sit in the attack contract” PeckShield noted in a Twitter post announcing the incident.

$1 Million Stuck in Smart “Attack” Contract

DeFi hackers often use a type of smart contract known as an attack contract to take advantage of loopholes on crypto platforms. In this case, the hacker successfully exploited the vulnerability on ZEED, but didn’t move the funds before activating the attack contract’s self-destruct protocol.

This meant that the tokens were locked in the attack contract and weren’t accessible to anyone. The $1,041,237.57 worth of BTC-USD token that the hacker left in the attack contract self-destructed at 7:15 AM UTC. 

A detailed analysis of the incident released by ZEED revealed that the hacker triggered the self-destruct function just 15 seconds after the flash loan attack. It is unclear if this was accidental or if the hacker intentionally gave up the ill-gotten gains as a way of showboating.

A Rise in Crypto Hacking

DeFi attacks appear to be rising in frequency. Thankfully, this attack involved just $1 million worth of tokens. Other DeFi protocol exploits have led to colossal losses of cryptocurrencies and digital assets, such as the $600 million theft that affected the Ronin Network in March 2021, and the $182 million stolen from Beanstalk Farms just a few days ago.

This is one of the more peculiar DeFi attacks in recent years, though oddities aren’t unheard of. In August 2021, a Polygon hack resulted in over $600 million in stolen cryptocurrency, but the hacker returned $258 million worth of the stolen coins soon after.

Defending Against Future Attacks

Crypto platforms have been quick to up their defenses in response to attacks. In the wake of the hacking of Polygon last year, the Poly Network announced a $500,000 bug bounty program.

Similarly, the ZEED ecosystem has responded to this attack by releasing a detailed analysis of the incident showing how the hacker was able to execute the exploit. They also released an eight-step plan to repair bugs in the YEED contract, and generally plug the loophole to prevent a repeat of a similar attack in the future.

For now, trading of the YEED smart contract has been closed. This means users cannot withdraw their tokens until trading is relaunched on April 30th.

The post Hacker Fumbles Blockchain Heist, Leaving $1M in Stolen Crypto appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: How to Watch the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix for Free

The 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is on this weekend. The historic Imola Circuit is the scene of the first Sprint race of 2022. The race gets underway at 3 PM (local time GMT+2) Sunday, April 24.

You may find it difficult to access a stream due to geo-blocking, but there’s still a way that you can hop these digital fences. You can use a VPN to unblock free international streams and watch the Grand Prix this weekend. See our quick step-by-step guide below to get started right now:

1. Choose a VPN provider. We recommend using Surfshark as it has excellent connection speeds and stability.
2. Create your account.
3. Download the VPN on your device from any major app store or straight from their website.
4. Log into your account.
5. Connect to the server of your choice. Connect to Switzerland if you want our recommendation.
6. Head over to the SRF INFO live player to watch the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix for free.
7. Enjoy an action-packed race weekend!

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Keep reading to find out how to live stream the Grand Prix at Imola this weekend and to catch up on what’s happening in Formula 1.

This weekend Formula 1 is heading to Italy for the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at the world-famous Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, better known as Imola. Last year this circuit gave us one of the most exciting races of the season, and we’re expecting much of the same in 2022.

However, there’s a twist — it’s a Sprint race weekend. This means that the timetables change and we’re in for a switch-up. The Grand Prix starts at 3 PM local time (GMT+2), or 9 AM (EST) on Sunday, April 24. Saturday’s Sprint starts at 4:30 PM local/10:30 AM (EST).

If you’re traveling abroad you might have some trouble accessing your usual streaming services to watch the races. This comes down to geo-blocking. These virtual fences can make it difficult to watch the best free live streams of this exciting race. Luckily though, by using a VPN you can get past geo-restrictions and catch all the action this weekend.

How to Watch the 2022 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Imola from Anywhere

Streaming Formula 1 races can be difficult as they impose broadcast restrictions that determine which regions can show each Grand Prix. If you find yourself outside of the required regions, then you’ll struggle to access the streams. For example, if you’re outside of the U.K. you won’t be able to access Sky Sports F1 coverage, even if you’re subscribed to it.

Websites use your IP address to pinpoint your physical location. They can use this information to determine whether you are within the correct region to access the stream. If you’re not in the region, you’ll get nothing more than an error message.

You’ll be happy to know that you can change your IP address which will allow you to bypass geo-blocking restrictions. All you need to do is use a popular cybersecurity tool that will help you to change your virtual location.

Stream free internationally with a VPN

The tool you need is a Virtual Private Network, which is also known as a VPN. While using a VPN you’ll have the ability to get access to any stream in the world. VPNs will mask your real IP address and allow you to connect to a secure global server anywhere else in the world. While your VPN is connected to one of these servers, websites will be tricked into thinking that you are accessing it from elsewhere.

If you want to install a VPN on your device to stream this weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, make sure you check out our quick guide below:

Step-by-step guide: Live stream 2022 F1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with a VPN

1. Choose a VPN provider. Our number one recommendation is Surfshark. Surfshark is ideal when it comes to streaming Formula 1 due to its superior connection speeds and stability.
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3. Download the VPN onto the device you will be streaming from. Surfshark is available on all major app stores. Alternatively, you can download the app directly from their website.
4. Create an account and log in. Follow the easy signup process when you launch the app on your device.
5. Connect to the global server of your choice. Keep in mind that this will have an effect on which streams you have access to. If you want to stream the race using Sky Sports F1 for example, you need to connect to a server in the U.K.
6. Head over to the Sky Sports website. As long as your VPN remains connected to a U.K. server your Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix live stream will be available.
7. Enjoy a thrilling race on Sunday!

Free Streams for the 2022 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix of Imola

With a VPN installed on your device, you have the freedom of choosing any stream in the world. You can choose any streaming platform and commentary language that you would prefer. There are even some free streams that are only available in specific regions, and with a VPN, you can take advantage of these.

Below are some of the best free streams for Formula 1 races in 2022. The majority of them are available in different languages depending on the country where the broadcast is based. If you want to watch the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix with English commentary you can use SlingTV. They offer a three-day trial that will allow you to watch every session of the Imola Grand Prix weekend for free.

This might be the perfect time to use the free trial too with an action-packed Sprint race weekend on the cards.

Can I Watch 2022 Formula 1 with a Free VPN?

While you’re on the lookout for which VPN to use while streaming you may come across some free VPNs on the market. It might be tempting to use one of these free VPNs, but it’s not recommended that you do. Free VPNs often have massive flaws that will impact your streaming experience during Sunday’s race. See all the drawbacks that free VPNs have below:

• Slower connection speeds. While streaming the race you want the fastest possible connection to prevent any lag, delays, or drops in image quality. However, free VPNs often have slower connection speeds, and this could mean that you would struggle to stream this weekend’s race at Imola.
• Fewer global servers to choose from. If you’re looking to connect to a specific country’s server using your VPN to get access to some free streams you might struggle if you’re using a free VPN. Free VPNs usually have fewer global servers to choose from, so the countries that do offer free F1 streams might not be available.
• Daily bandwidth limits. Formula 1 races can take at least an hour and a half. Sometimes they can take even longer if there are stoppages. However, with a free VPN, you might be facing daily data caps up to just 500 MB. This data limit would not even get you halfway through the race.

2022 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Official Broadcasters

Formula 1 is a global sport and as such, they have broadcasting partners all around the world. If you are within any of the regions below you won’t need a VPN to access the live stream. However, you may need cable TV or a subscription to their streaming service.

Here is the complete list of broadcasters for the 2022 Formula 1 season:

Watch 2022 Grand Prix Racing with F1 TV Pro

If you want to keep up with all the F1 action in 2022, then F1 TV Pro could be another solution. For $9.99 per month (or $79.99 per year), you can get access to exclusive F1 content that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

Before you subscribe though, we’re going to let you in on a little hack. Use your VPN to connect to a server in Mexico and you can get your F1 TV Pro subscription for just $50 per year. There are plenty of other ways you can save money on subscriptions using a VPN.

F1 TV Pro lets you control what you want to see. You can choose which driver to watch by selecting their onboard camera, and you can tune into their live team radio. You can also switch to a live telemetry screen where you’ll get an overview of who’s setting the faster lap times. If you want to keep an eye on where the drivers are on track, you can even switch to a live track map to monitor how each session is unfolding.

F1 TV is currently available in 82 countries with plans of expanding in the future. If you find that your country is not on the list yet you can use Surfshark to get your subscription and use F1’s official streaming service to watch the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix of Imola.

2022 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Schedule

This weekend the schedule looks a little bit different at Imola. That’s because it’s a Sprint race weekend, which means that Qualifying now takes place on Friday, and the Sprint race gets underway on Saturday. The Grand Prix is on Sunday, April 24 at 3 PM local time (GMT +2).

Below is a schedule of the 2022 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix this weekend:

2022 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix: What to Expect

Last time out Charles Leclerc took a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix, leading every single lap from pole position to seal his victory. His teammate Carlos Sainz spun out during the opening laps, and Leclerc’s main title rival Max Verstappen suffered yet another engine failure — his second in three races.

Leclerc is running away with the championship now, opening a 34-point gap over second-place George Russell. What’s even more impressive is that Leclerc’s points tally alone is more than any other team has scored in the constructor’s title. Mercedes currently sit in second place on the ladder with 65 points, six points short of Leclerc’s total.

That could all change this weekend as we head into our first Sprint race weekend. The points system has been slightly altered, with a first-place finish now being awarded eight points (as opposed to three last season), and the top eight finishers score points in the Sprint. That means there’s a total of 34 points up for grabs this weekend.

The weather conditions are standing by to spice up the race weekend, with rain predicted for Friday’s qualifying session, dry conditions for the sprint, and scattered showers for the Grand Prix on Sunday. The entire Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix weekend is set to be a thriller that you don’t want to miss out on.

Can Red Bull sort out their technical gremlins to challenge Ferrari? Can anyone catch Charles Leclerc? We’ll find out this weekend at Imola!

2022 Driver Standings

Here’s what the World Championship standings look like after the Australian Grand Prix:

The post How to Watch the 2022 Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix Free From Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: How to Watch 2022 MotoGP Portugal from Anywhere

The fifth race of the 2022 MotoGP season takes place this weekend in Algarve, Portugal. Riders will battle it out at the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix on April 24 at 1 pm local time (GMT+1).

If you’re traveling outside of your country, you face some trouble accessing your regular MotoGP stream. The good news is a VPN can help you overcome this problem, and you can watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal from anywhere in the world. Check out this quick guide:

1. Sign up for a VPN. We recommend Surfshark for live streaming MotoGP races.
2. Download the VPN software onto your streaming device.
3. Sign in to the app with the credentials you created during sign-up.
4. Connect to a server that offers free and reliable MotoGP streams. For example, connect to Austria if you want to stream using Servus TV.
5. Head over to Servus TV and find the 2022 MotoGP Portugal live stream.
6. Enjoy all the thrilling MotoGP action live from Algarve, Portugal!

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Read on for information on the 2022 MotoGP races, and how a VPN helps you access geo-blocked streams.

MotoGP racing action returns this weekend with the fifth race of the 2022 MotoGP season. The riders begin the European leg of the season with the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix! The race is scheduled for Sunday, April 24 at 1 PM local time (GMT +1) in Algarve, Portugal. This means an early 6 AM (EST) start time for American MotoGP fans.

Gresini Racing‘s Enea Bastianini currently leads the pack after winning the MotoGP Americas Grand Prix. Bastianini will be looking for his third win of the season in Portugal. Suzuki‘s Álex Rins is hot on his heels, and reigning champ Fabio Quartararo is also currently in the top 5.

As MotoGP fans around the world eagerly await the 2022 Portugal Grand Prix this weekend, we’ve got all the information you need to catch every second of the action. We will also tell you how you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to watch the race from anywhere in the world.

How to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix for Free

If you find yourself in Albania, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, or Thailand this weekend, you can watch the 2022 MotoGP races for free. In fact, Servus TV in Austria offers a free English-language live stream of the 2022 MotoGP Portugal race.

But if you happen to be located outside of these places, you may face some trouble accessing the MotoGP streams. This is because most of these websites use geo-blocking to restrict streams to licensed regions. Streaming sites determine your location by checking your IP address, and then grant and block access accordingly. But don’t lose hope, a VPN provides an easy solution to get over geo-blocking.

With a VPN, you can change your IP address, and thereby trick streaming sites into believing you are in a different region. This way you can watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix from anywhere in the world for free!

Below is a step-by-step guide to using a VPN to watch the MotoGP Portugal for free this weekend.

Step-by-step guide: How to watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix from anywhere

1. Choose the right VPN. Our pick for MotoGP racing action is Surfshark. It offers great speeds and stable connections which provides the perfect motorsport streaming experience.
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   • 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
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3. Download the VPN app onto your favorite streaming device. Surfshark works on most devices like PCs, smartphones, and Smart TVs.
4. Create an account and log in by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Connect to a server in Austria to watch the MotoGP Portugal on Servus TV.
6. Enjoy the exciting MotoGP action!

If you’re looking for a sweet deal, you could check out Surfshark’s 30-day free trial. This way you can watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix for free!

List of Free Streams 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix

If you’re looking for more free stream options, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of providers which will stream the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix for free. Be sure to note that some of these streams may not contain English-language commentary.

Check out the list of free streams below. Make sure you connect to a server in the country of the stream on your VPN before you head over to the website.

MotoGP VideoPass

Fans can also watch MotoGP 2022 races using the MotoGP VideoPass. It grants access to every session of the MotoGP season from anywhere in the world, although it comes at a steep price tag of €140 Euro for the year.

In many situations, a VPN can help you save money on subscriptions. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the MotoGP VideoPass, as they have a flat international rate no matter where the viewer is located.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal?

Free VPNs claim to offer the functionality of premium VPNs at no cost, and it is natural to ask if they can be used to stream MotoGP races. Unfortunately, free VPNs are not ideal for watching such events, which could result in a sub-standard viewing experience. Here are a few key reasons why:

1. Caps on speed and bandwidth: Free VPNs do not offer reliable speeds and often have data caps. This could cause the quality of the stream to drop in the middle of the race, or even stop altogether.
2. Limited global servers: Free VPNs usually have limited servers, and limited servers mean you can only access a small pool of streams. Since many good quality streams are found in countries like Austria, Albania, and Thailand, you’ll need a premium VPN that has reliable servers in those regions.
3. Data privacy concerns: Many free VPNs track their users browsing activity, and even keep logs of their personal information. These providers sell user information to advertisers to sustain their business. On the other hand, premium VPNs provide users with a secure browsing experience by encrypting all network traffic, and not maintaining user logs.

If you’d still like to try out a free service, you can take a look at our list of best free VPNs. However, if you’re only looking for a VPN to stream the 2022 MotoGP Portugal, you can make use of Surfshark’s free 30-day trial.

2022 MotoGP Portugal Schedule

You can also find out about the Moto2 and Moto3 action on the official MotoGP schedule.

2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix: What to Expect

The 2022 Portugal Grand Prix is the first of two races in Portugal this season. The Algarve Autodrome is a 100,000-capacity stadium, and the track is known for its unique undulation, front straight, and downward descent. The track is often likened to a high-speed roller coaster and makes for a truly special racing and viewing experience.

It is still early days in the 2022 MotoGP season, and the riders will be keen to put in great strong a performance to start the Euro leg of the season. Expect many thrills and surprises as the riders navigate the exciting track, and see how their motorbikes fare on the European tracks.

2022 MotoGP Standings

The post Watch the 2022 MotoGP Portugal Grand Prix from Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: How to Watch Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte From Anywhere

On Saturday night, Tyson Fury will defend his WBC championship belt against Dillian Whyte at Wembley Stadium. More than 90,000 people are expected to be in attendance, with millions watching on pay-per-view. The undercard gets underway at 7 pm (BST), and Fury and Whyte are expected to make their ring walks around 10 pm.

Boxing fans traveling outside their home country this weekend could have a tough time accessing a live stream of the fight. Websites and streaming platforms impose geo-blocks to limit international access. Want to watch the fight no matter where you are in the world? Follow the steps below.

1. Sign up and register for a VPN. We recommend NordVPN for live sports.
2. Download the VPN onto your favorite streaming device.
3. Log in to the VPN. Use the credentials you created at registration.
4. Connect to a server in the USA.
5. Head over to ESPN+. If you’re outside of the country, the site will now be unblocked and you’ll be able to get access to Fury vs. Whyte!

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There are also a couple of international websites that have shown big boxing matches for free in the past. We’ll tell you all about how to access them in the full article below!

Tyson Fury is set to defend his WBC title against Dillian Whyte in a much-hyped battle of the Brits on Saturday night at Wembley Stadium. A 94,000 capacity crowd is expected, with the undercard starting at 7 pm (BST). Fury and Whyte are expected to make their ring walks around 10 pm.

Finding the fight is easy enough, but prices for pay-per-view differ around the globe. The cost for Brits is £24.95 on BT Sport, while Americans will need to cough up $69.99 to watch the fight on ESPN+. Although we won’t be able to confirm until fight night, we’ve  rounded up a few international streams that have played major fights in the past for free. Thanks to geo-restrictions, if you’re traveling on vacation or business, you may also have trouble accessing your home stream. And, you’d need to be in Mexico or Indonesia to get free streams to work.

Luckily, that’s where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes into play. VPNs can unblock geo-restricted websites and platforms. We’ll give you a rundown of how to watch the Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte fight online, no matter where you are in the world.

How to Watch Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte from Anywhere

First things first, if you’re outside your home country for the fight this weekend, buying PPV can be tricky. In the United States, you can only live stream the fight via ESPN+, which is strictly limited to US customers. You’re out of luck trying to access the platform from Spain or anywhere else. You’ll get that dreaded: “This Website is Not Available in Your Region” message.

However, with a VPN, accessing ESPN+ can be a cinch. A VPN changes your IP address by rerouting your internet connection through a server of your choosing, rather than your normal Internet Service Provider’s (ISP). Once you’ve got an American IP address, the site gives you the go-ahead to access their content.

If you’re looking to access the Fury vs. Whyte fight via ESPN+, just follow our quick step-by-step guide below.

Watch Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte from anywhere with a VPN

1. Get yourself a good VPN. For live streaming sports, we’ve always liked NordVPN. Their connection speeds, security, and distribution of servers are top-notch.
2. Sign up and register for an account.
3. Download the VPN onto the device you want to watch the fight on. NordVPN’s PC app is a breeze to use, but you can also download it on mobile devices and SmartTVs. Just visit their website and follow the easy instructions.
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5. Log in to the VPN. Enter the credentials you created while signing up.
6. Connect to a server in the USA. To access ESPN+, you’ll need an American server. NordVPN has plenty to choose from.
7. Visit ESPN+. If you’re outside of the country, the site will now be unblocked and you’ll be able to watch Fury vs. Whyte!

Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte: Official Streams

There are plenty of ways to watch the fight via pay-per-view around the world. The United States has the most expensive pay-per-view fees at $69.99, while the United Kingdom is offering a much cheaper option at £24.95.

Here’s a breakdown of official PPV streams of the Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte match:

Saving money with a VPN

There are countless ways to save money when using a VPN. You can save on subscription services or find and book cheap flights just to start. Unfortunately, the UK’s BT Sport actively blocks VPN servers, so it’s not as easy as signing up and getting the UK price.

But here’s another perk about NordVPN. They offer the option of getting a dedicated IP address. Simply put, a dedicated IP address makes it much more difficult for websites to recognize that you’re using a VPN. You’ll get a unique IP address that’s assigned only to you, instead of sharing with other subscribers.

If you want a dedicated IP, NordVPN charges $79 a year, in addition to the subscription costs. Make sure to check out our full guide on dedicated IP addresses to see if it’s right for you.

Watch Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte for Free (Possibly)

If you’re looking to skip the $70 pay-per-view price, some international streams could be showing the fight for free. Instead of connecting to a US server at Step 6 in the guide above, you’ll just need to connect to servers in Mexico or Indonesia.

These sites haven’t officially announced that they’ll be streaming the fight, nor are they promoting it, but we have had luck in the past. It’s definitely worth checking out on fight night.

Azteca TV (Mexico)

Azteca TV is one of Mexico’s best free sports providers. Boxing has long been one of the country’s most-watched and covered sports, and they play plenty of boxing matches on Azteca. You can only get the website to work from within the country, so you’ll need a Mexican IP address to access it. Just connect your VPN to a Mexican server.

We can’t find any confirmation they’ll be offering a free stream of the fight. However, we’ll be checking out the site before shelling out those whopping PPV fees.

Indosiar TV (Indonesia)

Fight fans also flock to the Indonesian live player, Indosiar. It’s a live stream of local Indonesian TV. Again, there’s no confirmation they’ll be showing a live stream of the fight for free, but this has been the case with fights and other sports in the past. If they’re offering a free stream online, it’s worth connecting to an Indonesian server and trying your luck.

Unofficial streams

Fight fans who are willing to bend the rules a little can turn to Reddit or other online platforms for free live sports streams. The main issue here is coming across illegal or pirated broadcasts, which we would say is a no-go. A VPN provider like NordVPN offers users an anonymous IP address, heavily-encrypted connection, and keeps no logs of user activity, so you’re freer to explore all online avenues.

If you’re interested in hunting down free streams of the fight, make sure to check out our guide on the top 24 best free sports streaming sites. Boxing fans will also appreciate our rundown of the top boxing streaming sites for 2022.

Can I Watch Fury vs. Whyte with a Free VPN?

While out on the hunt for a VPN, you’ll no doubt come across some free ones. Yes, free is always tempting, even the best free VPN providers aren’t cut out for streaming. Free VPNs often come with issues and strings attached. Here are a few:

• Slow connection speeds. When live streaming boxing, you’ll need fast connections to prevent lags, delays, buffering or drops in video quality. A lot of free providers are generally going to have slower connection speeds.
• Fewer global servers to choose from. Most free VPNs will have servers in the United States, but you’re not guaranteed servers in other countries. If you want to try out free streams, you’ll need servers in Indonesia or Mexico. Chances are, a free service won’t have the servers you need.
• Daily bandwidth limits. Boxing fans know that you’re in for a four-hour night (at least) if you want to watch an entire fight card. With free VPNs, you might run into daily data caps as low as 500 MB. Live streaming is heavy on data usage, and you might get through one or two fights before you’d need to upgrade and purchase more data anyways.

Fury vs. Whyte: What to Expect

Tyson Fury will be putting his WBC and The Ring championship belts on the line against mandatory challenger, Dillian Whyte, this weekend at Wembley. The undefeated Fury was in the ring back in October, as he wrapped up his trilogy against Deontay Wilder with a storied knockout. Whyte, though, hasn’t had a fight in over a year, since toppling Alexander Povetkin back in 2021 to regain his interim WBC title.

Whyte has been patiently waiting for his title shot for years, and boxing fans know he won’t be easy work for Fury. Nevertheless, DraftKings still has Whyte as the +400 underdog, and Fury favored at -550.

Looking forward, the winner of this match could be set for an undisputed heavyweight unification bout. Oleksandr Usyk is currently holding the other heavyweight titles after defeating Anthony Joshua last year. With the announcement of the Ukrainian and Brit’s July rematch, the boxing world will be eager to see who comes out of each heavyweight bout the victor.

Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte Full Undercard

The full undercard for Saturday night is listed below.

The post How to Watch Tyson Fury vs. Dillian Whyte From Anywhere in the World appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

During the past 12 months, email-borne threats were a top concern with nine out of ten organizations reportedly suffering at least one successful breach through email. Major inbound threats like ransomware were not handled well by email security solutions, researchers said.

Email-Borne Threats, Ransomware, Phishing, and BEC Persist in 2022

The persistence of phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and ransomware attacks has been notable during the past year, while email threats in general in 2022 waste time and create security vulnerabilities, the report says. Also, less than half of the surveyed organizations can successfully block the delivery of email threats. Furthermore, nine out of ten (89%) of organizations experienced at least one successful email breach during the past 12 months, eclipsing the results from 2019, the report states.

With the number of email breaches almost doubling since 2019, the most frequently experienced method of compromise is Microsoft 365 credential compromise.

“The mix of breaches attributed to email attacks is changing. In comparison to our previous survey, ransomware attacks increased by 71%, Microsoft 365 credential compromise attacks increased by 49%, and phishing attacks increased by 44%,” the report says.

Email Client Plug-ins, Employee Training Spike

Due to the number of suspicious email messages continuing to target organizations, half of the organizations surveyed are now using automated email client plug-ins for users to report suspicious activity, up 37% from 2019. Security operations center analysts (SOCs), email administrators as well as third-party security vendors are groups that receive the majority of user-submitted suspicious activity reports.

Employee training about email threats is now offered to over 99% of organizations on an annual basis at the very least, the report says. One in seven organizations offers email threat training monthly, or even more frequently. The organization that offers this more frequently reduces the risk of phishing, BEC, and ransomware threats targeting employees and organizations, the report says.

“More frequent training is also positively correlated with more messages being reported as suspicious,” and this has helped uncover more suspicious activity, the report says. On the other hand, only 22% of organizations analyze every reported message, instead opting to analyze just more than half.

Ineffective Defenses Persist

All the organizations surveyed have at least one additional security tool supplementing “basic” email protections offered by Microsoft 365, the report says. This includes Microsoft 365 Defender, security awareness training technology, third-party email gateways, or third-party anti-phishing add-ons, the report says.

Another major vulnerability for organizations is “immature incident response workflows,” which ultimately increase costs. These costs include post-incident remediation, the need for more manual removal work, and time wasted on triaging messages flagged as suspicious.

Furthermore, organizations can also face other costs such as alert fatigue, regulatory fines, loss of customer trust, and cybersecurity analyst turnover, the report says.

Organizations Need to Invest in a Layered Approach

A layered approach to detecting and neutralizing incoming threats but leveraging capabilities offered by a combination of Microsoft 365 and third-party defenses — along with employee training “in the art of detecting threats” — is the way forward, the report says.

The second area of focus needs to be optimizing incident response processes that will reduce ongoing costs and ultimately the frequency of successful email attacks.

Almost 80% of organizations surveyed do not have satisfactory measures in place, particularly not scrutinizing every user-reported suspicious message, which increases the likelihood of a successful breach, the report concluded.

The post Security Survey Says Email-Borne Threats Big in 2022 appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Summary: How to Deal with Sexting and Teens

Sexting is the act of sending sexual images, videos, or texts to a partner or someone else. The biggest risk of sexting is the possibility a sext is shared publicly without consent.

Unfortunately, this is not the only danger that comes with sexting. Other dangers include sext-shaming, sextortion, revenge porn, cyberbullying, and emotional distress. There could also be serious legal implications if one of the people involved is a minor.

Parents should talk to kids early and often about sex-related topics, like sexting. Though many professionals consider it a normal part of teen development, explain the risks of sexting to your teen, and what you are doing to protect them.

Learn more about what you can do to protect your child from the risks of sexting or what to do if your child is a victim of sext-shaming in our full article below.

Today, many teens explore their sexuality through “sexting,” or the act of sending sexually explicit content as part of flirting. Flirting and sexting are normal for teen sexual development, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Still, there are risks for young adults who text sexual pictures.

In this article, we use research and data-backed studies to help parents understand what sexting is, the dangers, and how to talk to young adults about sexting.

What is Sexting?

The term “sexting” is a contraction of the words “sex” and “texting.” Scholars describe sexting as the sharing or receiving of self-made sexually explicit messages, photos, or videos via smartphone, cell phone, computer, video camera, or video game. It’s not just an activity for young adults, either. The American Psychological Association published a study that showed 88% of participants (aged 18 to 82) have sexted at some point.

While some of the risks are the same for adults and teens sexting, young adults are more vulnerable to the risks of sexting like cyberbullying, sextortion, child pornography, and mental health issues.

Sexting online is part of young adult development

According to a 2019 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, most experts agree sexting is a modern form of flirting. More often than not, it’s consensual. Psychologists say that this modern form of flirting is a normal part of sexual development in young adults and does not mean that a teen is more likely to engage in harmful behaviors or poor mental health down the road.

Some studies claim that when a teen starts sexting, it increases a teen’s likelihood of drug use, mental health problems, or sexual activity. However, it’s important to note experts at AAP say that those studies represent correlation at best, not causation. Sexting starts to become problematic when there is an unequal balance of power (such as if there is a large age difference between participants), or if the trust between two parties is damaged.

What is sext-shaming?

Sext-shaming, also called “revenge porn” or “cyber rape,” is what happens when sexual images, videos, or sexual messages are made public without consent.

Victims of sext-shaming — whether it’s caused by an ex-partner, former friend, or stranger — experience mental and emotional distress. They become subject to humiliation, and some end up receiving backlash from family and friends.

Unfortunately, victims (especially girls and women) are often blamed for sending “promiscuous” photos as the perception is that victims brought this on themselves. This is not true. Sext-shaming is the result of a person breaking trust in a relationship or shifting a power dynamic. Flirting is normal. Hurting someone publicly is shameful and cruel.

How Common is Sexting?

Sexting is a fairly new phenomenon. The term has only existed since 2005. But as technology advanced and smartphones became more common, sexting experienced a surge.

A 2019 study on sexting and high school students (with 5,593 American teen participants) showed that sexting was no longer taboo in this age group. It’s common for teens to explore sexting, and these teens have had both positive and negative experiences while sexting.

Here’s what the study reported:

Of the participants, 13% of participants reported sending a sext in the past, while 18.5% of teens have received a sext.

Then, of those who have been asked to send a sext by someone who was not a current romantic partner, as many as 43% complied. Meanwhile, 9% of the students who were asked by a current romantic partner to send a sext chose to do so.

Snapchat and WhatsApp are the most popular sexting mediums

Most people use smartphones to text photos, images, or send sexts. Teens also like to download apps like WhatsApp or Snapchat to send images or sexual messages because they think their messages, photos, or videos are more private.

However, within these apps, users take screenshots and save images and videos. This means that anything someone sends on these apps can be forwarded to others.

The Dangers of Sending Nude Photos

In 2020, InternetMatters.org conducted a study on the risks of young adults and sexting. 78% of participants said that nothing bad happened after they shared a nude photo. However, this doesn’t mean sexting is without dangers.

While teens run the same risks as adults who sext, there are unique challenges for teens and minors.

1. Negative online footprint or reputation. A sexual image can follow a person online for years. Once online, it’s accessible to future employers, partners, or colleges reviewing applicants’ online presence. Subjects of sexts may also be perceived as “slutty” or “asking for it” even though sexting is a normal activity among the youth.
2. Sextortion. If your teen is being blackmailed with sexually explicit content by an ex or criminal online, this is sextortion. “Sextorters” threaten victims of sharing their nude images online unless the victims pay them or agree to sexual acts.
3. Cyberbullying. When a person is harassed or bullied online, this is called cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is just as detrimental to the victim as in-person bullying. Bullies can attack victims on any social media platform or send harmful texts, emails, or other messages.
4. Revenge porn. When an ex-partner or another person shares someone’s sexually explicit images or videos online without consent, it’s called revenge porn. Sometimes personal information about victims like a home address and contact details are shared online, too. Unfortunately, 95% of cases like these involve teenage girls.
5. Depression, anxiety, and other emotional distress. Teenage years are hard enough. It’s unbearable if an ex-partner or bully decides to go rogue with a nude photo. Because victims are often bullied, they end up struggling to manage the humiliation and social anxiety in the aftermath of a private photo going public. Low self-esteem, loneliness, and suicide are known to accompany victims of revenge porn or sext-shaming.
6. Groomers and pedophiles. With sexting, there’s a risk of a groomer or pedophile coercing your child to send photos. Once a photo is sent, criminals threaten to blackmail teens (also called sextortion) with it if they don’t comply with other demands like prostitution or sex. This is a criminal offense and if you think your child is a victim of grooming, report it to your local police immediately.
7. Legal implications. Sharing sexually explicit photos of children under 18 is illegal. This can make for a legal nightmare if your child is convicted of distributing photos of themselves, which is possible in some states.

What the Law Says About Sexting

Laws governing sexting seek to protect teens from underage sexual activity and breaches of consent. In the U.S. and Europe, sexting isn’t prohibited. Of course, laws vary by location, so it’s best to perform research before making any decisions.

Sexting laws in the U.S.

In the United States, sexting that involves someone under the age of 18 violates state and federal laws, even if those involved are intimate partners. However, the specificity of those laws differs by state.

State legal language doesn’t always include details about whether consensual sexting between minors is a criminal offense. In some states, sexting is a “strict liability” crime (which means it’s a crime regardless of intentions). States, like Indiana, are proposing and passing new laws which include specific language around crimes like revenge porn.

Child pornography laws in the U.S. state that having any sext of a minor is a strict liability crime. Even if a teen thinks they are messaging an adult (who is actually under 18 years old), having an image of that minor is a crime.

Anyone convicted of child pornography charges is considered a sex offender and is sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison. However, some states like Texas have “Romeo and Juliet” laws that protect consensual minors from serious sexual charges.

It’s important to look up the most up-to-date laws in your state. Then, explain what the potential consequences are to your teen if they sext another minor.

Sexting laws in Europe

European law sees sexting between two consensual minors as a possible part of normal sexual development. In 2019, the Council of Europe’s Lanzarote Committee published an opinion on sexually explicit messages or images sent to and from minors.

It says that sexting between consensual minors is not automatically child pornography nor does it result in a crime as long as both parties consent and the sexts are not distributed.

However, as soon as unsolicited images are sent to others without consent, it is a crime of child pornography and privacy regulations.

What to Do If Your Teen is Sexting

Sexting is a normal part of teenage sexual development. However, parents may find it disturbing to find out their teens are sexting, especially because there are very real risks involved. Here are some steps you can take if you find out your teen is sexually active online.

1. Stay cool.

Regardless of the reason behind your teen’s decision to start texting, it’s important that you refrain from judgment and that you listen to them with an open mind.

If your teen feels like they’re in trouble, being judged, or about to be punished, then they may choose not to keep talking to you or keep secrets from you in the future. Without an open line of communication, it becomes difficult to assess the situation, make a plan, or offer solutions.

2. Next, respond fast.

Sexting can get out of hand quickly. Remind your child why sexting explicit images is not a good idea. They probably have no idea they could be breaking a law or that their photos might be used to victimize them.

Since sexting has become common and “normal,” it’s possible that your teen has never been warned about the dangers of sexting. It’s also possible that they don’t yet understand the gravity of the situations they can get into.

By telling them about the risks of sexting, you can inform them about the possible consequences of their actions. Supporting your statements with research and examples strengthens your argument. An especially important step is to research sexting-related laws in your state.

For instance, in some states, a 14-year-old who sends sexual photos of another minor could be charged with a felony. It’s happened to kids before. The law takes child pornography incredibly seriously, and there are consequences — even if your teen never meant to hurt anyone.

3. Then, monitor the situation and set some boundaries.

Consider putting parental software on your teen’s device, like Qustodio or Bark. These apps can flag explicit content, set screen time schedules, and block users or apps. There are also phone services like Gabb Wireless which prevent a teen from sending any images, including sexual images. Gabb Wireless also allows parents to access texts after they are deleted.

Depending on your child’s age, some of these apps may be too extreme a measure. One risk of using parental control apps is that you make your kids feel like you don’t trust them. Make sure to talk to your child about why you’re taking these steps. Additionally, avoid installing the app or software secretly. Doing so degrades trust — which can lead to an escalation in behaviors.

If you’re allowing your teen to participate in sexting, then rules and boundaries need to be set. Here are some you can use:

• Only share information online if there is trust. Tell your child that they shouldn’t send photos of themselves to strangers and people they don’t trust, especially if these photos have a sexual touch. They should trust the person before they even consider sending sensitive photos and videos, especially because there’s always a chance that these can be used against them.
• Is a photo really necessary? In many cases, exchanging messages is also very exciting. Before taking and sending a photo of themselves, teens should think twice and really consider if the person is worth sending photos or videos to.
• Never share photos of others. Private photos sent to your teen should remain just that: private. Under no circumstances should they show others photos that have been sent to them in confidence. No reason is good enough to break the law, not even impressing friends or seeking revenge.

4. Finally, explain the consequences.

After you’ve talked to your child about the risks of sexting and your concerns and about the boundaries you put in place, it’s time to explain what will happen if they don’t respect these rules.

Make sure that the rules you set for your child are followed. Otherwise, your teen may end up breaking the law or causing someone harm. If they don’t follow your rules, ensure that there are consequences. Will they lose app or phone privileges? Will you set an earlier curfew?

It’s also wise to make sure they know the consequences beforehand, so it doesn’t come as a surprise and end up turning a bad situation worse.

How to Talk to Your Teen About Sexting

There are a lot of reasons young adults start sexting online. They may be curious, feel pressured, or want to show affection to a partner. Teens may be unaware of the dangers of sexting, so it’s important to start talking about sex, consent, and privacy at a young age.

According to research, kids and teens get the majority of their information about sex from friends, teachers, parents (usually mothers), and the media. Friends are a great support system but can’t be relied on as sources of information about teen sexting.

It’s important parents step in to make sure teens have access to reliable information about sexting that is educational and non-judgmental.

Be clear that you are open to talking about sex.

Research shows that children and teens want parents to create a non-judgmental environment and talk to them often and early about sexting and other sex-related topics. If you haven’t talked about sexting or sexual health before with your child, tell them you are writing a new chapter with them.

If your teen doesn’t want to talk about themselves, try talking about hypothetical situations or examples from movies or shows instead. You can and should also ask them how they feel about the topic. Maybe they’re not interested in sex at all. Maybe they’re worried about a friend’s sexual activity. Do they find their school’s sex education helpful? What other topics do they want information on?

Tell your teens that any questions or concerns can be shared with you freely — you’re not going to judge them or love them less. You are proud of your teen, even if they slip up sometimes. After all, everyone makes mistakes.

Talk to your teen about consent.

Consent is a very important topic to talk about with teens. Make sure teens know that consent is mandatory in any sexual activity, whether that’s through sexting or in-person. If they feel even a little bit hesitant or reluctant, they can and should say no and stop the activity in progress.

This is also a good point to ask if they have ever felt pressured to engage in sexting behavior. Here are some examples of how to bring up the topic:

• “What’s been your experience with texting partners? Do they ever ask you to send something you don’t want to?”
• “Has anyone ever sent you something inappropriate on Snapchat you didn’t want them to?”
• “Have your friends ever had problems with sexting?”

Teach them what language to use.

It’s one thing to teach your kids that they should say no. It’s another to actually give them the proper tools for saying no. Teach your child some phrases they can use, like:

• “No, thanks, that makes me uncomfortable.”
• “I see that you are upset that I won’t share a photo with you, but I’ve made my decision.”
• “I won’t do that. It’s a rule my parents set.”

They can throw you under the bus if that’s what it takes for them to remove themselves from an unsafe or uncomfortable conversation. You can also give your child phrases that buy them time in uncomfortable situations, such as “Let me think about that. I’ll let you know later.”

Respect their boundaries.

Some space between a teen and their parents is very normal. They won’t tell you all their secrets, so don’t expect them to. At this age, they want to start living their own lives, with all the responsibility and independence that comes with it. Moreover, privacy is important. Teens are entitled to their privacy, as much as you are.

When opening conversations about sex and relationships, focus on the topics they do want to talk about. Avoid pressuring them into talking about things they’re not comfortable discussing.

This ties directly to our earlier point about consent. If they don’t feel comfortable talking about a certain topic, then it’s best to respect their decision. Lead by example by showing your teen that you respect their boundaries.

Show your teen what a healthy relationship looks like.

Sometimes, understanding what a healthy relationship looks like is difficult. Just think about how many relationships depicted in media are bad examples of healthy relationships. If some adults still have trouble spotting toxic, abusive, and harmful relationships, then how can we expect the same thing of teens?

Talk to your teen about what kinds of behaviors are unacceptable in a relationship (whether platonic or romantic), such as stalking, bullying, harassment, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and more. If you can think of examples, then all the better for driving the point home.

Additionally, keep your eyes open for depictions of unacceptable behaviors in TV shows, movies, books, and social media posts. Point these out to your teens whenever you can so they can learn how to spot such behaviors on their own.

What to Do If Your Teen Has a Nude Photo Shared Online

Even if you and your teen do everything right, there’s a chance a photo can get shared without consent. First, stay calm. It’s completely normal for you to be angry and scared, but that doesn’t help your teen.

Next, praise them for coming to you. Right now, all they need is your support. Reassure them that you will make things better for them. The next step is to remediate the situation.

1. First, report it.

In the U.S., 46 states and the District of Columbia have laws against revenge porn. Report crimes of revenge porn to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If the case involves child pornography, report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCME).

2. Next, ask the person who shared the photo to delete it.

Whether it’s you or your child, someone needs to request the perpetrator to remove the photo. However, be prepared for the perpetrator to ignore your request. Make sure to document any and all communication you have with the perpetrator.

3. Contact the site or app where the image is posted.

If you don’t know who it is, contact the site or social media it was posted on and have them remove it. The Cyber Civil Rights Initiative has an online removal guide that can help you figure out how to get nude photos removed from places on the internet.

Because sharing photos of minors is illegal, websites will work quickly to remove it. Most apps these days also have their own policies about cyberbullying and will take down a sexual image or sexual message as part of their app terms and conditions.

4. When it involves classmates, tell the school.

Schools usually have plans in place on how to deal with sexting and revenge porn. Organizations like cyberbullying.org also have resources for educators and parents.

5. Consider connecting your child with a mental health professional.

A child psychologist or therapist can help your child cope with the trauma of exploitation. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children also has support resources for families who are victims of sexual exploitation.

Sexting is Healthy — But It Needs Consent

Sexting is a normal part of your teen’s sexual development. Flirting and exploring their sexuality is part of human behavior and is not a punishable offense, as long as everything is consensual. Sext-shaming, revenge porn, and non-consensual photo-sharing are crimes.

Keep your child well informed on how to set healthy boundaries and what to do if they feel uncomfortable in a situation. If something goes wrong, help your child fight shame sexting and call in the school or the police if necessary.

For more resources on teens, kids, and navigating the online world, check our articles below:

• Profanity Filters: Everything You Need to Know (Including Our Top 4 Picks!)
• How Safe Are Social Virtual Reality Apps for Kids?
• The Ultimate Guide to TikTok: Is TikTok Safe for Kids?

The post How to Deal With Sexting and Teens: A How-To Guide for Parents appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Censorship in North Korea: A Short Summary

It is nearly impossible to get online in North Korea. Citizens are hemmed in by draconian censorship laws and risk being punished for accessing any information that isn’t government-approved. The government uses censorship and propaganda to control public opinion and protect the interests of the ruling elites.

Foreign journalists are offered a little bit of freedom in the country. However, North Korean authorities lash out hard against political dissent and keep a close eye on all reporters.

If you find yourself visiting North Korea, you’ll most likely be allowed access to a 3G network. To make sure your online activities remain secure and private, it is advisable that you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on all your devices.

A VPN creates an encrypted online tunnel that protects your data. We recommend using a premium VPN with advanced security features like NordVPN.

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Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that the right to freedom of opinion and expression is a fundamental right of every human being. In North Korea, however, there is no freedom of expression. The media is completely state-controlled and serves as the mouthpiece of the government. Independent news sources, if any, operate in exile.

North Korea’s draconian censorship measures affect both the traditional and online media landscape. Only a few privileged citizens have access to the internet, which is state-controlled. Since the government does not tolerate any type of dissent, social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are all banned in the country.

Nevertheless, some North Korean citizens still find ways around the stranglehold of state censorship. For visitors to the country, it is essential to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). With ever-tightening internet restrictions, VPNs provide an avenue to stay connected to the outside world. A VPN with strong security features, like NordVPN, will help to keep your data secure and allow you to access blocked websites without being detected by the authorities.

Read on to learn more about censorship in North Korea and how to get around it, should you ever travel there.

Media Freedom in North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, is one of the most oppressive nations in the world. It has a one-party dictatorship with a dynastic ruling system. At the moment, North Korea ranks 179 out of 180 on the World Freedom Index, a position that is second-worst only to Eritrea.

Emigration and immigration are tightly controlled in North Korea. Citizens are generally not allowed to travel freely within the state, or even consider crossing the border. This also applies to the flow of information; North Korea deliberately maintains tyrannical control of all media and cuts its population off from global influence.

There is virtually no press freedom in North Korea. The two main sources of news in the country are the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun newspaper. These are the official North Korean media outlets, and they primarily inform citizens about state-related news, ostensibly on the whereabouts of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. However, they also exist to appease foreign onlookers, presenting a very selective and false narrative about the state of affairs in the DPRK.

State-controlled propaganda

In North Korea, propaganda is the backbone of censorship. KCNA only shows documentaries and programs that portray the Kim family and North Korean politics in a good light. This has been the modus operandi of the media for many years even prior to Kim Jong-il, the predecessor and father of the current leader, Kim Jong-un.

By law, there is no room for dissenting views or personal opinions. Expressing criticism of the Workers’ Party or the ruling Kim family is illegal. The ever-present threat of punishment and the lack of diverse information forces North Koreans into compliance.

In schools, children are taught to view the political leaders as brilliant figures, who devote their lives to the country. Daily patrol groups ensure that no dissenting ideas can be spread around neighborhoods.

To keep up the facade, North Korean journalists relentlessly advocate for the ruling party. Their job is essentially to warp current affairs until it is in line with state propaganda, even when this is factually incorrect.

The requirements for becoming a journalist in the country include passing an ideology review and a thorough background check. Additionally, there is a probation period of four to five years.

Foreign media in North Korea

North Korea doesn’t allow many foreign media into its borders. Foreign reporters are often defamed as liars, tasked to undermine and destabilize the Kim regime.

Where political affairs are concerned, the small number of reporters who are occasionally granted access to the country are strongly discouraged from talking to North Korean citizens. Typically, guides accompany visitors to make sure they are not gathering information. And residents generally won’t talk to journalists without getting permission from the authorities.

In 2013, the DPRK made a 3G network connection available to foreign reporters and visitors to the country. Even so, there are some restrictions. A local SIM card is required to go online and make international calls. Also, platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter are unavailable.

Internet censorship

In North Korea, ordinary citizens only have access to the country’s intranet network while party leaders, high ranking officials, and a few elite citizens have a degree of access to the real internet.

