Tag: vpn
After Italian Government Bans ChatGPT, VPN Searches Skyrocket
The Italian government recently banned ChatGPT, a popular artificial intelligence chatbot, citing privacy concerns as the primary reason for the…
The post After Italian Government Bans ChatGPT, VPN Searches Skyrocket appeared first on TechRound.
The best VPN extension for Chrome: Keep your browsing private and secure!
Mullvad browser: the privacy of Tor, with the perks of a VPN
Mullvad VPN and Tor Project Create New Privacy-Focused Mullvad Browser
Secure your online privacy with up to 66% off this VPN service
TL;DR: Get a three-year Windscribe VPN subscription for just $69 (reg. $207), a two-year subscription for $59 (reg. $138), or a one-year subscription for $39 (reg. $69). That’s a savings of up to 66%.
If you’ve ever seen an ad for something you were just looking at online, you might know what it feels like to think your online privacy is at risk. A virtual private network (VPN) can give you added security while using public WiFi or your own network. Windscribe VPN brings simplicity and affordability to securing your digital life. Get a one-year subscription for $39 (reg. $69), two years for $59 (reg. $138), or three years for $69 (reg. $207) through April 22.
Increased online privacy
Windscribe VPN helps protect your online privacy and blocks trackers on desktop or mobile devices. Create your account anonymously, since you don’t even have to share your email address. Use a user-friendly interface to quickly set up additional online protection.
While you’re browsing on unsecured public WiFi, your privacy could be at risk from trackers. Your internet service provider, apps, and other services, like Facebook, could also be logging your data. Windscribe VPN provides an encrypted server and hides your real IP address from corporations, government agencies, and hackers.
When you’re working from a local coffee shop or traveling abroad, you might be wary of trusting public WiFi. Take advantage of Windscribe’s unlimited downloads and simultaneous connections. This means you could turn your computer into a secure WiFi router that your other devices can connect to so you can work, play, or browse with protection and powerful encryption.
Unblock additional content
Connect to servers in over 100 locations to unblock entertainment, news sites, and other content only available in other areas. Spend more time with your favorite content without having to subscribe to additional services.
Windscribe’s browser extension can also block annoying ads that follow you across the web. Enjoy your online presence with more security, new content, and fewer ads that may make you feel like you’re being watched.
Subscribe to one year of Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for $39 (reg. $69), two years for $59 (reg. $138), or three years for $69 (reg. $207) through April 22 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
Prices subject to change.
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Best VPN for staying anonymous and secure on the web
Best VPN deals this week
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Private Internet Access VPN
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$56.94 for 2-Year Plan + 2-Months Free(List Price $311.74)
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NordVPN
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63% Off! $5.99 Per Month for 2-Year Complete Plan + 3-Months Free -
Surfshark VPN
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$2.30 Per Month + 2-Months Free (82% Off 2-Year Plan) -
ExpressVPN
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$99.95 for 1-Year Plan + 3-Months Free + 1-Year Backblaze Cloud Backup -
IPVanish VPN
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$59.99 for 2-Year Plan(List Price $179.99)
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CyberGhost VPN
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$56.97 for 2-Year Plan + 2-Months Free(List Price $350.73)
Have you ever gotten the sneaking feeling that someone’s creeping over your virtual shoulder while you browse the web? Don’t freak out, but your gut is right: Your internet service provider (ISP) is tracking your every click to compile anonymous browsing logs they can potentially sell to advertising companies, or even cough up to government agencies in the interest of censorship. (And yes, that includes the clicks that brought you to this article.)
Connected to a free public WiFi network? You’re basically inviting hackers to join in on the fun.
Your browser’s Incognito/private mode only gets you so far, unfortunately — it’ll clear your history, searches, cookies, and login deets, preventing other users of the same device from seeing what you’ve been up to, but it won’t hide and secure your connection from your ISP and other prying eyes.
For actual internet anonymity, you can reclaim your privacy by getting yourself a virtual private network, or VPN.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that creates an encrypted connection between your device and a private, remote server, which hides and secures your traffic. If browsing the web like normal is like taking a naked Jeep out on the highway (where anyone can see who you are, where you’re going, and what you’ve got in the backseat), using a VPN is like driving an armored, tinted Humvee through a secret underground tunnel.
The technology’s origin story isn’t well-documented, but it’s believed to have emerged at Microsoft in the mid-1990s. Initially used exclusively by businesses, subscription-based VPN services for the general public starting gaining popularity about a decade ago “after a flood of security breaches,” per the cybersecurity and antivirus giant Kapersky.
What are the benefits of using a VPN?