The national intranet network, called Kwangmyong, which means “bright star” in Korean, is the only way North Koreans can get online. This tightly controlled cyberspace provides access to between 1,000 and 5,000 websites and platforms.

Kwangmyong runs on pirated Japanese versions of Microsoft software and is pretty rudimentary in terms of its features. Most internet users still use a dial-up connection to access the web or go to computer labs. The websites and platforms on North Korea’s intranet network are isolated from the global internet. These websites primarily provide information about national affairs.

Meanwhile, state-sponsored hackers, high-ranking government officials, and tourists, who can access the real internet in North Korea, have to contend with restrictions. As indicated above, several social media platforms are blocked in the country. Also, emails and messages are heavily monitored.

Why Does North Korea Censor the Internet?

Since 1948, the DPRK has been ruled by the Kim dynasty. And all censorship measures appear to be designed to strengthen and preserve the prestige and power of this family. Control is exercised on a physical, institutional, and ideological level. The cornerstone of the system is the Juche ideology.

Juche is a set of political principles that emphasize political independence, economic self-sufficiency, and military self-reliance. North Korea’s tendency to isolate itself from the rest of the world is a direct result of this philosophy, as is its state-sponsored  propaganda.

The ultimate goal appears to be to mask the reality of things in the country, both from North Koreans and the rest of the world. As long as the population is bombarded with a warped interpretation of history, beautified ideologies, and flattering reports of the ruling family, the reality of hardships and human rights violations remains out of sight.

Self-censorship

Since there is no right to assembly or association in the DPRK, and civil society organizations are non-existent, people don’t have any space to talk freely.

With a long history of oppression, torture, and punishment, North Korean citizens do not dare speak their minds or counter the regime.

While North Korean authorities monitor all internet traffic, there is less technical surveillance than people might expect. This is a direct result of the fear and self-censorship that exists in the collective psyche of North Korean citizens.

What Content is Being Censored?

North Korea’s far-reaching censorship measures cast a wide net over different types of content including social media and websites with potentially dissenting views. Generally, every type of content that provides information contrary to what the state approves is censored.

The online censorship in North Korea appears to have two goals: restricting citizens’ access to the world wide web, while simultaneously keeping the rest of the world out of its domestic affairs. The censorship also plays to the cult of personality around Kim Jong-un.

Traditional media

Foreign newspapers and magazines are completely unavailable in the DPRK. Only the state-controlled news sources we highlighted above are available in the country.

One of the main ways the North Korean government sustains support for its ideology is by erasing all evidence of its political history.

You won’t find any old newspapers in a North Korean library. In true Orwellian fashion, traditional print media gets destroyed after a couple of years to protect the ruling party from any potential opposition. If the Workers’ Party changes the course of its policies or gets caught in political scandals, people won’t be able to collect evidence.

After Jang Song-thaek, the uncle of Kim Jong-un, was convicted of treason in 2013 and subsequently executed, tens of thousands of articles that made mention of Jang were erased from databases. Additionally, his image was digitally removed from photos with North Korean officials, as though he had never existed.

International websites and social media

The limited number of websites on the Kwangmyong network are filtered and monitored. The network is mostly used by universities, libraries, businesses, and government institutions. Instead of Google or Firefox, North Koreans use “Our Country”, the national search engine.

In 2016, the DPRK officially began to block social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to keep tighter control over the flow of information. These platforms had already been unavailable in the country prior to the ban.

Gambling and adult websites are also prohibited. People who try to access such platforms are subject to punishment.

Threats to national ideology

Generally, censorship in North Korea applies to anything that can be considered a threat to the state, Kim Jong-un, or the Juche ideology. Occasionally, the government will allow a very small number of foreign films or TV programs into the country, but this is very rare.

The DPRK has been ruled by the Workers’ Party since it was founded in the 1940s. Any expression of political opposition, both online and offline, is considered treason and could attract harsh punishment.

The state controls all flow of information, including school curriculums. North Korea’s censorship further extends to religious groups, women, and minorities. There is no freedom of religious assembly, and the government outright denies the existence of LGBTQ+ people.

Internet access for overseas citizens

From time to time, North Korea also bans internet access for diplomats and citizens who live abroad. This happened in 2017, when the killing of Kim Jong-nam, the step-brother of Kim Jong-un, came to light. An official warning informed North Korean citizens overseas that searching for or spreading information about the execution could lead to forced return and “severe” punishment.

How Does North Korea Censor the Internet?

North Korea is sometimes referred to as the “hermit kingdom” as information barely gets in and out of the country.

Telecom sector

The telecommunications sector in the DPRK is completely under the control of the authorities. The infrastructure is entirely state-run. Moreover, surveillance technology is heavily integrated, making it impossible for North Koreans to go unmonitored.

Phone calls and internet activity are continuously under the surveillance of North Korea’s State Security Department. It is punishable by law to make international phone calls. The Bureau uses sophisticated technology to detect mobile phone frequencies.

Radio and TV stations must be checked by and registered with the police before they are allowed to operate. Also, radios and television sets are configured to prevent North Koreans from being able to tune into anything other than domestic frequencies or channels.

The majority of physical internet connections in the DPRK run through mountains in the north and connect via the Chinese state-run agency, Unicom, to the outside world. This means that besides its censorship, North Korea is also behind the Great Firewall.

Surveillance

In recent years, North Korea has gradually eased restrictions on the use of portable devices, including mobile phones and tablets.

Mobile phones were banned between 2004 and 2008. In 2008, a 3G network service called Koryolink was introduced. While it opened up mobile communications to a certain extent, the service is completely state-controlled and only supports domestic phone calls.

As the use of portable devices blossoms in the country, so has the development of North Korean spyware. In 2017, North Korea released a tablet for sale exclusively in the country. The Ullim tablet was sourced from Chinese electronic companies and runs on Android. The device is modified to grant the North Korean government complete control.

Portable devices sold in North Korea come pre-installed with officially approved applications and run on a software program called “Red Flag.” This software records all browsing history and takes a screenshot every time a user opens a new app. The devices also come with “Trace Viewer,” a software that stores data and prevents users from deleting records.

Additionally, apps can only be downloaded if they are on the list of approved applications. It is nearly impossible to use the tablet for anything other than accessing government-sanctioned content.

Besides this, the North Korean government invests millions of dollars in security cameras each year to keep an eye on its population. This surveillance equipment is primarily installed on the South Korea and Chinese border, and other key locations.

Threats and physical force

Around the world, human rights organizations continue to express concern about the high level of crimes against humanity that take place in North Korea. Censorship is upheld with the threat of torture, murder, imprisonment, enslavement, rape, and other forms of violence.

Those who behave disagreeably risk being sent to atrocious political prison camps, often on arbitrary charges. The result is fearful obedience from a population that doesn’t have any alternative at their disposal.

Defection from North Korea is considered “treachery against the nation.” After three failed escapes, the defector along with three generations of their family, all face execution.

How to Get Around Censorship in North Korea?

Despite the risks and challenges, some North Koreans still attempt to gain access to information. From listening to South Korean stations with unregistered radios to smuggling South Korean dramas and other foreign DVDs into the country, people continue to search out independent media in whatever way they can.

Some people, mostly foreigners, resort to using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to get access to the internet while in North Korea. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, which keeps your data protected and allows you to access content that is otherwise blocked.

How does a VPN bypass North Korea’s internet censorship

VPN technology is one of the top solutions for people across the world who want to bypass internet censorship. It allows you to access the internet without being tracked or potentially compromising your privacy.

When you use a VPN, the traffic to/from your device is encrypted. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to see what you’re doing online. Typically, when using a VPN, your ISP or anyone who inspects your data packets may be able to tell that you’re using a VPN. However, premium VPN providers like NordVPN have obfuscated servers that make VPN traffic appear like regular traffic to avoid detection.

Apart from encrypting your data, VPNs also hide your IP address and route your internet traffic through a server in any location of your choosing. Furthermore, leading VPN providers have the technology to penetrate the firewall in North Korea and other countries that enforce online censorship.

VPNs also come with an array of additional features to enhance your security online and make the web openly accessible. Ultimately, a VPN ensures you stay anonymous online and access content that would otherwise be blocked to you.

Is using a VPN legal in North Korea?

Using a VPN in North Korea is prohibited. As stated above, North Koreans can face harsh punishments for trying to access content that is not government-sanctioned.

However, the rules appear to be more relaxed for visitors to the country. If anything, using a VPN when you’re within North Korea’s borders is a good way to protect your privacy online.

Keep in mind that, because of North Korea’s isolation policies, it is difficult to get an accurate picture of how authorities respond to international visitors using VPNs. So, it is advisable to stay cautious and use a VPN service with excellent security features.

Best VPNs for North Korea

Since the DPRK is cut off from the rest of the world, virtually no VPN provider has servers inside the country. However, connecting to a server in South Korea will give you decent connection speeds to browse the web. What’s more important is how the VPN performs on the security and privacy front.

Considering how strict North Korea’s regime is, we don’t recommend that you use a free VPN service when you’re visiting the country. Aside from the possibility that the service won’t be able to get past North Korean restrictions, there is also a high risk that your data will be exposed.

If you’re traveling to different countries in East Asia, you can certainly check out our free VPN recommendations. For North Korea, however, we suggest you choose a premium VPN provider.

We’ve outlined our top 3 VPNs for you below.

1. NordVPN: The best and safest VPN for North Korea

With 10 servers in South Korea and over 5,000 servers worldwide, NordVPN is easily the best choice for anyone visiting the DPRK. It is known for its reliable and fast server network. NordVPN allows you to access any online content, from independent news sources like the BBC to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

NordVPN offers top-notch security features including AES 256-bit encryption, a wide network of RAM-based diskless servers, a built-in kill switch, automatic malware scanning, and a strict no-log policy. This ensures your data is safe and private. Additionally, NordVPN offers dedicated obfuscated servers for countries with strict internet censorship, such as North Korea. These servers disguise your traffic so it is impossible to tell that you’re using a VPN.

NordVPN runs on all major operating systems and the VPN app has a well-organized, sleek, and easy-to-navigate interface. It’s a great pick for beginners as well as experienced VPN users.

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2. Surfshark: A cheap alternative VPN for North Korea

If you are looking for a more affordable VPN provider, Surfshark is the best choice. Their server network consists of 3,000+ servers in more than 65 countries, including South Korea.

Besides 256-bit encryption and excellent VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, Surfshark has a couple of additional security features that are very useful if you’re visiting North Korea. The stealth mode function, for example, hides the fact that you are using a VPN from internet service providers (ISPs) and other prying eyes.

Another great thing about Surfshark is that you can connect as many devices as you like with the same account. This VPN supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Surfshark is compatible with all the top operating systems available today, and the app has a simple design. It is very easy to use. Although Surfshark has a lot of features, they’ve managed to create a simple user interface that is not intimidating for beginners.

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3. ExpressVPN: Fast servers to unblock international content

ExpressVPN is also a good choice for North Korea. This VPN provider offers fast speeds and excellent unblocking capabilities. With a network of 3,000 servers globally, you’ll be able to access independent information from anywhere.

Like NordVPN and Surfshark, ExpressVPN also uses AES 265-bit encryption to protect your data. Additionally, it comes with a kill switch and DNS protection. This VPN uses TrustedServer technology which deletes all your data each time you restart your connection to a server.

You’ll find an ExpressVPN app for your device regardless of the type of operating system you’re using. The design of the VPN app is very user-friendly and it comes with numerous features.

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Final Thoughts

The North Korean media landscape is one of the most tightly controlled in the world. Citizens are only allowed to go online via the Kwangmyong intranet, a highly censored and heavily monitored cyberspace. Foreigners are allowed to access a 3G network, but most social media platforms and web pages are inaccessible.

The government of North Korea uses extreme propaganda and surveillance technology to coerce public opinion in its favor. There is no freedom of expression. Those who speak out against the regime are severely punished, tortured, detained, enslaved, or even executed. In an attempt to keep international human rights organizations off its back, North Korea barely allows any foreign journalists within its borders.

In a dictatorship like North Korea, the free flow of information is not guaranteed. If you’re a journalist, activist, or one of the few visitors who get to travel to the DPRK, using a VPN like NordVPN will allow you to stay connected to the outside world while keeping your data safe and online activities private.

The post Censorship in North Korea: How to Stay Safe Online appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Citizen Lab also believes that the number of targeted individuals is probably much higher. Spain’s smartphone market is dominated by Android (above 80%). Citizen Lab’s forensic tools for detecting Pegasus are far more advanced for iOS devices.

So far, Citizen Lab has not managed to conclusively attribute the campaign to any entity. However, the organization said, based on a variety of circumstantial evidence, that entities within the Spanish government could be responsible.

What is Pegasus Spyware?

Pegasus is a zero-click exploit developed by the NSO Group, an Israeli company. Usually, when a hacker wants to infect a device, they trick the victim into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. However, in a zero-click exploit, the cybercriminal can compromise the target’s device without any action on the part of the victim. For this, hackers take advantage of inherent security flaws in devices before they are patched.

Once a device is infected, Pegasus gives its operator near-total access to the contents of the device, like call data, messages, photos, videos, etc. The operator can also turn on the victim’s microphone and camera at will. This way, they can carry out real-time surveillance of their targets.

To ensure that their spyware does not fall into the wrong hands, the NSO group claims it only sells Pegasus to recognized and vetted entities within national governments. However, both Pegasus and the NSO Group have come under immense scrutiny since last year, when it was discovered that many national governments were using the spyware to target political opponents and activists. Since that story broke, there have been consistent reports of the misuse of Pegasus by governments around the world. Most recently, a report stated that high-ranking members of the EU Commission were also the target of Pegasus spyware attacks.

Targeting of Catalonia Separatists

The targeting of Catalan political figures and activists fits into what appears to be a pattern of Pegasus misuse by other governments. Catalonia is an autonomous region in northeastern Spain. As detailed in Citizen Lab’s report, Catalan leaders have locked horns with the Spanish government for independence for several decades.

Citizen Lab’s investigation revealed that 63 individuals had evidence of Pegasus on their devices. Furthermore, four others had Candiru spyware, and at least two devices had evidence of both. The victims included senior officials in government and related organizations. Citizen Lab said they were “members of the European Parliament, Catalan Presidents, legislators, jurists, and members of civil society organizations.”

Possible Role of the Spanish Government

Citizen Lab said that some circumstantial evidence indicates that “one or more entities within the Spanish government” played a role in the spyware attacks. However, it is unable to conclusively attribute the campaign to any entity yet.

Here are some of the reasons why the organization suspects the Spanish Government:

• “The targets were of obvious interest to the Spanish government
• The specific timing of the targeting matches events of specific interest to the Spanish government
• The use of bait content in SMSes suggests access to target’s personal information, such as Spanish governmental ID numbers
• Spain’s CNI has reportedly been an NSO Group Customer, and Spain’s Ministry of Interior reportedly possesses an unnamed but similar capability.”

Furthermore, Citizen Lab believes it is unlikely that a Pegasus operator outside of Spain would carry out such an extensive campaign within the country.

The post Catalan Politicians and Activists Were Targets of Israeli Spyware appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

MetaMask Wallet User Faces Phishing Attack

Last week, a MetaMask wallet with the Twitter name Domenic Iacovone informed the NFT community that he was the victim of a targeted phishing attack. Iacovone said he received a phone call from a number displayed as “Apple” on his caller ID. After calling  the number back, the representative asked for a code sent to Iacovone’s phone. Soon after, his entire MetaMask wallet was wiped out.

The stolen tokens include 6 NFTs, namely MAYC 28478, MAYC 8952, MAYC 7536, Gutter cat 2280, Gutter cat2769, and Gutter cat 2325. The attackers also made their way with roughly $100,000 in ape coin.

MetaMask Recently Expanded into Apple Ecosystem

Last month, MetaMask issued an update that allowed its users to buy crypto through Apple Pay. Previously, users would have to transfer ETH tokens to their wallets in order to make transactions. This incentivized Apple users to integrate their MetaMask wallets with the rest of their ecosystem.

A Twitter user named “Serpent,” who is the founder of the DAPE NFT project, provided more details about the attack and valued the stolen tokens at approximately $650,000.

The attackers used a spoofed caller ID number to call Iacovone, warning him of suspicious activity on his Apple ID. Next, they requested a verification code sent to his phone in order to confirm that he was the real owner. However, this code allowed the attackers to reset the victim’s password, thereby gaining access to his iCloud account. This included all the stored MetaMask data.

“MetaMask actually saves your seed phrase file on your iCloud. The scammers requested a password reset for the victim’s Apple ID. After receiving the 2FA code, they were able to take control over the Apple ID, and access iCloud which gave them access to the victim’s MetaMask,” Serpent stated.

Users Urged to Use Strong Passwords

After this incident, MetaMask put out a tweet explaining how the threat actors are executing the phishing attack.

“If you have enabled iCloud backup for app data, this will include your password-encrypted MetaMask vault. If your password isn’t strong enough, and someone phishes your iCloud credentials, this can mean stolen funds,” the company said. It also provided instructions on how to disable iCloud backups, including unrequested backups.

If this article piqued your interest, we recommend checking our detailed guide on phishing attacks.

The post MetaMask Warns Users About Phishing Attacks Through iCloud appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

The security breach resulted in credit-based “stablecoin” protocol project Beanstalk Farms losing all of its collateral in a record “flash loan” attack. The question of how and if victims will be reimbursed is up in the air.

“You May Want to Take a Look”

At around 13:00 UTC on April 17th, BeanStalk Farms was met with an alarming message from PeckShield that read: “Hi, @beanstalkFarms, you may want to take a look” Cointelegraph wrote.

“Our initial analysis shows the @BeanstalkFarms loss is ~$182m !” PeckShield exclaimed publicly via a Twitter post. A breakdown of the stolen assets is 79,238,241 in BEAN3CRV-f, 1,637,956 in BEANLUSD-F, 36,084,584 in BEAN, and 0.54 units of UNI-V2_WETH_BEAN. A total of 24,830 ETH (Ethereum) was taken, PeckShield wrote. “Just lost $150k in $bean ask me anything” Twitter user “ajpikul,” said.

On an interesting note, other details indicate that the hacker donated “250k to Ukraine Crypto Donation” PeckShield added in the Twitter thread.

Yet Another DeFi Exploit This Month

BeanStalk Farms is the second case of a multi-million dollar “flash loan” attack within a month, Coindesk said. The past few weeks have been packed with such DeFi exploits. Last month, hackers stole over $600 million from the Ronin network in a record DeFi exploit. A similar amount was taken from DeFi provider Poly Network in a notorious cryptocurrency incident last year.

DeFi, short for decentralized finance, is a popular trend comprising a collection of blockchain projects that largely rely on the Ethereum cryptocurrency. The goal is to transform traditional banking services into decentralized architectures that are community-managed.

Flash Loan Attack and Malicious Governance Proposals

In this case, the hacker leveraged a “flash loan” attack to pass malicious governance proposals BIP-18 and BIP-19 that drained all funds into a private Ethereum wallet, Coindesk added. The attacker took out a $1 billion loan in DAI, USDC, and USDT from the lending platform Aave, Forex exchange portal FXStreet said. The attacker quietly funneled the funds via the private cryptocurrency mixer platform Tornado Cash.

This allowed the attacker to amass enormous amounts of Beanstalk tokens while gaining the “voting power” necessary to pass malicious governance proposals.

“Beanstalk did not use a flash loan resistant measure to determine the % of Stalk that had voted in favor of the BIP. This was the fault that allowed the hacker to exploit Beanstalk,” Beanstalk project leads said.

Flash loans — quick smart contract loans that enable DeFi users to borrow crypto without putting down collateral — are something hackers like to exploit. Traders like to use flash loans to profit from arbitrage opportunities, while for attackers one of the benefits is that enormous amounts of tokens can be hoovered and malicious proposals can be passed in a matter of seconds, simultaneously, the Tokenist added.

The 2021 C.R.E.A.M. Finance flash loan exploit that resulted in $37.5 million lost is a good example of such scenarios that rocked the DeFi community in the past.

Beanstalk Market Collapsed

As a result, Beanstalk’s BEAN stablecoin collapsed, falling over 86%. A stablecoin is a “pegged” digital currency that relies on reserve assets like gold or the U.S. dollar, as opposed to “unpegged” ones like Bitcoin. This way, stablecoins are supposed to be less volatile than their unpegged counterparts.

Meanwhile, Beanstalk’s market capitalization is down to $12.6 million while traders are actively dumping BEAN and recovering funds on Uniswap, FXStreet wrote.

Beanstalk Declined Specific Questions

When asked about whether stolen funds will be reimbursed to users, Beanstalk remained silent, stating only that more information will be available at a “town hall” meeting (organization-wide business meeting).

“As a decentralized project, we are asking the DeFi community and experts in chain analytics to help us limit the exploiter’s ability to withdraw funds via CEXes. If the exploiter is open to a discussion, we are as well,” Beanstalk told its followers via Twitter.

Beanstalk stated that they reached out to the FBI Crime Center and are working on tracking down the perpetrator and recovering stolen funds.

The outlook may not be very rosy, as “Proponents believe that there is a low likelihood of lost users’ funds being reinstated with zero financial backing,” FXStreet said.

For further reading on the subject, check out our full guide on which cryptocurrency scams to watch out for this year. For more on safe stablecoin alternatives, check out this guide to the best Bitcoin alternatives.

The post DeFi Project Beanstalk Farms Records $182 Million Loss Due to Breach appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Cybercriminals are already targeting the newly formed Metaverse to make money, steal personal data, as well as spy on people, and control devices with “launch camera” and “overlay attacks,” the report said.

Metaverse: Entertainment Reimagined?

One example of this new, youth-geared metaverse is the U.S. gaming colossus Epic Games’ Fortnite — a very popular game that received a $2 billion investment this week from Sony and Lego’s Danish parent firm. The two firms are set on co-developing a family-friendly Metaverse for kids, while many other companies such as Roblox see the Metaverse as reimagining the future of entertainment.

“A proportion of our investments is focused on trends we believe will impact the future world that we and our children will live in,” CEO of Kirkbi (Lego) Soren Thorup Sorensen said Monday.

VR experiences in the future “will likely seem more real” Meta’s Jason Rubin told CBS News in an interview conducted in a virtual reality space. “We [will] really become an immersive world,” he added.

However, several security experts have weighed in on the myriad of security and privacy risks in the Metaverse. Meta Platforms Inc., (formerly Facebook) had set out to responsibly build the Metaverse with a $50 million investment towards their XR Programs and Research fund for this exact purpose last year.

Security Experts Are Worried

Security experts are not as optimistic about the whole scenario. After all, they know cybercriminals will not be far behind the latest developments in the tech world where there is money to be made and personal information to be stolen, the report said. “We totally expect them to move into this,” co-founder of Arkose labs Kevin Gosschalk stated.

12-year-old Cooper Stone, like many kids, loves to play Fortnite via his VR headset today because he can go to VR concerts and “see famous and really cool people around the world,” he told CBS News’ Anna Werner.

Stone and his parents were scammed, though, when hackers breached his Fortnite account last year and “charged up his parents’ credit cards,” CBS News said. Most of the time, such scenarios arise due to malware, phishing, or password reuse between multiple sites, Epic Games responded. For these reasons, purchase controls for parents and checking all accounts for signs of compromise already applies to Fortnite, Epic Games said.

VR social platform risks can get more disturbing, for example when a hacker gains access to a VR headset, Cobalt.io’s Caroline Wong added. A hacker can potentially see into an office or bedroom, or spy on a home via a “camera attack,” Wong said. Meanwhile, an “overlay attack” can allow hackers to control what users see and hear, she said.

Safe Zones for Children

Metaverse content can sometimes be especially disturbing for children, like “finding guns in some user-created rooms and inappropriate metaverse graffiti images,” the report said. For these reasons, Meta told CBS News that “[VR] headsets are designed for children ages 13 and up with some experiences only for people 18 and up.”

In addition to that, parental supervision tools to monitor kids and teens’ activities, along with “safe zones” within the software to mitigate uncomfortable situations have been set up, Metaverse’s parent company Meta said. “Later this month, the company will offer a way for parents to lock specific apps that aren’t age-appropriate for teens” the report added.

“You can’t protect against everything” because the Metaverse realms are what they are, Wong said. “How long your eyes gaze at a particular digital object? Exactly what you click on, exactly what you type. All of that is being monitored. It can be monitored” Wong added.

The post Cybersecurity Experts Weigh in on The Metaverse appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Threat actors have developed offensive cyber tools that target these systems and can scan for, compromise, and control targeted devices by breaching the operational technology (OT) network, the report added. The threat actors in question have not been identified in CISA’s alert.

Schneider, Omron, OPC UA Systems in the Crosshairs

The Department of Energy (DOE), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have joined forces to fight APT (Advanced Persistent Threat) actors targeting critical infrastructure, the report stated.

Schneider’s Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs), OMRON Sysmac NEX PLCs, and Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) servers are now at risk, the report added.

These systems are at risk of brute-force attacks, denial-of-service attacks, credential capture, and even hardware crashes as a result of “packet of death” attacks.

Custom-Made Offensive Cyber Tools

High-profile threat actors have crafted custom-made cyber tools to compromise critical infrastructure, the report stated. An “ICS-specific” malware (malicious software) dubbed “PIPEDREAM” developed by the “Chernovite Activity Group (AG)” is suspected to be the weapon of choice here, cybersecurity company Dragos stated in their news blog.

Mandiant threat intelligence dubbed the malware “INCONTROLLER” — a novel software weapon “built to target machine automation devices” across multiple industries, wrote Mandiant. Mandiant believes the malware can be correlated with Russian cyber-physical (CPS) attacks on Ukraine between 2015 and 2016.

“The APT actors’ tools have a modular architecture and enable cyber actors to conduct highly automated exploits against targeted devices,” CISA said. In addition to this, APT threat actors have been discovered using a tool that exploits known vulnerabilities in ASRock-signed motherboard drivers via Windows Kernel. This allows cybercriminals to “move laterally within an IT or OT environment” which in turn allows them to compromise critical devices and functions, CISA wrote.

Which ICS/SCADA Devices are Vulnerable?

According to authorities, the following devices are at risk:

• Schneider Electric MODICON and MODICON Nano PLCs, including (but may not be limited to) TM251, TM241, M258, M238, LMC058, and LMC078
• OMRON Sysmac NJ and NX PLCs, including (but may not be limited to) NEX NX1P2, NX-SL3300, NX-ECC203, NJ501-1300, S8VK, and R88D-1SN10F-ECT
• OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) servers

ICS and SCADA systems are usually installed to control and manage substantial industrial systems and networks such as water supplies, gas pipelines, and power grids.

Recommended Security Mitigations

There are several emergency security approaches posted by CISA for US agencies that enable network defenders “to begin efforts to protect systems and devices from new capabilities.” The DOE, CISA, NSA, and the FBI recommend the following steps for all organizations that use ICS/SCADA devices:

• Isolating systems and networks using strong perimeter controls
• Enforcing multifactor authentication for ICS networks and devices wherever possible
• Including a cyber incident response plan and exercising it regularly
• Changing all passwords on all devices and systems on a consistent schedule
• Maintaining backups, especially offline backups
• Limit systems access to only specifically allowed management and engineering stations
• Configuring DeviceGuard, Credential Guard, and Hypervisor Code Integrity (HVCI)
• Implementing robust log collection across systems
• Leveraging a continuous OT monitoring solution
• Enforcing principles of least privilege
• Monitoring systems for loading of unusual drivers, particularly ASRock drivers

For more in-depth security mitigation information, please refer to the original CISA report.

Critical Infrastructure Attacks

As the digital transformation of industrial sectors takes hold, attacks on critical infrastructure and CPS systems like ICS/SCADA and others can wreak havoc on an entire nation’s fundamental lifelines.

This has been the case many times over the years in cases such as the Colonial Pipeline attack in 2021, the attack that disrupted Toyota’s business operations last month, an attempt to poison the Florida water supply, and several others.

For these reasons, the private sector is working on protecting industrial systems in several critical sectors such as energy, automotive, banking, and semiconductor sectors via a new consortium called the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Coalition (OTCSA), The Register said in a report.

The post APT Cyber Tools Are Targeting Energy Sector, Among Others appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Attackers Lure Victims with Fake Job Offers

According to Bleeping Computer, African Banks constantly deal with attacks from cyber bandits looking to make a quick buck. This led to the banks stepping up their cyber defenses, and deploying strict gateway security systems. In response, cybercriminals have turned to more sophisticated campaigns to carry out their nefarious activities.

Researchers at HP Wolf Security discovered the RemcosRAT campaign in early 2022. The attacker targeted a Western African bank employee using HTML smuggling, which allows malicious email attachments to fly under the network security radar. The employee received an email from a competitor bank containing information on employment opportunities.

On closer examination, one can see that it is a phishing email coming from a typo-squatted domain impersonating the rival bank. Researchers said that the attackers go to great lengths to make the email appear convincing.

RemcosRAT Malware Drop

The email contains links to a spoofed website with information about the supposed job. While the website itself does not contain any malicious files, its purpose is to deceive the victim and lead them to download the malware, which is actually hidden as an HTML attachment in the email.

Malicious files usually get blocked at email gateways. Here, the attackers use an increasingly popular technique called HTML smuggling to sneak the files by email defenses. The cybercriminals encode the malicious files in an HTML file, which are later decoded and reconstructed using Javascript blobs.

HP Wolf Security team had this to say about the technique:

“When the user opens the HTML attachment using a web browser, they are prompted to download the file, which is already stored on the local system. This way HTML smuggling bypasses security controls that block malicious website traffic, such as web proxies. The technique is dangerous because HTML email attachments are not typically blocked at gateways and detecting the encoded malware can be challenging. Using this technique, dangerous file types can be smuggled into an organization and lead to malware infection.”

RemcosRAT has Wide-ranging Capabilities

Bleeping Computer points out that previous campaigns dating back to 2018 used RemcosRAT malware. This gives us insights into its malicious capabilities. RemcosRAT supports remote command execution, which allows the attacker to perform functions remotely. This would include the ability to capture screenshots, log keystrokes, and remotely control the victim’s webcam and microphone.

The attackers could use this to record transaction details and steal priority login credentials. They could also move laterally within the bank’s network, or carry out Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. Furthermore, any stolen data can be used for financial extortion.

If this story caught your interest, we recommend checking out our article on Trojan malware.

The post African Banks Face Constant RemcosRAT Malware Campaigns appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Hackers could have lured victims into clicking on a malicious NFT (Non-Fungible Token) leading to account compromise and the loss of funds in the account, CPR researchers said. CPR immediately reported the flaw to Rarible, which installed a quick fix.

Dangerous “setApprovalForAll” Function

NFTs have an EIP-721 standard that provides basic functionality for tracking and transferring them across marketplaces. The standard has a function named “setApprovalForAll.” The function is “very dangerous by design,” because if a user is tricked into signing it, it may allow anyone to control the NFT process, researchers said.

NFT users usually do not pay attention to what permissions they are signing over in a transaction because they assume it is safe by default, researchers wrote.

To test this case, researchers created NFT art with malicious scripts such as JSON-RPC and the “tokennfttx” API within, such as an SVG image, and uploaded it. NFT art files can be anything that ends with the file extensions: PNG, GIF, SVG, MP4, WebM, and MP3.

Hackers Could Have Gained Full Access

Researchers then simply uploaded the malicious NFT to the Rarible marketplace, which when clicked loops through the victim’s NFTs and sends the “setApprovalForAll” transaction to the victim’s wallet. Once the victim approves, the hacker now has full access to a certain set of the victim’s NFTs, which can be transferred to their account using the “transferFrom” action on the NFT contract.

The same “setApprovalForAll” request technique was used on famous Taiwanese singer Jay Chou. As a result, hackers got full access to Chou’s “BoardApe” NFTs. The hacker then transferred Chou’s NFTs to a separate wallet and sold them for $500,000, researchers wrote.

NFT Marketplaces Are an Easy Target

Non-Fungible Tokens are a new, disruptive arena in the world of digital assets. Because of that, marketplaces have not yet fine-tuned their security well enough. Just last month, the largest NFT marketplace on the web OpenSea NFT marketplace was hacked, resulting in the theft of $1.7 million in NFTs via cybercriminal phishing techniques.

It is important to add that, cryptocurrency scams are quite similar to NFT scams, as both assets operate in the same space.

Checkpoint’s Security Tips

CPR researchers remind NFT aficionados that they should be very cautious about wallet requests, because some of these requests may provide attackers full access to their NFTs and Tokens.

To protect themselves from scenarios like this, users should:

• Be cautious when receiving requests to sign any link within any NFT marketplace
• Review the content of a request and decide whether it seems abnormal or suspicious
• In case of any doubts, reject the request and examine it one more time before providing authorization

Token approvals can also be reviewed and revoked via Etherscan’s “tokenapprovalchecker.”

While many investors expect NFTs to stay around for the long haul, researchers said that malicious actors are taking advantage of this early interest. “Threat actors know they have an open window right now to take advantage of, with consumer adoption spiking, while security measures in this space still needs to catch up,” CPR said.

In the meantime, check out 2022’s best VPNs for crypto-trading which you can also use for NFT transactions. You may also want to educate yourself on cybercrime scams via our overview on phishing.

The post Rarible NFT Marketplace Narrowly Avoids Major Breach appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Summary: The 8 Best Free VPNs for Your iPhone

While Apple’s iOS is a relatively secure operating system, it is vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks. Using a VPN is one of the best ways to keep your iPhone secure. If you don’t want to spend money on a VPN, there are a few great free VPNs for iPhones.

After analyzing several VPNs and conducting tests, we came up with a shortlist of the eight best VPNs for iPhones below:

1. ProtonVPN – The best overall VPN for iPhone
2. Windscribe – The best free VPN for streaming on iPhone
3. AtlasVPN – The most secure free VPN for iPhone
4. Avira Phantom VPN – The best free VPN for iPhone with unlimited simultaneous connections
5. Speedify – The fastest free VPN for iPhone
6. ZoogVPN – A private free VPN for iPhone
7. TunnelBear – A free VPN for iPhone with a large server network
8. Hide.me – A good free VPN app for iPhone users in North America and Europe

Want to get started straight away? Click on the button below to visit ProtonVPN’s website and install its free VPN.

ProtonVPN

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Visit ProtonVPN

While each of these free VPNs offer excellent value, they don’t compare to a premium VPN like CyberGhost. Not only does CyberGhost offer faster speeds, it has a larger server network, better security features, and is quite affordable.

Check out the rest of the article for more information on each of the VPNs listed above!

Apple has taken many measures to improve the privacy and security of the iPhone over the years. Since the introduction of the iOS 14.5, apps now request permission from users to track their activities online. And with the iOS 15 update, Apple introduced Private Relay, which hides your IP address. Despite these security provisions, it is essential to use a VPN when using an iPhone to protect your data and digital identity.

While we typically recommend using a premium VPN, like NordVPN, we understand that not everyone wants to shell out a few dollars monthly on a VPN service. Luckily, there are several free VPNs for iPhones. However, not all of these free VPNs are reliable and secure.

We tested a bunch of free iPhone VPNs to come up with this article highlighting the very best among them.

The Best Free VPN for iPhones: Overview

Here is a simple table with the data limits, number of servers, and levels of encryption of all the VPNs we look at in the article below. This will allow you to identify the free iPhone VPN that best suits your needs at a glance.

Out of all the free VPNs we tested, ProtonVPN is arguably the best free VPN for iPhone and iOS devices thanks to its speed and data security. If you’d like a VPN with a more extensive network of servers, then Speedify is a great choice. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of each VPN listed in the table.

Note: The speed and bandwidth tests we mention below were done on an internet connection with a baseline download and upload speed of 84.1 Mbps and 70.9 Mbps, respectively, without a VPN.

1. ProtonVPN: The Best Overall Free VPN for iPhones

ProtonVPN is the product of Proton Technologies AG, the company that’s also behind ProtonMail. This free VPN service provides unlimited data and fast download speeds. Its overall usability makes it our top choice for iPhone users.

Speed and bandwidth

ProtonVPN is the third-fastest VPN on our list. It recorded the following speeds when connected to the most optimal server (in our case, Japan):

• Download: 72.3 Mbps
• Upload: 14.1 Mbps
• Ping: 158

Thanks to its high download speeds, ProtonVPN can be used to watch videos and stream sporting events. The free version of ProtonVPN does not support torrenting and P2P file-sharing.

Our overall browsing experience when using this free VPN app was smooth and lag-free. Although ProtonVPN can unblock content on leading streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, there’s no guarantee that this will work every time when using its free version. This is one of the few drawbacks of this VPN.

Another minor drawback is ProtonVPN’s relatively small server network. Free users get access to only 17 servers in three countries (the US, Japan, and the Netherlands). While the network is clearly limited, the servers are in popular locations and reasonably well spread out. You should be able to connect to a server that’s reasonably close to your location.

Security and privacy

ProtonVPN really shines when it comes to security. Its encryption protocols and standards are comparable to those of some of the leading premium VPN providers. The key security features of ProtonVPN include:

• Encryption: AES 256-bit
• Protocols: Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

ProtonVPN’s security credentials are further bolstered by the fact that it is open source and independently audited. It’s easily one of the best free VPNs in the world right now.

When it comes to privacy, ProtonVPN does well, too. It has a strict no-logging policy and is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly nation that is not a member of surveillance alliances, such as the 5/9/14 eyes.

Usability and customer experience

The ProtonVPN website is well designed. You can see all the key features of the VPN and also pricing information. Although it is not particularly visually appealing, the VPN app is straightforward to use with a big connect/disconnect button at the center of the bottom tab. You can see the available servers with the click of a button.

If you encounter any issues when using the ProtonVPN app, you can contact their customer support team. Free users can only get in touch with the customer support team via mail. The live-chat functionality is unavailable. While we got a response to our queries over mail, it took a couple of days, which is not ideal.

2. Windscribe: Best Free VPN for Streaming on iPhones

Windscribe’s VPN service was launched in 2015. The main advantage of this VPN for iPhone users is that it offers a wide network of servers.

Speed and bandwidth

Windscribe performed decently in our speed tests. While it isn’t the fastest free VPN for iPhones, it is certainly no slouch. The speeds it recorded are as follows:

• Download: 67.8 Mbps
• Upload: 45.3  Mbps
• Ping: 340

These download and upload speeds are sufficient for browsing and checking emails but not great for streaming and certainly not for gaming. This is disappointing, as Windscribe is one of the few free VPNs that can access the Netflix US library and unblock other streaming apps, like the BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. Although Windscribe supports P2P file sharing, the low data limit makes it nearly impossible to fully take advantage of this feature.

Windscribe’s data cap also limits your ability to consume content. It offers 2GB per month for users of its free version. You can increase this to 10GB per month by confirming your email address. Had the data limit been more than 2GB, Windscribe would have been even higher on our list as it provides free users with access to servers in 10 countries.

Security and privacy

Windscribe is one of the most secure free VPNs for iPhones. The security features of this VPN include:

• Encryption: AES-256 bit
• Protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, Stealth, and WSTunnel
• Kill switch: No (but it comes with a built-in firewall in the Windows and Mac app)
• DNS leak protection: Yes

Windscribe also comes with an adblocker as well as secure hotspot functionality to further protect its users. Its strict no-logging policy complements its other security features. The app only stores usage statics, such as the time and duration of use. It does not log IP addresses and other potentially revealing information.

Windscribe operates out of Canada, which is a part of 5-eyes. Hence, it may be compelled to provide user data to law enforcement agencies.

Usability and customer experience

The design of the Windscribe website and app is a little underwhelming. The website, though informative, is not easy to navigate. Similarly, the app is not intuitive and takes some getting used to. While turning the VPN on and off is simple enough due to the big power on/off button, accessing other features and settings can be a bit tricky.

Despite the lackluster user interface, Windscribe is one of the more consumer-friendly VPNs for iPhones. It has a detailed FAQ section and guides to help you resolve any issue you may encounter. You can even chat with a bot to find solutions to issues you are facing.

3. AtlasVPN: Secure Free VPN for iPhones and iOS Devices

AtlasVPN has been around since 2019. The free version of this VPN has some advanced features like WireGuard.

Speed and bandwidth

AtlasVPN recorded one of the fastest download speeds of all the free VPNs for iPhones that we tested. While AtlasVPN claims not have any speed limit for users of the free version of its app, the upload speeds it provided weren’t nearly as fast, as you can see below:

• Download: 72.7 Mbps
• Upload: 8.95 Mbps
• Ping: 206

Hence, AtlasVPN isn’t a great option for anything that requires high upload speeds, such as online gaming. However, it is a solid choice for browsing, and streaming. It offers 2GB of data every day, which is enough to view a couple of HD episodes on your favorite streaming platform, like Hulu, ESPN, or Netflix. Please note that AtlasVPN does not unblock the Netflix US library. While this VPN supports P2P file sharing, its slow upload speeds make it unsuitable for that purpose.

Security and privacy

AtlasVPN offers the same security features on its paid and free versions. As a result, the free version comes with industry-standard security features like:

• Encryption: AES-256 bit
• Protocols: IKEv2 and WireGuard
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

AtlasVPN has a strong no-logs policy. It only collects information necessary for analytics and does not collect or store any information that can be traced to any individual user. Still, AtlasVPN operates out of the USA, so it may be required to provide user data to law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI.

Usability and customer experience

AtlasVPN’s website is well laid-out and easy-to-use. You can easily download the app from the website. The app features a simple interface with a big slider that toggles the VPN connection on or off. The settings menu and alternate server locations are also easily accessible.

While the AtlasVPN website has useful guides and FAQs, we could not find a live chat functionality. Instead, there’s an option to submit a request that requires you to provide your email ID and describe the problem you’ve encountered.

4. Avira Phantom VPN: The Best Free VPN for iPhones With Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Avira Phantom VPN is a product of the same German software security company behind the popular Avira antivirus. This is one of the few free VPNs for iPhones that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Speed and bandwidth

Avira’s reputation for providing efficient and effective protection as an antivirus carries over well to its VPN. It recorded excellent speeds during our test:

• Download: 70.8 Mbps
• Upload: 72.7 Mbps
• Ping: 8ms

With such speeds and a low ping rate, Avira is a great all-purpose VPN. You can use it for gaming, watching videos, and general browsing. However, its utility as a streaming, gaming, and Torrenting VPN is completely negated by its daily 500MB bandwidth limit. While you can get an additional 500MB by signing up with your email address, this is still not enough for data-intensive activities.

The data cap is particularly frustrating when you consider that Avira offers servers in 30 countries. If the bandwidth limit was higher, this would have been a great VPN for exploring the different libraries of streaming platforms.

Security and privacy

Avira makes no compromise when it comes to the security and privacy of its users. Some notable security features of this VPN are:

• Encryption: AES-256 bit
• Protocols: IKEv2 and WireGuard
• Kill switch: No
• DNS leak protection: Yes

Other useful security features are DNS leak protection and the fact that you get a virtual IP address. The Avira website states that it does not track or store any information that can be traced to a particular user. It only measures how much traffic you consume and collects some diagnostic data.

Usability and customer experience

Both the Avira Phantom website and app are intuitively designed. They can be used seamlessly even by beginners. The app’s home screen displays a big connection button along with the data you’ve consumed and the VPN server you’re connected to.

The free version of Avira Phantom does not feature live customer support. While you can send them a mail or submit a request, there is no way for free users to get immediate solutions to their problems.

5. Speedify: The Fastest Free VPN for iPhones

Speedify is an internet-boosting service that also doubles as a VPN. This free VPN service offers excellent speeds and a wide server network.

Speed and bandwidth

If you’re looking for a free VPN for your iPhone that has great speeds, then look no further than Speedify. Speed is their top priority and it clearly shows. We got the following speeds when we tested Speedify:

• Download: 73.8 Mbps
• Upload: 76.4 Mbps
• Ping: 30

As you can see, both the download and the upload speed are fantastic. As a result, you can perform most daily activities on the internet without any problems. Of course, like most other free VPNs, Speedify doesn’t have the best unblocking capabilities despite a server network that spans more than 37 countries. However, we were unable to unblock Netflix US with it. Not all Speedify servers support P2P file-sharing.

Speedify’s free app for the iPhone is not well-suited for data-intensive activities, as you only get 2GB per month. This is barely enough to stream a few episodes of any series in HD or to download via P2P connection.

Security and privacy

Due to its focus on speed, Speedify has had to compromise on security and privacy. This is clear when you look at its key security features:

• Encryption: AES-128 bit
• Protocols: custom Speedify protocol
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

Speedify only uses AES-128 bit encryption, which is a notch below the industry-standard 256-bit. Moreover, it uses its own protocol that is built to provide the fastest speed. It’s unclear whether this protocol meets the security standards of other modern protocols such as Wireguard and OpenVPN. Speedify’s free VPN app comes with a kill switch and DNS-leak protection, both of which are important security features.

There are some concerns about Speedify’s logging and privacy practices. While the company claims it has a strict no-logs policy, a glance at its privacy policy shows that it stores data related to users’ IP address, browser, and operating system, albeit in an anonymized fashion. Additionally, Speedify is based in the US, which is a member of the 5-eyes alliance.

Usability and customer experience

The Speedify app has one of the best designs of all the free VPN apps for iPhones that we tested. The home screen provides an overview of your connection speed, the data you’ve used, and the remaining free data available to you. You can connect to the VPN by simply clicking on the lock icon at the top right-hand corner of the app.

On the customer support front, Speedify does not offer a live chat functionality. Instead, users can mail the customer support team to get help with their problems. The Speedify website has some helpful FAQs, which can help to resolve most general problems.

6. ZoogVPN: A Private Free VPN for iPhones

ZoogVPN has been around since 2013. It offers pretty good upload speeds and a relatively large amount of data for free users.

Speed and bandwidth

ZoogVPN pleasantly surprised us with its speeds, especially its download speeds. We recorded the following results on a recommended/optimal server:

• Download: 70.1 Mbps
• Upload: 29.4 Mbps
• Ping: 183 ms

The impressive download speeds combined with its offer of 10GB of data per month make ZoogVPN a good option for streaming. However, we were unable to unblock geo-restricted content on leading platforms using the free version of ZoogVPN. It also supports P2P file-sharing.