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a VPN, the main one being simply to stay anonymous online. The process of routing your traffic through a VPN masks your internet protocol (IP) address — the specific number that’s assigned to your device when it’s connected to a local network — which can otherwise reveal a surprising amount of personal information. (That includes your approximate whereabouts and the name of your ISP.) If someone decides to look up your device’s IP address, they’ll see your VPN server’s location, not yours.
Along those same lines, using a VPN will allow you to access websites and services that may be blocked in certain places (like Netflix in China or YouTube at your school); you can choose a server in a region where your desired content is available to skirt geo-restrictions and firewalls.
Using a VPN is especially important if you regularly connect to public WiFi networks, even those that are password-protected. It’s not difficult for nefarious parties to crack WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) encryption — the security protocol most coffee shops, airports, hotels, and subway stations use to protect their hotspots — and exploit any network vulnerabilities vulnerabilities for so-called man-in-the-middle attacks. One of the more popular methods is known as WiFi eavesdropping, or an “evil twin” attack, where hackers set up fake WiFi access points and trick users into connecting to them.
But even the WFH crew can get some good use out of a VPN: Aside from the obvious privacy factor when it comes to confidential company information, a VPN can establish a remote connection with your office’s server so you’ve got access to internal networks and resources from home.
It’s important to note that while some VPN plans come with malware and ad blockers, those are just bonuses. The VPN itself will disguise and conceal your traffic, but it can’t shield you or your device from other online threats. (We recommend picking up some separate antivirus software for that kind of protection, even if you’re on a Mac.)
Hold up — are VPNs legal?
Aside from the few countries that have restricted or outright banned them (including Belarus, China, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Oman, Russia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and the United Arab Emirates), VPNs are perfectly legal in most of the world. But keep in mind that illegal activities like torrenting copyrighted material, buying prohibited goods, and hacking are still illegal even with a VPN. Let’s not get too brazen, here.
Along those same lines, using a VPN to unblock streaming services like Netflix from a country where it’s not available isn’t technically against the law, but it is a violation of the company’s terms of use — i.e., you may get slapped with a warning or error message if caught.
What should I look for in a VPN?
Choosing a VPN can be tricky. There are a lot of providers out there, so you should definitely do your homework before signing up for a plan. Here are some criteria we recommend considering:
Trustworthiness. Above all, you want an experienced provider with a stellar track record and a clear-cut privacy policy that guarantees your data won’t be logged or collected. (Bonus points if that policy’s been verified by a third party audit.) One Google search can actually tell you a lot — a good VPN won’t have made headlines for security bungles or customer data leaks.
Jurisdiction. The physical location of a VPN provider matters big time. Look for VPNs based in the British Virgin Islands, Panama, Switzerland, Romania, and other privacy-friendly countries that don’t fall under the jurisdiction of the “eyes” intelligence-sharing alliances: There’s the original Five Eyes, a Cold War-era coalition between the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand; the Nine Eyes, an extension of the pact that includes Denmark, France, Norway, and the Netherlands; and the Fourteen Eyes, which added Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Spain to the mix. Any VPN provider operating from one of those countries can technically be forced by authorities to collect and fork over user data, so it’s best to avoid them entirely. (That also underscores the importance of picking a no-logs VPN.)
Network size and diversity. The more servers (and server locations) you have to choose from, the less likely you’ll have to share your IP address with a bunch of other users. That’s great for two reasons — you’ve got more bandwidth to spare, and you’re less likely to get detected by a streaming service that blocks VPNs. (IP addresses with heavy traffic loads are big red flags to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and the like.)
Customer support. Realistically, you’re bound to run into connection issues at some point no matter which VPN you choose, so having easy access to a responsible, reliable support team is on the “must-have” side of things.
A VPN gets extra points in our book if it comes with any of the following security features and tools:
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AES 256-bit encryption. Encryption is the process of scrambling data up into unreadable “ciphertext” that can only be decoded by authorized parties with access to a secret key or password. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption is a super strong, military-grade encryption protocol that’s effectively uncrackable.
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A kill switch. In the event your VPN connection drops or gets disrupted, a kill switch will immediately disconnect your computer/phone/tablet from the internet and block all traffic, keeping your real IP address under wraps until the connection is restored.
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Split tunneling. A split tunneling tool lets you pick and choose what traffic gets sent over your VPN; the rest gets routed over your local network to conserve bandwidth and prevent bottlenecks.
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Multihop connections. Some providers will give you the option to connect to a multihop (or double) VPN, which encrypts your data twice by routing your traffic through two servers instead of just one for extra security.
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Dedicated IPs. A dedicated IP is an IP address that’s assigned to a single user (as opposed to one that’s shared among multiple people). Providers usually charge a premium to add one to your VPN subscription, but it’s worthwhile for better download speeds and avoiding the watchful eyes of streaming services that block VPNs.