Zoog offers servers in three nations (the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA) as part of its free package. Although that’s not a lot, the servers are spread out across the world. As a result, you should be able to get a pretty fast connection no matter where you are.

Security and privacy

Zoog isn’t the most secure VPN by any stretch of the imagination. Some of its notable security features are:

• Encryption: AES-128 bit
• Protocols: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and PPTP
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

Like Speedify, ZoogVPN uses 128-bit encryption, which is not as secure as what you’ll find on other free VPNs for iPhones. It does try to make up for the relatively weak encryption standards with a broad selection of protocols, including OpenVPN and PPTP.

Privacy is where Zoog’s free VPN app for iPhone really shines. It has a strict no-logs policy and does not collect, store, or sell any personal information. Moreover, Zoog operates out of Greece, which does not belong to any surveillance alliance.

Usability and customer experience

The design of the ZoogVPN app prioritizes usability. It is fairly low on additional features and this makes the app easy to use. Clicking on the large power icon towards the bottom of the screen will automatically connect you to the fastest available server.

Unlike other free VPN apps for iPhones, ZoogVPN provides live customer support. You can get instant help 24/7 from its live chat feature. If you’d like to describe your problem in more detail, you can always drop the support team a mail. The support page even lists a helpline number that users can call.

7. TunnelBear: Free VPN for iPhone With a Large Server Network

TunnelBear is a Canada-based VPN service launched in 2011. In 2018, security software company McAfee acquired TunnelBear. The biggest perk of this VPN provider is its wide server network.

Speed and bandwidth

TunnelBear is a leading VPN for iOS and other platforms, such as Windows and Linux. We were slightly disappointed with its performance in our speed tests. It clocked the following speeds:

• Download: 51.0 Mbps
• Upload: 54.6 Mbps
• Ping: 39ms

The relatively average speeds somewhat negate TunnelBear’s extensive server network, which covers up to 40 countries even with the free version. The 500MB of data it provides each month also limits its potential use for P2P file sharing and streaming on platforms like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and Hulu. We were also unable to view region-specific content on these platforms while using the free version of TunnelBear.

Security and privacy

TunnelBear offers the same top-rated security features on both its paid version and its free iPhone app. They include:

• Encryption: AES-256 bit
• Protocols: IPSec
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

It also offers some additional security features, such as DNS leak protection and automatic WiFi protection. TunnelBear’s privacy policy says it does not maintain any logs of personal information. However, it does store some user data and uses cookies. TunnelBear operates in Canada, so it may be compelled to turn over user data to the authorities.

Usability and customer experience

The TunnelBear team prides itself on the simplicity and usability of its app. The app uses a map-based interface, which makes it easy to visualize how far the VPN server is from your current location. The app’s setting menu is also easy to navigate.

The Help section on TunnelBear’s website provides useful information on how you can configure the VPN along with some troubleshooting tips. The live chat functionality on the site is a bot and does not connect you to a real person. To get assistance from a real agent, you’ll have to log in and register a complaint. This can be a somewhat tedious process.

8. Hide.me: A Good Free VPN App for iPhone Users in North America and Europe

Hide.me is a VPN service that has been around since 2012. It is known for its advanced security features.

Speed and bandwidth

Hide.me fared pretty poorly on our speed tests, as you can see from the speeds listed below:

• Download: 20.2 Mbps
• Upload: 5.02 Mbps
• Ping: 156

The fact that we chose a VPN server far away from our location may explain the slow speeds. This is a problem that users in Asia, South America, and Africa are likely to face, as Hide.me’s free servers are primarily situated in the US and Europe.

While its speeds are certainly not top-notch, Hide.me offers 10GB of traffic monthly. This isn’t great compared to other free VPNs like Proton and AtlasVPN, but it is decent enough to merit a place on our list.

The free version of hide.me is unable to unblock geo-restricted content on streaming sites, but it supports P2P file sharing.

Security and privacy

What it lacks in speed, Hide.me makes up for with its exceptional security. The following features ensure that your data is safe at all times:

• Encryption: AES-256 bit
• Protocols: OpenVPN, IPSec, SoftEther, SSTP, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec
• Kill switch: Yes
• DNS leak protection: Yes

The sheer number of protocols that Hide.me offers, is quite remarkable for a free VPN. The security settings are also highly customizable and include options such as “Auto connect” and “random port every time,” which should enhance your security and privacy online.

Hide.me also has a no-logs policy and is independently audited. This means that a credible and reliable third party has certified that this VPN provider does not log any personal information. The fact that Hide.me operates from Malaysia further boosts its privacy credentials, as the nation is not a part of the surveillance alliances we’ve referred to above.

Usability and customer experience

The Hide.me app isn’t the most visually pleasing one on our list. With that said, it is quite easy to use. Clicking on the “Enable VPN” button will establish a connection with an optimal server for your location.

One standout feature of Hide.me is its 24/7 live chat functionality. You can contact customer support using the chat option to get quick and easy solutions for any problems you may encounter while using the VPN app.

Free VPNs for iPhone That Didn’t Make the List

While the eight VPNs listed above are, in our opinion, the best free VPN apps for iPhones, there are others that make a strong case for inclusion. However, there were compelling reasons why we chose not to include them. We highlight some of these VPNs below:

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is highly rated for its fast connection speeds on iPhones. The bandwidth limit for the free version of this VPN is 500MB per day.

While it is a pretty solid free VPN, Hotspot Shield has a chequered history when it comes to the storage and sharing of user data. The Android version of this VPN app was found to be injecting user devices with code for advertising purposes. Also, the free version offers only one server. That server is based in the US and provided fairly slow speeds in our tests.

Betternet

Betternet is another popular VPN that didn’t perform well in our tests. The app has only one server for free users, and we experienced very slow download speeds. While the VPN offers 15 hours of viewing time monthly, its unblocking capabilities are not the best.

Betternet’s biggest drawback is its flawed privacy policy. The policy does not provide much protection for the data of free users, which can be sold to third parties. The Android version of Betternet has also been found to infect user devices with malware.

The Disadvantages of a Free VPN for iPhone

While the free VPNs listed above offer great features, there are some major disadvantages that are common among free VPNs. These disadvantages include:

1. Limited bandwidth – Barring ProtonVPN, all free VPNs cap the data available to users on a daily/monthly basis. This hampers your ability to play games or consume other content online while connected to a VPN.
2. Poor unblocking capabilities – A key feature of any VPN is its ability to unblock content that is otherwise restricted to users in a particular geographical region. However, free VPNs usually do not have robust unblocking capabilities. Most failed to unblock the US Netflix library and didn’t work well with other streaming apps.
3. Small server network – Free VPNs usually have only a handful of servers. The limited selection of servers reduces the quantity of geo-blocked content available to you. Furthermore, free servers can sometimes be concentrated in a few nations. As a result, users located far away from these nations will experience significantly lower speeds.
4. Privacy concerns – Free VPN providers have been known to lie about their data collection and logging practices in the past. Several free VPNs are able to offer their services at no cost because they sell user data to advertisers and other third parties.  Some free VPNs can inadvertently leak your private information due to weak security standards. Hence, there is always a risk that you may compromise your privacy when using a free VPN.
5. Security concerns – As indicated above, VPNs can be used to infect devices with malware and malicious code. While the App Store is comparatively safer than the Play Store, there is a risk of infecting your device by using a free VPN from the App Store.

Due to these reasons, we strongly recommend using a reliable private VPN on your iPhone. In the next section, we briefly look at one of the best premium VPNs for iPhones.

Best premium VPN for iPhones

After filtering through a number of premium VPNs for iPhones, our favorite is CyberGhost. It is efficient, user-friendly, and is available at a great price. CyberGhost also has great unblocking capabilities and offers decent speeds. Its security features are top-notch as it uses the highest-grade encryption and latest protocols.

CyberGhost’s best feature is probably its simple app design and user interface. This makes it especially suitable for individuals who are new to the world of VPNs. You can try all these features and more for free using CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost

Deal:

Try CyberGhost for $2.15 per month!

From

$2.29

8.8

• Very user-friendly
• High quality for a low price
• Torrents and Netflix possible

Visit CyberGhost

How to Install and Use a VPN on iPhone

Now that we’re familiar with different free VPNs for iPhones, let’s briefly go through the process of installing and using these apps on your phone. Most free VPN apps for iPhones are very easy to install. The steps outlined below apply to most of the apps discussed in this article:

1. Go to the App Store and search for the VPN app you’d like to install.
2. Click on the “Get” button next to the app.
3. Authorize the download using FaceID or your password.
4. Once the download is complete, open up the VPN app.
5. Some VPN apps may require you to sign up or create an account while others don’t. If it is a requirement, create an account.
6. Select your preferred settings and server location. This step is optional and you can skip it if you are still figuring out how VPNs work.
7. Turn on the VPN by toggling the on/off button or power button.

Final Thoughts

If you want to enhance the privacy and security of your iPhone without spending money, you can’t go wrong with any of the free VPNs listed in this article. Currently, ProtonVPN is the best all-purpose free VPN for iPhones. It is fast, offers unlimited data, and has a decent number of servers. However, for powerful unblocking capabilities, advanced security features, and an extensive server network, you should consider investing in a premium, paid VPN.

The post The 8 Best Free VPNs for Your iPhone in 2022 appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Best VPN for Nigeria: A Quick Guide

Whether you live in Nigeria or you’re traveling to the “Giant of Africa,” you’ll need a robust VPN to sneak past censorship, surveillance, and geoblocks. The best VPNs for Nigeria have servers close to the West African nation and come decked with a suite of privacy and security features.

Based on our research and testing CyberGhost is the best VPN for Nigeria, thanks to its huge server network, dedicated streaming features, and user-friendly setup.

CyberGhost

Deal

Try CyberGhost for $2.15 per month!

Visit CyberGhost

But there are other VPNs that also do a good job. Read our full article below to discover our top three VPNs for Nigeria.

Although Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy, its internet freedom landscape leaves much to be desired, making a VPN a must-have. In June 2021, the Nigerian government banned Twitter after the social media platform deleted tweets by the Nigerian president. Although Twitter was restored seven months later, reports of clampdowns on journalists and protesters have led to Freedom House rating it as “partly free.”

However, government censorship is only half of the problem. Some websites and apps have blocked Nigerian IP addresses, meaning that you’ll need a foreign IP address if you want to access them – and that’s just what a VPN service does.

Short for a virtual private network, a VPN spoofs your location and encrypts your internet traffic, allowing you to use the internet anonymously and securely. However, with so many VPN services on the market, finding the best Nigeria VPN can be tricky. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you in this article. Read on to discover the most effective VPNs for Nigeria.

The Best VPNs for Nigeria

We put several VPN providers through the wringer to create this list. Below, we’ll share our three top picks with you, explaining what makes each of them a great choice for bypassing Nigerian geoblocks. If you want to do your own research, scroll down to our “What to Look for When Choosing a VPN for Nigeria” section.

1. CyberGhost: an excellent beginner-friendly VPN for Nigeria

CyberGhost is the best VPN for Nigeria for several reasons. You can have your pick of 7,800 servers in 91 countries – including 13 in Nigeria. These servers are useful if you want to watch Nigeria-specific content such as Nigerian movies on Iroko TV. For perspective: none of the other VPNs on our list have servers in Nigeria, so they can’t give you a Nigerian IP address.

What’s more, CyberGhost is of the most user-friendly VPNs we’ve reviewed. Using a minimalist design, CyberGhost’s user interface is simple, organized, intuitive, and easy to navigate. For example, instead of bundling servers together, as some other VPNs do, CyberGhost separates servers by location and function. Plus, you can customize and automate your VPN experience using the “smart rules” feature.

In addition, the VPN service has dedicated streaming servers, meaning you’ll be able to watch anything, whether you want to stream the latest Netflix movies, watch BBC iPlayer, or watch English Premier League matches from Nigeria. Admittedly, it’s not as fast as NordVPN, but it performs well enough to still top this list. You can use your CyberGhost subscription on up to seven devices, making it a family-friendly option. If you want to take it for a test run, use their 45-day money-back guarantee – the longest we’ve seen yet.

CyberGhost

Deal:

Try CyberGhost for $2.15 per month!

From

$2.29

8.8

• Very user-friendly
• High quality for a low price
• Torrents and Netflix possible

Visit CyberGhost

2. NordVPN: the most secure VPN for Nigeria

Although NordVPN tops our best VPNs listing, it claims the second spot in our best VPNs for Nigeria, mainly because it doesn’t have servers in Nigeria or neighboring countries. Although you’ll find about 50 NordVPN servers in South Africa, Nigeria and South Africa are about half a continent apart. That said, with NordVPN you get access to over 5,400 high-speed servers in 60 countries, which work perfectly for streaming and bypassing Nigerian geo-restrictions.

When it comes to security features, NordVPN is well-stocked. You get military-grade AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Just like Surfshark (the number 3 on our list), NordVPN has a double VPN feature, which routes your internet traffic through two instead of one VPN server. However, NordVPN is much better for streaming.

If you intend to use your VPN connection to unblock region-blocked Netflix content, you’ll love NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature, which enables you to access US Netflix from random servers. NordVPN also ranks as one of the best VPNs for accessing streaming services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

NordVPN

Our pick

Our pick

Deal:

Only $3.29 a month for a two-year subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

From

$3.29

9.3

• Excellent protection and a large network of servers
• Nice and pleasing application
• No logs

Visit NordVPN

3. Surfshark: a cost-effective VPN for Nigeria

If you’re on a tight budget, Surfshark might be your best bet. It has amassed an eye-catching 3,200 plus servers in 65 countries, although there are only two servers in Africa (Algeria and South Africa). Despite being much younger than NordVPN and CyberGhost, Surfshark is decked with some exciting features. For example, you can stop malware, trackers, and ads using the CleanWeb feature. The split tunneling feature, known as the Bypasser, allows you to exclude specific apps and sites from the VPN tunnel.

If you’re a journalist or blogger and you’re worried about the Nigerian government tracking your internet use, you’ll love the Camouflage mode, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN connection. Another useful feature is the NoBorders mode, which is excellent for sneaking past Nigerian geoblocks and censoring.

Of course, Surfshark also has standard VPN features like the AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Furthermore, it comes with unlimited data and bandwidth, and you can use it on as many devices as you like, since it offers unlimited simultaneous connections. This makes it a good choice if you perform data-heavy tasks and use many different devices on the daily.

Surfshark

Deal:

Safe and anonymous internet for only $2.30a month

From

$2.30

9.0

• Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
• 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
• Cheap with many extra options

Visit Surfshark

What to Look for When Choosing a VPN for Nigeria

There is a laundry list of VPN features, and it can be challenging to know which ones are must-haves for specific uses and countries. We have an insightful VPN info section to get you started, but to cut through the clutter, here are the key features to keep tabs on when looking for a VPN service for Nigeria:

• Look for a VPN with a trove of online privacy and security features to get you around censorship and internet restrictions. The military-grade encryption AES-256 and a strict no-logs policy are must-haves. A kill switch and DNS leak protection as well as obfuscated servers help conceal your VPN use. Double VPN servers are not too common among VPNs, but they route your traffic through two servers, adding an extra layer of protection.
• Find VPNs with servers in and around Nigeria. Servers in Nigeria are useful if you need a Nigerian IP address — for example if you want to access Nigerian streaming services. However, servers close to Nigeria, especially those in Africa and Europe, are necessary for geoblocking and fast connection speeds.
• Get a VPN that doesn’t throttle your bandwidth or data. This is especially important if you intend to use the VPN to stream HD videos or perform data-heavy tasks. Otherwise, you’ll experience annoying buffering and lags.

Price is another vital consideration, and you might be tempted to opt for a free VPN. However, many free VPNs come bundled with ads and malware, and they’re likely to limit your data and bandwidth. Some even log your data and sell it to advertisers. On the other hand, the paid VPNs mentioned in our top 3 are safer and more secure than a free VPN, making them a great choice for places with internet censorship like Nigeria.

If you want a cheap VPN, we recommend Surfshark, but you can check out our top five VPN picks to find other good paid VPNs. If you’re still bent on using a free VPN, you’ll find our top 6 of truly free VPN providers valuable.

Final Thoughts

A VPN is an excellent way to use the internet safely in Nigeria, whether you want to browse anonymously or stream your favorite shows and games. We carefully curated this list of the best VPNs for Nigeria:

1. CyberGhost: the best VPN for a Nigerian IP address
2. NordVPN: the safest Nigeria VPN with the best security features
3. Surfshark: a cheap Nigeria VPN that offers limitless simultaneous connections

If you want to learn more about censorship in other countries, check out our censorship section. Below are a few other guides on the best VPNs for specific countries:

• Censorship in Egypt – Here is how to reclaim your online freedom
• Censorship in China: How to Bypass the Great Firewall of China
• Censorship in Iran
• Censorship in Ukraine: A Fight for Media Control

If you’re interested in learning how to use a VPN to unblock streaming services, take a look at our streaming section.

The post Best VPN for Nigeria: Unblock Streaming Services appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

An external audit confirmed that ProtonVPN does not log user data, Andy Yen from ProtonVPN said in a statement today. Security experts from leading European security auditing company Securitum did not uncover any significant issues during the audit, showing that Proton’s culture of secure software holds true, Yen wrote.

“It is Not Just a Claim”

Switzerland-based Proton Technologies AG’s VPN has proven itself with these audits, according to Yen.

“Now, when we say we are a no-logs VPN, it is not just a claim: it has been double-checked by independent experts,” Yen said. The company explained that it was founded by scientists who met at CERN and that they believe in transparency and peer reviews, supported by an honest and fair Swiss legal framework.

Furthermore, Proton Technologies AG’s apps are open source for those exact reasons, Yen said. Adding to the firm’s commitment to transparency, peer reviews and open-source culture is their bug bounty program, which further consolidates the security of the apps, Yen wrote.

Securitum Executed the Audit

In addition to internal audits, ProtonVPN regularly submits its apps to third-party security audits and posts the results for the public to see because “everyone can get an independent expert’s opinion of our apps’ security,” the statement read.

The most recent security audit that covered all of Proton’s apps was conducted by security specialists from Securitum, which oversees over 300 security testing projects every year.

Other top-tier VPN vendors such as NordVPN (Panama) and VyprVPN (Switzerland), among others, have had independent audits conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

ProtonVPN does not have any “forced logging obligations,” however, the possibility remains that incorrect server configuration or flawed system architecture could cause logs to be accidentally stored, Yen wrote. For these reasons, the company had experts review VPN configuration files, servers, assess operating procedures, and interview staff.

More VPN Users Than Ever

The community of people that use VPNs has skyrocketed in the past few years, for several reasons. The pandemic and ensuing lockdowns that took hold in 2020 were a major driver of VPN usage, for one, as people worked from home and cybercrime spiked. Internet searches for VPNs also peaked during that period.

Secondly, the demand for increased security and data privacy is constantly growing, in that people are more aware of cybercrime and are more cautious with their data and online privacy.

People are now also more aware that they can bypass geo-blocking with a VPN, such as with Netflix and other streaming platforms. Third, people are becoming aware of how to circumvent censorship that is instated in certain countries by default. For instance, a difficult situation like the Ukraine-Russia conflict has shown that people need uncensored internet access.

The Future of No Logs and Security Audits

There are now approximately 1 billion people who use VPNs all over the world, with the highest saturations being in highly populated countries (some of them repressive) such as China, India, the U.S., and Indonesia.

The number of users signing up for premium VPNs is also growing, so the industry is developing quickly and VPN vendors are competing for a chunk of a very promising market. For these reasons, it is expected that transparent security audits and proof of no-logs will become a requisite for VPN vendors that want to do business properly.

Find out more about ProtonVPN by visiting the official ProtonVPN website. Also, have a look at the cream of the crop of “no-log” VPNs in our best no-log VPN for 2022 guide.

The post External Audit Confirms ProtonVPN’s No-Log Policy is Solid appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

While the plan ultimately failed, the report focuses on the sometimes controversial tactics that companies use to respond to data breaches, and offers insight into a process that is otherwise kept quiet.

What Happened in 2021

Last year, T-Mobile said that over 40 million customers’ data was stolen. At the time, speculation as to how many customers were affected ranged from 30 to 100 million.

T-Mobile later confirmed that stolen records included some subsets of PII (Personal Identifiable Information) such as names, ID numbers, dates of birth, and social security information.

It was confirmed that account numbers, phone numbers, PINs, passwords, and payment information were not compromised.

Indictment Against RaidForums Admin Unsealed Tuesday

The Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Diogo Santos Coelho, the administrator and middleman of a high-profile hacking portal known as RaidForums, where the T-Mobile customer data was held. He was arrested last month in March, while the portal was also shut down yesterday, Motherboard added. He has been charged with access device fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy.

Court documents continued to reveal that the hacked data was posted to be sold on RaidForums by a user hiding under the moniker “SubVirt,” Motherboard said. The thread on RaidForums did not explicitly name T-Mobile, but referred to it as “Company 3.” Another post, however, revealed that the data did indeed belong to a major telecom and wireless network operator in the U.S.

The data included SSNs (Social Security Numbers) and was being sold under the titles “SELLING-124M-U-S-A-SSN-DOB-DL-database-freshly-breached,” as well as “SELLING 30M SSN + DL + DOB database,” court documents revealed.

Third-Party Posed as Potential Buyer

The court documents continued to say that an unnamed undercover third-party potential buyer first bought a sample of the T-Mobile stolen data for $50,000 in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, then subsequently bought the entire package for $150,000 with the condition that “SubVirt” would delete his copy of the data.

“The purpose of the deletion would be that this undercover customer would be the only one with a copy of the stolen information, greatly limiting the chance of it leaking out further,” Motherboard added.

However, the hacker did not hold up his end of the deal because “conspirators continued to attempt to sell the databases after the third-party’s purchase,” the court documents said. Now, documents confirm that Motherboard spoke to “SubVirt” last year and confirmed that the user had data including SSNs and that “the hacker had accurate information on T-Mobile customers.” A day later, T-Mobile confirmed the breach.

Mandiant May Have Helped T-Mobile

A previous statement from CEO of T-Mobile Mike Sievert in August 2021 confirmed that the investigation was “supported by world-class security experts from Mandiant from the very beginning,” Motherboard wrote.

As a result, T-Mobile knew exactly how the “bad actor” gained illegal access to their servers, after which they closed the affected access points and ensured customers there was no longer an ongoing risk. Whether Mandiant was the “third party” in question or not has not been explicitly stated.

After all, organizations do not have any qualms concerning hiring threat intelligence or incident response firms like Mandiant — now acquired by Google LLC —  after high-profile data breaches “to discover how exactly they were breached and to take mitigation steps against any further exposure,” Motherboard emphasized.

Controversial Defense Tactics

Organizations sometimes deploy “controversial tactics” like taking an offensive stance and hacking the perpetrator back, Motherboard said. This can include breaching command and control servers (CnC) or other servers to confirm what data was stolen, as well as interfering with hacker infrastructure or combing for information about the identities of the hackers.

For instance, news released this February showed that the LAPSUS$ hacking group’s Nvidia operation was met with an offensive response from Nvidia in the form of a revenge cyberattack, Motherboard added.

Data breaches continue to be a serious issue for large organizations. Oftentimes cloud services are left misconfigured due to unsecured AWS S3 buckets exposing the personal details of an organization’s customers to those that want to steal them.

For more information about how criminals orchestrate identity theft and what you can do about it, check out our in-depth guide about identity theft. If you are an employer, it would be invaluable for you to check out our full guide on managed security service providers.

The post Court Documents Reveal How T-Mobile Dealt With Data Breach appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Best VPNs for Crypto Trading: A Quick Summary

Crypto trading is more popular and more dangerous than ever! Unfortunately, many traders go into it completely unprotected, risking their money and privacy.

Our advice? You should always protect yourself from hackers and prying eyes with a good VPN. With our top VPNs for crypto trading below, you’ll get secure data encryption, online anonymity, and excellent geo-unlocking capabilities.

Without further ado, here are our top VPN picks for crypto trading:

1. NordVPN: The best all-round VPN for crypto trading
2. Surfshark: Blazing speeds & unlimited connections
3. ExpressVPN: Fast & beginner-friendly

If you want the best protection possible, NordVPN is the best crypto trading VPN right now. It offers the best security package paired with great speeds and a strict no-logging policy.

NordVPN

Deal

Only $3.29 a month for a two-year subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

Visit NordVPN

Want to learn more about protecting your crypto transactions with a VPN? Looking for a short guide on how to install one? Read all that and more in our full article below.

Cryptocurrencies have exploded in popularity. Everyone has heard of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Dogecoin. They have revolutionized the way we send and receive money. But, there are also many dangers associated with crypto trading.

From security flaws on crypto trading platforms to devastating hack attacks, the list of threats just goes on and on. It’s getting increasingly difficult to make secure crypto transactions on a regular basis, especially if you aren’t using a VPN (virtual private network).

Popular crypto exchanges are collecting a lot of your private data that can be stolen (or sold) and used against you. A good VPN encrypts all your information, thus preventing it from being misused. This allows you to trade away without the looming fear of someone stealing your crypto assets or private data.

It’s also important to note that crypto trading is completely banned in some countries, and they actively block exchanges altogether. For active traders who are always on the go, this is a serious issue.

So, it’s generally a wise idea to use a VPN when you connect to your crypto exchange. But which one should you choose? There are countless VPN providers and researching them on your own could take months. That’s why we’ve created this list of the best VPNs for crypto trading.

Best VPNs for Crypto Trading – Our Top 3 Recommendations

Security and privacy are the most important factors for any hardcore crypto trader. Apart from this, we also need reliable performance, geo-unblocking, and some crypto-specific quality-of-life features.

Although crypto traders are usually quite tech-savvy, having a user-friendly VPN client is always an advantage. That’s why we paid special attention to these factors during our testing circuit.

The result? We identified the best VPNs for crypto trading. Before we introduce our top picks, we’ll go over a couple of honorable mentions, namely CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. If this list had five spots, they would’ve taken numbers four and five, respectively.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the best cryptocurrency trading VPN providers.

1. NordVPN – The best all-round VPN for crypto trading

Apart from being the best VPN for crypto trading, we believe that NordVPN is currently the best VPN overall. It offers bulletproof security, blazing speeds, and unparalleled stability.

NordVPN operates 5,400+ servers in 60 countries and offers servers optimized for P2P file sharing. This is ideal if you want to become a part of a P2P crypto-mining network. Its proprietary protocol called NordLynx is basically an improved version of WireGuard, which guarantees top-notch performance. You can also activate double encryption in high-risk locations.

NordVPN is a geo-unlocking powerhouse so you’ll have no problem accessing popular crypto exchanges anywhere in the world. Apart from this, it can block malware on suspicious websites and platforms. NordVPN also acts as an ad blocker so you can forget about annoying pop-ups in your apps.

NordVPN is committed to its ironclad no-logging policy, which means that your data will never be monitored or sold for profit. Lastly, you can count on an automatic kill switch if your VPN fails for whatever reason. All this makes NordVPN the best tool for experienced crypto traders and beginners alike.

If you want to test the service before buying, you can use their 30-day money-back guarantee as a free NordVPN trial.

NordVPN

Our pick

Our pick

Deal:

Only $3.29 a month for a two-year subscription with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

From

$3.29

9.3

• Excellent protection and a large network of servers
• Nice and pleasing application
• No logs

Visit NordVPN

2. Surfshark – Blazing fast speeds & unlimited connections

Surfshark is the fastest and most affordable VPN on this list. It also comes with a solid security package paired with a strict no-logs policy. It’s also the only VPN that supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which makes it ideal for large households with plenty of devices to protect.

Surfshark currently offers 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries, which is more than enough for a stable crypto trading operation. It comes with a solid list of VPN protocols that support obfuscation for top-tier geo-unlocking. The CleanWeb feature gets rid of annoying trackers, ads, and malware.

Recently, Surfshark has officially launched its Nexus feature that promises better security and speed. It also allows you to switch between servers without dropping your connection.

You can use the company’s 30-day money-back guarantee to test Surfshark free of charge.

Surfshark

Deal:

Safe and anonymous internet for only $2.30a month

From

$2.30

9.0

• Very user-friendly and works with Netflix and torrents
• 30-day money-back guarantee. No questions asked!
• Cheap with many extra options

Visit Surfshark

3. ExpressVPN – fast & beginner-friendly

ExpressVPN made some privacy blunders recently but it still remains one of the best VPNs out there. It provides its users with rock-solid security, good speeds, and stable connections.

ExpressVPN’s network numbers around 3,000 servers in 160 locations and 94 countries. Its obfuscation is a bit harder to pinpoint but it’s there and it activates automatically when you’re in high-risk locations.

It offers solid DNS leak protection, a tight no-logging policy, and an automatic kill switch. It also equips its users with excellent geo-unblocking capabilities. Its TrustedServer technology is simply another name for diskless or RAM servers that get wiped on every reset.

ExpressVPN is still an excellent privacy and security tool for crypto traders around the globe. If you want to test ExpressVPN for free, you can use their 30-day money-back guarantee as a free trial period.

ExpressVPN

Deal:

Great discount on annual subscription + 30-day money-back guarantee!

From

$6.67

8.9

• Very easy to use VPN
• Perfect for anonymous browsing, downloading, and streaming (i.e. Netflix)
• 3000+ servers in 94 countries

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What To Look for When Choosing a VPN for Crypto Trading?

A good VPN for crypto trading should be fast, secure, and easy to use. Apart from this, we’d also like to see some extra nice-to-haves that make crypto trading smoother and easier with a VPN.

With that in mind, here are the factors we used to create this list:

• Security & privacy: All crypto VPNs on this list use the AES-256 cipher to encrypt your traffic. It’s the same encryption method used by the military, banks, and hospitals. They all operate on RAM-only servers, which shows their commitment to providing their users with zero-logging VPN services. They all support top-tier VPN protocols and come with reliable automatic kill switches.
• Camouflage: This feature, also known as “Stealth” or “Obfuscation” allows your VPN to pass deep packet inspections without any red flags. In other words, it can bypass VPN filters and geo-unlock popular crypto exchanges anywhere in the world. Without stealth, filters like the Great Firewall of China will flag and block your VPN traffic in no time.
• Speed: Encryption will always slow down your original connection speed. So, crypto traders need a VPN that will minimize speed drops and ensure connection stability (especially on slower networks). They will also help if your internet service provider is throttling you.
• Stability: All VPNs on this list are lightning-fast with no sudden disconnects or speed fluctuations. They also perform well on distant servers in restricted regio.
• Server network: The bigger the server network, the more choice you’ll have when connecting to different countries. It’s also important for bypassing the geo-restrictions of popular trading platforms. Our best VPNs for crypto trading also have servers in restricted regions like China, for example.
• Split tunneling: Split tunneling is a handy nice-to-have that allows you to add a further layer of protection when you’re accessing your crypto trading app along with other apps too. This ensures better speeds on other apps since you don’t have to burden them with unnecessary encryption.
• Reduced data consumption: Split tunneling also saves bandwidth, which is useful if you’re using a free VPN with a monthly bandwidth cap.
• Ease of use: Nobody in the world of crypto wants to navigate complicated VPN menus and overly technical interfaces. The best VPN clients for crypto trading should be simple and function as seamlessly as possible.

Can I Use a Free VPN for Crypto Trading?

We need to differentiate between two types of services when talking about free VPNs:

• Limited free versions of trusted VPNs
• Dangerous free VPNs that provide little to no protection

You can find some great free VPNs out there. However, we wouldn’t recommend any of them for crypto trading. They all come with severe limitations, including speed, bandwidth, or server locations.

For example, Hide.me and PrivadoVPN have a 10GB monthly limit. ProtonVPN’s free plan only gives you access to three server locations, and the speed is severely throttled too. Having said that, these are all real VPNs that will provide you with adequate protection. It’s just not suitable for regular crypto trading.

Furthermore, these providers will include in-client pop-ups and ads to support their free service. With all these restrictions, we don’t see free VPNs meeting the needs of even the smallest crypto trader. However, they are perfect for identifying a reliable VPN service cost-free before buying it.

Dangerous free VPNs

We have plenty of malicious VPN providers that offer VPN services in name only. Their software is free, but it provides little to no protection. These companies are usually just fronts for P2P crypto mining operations or means of stealing your private data and selling it to the highest bidder.

When you use these pseudo-VPNs, you’ll most likely become a part of their crypto-mining P2P network, which will use the processing power of your device. Others will record the so-called “activity logs,” which include the sites you visit and your interactions with them. This data is then sold to third parties.

This is the most dangerous form of logging since it can be used to identify you and trace your online traffic back to you. Since this data will inevitably find its way to the black market, hackers can buy it and use it to mount attacks against you.

Hola VPN and BeetVPN are the most glaring examples of dishonest and downright dangerous VPN providers.

Why Use a VPN for Crypto Trading?

There are plenty of reasons why you should be using a good crypto trading VPN. The most important ones include:

• Increased online security: When you use a VPN, your traffic is routed through a safe encrypted tunnel. This prevents malicious third parties from monitoring and tampering with your data. Online exchanges, hackers, and spy organizations won’t be able to abuse what they can’t see.
• Encrypted traffic: Trading crypto without a VPN will leave your private information up for grabs, especially if you’re using an unprotected public Wi-Fi network. With a VPN, online snoops will only see an encrypted jumble of characters instead of your real data.
• Increased online privacy: VPNs mask your real IP address, which boosts your online privacy. In other words, online exchanges won’t be able to trace your crypto transactions back to you. Your real IP can be used to geo-locate you and mount all sorts of attacks against you, from data theft and phishing scams to cryptojacking hacks.
• Prevents IP tracking: Different IPs will protect you from all these attacks by preventing IP tracking. You can help your VPN by using a strong password and never keeping your wallet on the same device you’re using for cryptocurrency trading. Using escrow with unknown traders and enabling two-factor authentication is always a good idea as well.
• Bypassing geo-restrictions: The most popular crypto exchanges are not available in some countries. For example, you can’t access Binance from New York, Idaho, Texas, Vermont, and Hawaii. On the other hand, countries like China, Egypt, and Morocco have banned cryptocurrencies altogether. VPNs can help you trade crypto from these countries by replacing your real IP with another.

How Do I Install a VPN To Use for Crypto Trading?

Your VPN installation process will depend on your chosen VPN provider and the devices you want to use it on. For example, installing a VPN on your smart TV is much more challenging than setting up a VPN on Windows.

Here’s what you’ll have to do in most cases:

1. Create a personal account with your chosen VPN provider. Usually, you’ll find a signup button in the top-right corner of their homepage.
2. Download the setup file for your chosen device. All providers on this list have native apps for all popular platforms so you won’t have to tinker with any manual settings.
3. Install the VPN client. This is usually done by clicking on the downloaded file and following the instructions.
4. Click on the server you wish to connect to.
5. Click the big “on/off” button and your client will connect to the chosen server within seconds.

Is It Necessary To Use a VPN for Crypto Trading?

Using a VPN for crypto trading isn’t necessary, but it’s definitely recommended. The best VPN for crypto trading will allow you to trade your coins safely and anonymously. Furthermore, it can bypass geo-restrictions and let you access exchanges that might be unavailable in your country.

If you’re just looking for the best possible package, we recommend going with NordVPN. Surfshark is ideal if you use different devices to access your crypto holdings. It’s also great if you want to use your VPN for something other than crypto trading, like streaming or torrenting. ExpressVPN is a solid option if you don’t want to use Nord or Surfshark for whatever reason.

If you’d like to see more exceptional VPNs, we recommend checking out our list of the best VPNs of this year.

The post The 3 Best VPNs for Crypto Trading and Bitcoin in 2022 appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Among the targeted was EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders, as well as an additional four EU Commission officials, the Brussels Times added. EU officials noted that the findings are very serious and that it is a top priority to get to the bottom of the issue.

Alerts Sent Out Last Year

The EU Commission was being targeted by spyware in November of last year, Reuters said. This news came by way of Apple who sent thousands of alerts to iPhone owners in November saying they were in the crosshairs of a state-sponsored attack. This was also the first time Apple had released a mass alert of this nature.

Now, the digital forensics results relating to the targeting come at a time when “the European Union is beginning to follow the United States in taking a harder look at spyware merchants like NSO,” Reuters stated.

“ForcedEntry” and “QuaDream” Spyware

Security researchers looking at this case said that the individuals were targeted with “ForcedEntry” spyware between February and September 2021. The spyware is “an advanced piece of software that was used by Israeli Cyber surveillance NSO Group to help foreign spy agencies remotely and invisibly take control of iPhones,” Reuters wrote. “ForcedEntry” resembles the infamous NSO “Pegasus” tool, the Brussels Times added.

“ForcedEntry,” like Pegasus, can exploit the Kernel of the iPhone’s iOS operating system thereby easily “tapping” smartphones without any need for passwords or permissions, the Brussels Times explained.

According to Reuters, a smaller highly clandestine Israeli spyware vendor dubbed “QuaDream” may have also had a hand in this. After all, both the “ForcedEntry” NSO spyware and “QuaDream” tools were sold to government clients in the past.

NSO Group Tools

NSO Group is a notorious cybersecurity company that has been the target of several lawsuits due to its history of cyber-surveillance aimed at ordinary citizens, particularly in repressive regimes, Reuters said.

NSO’s tools have been suspected of being used against civilians by several nations all over the world such as Bahrain, India, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Mexico, Spain, and others. Consequently, the State of Israel said it was cutting cyber tool exports.

While the Israeli cybersecurity company NSO battles financial and legal troubles, it has also appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to save itself from a lawsuit filed by WhatsApp, said the Associated Press yesterday. In addition to that, NSO is also battling a hefty lawsuit from Apple.

Exact Details Still Unconfirmed

It is still unknown who exactly targeted the EU Justice Commissioner’s iPhone, or whether those attacks were successful, the Brussels Times added. All officials and staffers affected by the attack “have refused to talk to the media.”

It is also unclear whether the EU Commission is actively investigating this matter. The iPhone digital forensics sweeps of the EU officials conducted by IT experts were inconclusive regarding that, Reuters reported.

NSO group remarked in a statement that the spyware targeting “could not have happened with NSO’s tools,” Reuters added. “QuaDream” did not respond to messages at all.

EU Now a High Profile Target

The European Parliament is launching an investigation committee into the use of surveillance software in EU member states on April 19th, 2022, EU lawmaker Sophie in ‘t Veld stated. “We really have to get to the bottom of this,” she said.

Sophie in t’ Veld championed the committee’s creation as a result of a round of spyware targeting officials in Poland, which was confirmed in an investigation earlier this year in January. Furthermore, Hungarian journalists were also targets of spyware. Although both Poland and Hungary acknowledged that they purchased NSO software, “both nations have denied wrongdoing in relation to allegations of domestic espionage,” Reuters said.

As such, the EU region is “a very high profile target for multiple actors,” a research fellow at the Clingendael Netherlands Institute of International Relations Kenneth Lasoen said. “Brussels is a true nest of espionage,” he added.

Find out more about the various types of spyware and how to protect your devices from them in our full guide on spyware.

The post Report Confirms High-Ranking EU Officials Were Targets of Spyware appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

At the moment, the cause behind the outage is unclear — though a senior government official has ruled out a cyberattack.

About New Zealand Government’s RealMe Portal

The country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) manages the RealMe portal. RealMe is an identity management service that facilitates secure access to government services. According to its website, 141 services across 44 organizations use the RealMe Login. This includes services such as Inland Revenue and My Covid Record, both of which were unavailable on Tuesday.

The Companies Office also allows users to log in with RealMe. A statement on the Companies Office website reads as follows:

“The RealMe service is currently experiencing intermittent issues so you may get an error message when you try to log in. The RealMe team are looking into the problem and hope to have it resolved quickly.”

Cybersecurity Experts Rule out Russian Cyber Attack

Earlier in the day, the Companies Office website was not reachable. Instead, it carried a message which read, “Attackers might be trying to steal your information from login.realme.govt.nz.”

Later on Tuesday, the message read: “The resource you are looking for has been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.”

Certain businesses also appeared to face similar issues with their websites. JNCTN, a digital identification business, tweeted that some of its users had issues visiting the login page, and received an error stating: “Your connection is not private.” An hour later, JNCTN said the site was functioning normally.

At the time of the outage, there was some suspicion of a possible Russian cyberattack. Last month, cybersecurity firm CyberCX warned of an increased risk of cybercrime in New Zealand due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, CyberCX’s Adam Boileau said the RealMe issue was likely due to normal operational problems.

“If it was Russian hacking it wouldn’t look like that,” Boileau stated.

Outage Likely Due to Issue with Microsoft Azure

Natasha Weight, DIA’s general manager of operations acknowledged that certain users faced trouble logging into RealMe, and also saw privacy error messages. On the positive side, Weight said that the vendor has looked into the outage and it is now resolved. Weight recommended that users still facing issues try clearing their browser cache and logging in. Weight also stated that the issue “was not related to a cyber-attack.”

Rafael Gonzalez-Montero, New Zealand’s Parliamentary Service chief executive, and David Wilson, clerk of the house, issued a combined statement on the matter. The two officials stated that they were aware of the issue, and that it was caused by problems with Microsoft Azure. Furthermore, the issue did not affect the content on the Parliament website.

If you want to learn about cloud services and how to safely protect your files in case of an outage, check out our full guide on cloud and backups.

The post New Zealand Government Websites and Portal Inaccessible appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Meta said that while sharing this information has its benefits — especially for journalism and public discourse — it can also be misused for doxing.

What are Publicly Available Addresses?

The social media platforms that Meta operates have privacy policies in place which prevent the sharing of private addresses. However, both Facebook and Instagram’s policies make an exception for publicly available addresses. The company describes these as addresses which have been published in at least five news outlets (or have been made available in public records).

This exception was not without controversy, as it created a rift between the company’s stance on voice and safety. In a blog post, Meta stated: “Access to residential addresses can be an important tool for journalism, civic activism, and other public discourse. However, exposing this information without consent can also create a risk to an individual’s safety and infringe on privacy.”

Meta turned to its Oversight Board for guidance on the issue last year, and received their recommendations this February. Now, the tech giant has revealed that it will be making certain changes in line with the Board’s recommendations.

Publicly Available Address Exception to be Removed

Meta says it will now remove the exception for publicly available addresses on its platform. Even though this information will be available outside of its platforms, Meta expects the move to strengthen its own privacy protections. However, there will be certain cases when sharing images of the outside of residences is allowed.

For example, it will not take any action if  “the property depicted is the focus of a news story.” Here, users cannot share these images if they plan to organize a protest at the location.

Users can also share such pictures of “publicly-owned” residences which belong to high-ranking members of government. Furthermore, users are allowed to protest outside these kinds of residences.

Meta Not Committing to New Privacy Violation Reporting Tools

However, Meta has not accepted all of the Board’s recommendations on the matter. The Board recommended implementing a quick and simple mechanism for users to report violations. Meta said it would consider this recommendation and is currently testing out new and easier reporting tools.

The company said it will implement the announced changes by the end of the year. These changes are expected to add an additional level of protection against doxing — an intimidation or harassment tactic where individuals publish personal information about their victims online without their consent.

This personal data can also be found after data breaches, such as with the Yandex Eats breach earlier this month. Personal information like this can also be used to commit more serious crimes, such as swatting.

The post Meta to Implement New Measures to Counter Doxing appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

FFDroider has been hoovering up credentials and cookies that are normally stored in web browsers to hijack the social media accounts of targeted users, Cyware Threat Intelligence wrote in a new report.

FFDroider: a Novel Multi-purpose Malware

The FFDroider info-stealer has the ability to spread via games, software cracks, free software, and files that are downloaded via low-quality torrent sites. Downloading such files can lead to an FFDroider infection, disguised as the Telegram desktop app, Cyware said.

FFDroider is fine-tuned to hoover up browser cookies and account credentials, normally kept in all web browsers that do not run incognito mode. The stealer scans for multiple browsers, such as Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

The threat actors behind FFDroider have chosen to steal credentials used to access several high-profile companies, including eBay, Instagram, Facebook, Etsy, Amazon, WAX Cloud Wallets, and Twitter. Security researchers suspect that threat actors use stolen credentials to access these platforms and run scam ad campaigns where they bait users by advertising the malware in disguise.

Technical Analysis of FFDroider Campaign

Once a user has unknowingly infected themselves with FFDroider by downloading and installing the risky files, the malware will activate and create a Windows Registry key (FFDroider), allowing it to bypass Windows security.

Following this, the malware will compare pre-defined browser lists to those on the target system, after which cookies and credentials of specific social media platforms will be collected. Subsequently, it will attempt to access social media with the relayed cookies and credentials and send the stolen data to a cybercriminal CnC (command and control) server.

For instance, FFDroider “reads and parses [SQL query] the Chromium SQLite Credential Store” from: “C:\Users\<username>\Appdata\Local\Chrome\User Data\Default\Login Data.” This folder contains saved user credentials.

What is a Stealer?

A stealer is a compact malicious data collecting program that can disguise itself on a victim’s machine to look like other applications, also bypassing Windows security (such as the Windows Firewall) by installing itself in the Windows Registry. It can also replicate itself multiple times.

“Over the years, Stealers became one of the most commonly used malware in any cyberattack campaign,” Zscaler noted.

To avoid scenarios like this, which are triggered in part by stored browser cookies, it would be a good idea to start using a privacy-conscious web browser that can fully clear risky cookies and reduce your digital footprint. However, it is much better to avoid illegal downloads and unknown software sources in the first place.

Find more in-depth information about stealer malware like the FFDroider in our detailed article about the BloodyStealer malware. To protect yourself from dangerous malware stealers as well as encrypt your internet connection, read our full guide on the best antivirus software with built-in VPN.

The post FFDroider Information Stealer Malware on the Loose appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: How to Watch 2022 MotoGP Americas from Anywhere

The 2022 MotoGP racing action is back with the season’s first race in the United States. The riders will battle it out at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas on April 10 at 1 pm local time (GMT -5).

Fans will be eager to watch Marc Marquez return to action after his worrying crash in Indonesia. Fan favorites like Aleix Espargaró, Brad Binder, and Fabio Quartararo will also look to get a big win this weekend.