Pro tip: Don’t pick a VPN based exclusively on its performance in speed tests.
“For one thing, your internet experience will almost certainly be faster without a VPN,” write the experts over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable’s publisher, ZiffDavis). “For another, speeds depend so much on which server you use, where you are, what your network environment is like, and so on. You might find that the service that’s as fast as lightning today is barely chugging along tomorrow.” Factors like trust, server distribution, price, and ease of use are far more important.
That said, if you’re super concerned about download speeds, upload speeds, and latency for activities like gaming and streaming, pick a VPN with a split tunneling tool (to prioritize those high-bandwidth activities) and a large server network (to decrease the likelihood that you share a server with someone else).
Should I pay for a VPN?
We recommend avoiding most VPNs that are entirely free to use; their terms and conditions are usually total crap, or they come bundled with spyware, or the companies behind them might sell the data they’re logging from your usage. (To bring up that driving analogy once more, using a free VPN is like going through a tunnel riddled with holes and hidden cameras.) True privacy on the internet comes at a cost — usually around $2 to $12 a month, depending on the length of the subscription and the number of features included.
On the plus side, many providers offer week- or month-long trial periods so you can take their VPNs for a test drive before committing to a paid plan. Keep an eye out for sales, too, especially around the holidays. We’ve also rounded our favorite VPNs under $4 a month.
Without any further ado, here are the best VPNs of 2022 based our research and reviews. (Note: All pricing was accurate at the time of publication.)
The best VPN trials of 2023: Top VPNs to test for free
Brave Browser’s Firewall + VPN Service Expands to Desktop, Gains Cross-Platform Functionality
Brave has long offered a VPN service on the iPhone and iPad, but now it will be available cross-platform for Brave users. The Brave VPN subscription is priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, and with the new cross-platform functionality, it can be used on a total of five devices at once.
Brave’s browser is designed to block ads and trackers for a more private browsing experience that prevents tracking across websites, but the Brave Firewall + VPN protects against trackers outside of the Brave browser as well. It blocks websites and apps from accessing IP address and location information, while the firewall portion of the service blocks trackers and “other online nuisances.”
Brave VPN subscribers can activate the service on Mac by opening up the Brave browser, going to the Settings menu, and toggling on the VPN.
The desktop VPN option is rolling out to users in various regions over the next few days, and Brave says that users should check back “soon” if it is not already available today. iPhone and Android users can log into their accounts and link more mobile or desktop devices.
This article, “Brave Browser’s Firewall + VPN Service Expands to Desktop, Gains Cross-Platform Functionality” first appeared on MacRumors.com
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Save 63% during NordVPN’s ongoing birthday sale, plus more VPN deals as of March 9
UPDATE: Mar. 9, 2023, 3:00 p.m. EST This story has been updated.
Using a virtual private network (VPN) is one of the best ways to protect your online data and stay anonymous on the web, whether you’re trying to stream movies abroad, torrent, bypass geo-restrictions, or just plain browse. Most providers’ plans cost anywhere from $2 to $12 per month, though many lure customers in with discounted introductory rates that skyrocket after your initial term. To help you lock in a plan that’ll fit your budget in the short and long run, we’re compiling a weekly roundup of the best deals on all the VPNs we’ve personally tested. Below, you can check out our top picks as of March 9.
ExpressVPN — save 49% on a 15-month plan
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
A reliable server network, a user-friendly app, a strong commitment to data protection, and a headquarters in the privacy-forward British Virgin Islands make ExpressVPN our favorite full-featured VPN on the market. It also happens to be one of the most expensive VPNs out there, which is why we highly recommend taking advantage of an ongoing deal on its 15-month plan: You can sign up for just $6.67/month (billed $99.95 upfront), which is 49% off its standard $12.95/month rate and covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll switch to an $8.32/month annual plan after the first term is up.
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ExpressVPN (1 year + 3 months)
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NordVPN — save 63% on a 25-month Complete plan (with three or 12 months of free bonus coverage)
Read our full review of NordVPN.
Power users shouldn’t think twice about signing up for NordVPN, another industry giant based in the British Virgin Islands that packs robust security features like double encryption, obfuscated servers, dark web monitoring, malware protection, ad and tracker blockers, and Onion Over VPN, a tool that combines your VPN connection with the Tor network for an extra layer of privacy. The company is currently celebrating its birthday, but you get the present: For a limited time, new users can score a 25-month Complete Plan for just $5.99/month (billed $143.76 upfront) or 25-month Standard plan for just $3.49/month (billed $83.76 upfront) — no code needed. That’s 63% or 57% off its usual $11.99/month pricing and protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll also receive a gift of three or 12 months of extra coverage after checkout. Keep in mind that your plan will renew annually at $8.29/month after this term ends.