No matter where you are in the world, you can catch all the 2022 MotoGP Americas action with the help of a VPN. Here’s a quick guide to help you out:

1. Sign up for a VPN. Surfshark is our pick to live stream MotoGP races.
2. Download the VPN onto your streaming device.
3. Log in to the app with the credentials you created during sign-up.
4. Connect to a server that offers free MotoGP streams. For example, connect to Austria if you want to stream using Servus TV.
5. Head over to Servus TV and find the 2022 MotoGP Americas live stream.
6. Enjoy all the thrilling MotoGP action live from Austin, Texas!

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Read on for information on the 2022 MotoGP races, and how a VPN helps you access geo-blocked streams.

This weekend the 2022 MotoGP action returns to the United States with the MotoGP Circuit of the Americas. The race is scheduled for April 10 at 1 pm CT (GMT -5) in Austin, Texas. This is the fourth race of the 2022 MotoGP season, and we’ve seen plenty of ups and downs so far.

Aprilla’s Aleix Espargaró currently leads the pack, holding a slim 7 point lead over KTM rider Brad Binder. The point gap gets even tighter after that, with just 5 points separating the 2nd and 6th place riders. Reigning champ Fabio Quartararo on the Yamaha will be looking for a podium finish as he aims to defend his title.

An exciting weekend of motorsports awaits us, and we have all the information you need to watch the 2022 MotoGP Circuit of the Americas. We will also explain how a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you watch the race from anywhere in the world.

How to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas for Free

If you happen to be in Albania, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, or Thailand, you can watch the 2022 MotoGP races for free. In fact, Servus TV in Austria offers a free English-language livestream of the 2022 MotoGP Americas race.

However, there is a catch. Most of these streams are geo-blocked, which means that you cannot access the websites if you are not located in that region. Websites use your IP address to determine where you are located and grant or block access accordingly. Luckily, there is an easy solution to this problem.

With a VPN, you can change your IP address, which tricks streaming sites into believing you are in a different region. This way you can watch the 2022 MotoGP Circuit of the Americas from anywhere in the world for free! Below is a step-by-step guide to using a VPN to watch the MotoGP Americas.

Step-by-step Guide: How to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas from Anywhere

1. Choose the right VPN. For fast-paced sports like MotoGP, we recommend Surfshark. It offers great speeds and stable connections which provides the perfect motorsport streaming experience.
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3. Download the VPN app onto your favorite streaming device. Surfshark works on PCs, mobile devices, and Smart TVs.
4. Create an account and log in by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Connect to a server in Austria to watch the MotoGP Americas on Servus TV.
6. Enjoy the exciting MotoGP action!

To make things better, you can take advantage of Surfshark’s 30-day free trial. This way you can watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas Grand Prix for free!

List of Free Streams 2022 MotoGP Americas

If you’re looking for more free stream options, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of providers which will stream the 2022 MotoGP Americas Grand Prix for free. However,  some of these streams might not contain English-language commentary.

Check out the list of free streams below, and make sure you connect to a server in the country of the stream.

MotoGP VideoPass

Fans can also watch MotoGP 2022 races using the MotoGP VideoPass. It grants access to every session of the MotoGP season from anywhere in the world. However, the VideoPass does come with a heavy price tag of €140 Euro for the year.

In many cases, you can use your VPN save money on subscriptions. Unfortunately, when it comes to MotoGP VideoPass, they maintain their flat international rate no matter where the viewer is.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas?

Free VPNs claim to offer the functionality of premium VPNs at no cost. However, they are not ideal for watching fast-paced sporting events like MotoGP racing. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Caps on speed and bandwidth: Free VPNs do not offer reliable speeds and often have data caps. This means that the quality of your stream can drop in the middle of the race, or even stop altogether.
2. Limited global servers: Free VPNs usually have limited servers, and they’re often concentrated in a single country or region. To try out some of the free MotoGP streams, you’ll need a VPN with reliable servers in countries like Albania and Thailand. If the free VPN does not have a server in those countries you could miss out on the race entirely.
3. Data privacy concerns: Many free VPNs track your browsing activity and keep a log of your personal information, which they sell to advertisers. On the other hand, premium VPNs provide users with a secure browsing experience by encrypting all network traffic, and not maintaining user logs.

If you’d like to try out a free VPN, check out our list of best free VPNs. However, if you’re just looking for a VPN to watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas Grand Prix, you can take up Surfshark’s offer for their 30-day free trial.

2022 MotoGP Americas Schedule

You can also find out about the Moto2 and Moto3 action on the official MotoGP schedule.

2022 MotoGP Americas: What to Expect

The big story heading into this weekend surrounds Repsol Honda’s Marc Marquez. Fans will be thrilled to learn that the Spanish rider will return to action in the MotoGP Circuit of the Americas! The six-time world champion had a worrying crash at the Indonesian Grand Prix last month and also missed out on the race in Argentina.

The Circuit of the Americas also just happens to be one of Marquez’s favorite tracks. Marquez has won the Grand Prix every time he has finished the race — 7 times in his career.

2022 MotoGP Standings

The post How to Watch the 2022 MotoGP Americas from Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Now, a novel encryption method can truly wring the juice out of data without anyone ever seeing it, allowing Big Data to be used to its full extent while also resolving Big Data’s data privacy issues, resulting in positive implications for the future of personal and sensitive information.

“Data is the New Oil”

15 years ago, British mathematician and marketing expert Clive Humby coined the phrase “data is the new oil,” NewScientist wrote. That rings very true today, as Big Tech conglomerates like Meta and Alphabet “grew into multibillion-dollar behemoths by collecting information about us and using it to sell targeted advertising.”

Aside from it just being a goldmine for big businesses, data also makes us healthier, helps us react to natural disasters, and can provide extra support to students by determining whether they are likely to drop out, NewScientist wrote. However, to benefit fully from such data a lot of it is needed for analysis.

One of the most important areas where information is required is for criminal activity because data is essential to fight cybercrime. Perhaps even more important than that is medical data. The ability to seamlessly analyze medical data, particularly with new AI technologies, and share it ethically could reap a world of health benefits for everyone, Head of EPFL Fellay Laboratory Dr. Jacques Fellay told NewScientist.

However, raw data cannot be shared carelessly because it contains sensitive personal details. For that reason, there is an obligation to keep this data private, particularly because laws like the GDPR are an industry requisite today.

Preserving people’s privacy is more important than ever, as “seemingly insignificant nuggets [of personal data]” can be used to identify individuals if they are cross-referenced, or worse, that data can be sold to brokers and unnecessarily expose people, NewScientist said.

Advancements in Homomorphism

A sophisticated novel method of privacy preservation known as differential privacy manages to obfuscate personal data about people using statistical techniques to inject errors into answers but still has its limits, NewScientist wrote. A much more satisfactory answer to true privacy is a new development to the 40-year old encryption method, discovered in 1978 at MIT, known as “homomorphic encryption.” The method is akin to inviting people to put their arms into a precious glovebox holding a gemstone (the data) without having free access to it or the ability to steal it.

Since the 70s, the underlying mathematics of advanced encryption have been studied and optimized. FHE, or Fully Homomorphic Encryption, has been in development for 30 years, and “The promise is massive” and the opportunities endless, US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) program manager Tom Rondeau said. In 2009, a Ph.D. student at Stanford University in California Craig Gentry made a breakthrough solution to FHE processing, which “was like putting one glovebox inside another, so that the first one could be opened while still encased in a layer of security,” NewScientist said.

Thanks to these contributions, IBM now has AI-enabled FHE tools that can detect fraudulent cybercrime using AI neural networks, and create data that is encrypted but able to be manipulated, simultaneously. This way, data remains secure in untrusted third-party environments, while also being future-proofed against quantum attacks. Adding to that, this process eliminates any tradeoffs between data privacy and data usability.

Combining FHE With Other Approaches is the Answer

Combining FHE with another technology known as Secure Multiparty Computation (SMC) has smoothed the sharing of medical data by joining up parts of that data in a way that private details cannot be retrieved from any organization. This novel method is already being utilized in Switzerland’s university hospitals to share patient data, NewScientist added.

For the moment, the limitation of such methods is computational speed due to the complexity of “lattice” encryption which puts this processing at 100,000 times slower when compared to unencrypted data, Rondeau added.

FHE will have to be combined with other approaches and is not a standalone winner, but is a “great addition to that toolbox,” privacy expert Yves-Alexandre de Montoye at Imperial College London said.

“FHE could be akin to a new mining technology, one that will open up some of the most valuable but currently inaccessible deposits,” NewScientist wrote.

To find out more on this subject, you can read our full guide about encryption. You can also check out our full guide on what Google knows about you.

The post Cutting-Edge Encryption Methods Could End the Privacy Dilemma appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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A Quick Guide: How to Watch the 2022 Australian Grand Prix

The 2022 Australian Grand Prix is nearly here. The exciting Albert Park Street Circuit is ready following a two-year absence from the calendar. The race gets underway at 3 PM (local time GMT+10) Sunday, April 10.

You may be struggling to find a stream due to geo-blocking, but there’s still a way that you can get past this issue. You can use a VPN to bypass these digital fences and watch the Grand Prix this weekend. See our quick step-by-step guide below to get started right now:

1. Choose a VPN provider. We recommend using Surfshark as it has excellent connection speeds and stability.
2. Create your account. Surfshark provides simple onscreen instructions.
3. Download the VPN on your device from any major app store or straight from their website.
4. Log into your account.
5. Connect to the server of your choice. Connect to Switzerland if you want our recommendation.
6. Navigate to the SRF INFO live player to watch the Australian Grand Prix for free.
7. Enjoy an exhilarating race down under!

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If you want to find out more about VPNs or get the latest F1 news, be sure to read the full article below!

It’s time for Formula 1 cars to get back on the track this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. The Albert Park Street Circuit returns after a two-year absence from the Formula 1 calendar, and it’s set to be a rip-roaring race.

With this weekend’s events taking place in Australia, the timing schedule is different from the usual Formula 1 time. While the race starts at 3 pm on the track, that means it will start at 6:00 am GMT, and 1:00 am EST on Sunday, April 10th.

Even with the inconvenient start times around the globe, you may want to keep up with this weekend’s Grand Prix — or catch a delayed stream. If you find yourself abroad you could run into trouble with geo-blocking. These virtual fences could prevent you from accessing your usual streaming services to watch the race. Luckily though, there is a way to bypass geo-restrictions and access any stream you want to.

How to Watch the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix from Anywhere

Streaming Formula 1 is always limited to specific broadcasting regions. If you find yourself outside the required region you won’t be able to access the stream. For example, you can only watch F1 in Africa via SuperSport, through Sky Sports in the UK, or with SRF in Switzerland. If you try to access any of these streams while you’re outside of these regions you’ll be met with an error message.

Websites use your  IP address to determine your location. Once they have your location they can determine whether you are in the correct region to access their stream or not. Luckily though, there is a way that you can mask your IP address which lets you bypass geo-blocking quickly and easily to get access to any stream in the world.

You can do this by using a Virtual Private Network — otherwise known as a VPN — to change your IP address to one that will work with the website in question. A VPN creates a secure connection that allows you to connect to a global server in a different country or city. Once you’re connected, the website will be tricked into thinking that you are accessing it from elsewhere.

You can use our quick guide below to get a VPN installed on your device and gain access to Formula 1 live streams:

Step-by-step guide: Live stream 2022 F1 Australian Grand Prix with a VPN

1. Choose a VPN provider. Our top recommendation is Surfshark. Surfshark is a secure VPN with great connection speeds and stability, which is perfect for watching Formula 1 online.
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3. Download the VPN onto your streaming device. Whether you’ll be streaming on mobile or on a laptop, you can find Surfshark on all major app stores or even directly from their website.
4. Create an account and log in. It’s simple as following the on-screen instructions.
5. Connect to the global server of your choice. Remember, this will have an impact on which streams you will be able to access. For example, if you want to stream the race using SRF ZWEI, you need to connect to a server in Switzerland.
6. Open up the SRF INFO live player. As long as your VPN remains connected to a Swiss server you’ll have full access to the Australian Grand Prix for free.
7. Enjoy an exciting race on Sunday!

Free Streams for the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

Once you’ve got a VPN installed on your device you’re ready to watch F1 from anywhere in the world. This means that you can access any streaming platform and any commentary language that you would prefer. It also means that you can access some of the free streams that are only available in specific regions.

Below are some of the most popular free streams for Formula 1 races in 2022, however, the majority of them are available in different languages. If you’re looking for an English stream, we recommend using the American-based platform, SlingTV. They offer a three-day trial that will allow you to watch every session of the Australian Grand Prix weekend for free.

If you don’t feel like staying up until all hours to watch it live, Servus TV in Austria and TV8 in Italy will provide free delayed streams.

See below:

Can I Watch 2022 Formula 1 Racing with a Free VPN?

While you’re looking for a VPN to use to watch this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix you might find some free VPNs. It’s definitely tempting to use one of these free services to stream the Grand Prix on Sunday, however, it’s not advised that you do so. Free VPNs come with several drawbacks that will impact your streaming experience on Sunday.

• Slower connection speeds: Free VPNs can sometimes have slower connection speeds. Even if your internet connection is fast, you may still see a drop in quality or some lag while streaming using a free VPN.
• Fewer global servers: The point of using a VPN is to be able to connect to any global server and use any stream that you would like to. However, with a free VPN, this might not always be the case, as many of them have a limited selection of global servers for you to choose from.
• Data restrictions: Bandwidth limits are common when using a free VPN. Usually, they have a daily data cap of around 500 MB. Considering the fact that streaming can use up to 1GB of data, this won’t get you very far into the race.

2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Official Broadcasters

Formula 1 is an international sport, and they have broadcasting partners all around the world. If you live in one of the countries below, you won’t need to use a VPN to access the stream. However, you will need access to cable TV or a have a subscription to the relevant streaming platform in your country.

Here is the complete list of broadcasters for the 2022 Formula 1 season:

Watch 2022 Grand Prix Racing with F1 TV Pro

F1 TV Pro could also be the perfect solution for you if you don’t want to miss a single session of the 2022 Formula 1 season. For $9.99 per month (or $79.99 per year), you can get access to exclusive F1 content.

But there’s a secret that not many people know about. If you use a VPN to connect to a Mexican server you can get your F1 TV Pro subscription for just  $50 per year. There are plenty of other ways you can save money on subscriptions using a VPN.

F1 TV Pro puts you in control of what you want to watch. Each session will allow you to choose which camera angles you can see, with live team radios being broadcast straight to your device. You can even keep an eye on the telemetry to see who’s setting the fastest lap times, or you can watch the live track map to see each car’s position on the circuit in real-time!

F1 TV is currently available in 82 countries. Even though they are planning on expanding in the future, you may find that your country is not on the list just yet. However, you can use Surfshark to get your subscription and use F1’s official streaming service to watch the 2022 Australian Grand Prix.

2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Schedule

The Australian Grand Prix is ready for the green flag this weekend, however, European and U.S viewers may find the times slightly more inconvenient than normal. The race takes place on Sunday, 10 April at 3 PM local time (GMT +10).

Below is a schedule of the 2022 Australian Grand Prix this weekend:

2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix: What to Expect

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix brought us yet another battle between Red Bull and Ferrari. It was a close fight between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, but in the end, it was the reigning World Champion that took victory in the Middle East.

The battle is sure to rage at the Albert Park Street Circuit this weekend, with Red Bull looking like the early favorites as they bring upgrades for their RB18 car. Ferrari has delayed their upgrade package for the next Grand Prix at Imola, so it could be a damage limitation weekend for them.

Reigning Constructors Champions Mercedes are still struggling, with 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton experiencing his worst qualifying since 2009 after he failed to make it out of Q1 and started in 16th place. He ended up finishing 10th in the race, adding just one point to his championship tally. It’s a long road ahead for the German automotive giants.

Elsewhere, 4-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel makes his return for Aston Martin after missing the first two races of the season due to a positive Covid-19 test. Mick Schumacher will also be back in the Haas car following his massive shunt during qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which led to him missing the race.

2022 Driver Standings

Here’s what the World Championship standings look like after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix:

The post How to Watch the 2022 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix From Anywhere appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

About Nord Security and its Recent History

Despite never raising money prior to Thursday’s announcement, Nord Security and its suite of products have seen impressive growth over the years. Its security team consists of 1,700 people, with plans to add another 200. Its VPN service, NordVPN, is perhaps its most well-recognized offering. It consistently ranks among the top VPNs in the market.

Here are some of the other popular products that Nord Security offers:

• NordPass password manager
• NordLocker for cloud sync and storage
• NordLayer, its network access service for businesses

The company also offers developer tools to build custom VPNs. In all, Nord Security has over 15 million users worldwide. The company has also been active on the M&A side — just last month, it announced a landmark merger with VPN provider Surfshark.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is software that makes it incredibly easy to have a private and secure online browsing experience. It does so by re-routing your internet traffic through a server in a different part of the world, giving you a new, anonymous IP address.

As an advanced security precaution, the best VPN providers also encrypt your internet traffic. This measure keeps the user protected from would-be hackers or other third-party snoops.

These features are also extremely useful in situations where you need to browse the internet anonymously or want to access blocked content, such as the American version of Netflix. Premium VPNs also have advanced features for more experienced users. For example, NordVPN offers dedicated IP addresses and obfuscated servers, which makes getting around geo-restrictions all that much easier.

Nord Co-Founder Explains Decision to Raise Funds

Private equity firm Novator Partners led the funding round. Other participants included the following firms and individuals:

• Burda Principal Investments
• General Catalyst
• Ilkka Paananen of Supercell
• Miki Kuusi of Wolt
• Matt Mullenweg of Automattic

Nord’s co-founder Tom Okman also explained why the company decided to raise money for the first time in its 10 year history.

“We are profitable and have been bootstrapped until today, but in our investors, we have found partners who believe in our mission as much as we do, which will allow us to grow faster and double down on our aspiration to build a radically better internet. We’re also humbled to play a part in helping Lithuania, a fiercely entrepreneurial country, enter into a new era of technological innovation,” Okman said in a statement.

Investors Believe in Nord’s Cybersecurity Vision

Novator Partners were also quick to express their excitement at partnering with Nord and their work in the cybersecurity space. Furthermore, Birgir Már Ragnarsson, Novator’s managing partner, will be joining Nord Security’s board.

“Modern internet security requires a completely new approach to address the secular growth of risks from expanding data regulations and ever-worsening cyberthreats,” Ragnarsson said.

“Tom and his team are well-positioned to deliver and usher in the new era of internet security with a powerful and best-in-class suite of privacy and security tools, designed to protect information, accounts and networks. It’s rare to find a company that can already demonstrate such an excellent track record, brand credibility and unwavering focus on serving customers, so we are delighted to partner with Nord Security to support the team as they execute their vision at scale,” he added.

The post Nord Security Raises $100 Million in First-Ever Round of Funding appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

The EU is now in the stages of rewriting history again. New laws such as the Digital Markets Act (DMA), the Digital Services Act (DSA), the AI Act, and the Data Act will throttle competition responsibilities and offer a fairer data framework relating to Big Tech firms, said Schaake.

GDPR Was a Breakthrough Privacy Moment

The EU GDPR was a milestone in the protection of data, which was instated four years ago, Schaake said. The regulation has paved the way for a new EU direction when it comes to curbing the dominance of the Big Tech leviathans.

The General Data Protection Regulation is “the toughest privacy and security law in the world” the official GDPR portal states. The regulation, relating to the targeting or collection of data belonging to the EU population (but having a global effect), was put into effect on May 25th, 2018. The main objective is to impose “obligations onto organizations everywhere” in the form of extremely harsh fines against anyone who violates the GDPR’s privacy and security standards.

The law was born from the 1950 European Convention on Human rights, which states that all people have the right to respect regarding their private and family lives, their homes, and their correspondence.

“With the GDPR, Europe is signaling its firm stance on data privacy and security at a time when more people are entrusting their personal data with cloud services and breaches are a daily occurrence” GDPR.eu states.

A Hardy Group of New Laws is Coming

2022 promises to be a landmark year for data policy regarding users, businesses, and platforms. A group of substantial laws aiming at balancing Big Tech dominance is on the horizon, attempting to remove drawn-out antitrust lawsuits and not shattering monopolistic companies. This list comprises the DMA, the DSA, as well as the AI and Data Acts, of which the former is up first. The upcoming DMA should prevent gatekeeper companies from abusing their market dominance and “not simply bring them to court for antitrust violations” Schaake underlined.

French Digital Minister Cédric O gave more insight into the DMA by using Amazon as a hypothetical example. The DMA would mean that a Big Tech firm like Amazon would not be able to best position its brands on its platform by leveraging collected insights into buyer activities. Furthermore, users will be able to send messages to friends on other platforms unhindered, while Apple would have to open the gates to rival app stores. The point is to stop lock-ins and offer internet users “much-needed freedom.”

These new interoperability measures might clash with security measures like end-to-end encryption, something WhatsApp already implemented between users, WhatsApp’s chief Will Cathcart added. However, this issue should be easily resolved with full API data protection and bridges for encrypted data, Schaake said.

Challenges for Both Sides

Major “gatekeeper” firms are heavily criticizing the new rules, which will be tough on them while decreasing their dominance. For these reasons, the DMA has already experienced unprecedented lobbying with Google, Microsoft, and Apple alone having spent 20 million Euros to influence it. For instance, lobbyists have already pitted existing EU privacy achievements against the upcoming DMA, using one key EU achievement against another Schaake added.

The current EU discussions about interoperability and encryption, such as between the GDPR and DMA acts “already hints at a major challenge the EU is still to face,” Schaake added.

For EU regulators and lawmakers looking to better balance the dominating attitude of Big Tech firms, data regulation and protection laws will have to work well together, Schaake said. On the other hand, better privacy protection should bring a competitive advantage to firms, Schaake added.

For more information about general data regulation laws, check out our full guide on complying with the GDPR. If you are interested in Big Tech user agreements and privacy policies, check out our full guide to the fine print.

The post New EU Digital Strategy Sets Eyes Firmly on Big Tech Gatekeepers appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Block Reported Data Breach to SEC

The Cash App data breach became public knowledge after Block reported the incident to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Though Block filed the report on April 4, the breach took place on December 10, 2021. A former employee allegedly downloaded reports without the company’s permission.

“While this employee had regular access to these reports as part of their past job responsibilities, in this instance these reports were accessed without permission after their employment ended,” the filing states.

The report also provides information on the kinds of data that the employee gained access to, and what they did not. For example, Block clarified that the files did not contain the following:

• Login credentials
• Social Security numbers
• Date of birth
• Payment information
• Addresses
• Bank account data
• Any other personally identifiable information

Furthermore, it did not include data used to access Cash App accounts, such as security and access codes, or passwords, according to Block. The company added that customers outside of the United States were not affected.

SEC Says Block is Taking Mitigatory Action

The filing states that the company is reaching out to its current and former customers, which amounts to approximately 8.2 million people. Block is providing them with information about the breach and also sharing resources to answer any queries they may have. The company is also notifying and cooperating with regulatory authorities and law enforcement.

Speaking to TechCrunch, Cash App spokesperson Danika Owsley said, “At Cash App we value customer trust and are committed to the security of customers’ information.”

Owsley also provided some information on how the company responded to the incident, stating, “Upon discovery, we took steps to remediate this issue and launched an investigation with the help of a leading forensics firm. We know how these reports were accessed, and we have notified law enforcement. In addition, we continue to review and strengthen administrative and technical safeguards to protect information.”

Company Says Incident Won’t Impact Business or Finances

Future costs associated with this incident are difficult to predict. Although Block has not yet completed its investigation of the incident, based on its preliminary assessment and on the information currently known, the company does not currently believe the incident will have a material impact on its business, operations, or financial results.

As we continue to move new aspects of our lives online, like work, communication, and investments, it is important to take appropriate measures to secure our data. Even tiny traces of information can accumulate over time and become fodder for cybercriminals.

They can use this information to carry out targeted attacks, such as phishing campaigns. You can read more about phishing tactics in our detailed guide. It also provides some helpful tips to protect yourself and what to do if you’ve fallen for a phishing attack.

The post Former Employee Stole Cash App Customer Data appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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What Is Search Encrypt? — A Quick Guide

Search Encrypt is a pretty annoying browser hijacker. It can endanger your personal information, serve you unwanted ads, and even forcefully take you to sites you don’t want to visit.

But don’t worry, there’s an easy way to get rid of it. Here’s how:

1. Open your device’s app manager.
2. Delete the Search Encrypt application or any software that caused the nuisances to start. Search Encrypt hides in other apps, so it’s a safe bet to delete anything installed recently that you don’t need.
3. Reset your browser settings. This will remove Search Encrypt from your browser, even if it sacrifices some preferences and saved information.
4. Get a good antivirus. This last step is optional. But it’s definitely a good idea if you want to be protected from malware, and get expert software to analyze your PC and make sure it’s free of threats.
5. Always use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic and even notifies you of suspected malware as you browse online. Certain top-tier VPNs like NordVPN also include features like Threat Protection to keep you safe online.

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If you want a detailed understanding of Search Encrypt, what it does, and how you can completely purge it from your device, read the full article below!

Viruses and malware can be a real pain when you’re simply trying to go about your digital life. They can slow down your connection, open ads and programs without your permission, steal your banking or personal information, or hold all your files for ransom with encryption.

Search Encrypt isn’t your classic type of virus. But it definitely acts like annoying malware, much different from those annoying search engine extensions.

In this article, we’ll discuss what Search Encrypt is, how it spreads, what it affects, and more importantly, how to get rid of Search Encrypt.

What Is Search Encrypt?

Search Encrypt claims to be a simple browser extension with a private search engine. They have a blog post about it, where they unequivocally claim Search Encrypt is not a virus, nor a form of malware.

And that’s technically true; the Search Encrypt extension itself doesn’t do anything malicious. It just opens up your device to advertisers that act intrusively.

Someone by the name of Privacy Guy also wrote a post on Medium about how Search Encrypt is not a virus. Such articles claim that Search Encrypt is a simple privacy-focused search engine extension that lets you browse the internet completely anonymously.

A lot of other people beg to differ. They say Search Encrypt is, in fact, malware – more specifically, a browser hijacker. We decided to settle this debate once and for all.

Is Search Encrypt malware?

Trustworthy cybersecurity and privacy experts note that Search Encrypt may appear safe, but it can actually:

• change your default homepage and search engine
• redirect you to shady affiliate websites
• display unwanted ads
• potentially track search history and other information

Here’s how Search Encrypt is dangerous: their software in itself doesn’t harm your computer. But it displays harmful ads and takes control of your browser to sometimes even install unwanted programs.

And that’s the worrying part since it can install harmful malware or intrusive programs, no matter which browser you use. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge – they’re all in danger.

How Do Users End Up Downloading Search Encrypt?

Search Encrypt is out in the open – we know who makes it (at least a site that claims to represent Search Encrypt’s creators). It even has a Crunchbase entry and its own site. So why wasn’t it “nuked” out of the internet?

Well, because it doesn’t really work that way. Competent online bodies have already taken steps to protect users. For example, it’s been removed from extension stores.

But beyond that, there’s little we can do to limit user exposure to this harmful extension.

We’re counting on individual responsibility to avoid getting infected with a harmful extension like Search Encrypt.

When people aren’t careful, here’s how Search Encrypt usually ends up on their computer:

• They install it thinking it’s legitimate software. We don’t blame them, Search Encrypt really presents itself as legitimate.
• It gets packaged stealthily with other applications you install. When you’re installing software, always untick boxes that try to get your permission to install something on the side.
• They install a different extension but get catfished. Always check the capitalization, reviews, and permissions for extensions you add to your browser.

How to Know if Search Encrypt Is on Your Computer

If you’re here, you’re probably already struggling with Search Encrypt. But if you’re not sure whether or not it got installed on your computer, here are some telltale signs of its presence:

• Search Encrypt shows up in your extension/application list
• Your browser slows down. A lagging browser or even internet connection is always a sign of trouble, whether it’s Search Encrypt or anything else.
• Ads popping out of nowhere. If you start seeing banner ads and pop-ups that weren’t there before, it’s highly likely Search Encrypt is on your browser.
• Being redirected to unwanted pages when clicking links online.

But there’s good news. Getting rid of this browser hijacker is as easy as pressing the “Uninstall Search Encrypt” button. Usually. Let’s get into the details.

How To Remove Search Encrypt From Your Computer

If you know for sure that Search Encrypt has infected your computer, don’t worry. You can get rid of it in a few minutes, whether you use macOS or Windows.

You’ll just need to uninstall the application in which Search Encrypt was packaged. Sometimes, that might actually be called “Search Encrypt.”

If it’s not, inspect the apps you recently installed. Figure out which one you installed right before the trouble started. With that information, you’re prepared to get rid of it.

Here’s what you need to do if you’re on Windows:

1. Open your Settings
2. Click on the “Apps” thumbnail
3. Click on “Apps and Features”
4. Browse the list for the app you want to remote
5. Select it, then click on “Uninstall”

If you’re on macOS, you’ll need to:

1. Click on “Finder” and select the “Applications” menu
2. Find the suspicious app you want to delete
3. Right-click it and select “Move to Bin”

But that’s not the end of it. If you want to remove Search Encrypt from your device completely, you’ll also need to clean up any infected files within your browser’s directory.

Below, you’ll find guides on how to completely remove Search Encrypt on most browsers, and how to revert any changes the extension may have made.

How To Remove Search Encrypt From Google Chrome

The Chrome browser isn’t your best pick for a reliable and secure gateway to the internet. It has serious security issues and has often been in the headlines for backdoor hacks.

If you’re a Google Chrome user, we recommend you change to a different, more secure browser that values your privacy. Take a look at our roundup of the best browsers for privacy to see what’s better.

But if you’re a Chrome user, don’t be alarmed by Search Encrypt. You can get rid of it by following these steps:

1. Click the vertical three-dots button in any Chrome window
2. Open the Settings menu from the drop-down options list
3. In the left tab, click on “Advanced”
4. Open the “Reset and clean up” menu
5. Click on “Reset settings to their original defaults”

This will reset your settings on Chrome to default, so you will lose any saved data. But it’s the only safe way to get rid of Search Encrypt from your browser and revert any changes it made.

How To Remove Search Encrypt From Firefox

Firefox is a much more secure option than Chrome, but that doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. If your device was infected with Search Encrypt, and you use Firefox, there’s a strong chance that it latched itself onto the app.

So to make sure it’s gone from your computer, you’ll need to reset your Firefox settings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click the three small lines in the top-right corner of the Firefox dashboard
2. Click on Help from the menu
3. Choose “More troubleshooting Information”
4. Select “Refresh Firefox.” Like with Chrome, this will delete some information from your browser, but it will clean it and get rid of Search Encrypt changes.

How To Remove Search Encrypt From Safari

Safari is the default browser on Mac, and it’s a tad bit safer than Chrome too. However, it’s still vulnerable to malware. If you already uninstalled Search Encrypt from your Mac, there’s one thing left to do to completely get rid of it.

1. Click on “Safari” in the top-left corner of your Mac’s interface
2. Open the Preferences menu
3. Click on the “Privacy” thumbnail
4. Click on “Manage website data”

In the new window, select “Remove all.” This will clear your cache and options on Safari, but it will also remove Search Encrypt completely.

How To Remove Search Encrypt From Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is Windows’ default browser. Based on Chromium, Edge has come a long way since the days of Internet Explorer, and it’s a very popular and safe choice nowadays.

If you accidentally installed Search Encrypt on your Edge browser, you just need to reset your browser to be rid forever of Search Encrypt. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click on the three dots in the top-right corner of the Edge dashboard
2. Open the larger Settings menu
3. From the left tab, click on “Reset Settings”
4. Click on “Restore settings to their default values”

How To Protect Your Computer From Search Encrypt

Search Encrypt is a special type of browser hijacker, in the sense that it puts up quite the show to certify its legitimacy.

There are supporting blog posts, articles on Medium, and a dedicated site. All of these sources help Search Encrypt masquerade as legitimate software.

It’s not. And understanding that is the first step in protecting yourself from harmful extensions like Search Encrypt.

If you install one extension on a browser and sync it with other computers, Search Encrypt can easily spread between different devices.

To prevent such infections, here are some general rules of thumb to follow to prevent software like Search Encrypt from making its way to your computer:

1. Use a VPN. Virtual private networks are better at protecting your privacy online. They provide an added layer of encryption, and sometimes advanced safety features. Our recommendation is NordVPN. VPNs also let you browse anonymously.
2. Use an up-to-date antivirus. Antivirus software can stop malware and viruses of any kind in their tracks. And by far the best option is Kaspersky.
3. Beware of the links you click. If you don’t know the person that sent you a link, or if it’s just displayed on a site you don’t trust, we suggest you don’t open the link.
4. Be mindful when installing new software. A lot of malware hides in the installation wizard of other apps. So whenever you’re installing another program, make sure to untick any option for additional software.

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Protect Yourself from Browser Hijackers!

To be fair to this browser hijacker, we should mention that Search Encrypt is not as damaging as your average virus and malware. It’s “soft malware” if you will. Some might go so far as to say that it’s actually useful.

But that doesn’t change the fact that Search Encrypt is a browser hijacker. And it can spell trouble for your device if you’re not careful. If your computer was infected with Search Encrypt, remove it right away using this guide!

The post Search Encrypt – How To Fully Remove This Browser Hijacker appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

Allianz’s survey analyzed the most important global business risks for 2022 and beyond, based on insights from 2,650 risk management experts from 89 countries and territories across 22 industry sectors including various other organizations of all sizes.

Cyber Incidents Are the Number One Global Threat

Cybercrime, IT failure/outage, data breaches, and fines and penalties are categorized as the top global business risks for 2022 by Allianz. There has been a 44% rise in all of these areas, compared to 2021. Business interruption (such as physical supply chain disruption) and natural catastrophes (such as weather events and earthquakes) fall to second and third place after cyber incidents, respectively.

It is also important to distinguish that cyber risk itself is also a big driver of increased business interruption in the 21st Century. Meanwhile, even the global pandemic outbreak is further down the global risk line at fourth place. Cyber incidents lead the way in the “top concerns around the world” the report states.

According to Allianz, “Ransomware and other disruptive forms of cyber-attacks continue to bedevil businesses, while potential risks from digitalization and the shift to remote working are driving growing concern.” Particularly of note is the area of high profile ransomware attacks, coupled with problems caused by accelerating digitalization and remote working, all pushing cyber risk to the top this year, the report states.

Ransomware Dominates the Threat Landscape

The “top cyber exposure of concern” is ransomware this year, accounting for 57% of the survey’s concerned respondents, just ahead of general data breaches, Allianz says. Ransomware has become “big business” for cybercriminals, who have fine-tuned their business models and schemes “lowering barriers to entry and making it easier to carry out attacks,” Allianz wrote.

A ransomware attack can now be carried out for as little as $40 with the use of cryptocurrency to evade detection, made easy by the commercialization of cybercrime. Notable forms of ransomware making the rounds now are “double extortion” or double data encryption tactics.

Cybercriminals will threaten to release sensitive or personal data, attempt to compromise backups, as well as harass employees, and demand ransom directly from company senior executives.

“In the past, a bank robber may have hit one or two banks in a week after many months of preparation. Yet, with a cyber-attack, you can target thousands of businesses at once, anywhere in the world, and extract more valuable data than before,” Global Head of Cyber at AGCS Scott Sayce said.

Due to all of this, cyber insurance claims have significantly increased in the past few years, spiking after 2020, coinciding with the vulnerabilities uncovered by the global pandemic. On the other hand, the good news is that an increased focus by law enforcement on high-profile cyber threats like ransomware attacks, as well as organizations’ increasing cyber awareness have slightly decelerated these risks. As a result “ransomware claims are showing some tentative signs of stabilizing” Chief Underwriting Officer Corporate at AGCS Shanil Williams noted. Albeit, perpetrators will always look to “exploit new vulnerabilities and employ new tactics,” such is the nature of the cyber world, Williams said.

Supply Chain Attacks Are Rising

High-profile cyberattacks are displaying a “worrying trend” for the supply chain. Hackers are targeting technology or software supply chains, as well as physical critical infrastructure (CPS systems) and digital single points of failure, the report states.

Prime examples of some unprecedented cyber incidents that touch on the above are the recent Log4j fiasco, the Kaseya incident, and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack. With regards to this, perhaps the most notable cyberattack of all time that still lingers in the air, the SolarWinds incident, occurred in 2020.

The increasing digitalization of supply chains, growing reliance on digital infrastructure, remote work, and cloud vulnerabilities all add to the growing concerns as sophisticated cyberattacks appear on the horizon more frequently, Allianz wrote.

The security and normal operation of the global supply chain is critical for the world economy. “For most organizations, the biggest fear is not being able to produce and deliver their products or services,” Property Industry Lead, Technology, Media and Telecoms at AGCS Philip Beblo remarked.

Changes in Legislation and Regulation Adds to Cyber Risk

Another reason cyber risks are the number one global threat this year is that “significant impacts expected from changes in legislation and regulation (the fifth top risk) in 2022 will be around big tech and sustainability,” the report says.

In an evolving cyber risk landscape, insurance entities like AGCS are now assessing insurance submissions with specific criteria in mind to improve global cyber security resilience, such as “proactive technology controls, as well as regular backups, patching, training, business continuity arrangements and crisis response capabilities.”

Investor and shareholder action around the world is increasingly focused on cyber resilience, ranking it as the number one priority as far as “ESG” (environmental social and governance) issues go, the report says. In the past, it was mostly tech companies that were scrutinized about cyber security resilience, but these days a broad range of sectors is subject to it, Global Head of Liability Risk Consulting/ESGE at AGCS Michael Bruch added.

“The cyber market is shifting to a service-oriented offering that combines insurance policies with technology, risk engineering and response services,” Sayce added.

What This Means for the World

Cyber risks are the top concern, particularly for some of the world’s greatest economies that harbor Big Tech companies, such as the U.S and the EU. The EU has already rolled out its stringent, breakthrough GDPR that has been handing out eye-watering fines to organizations while seriously toughening up data protection, regulation, and overseas data transfers. The various National Cybersecurity Strategies in the EU and the European Council’s new cybersecurity directive are a great insight into what is being implemented.

“Legislation never sleeps and despite many promises to reduce red tape, new rules and regulations proliferate. 2022 will be no exception, particularly in the areas of big-tech and sustainability” Allianz wrote. 2022 should be a revolutionary year that will birth a fairer, better-regulated, more sustainable data economy Chief Economist at Allianz Ludovic Subran says.

In terms of the U.S., President Joe Biden is laying out his “digital agenda,” with the White House hard at work on data privacy, cybersecurity frameworks such as CISA’s “Shields Up“, and improvements to the all-important EU-U.S. trans-Atlantic data highway.

Cyber Hygiene is Paramount

Being proactive in an extremely risky cyber world means augmenting cyber hygiene to as high a level as possible. Less than 40% of organizations test their business continuity plans, the report says. Furthermore, for optimal cyber hygiene organizations must heed the following criteria:

• Endpoint protection
• Multi-factor authentication
• Regular backups
• Patching
• Training
• Business continuity arrangements
• Scenario testing
• Crisis response capabilities

“Good cyber maturity and good cyber insurance go hand-in-hand. We buy insurance for our home, but this does not mean we leave the front door unlocked, and the same should be said for cyber security,” Sayce added.

Cybersecurity Terminology

To better understand some of the cyber security terminologies in this article, here are some brief descriptions of the key themes discussed above.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a high-profile form of cybercrime that cybercriminals leverage to extort targets via ransom fees, as well as cripple corporate networks, private networks, and devices. It typically resides as a form of Trojan virus in a computer system. Ransomware can encrypt all of the data on a system, after which access is given back to the victim at the whim of the perpetrator. Perpetrators usually ask for payment in cryptocurrency to unlock the hijacked data, which is difficult to trace. Ransomware is also offered as a service on the dark web.

Backups

Backups refer to storing an additional copy of the contents of a computer system in case of damage, loss, or corruption. Backups can be stored either online or offline, with the latter being much more secure. The practice of backing up data is critical for all organizations and can determine whether an organization survives following a cyber incident.

Supply chain

In terms of cybersecurity, securing the supply chain is key for the world economy. A supply chain is a network between companies, suppliers, products, and buyers. Cyber attacks can cripple supply chains, thereby causing the economy billions in losses, endangering lives in the process.

Data breach

A data breach is a general term for a cyber security incident where sensitive information is accessed, stolen, or used in an unauthorized manner by a malicious third party. There are several types of data breaches, including ransomware attacks, email phishing, SQL injections, and more.

Cyber resilience

Cyber resilience refers to an organization’s level of preparedness for cyber incidents. This includes whether an organization has adequate risk management measures in place, complies with regulations, and in general defines an organization’s ability to prepare, respond, and recover from a cyber incident.

The post Cyber Threats Are Number One Global Risk: Recognize Them and Protect Your Business appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

A joint investigation by international authorities has confirmed that there was suspicion of criminal commercial operations, including narcotic trade and money laundering. The investigation, which has been ongoing since August 2021, has been a cooperative effort by the Frankfurt am Main Public Prosecutor’s Office – Central Office for Combating Cybercrime (ZIT), the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) as well as several U.S. authorities.

Platform Was Active Since at Least 2015

The action conducted today against “Hydra Market” is directed against previously unknown operators and administrators of the platform. The dark web marketplace itself was active since at least 2015, and accessible via the anonymous Tor browser, German authorities stated.

The focus of the platform included several forms of illegal trade and illicit material. This included the trade of several illegal narcotics, the sale of stolen data, fake documents, and digital services worldwide.

The marketplace catered to approximately 17 million customers and harbored over 19,000 registered seller accounts, authorities said.

Most Active Illegal Marketplace in the World

“Hydra Market” was likely the most active and longest-running illegal dark web marketplace in the world. Sales amounted to at least 1.23 billion Euros in 2020 alone, authorities stated.

The marketplace, that provided a “Bitcoin Bank Mixer,” made investigations into crypto-crime extremely difficult for law enforcement agencies, said the report.

“Hydra Market” specialized in global cryptocurrency laundering and illegal opioid trafficking, Deputy Attorney General of the U.S. Department of Justice Jeffrey Rosen said today in a press conference.

Operation DisrupTor is the United States government’s largest operation to date targeting criminal activity on the darknet, particularly opioid and Fentanyl trafficking, the latter being one of the deadliest narcotics to hit the streets. Illegal operations like “Hydra Market” have been kept running thanks to cybercriminals hiding behind anonymizing software such as Tor, added Rosen.

“The Darknet invites criminals into our homes and invites unlimited access to illegal commerce,” said Rosen.

In 2021, authorities had shut down a similar portal known as “DarkMarket” that focused on the anonymous sale of weapons, among other things.

543 BTC Seized by Authorities

A total of 543 BTC, which translates into about $25 million, was confiscated by authorities Tuesday.

“When profits from illicit sales leave Hydra seller accounts, the money trails go dark. Sellers use veiled, in-region financial operators to convert their withdrawals into Russian fiat currencies and obfuscate further steps in the financial chain,” added Flashpoint intelligence today.

More details about the ongoing action surrounding “Hydra Market” will be revealed later in the day, according to the U.S. DoJ.

Everything you need to know about the dark web and how to access it safely can be found in our full guide to the dark web.

The post Germany Shuts Down World’s Largest Dark Web Marketplace appeared first on VPNoverview.com.

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Quick Guide on How to Watch the 2022 UEFA Europa League Quarter Finals Live and Free

The quarter-finals of the Europa League are upon us. The matches will be played across two legs, on the 7th and 14th of April. If you’re looking for a way to live stream the matches free of cost, then you’ve come to the right place!

This article explains how you can watch the Europa League quarter-finals live from anywhere in the world using a VPN. If you’re in a rush, just follow the steps listed below:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service. NordVPN is our recommendation for the Europa League as it has an extensive server network and is blazing fast.
2. Download and install the VPN app from the provider’s website.
3. Log in to the app using the credentials that you entered when purchasing a subscription.
4. Connect to a server in Australia.
5. Head over to the Stan Sport website. Follow the instructions onscreen to get a free trial.
6. Find the stream for your desired quarter-final match.
7. Enjoy the action!

 

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Check out the rest of the article for more information on using a VPN to unblock sports streams!

Eight teams are left in this year’s Europa League. The tournament’s quarter-finals will be played across two legs between quality teams, including FC Barcelona and RB Leipzig. The first leg will take place on April 7, while the second leg is scheduled for April 14.

Football fans across the world are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches. However, some of them may be unable to catch the action live. For instance, fans traveling outside their own country might not be able to watch the games using their usual streaming service. Furthermore, some fans may live in regions where subscriptions are prohibitively expensive.

Luckily, a virtual private network (VPN) solves both these problems and be used to watch Europa League matches live and free! This article provides a step-by-step guide on using a VPN to watch the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals.

Watch the 2022 Europa League Quarter Finals Live and For Free

There’s a good chance that your streaming service monitors your IP address to determine your location. If it detects that you’re outside your nation of residence, it can block your stream. As a result, it can be challenging to watch sports streams when abroad.

A VPN can change your IP address to make it look like you’re accessing the streaming website from a different nation. So, while sitting in Indonesia, you can make it seem like you’re based in the US. Additionally, a VPN allows users to access legal free streams in other nations.

The step-by-step guide below explains how you can watch the Europa League quarter-finals for free using Australia’s Stan Sport.

Step-by-step guide on watching the Europa League quarter-finals with a VPN

1. Get a subscription to a VPN provider of your choice. For the Europa League, we strongly recommend NordVPN. Not only is it secure, but it also offers super-fast speeds and a large number of servers in Europe.
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3. Download and install the application that’ll work on your device’s operating system. NordVPN supports iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows and Android.
4. Open the app and log in using the credentials that you entered when purchasing the subscription.
5. Locate and connect to a server in Australia, which is where Stan operates from. Head over to the Stan Sports website and follow the instructions to start a free 7-day trial. Alternatively, you can connect to a server in the nation where your preferred streaming service will be unblocked.
6. Find the stream for the quarter-final match you want to watch and hit play.
7. Enjoy the matchups!

Where to Watch the 2022 Europa League Quarter-Finals

UEFA has entered into broadcast deals with several broadcasters and OTT platforms across the world. Check out the table below to see which channel or streaming service will be airing the quarter-finals in your region. If you’ve got access to these streams but are outside of the broadcasting zone, you can switch to a server in the country it’s based.