Optional add-ons include:
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Dedicated IP — $3.99/month
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Incogni data removal tool — $3.79/month
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NordVPN Standard (2 years + 1 month)
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Proton VPN — save 50% on a 2-year Plus plan
Read our full review of ProtonVPN.
The Swiss-based Proton VPN is another great pick for privacy wonks, with open-source apps and critical infrastructure stored inside a data center requiring biometric access. We recommend its Plus plan, which gets you full access to its server network, streaming service and P2P support, ad/tracker/malware protection, and a Tor over VPN tool that lets you direct traffic through the Tor network with a single click. Monthly subscriptions typically go for $9.99, but you’ll save 50% and pay $4.99/month (billed $119.76 upfront) if you commit to a two-year plan. A 30-day money-back guarantee applies here, too.
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CyberGhost VPN — save 84% on a 27-month plan
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
This Romania-based provider lays claim to the biggest, most globally diverse network we’ve seen, with special servers optimized for streaming, gaming, and P2P to maintain consistent connections. New customers can sign up for a 27-month plan at just $2.11/month (billed $56.97 upfront), which trims 84% off its standard monthly fee of $12.99. Your subscription will renew as a $4.75/month annual plan after the initial term is up, which still isn’t terrible — and like all of CyberGhost’s multi-year plans, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee plus free access to its ID Guard and Privacy Guard tools.
Optional add-ons include:
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Dedicated IP — $2.50/month
$5/month(save 50%) for two years
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CyberGhost VPN (2 years + 2 months)
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TunnelBear — save 67% on a three-year Unlimited plan
Read our full review of TunnelBear.
Our go-to recommendation for anyone who’s never used the technology before, TunnelBear is a simple, lightweight VPN with an intuitive (and adorable) interface. Though it’s incapable of unblocking streaming sites and based in Canada, a Five Eyes country, it should serve you well for basic web surfing. We recommend its Unlimited plan over the free version for unlimited browsing and priority customer service, which goes for just $3.33/month (billed $120 upfront) when you enroll for three years — that’s 67% off its usual $9.99/month rate and a fixed price that won’t increase after your first term. (You may have to click through to its “Plans” page to see the offer.) There’s no money-back guarantee, unfortunately, but refunds are offered on a case-by-case basis.
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TunnelBear Unlimited (3 years)
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Private Internet Access (PIA) — save 82% on a 27-month plan
It’s nothing particularly special (and its U.S. headquarters location isn’t ideal), but for users in search of a basic VPN with open-source apps, built-in ad blocking, and a free email breach monitor, PIA is worth a look. Pick its longest plan and you’ll pay just $2.19/month (billed $56.94 upfront) for 27 months of coverage, shaving 82% off its regular rate of $11.99/month; that does include a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll switch to an annual plan at $4.75/month after the initial term is over.
Optional add-ons include:
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Antivirus by PIA — $1.45/month
$4.50/month(save 68%) for two years -
Dedicated IP — $2.50/month
$5/month(save 50%) for two years
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Private Internet Access (2 years + 3 months)
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IPVanish — save 72% on a two-year plan
Read our full review of IPVanish.
Another middle-of-the-road pick with a U.S. headquarters (boo), IPVanish makes up for a lack of advanced security features with a minimalist, straightforward app and support for unlimited simultaneous connections. You can get your first two years of service for just $3.33/month (billed $79.99 upfront), which takes 72% off its usual monthly rate of $11.99 and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. After that term is up, you’ll get bumped to $7.50/month on an annual plan.
Editor’s Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, Mashable’s publisher. Any IPVanish or Vipre products or services featured on Mashable are covered independently by our team.
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PureVPN — save 81% on a 27-month plan
Read our full review of PureVPN.
We don’t have a ton of nice things to say about PureVPN — our review turned up slow download speeds, buggy apps, iffy Netflix support, and a questionable privacy policy — but hey, it’s cheap! Enroll in a 27-month plan to lock in a rate of just $2.08/month (billed $49.95 upfront), or 81% off its normal monthly fee of $10.95. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of its 31-day money-back guarantee if necessary.
Optional add-ons include:
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PureKeep (password manager) — $0.99/month
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PurePrivacy (digital security tool) — $2.49/month
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PureEncrypt (file encryption tool) — $1.29/month
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Port forwarding — $0.49/month
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Dedicated IP — $0.99/month
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Dedicated IP with port forwarding — $1.48/month
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PureVPN (2 years + 3 months)
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