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A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is a method of protecting your privacy and security when using the Internet.

Normally, when you connect to the Internet, whichever service provides that connection will be able to see which sites you are visiting and – if the website is not using https – what you are doing there. This means that your Internet activity could be viewed and logged by your broadband provider, mobile carrier or wifi hotspot service. The same is true of anyone spoofing a wifi hotspot, which is a common way for hackers to steal login credentials.

Early in 2017, both the Senate and the House overturned privacy rules created by the FCC, allowing ISPs to sell your Internet browsing history and location data to advertisers. The government is also planning to do the same to net neutrality rules, effectively creating a two-speed Internet – something mobile carriers already do.

An additional issue is that some companies may limit access to content based on your geographical location. You may not be able to watch your favorite TV shows on Netflix while travelling, for example.

A VPN solves all three problems as it makes it impossible for an ISP or carrier to see which sites you are visiting or what you are doing there. Instead of connecting directly to a website or other Internet service, you connect to a VPN server which creates an encrypted ‘tunnel’ to your destination. All any intermediate company can see is that you are connecting to the VPN service.

Not all VPNs are created equal. Some can’t be trusted, while others may be blocked by Netflix and other services. Check out our review of NordVPN for an example of a service which keeps no user logs and works with Netflix.

VPN apps top App Store downloads in Russia as local government censors internet

App Store

Russia has been suffering severe sanctions from other governments since it invaded Ukraine last week. Unfortunately, the situation for those living under Russian territory is about to get worse, as the local government has been censoring the internet. As a result, VPN apps are now among the most downloaded apps in the Russian App Store.

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PureVPN offers secure and fast experience with new iPad optimized and M1 Mac supported apps

PureVPN always-on audit

PureVPN has built a strong reputation as one of the best VPN services with more than 3 million customers and growing. And beyond features like pioneering always-on third-party audits that have earned customers’ trust around the world, PureVPN is dedicated to constant development. The latest improvement is new updates to give iOS and Mac users the best possible experience with fully native apps that feature M1 Mac support and iPad optimization. Read on for a closer look at everything you get with PureVPN’s latest software that runs from under $3/month.

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Bug in iOS 13.3.1 and later keeps VPNs from encrypting traffic, but there’s a simple workaround

iPhone X status bar

A bug in Apple’s recent iOS releases, including this week’s iOS 13.4 is keeping VPNs from being able to fully encrypt user traffic and data. Apple is aware of the issue and is currently working on a fix. In the meantime, there’s an easy workaround you can use to keep your VPN connection working as intended.


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What’s the best VPN service for iOS?

iPad Coffee shop best VPN

Over the last few years, I’ve become increasingly concerned about personal privacy. I don’t have anything to hide, but I don’t like the fact that so much of my personal information can be used by various companies. The thought of Netflix and Spotify being able to scan Facebook Messenger accounts to make better recommendations is a prime example of what I don’t like about the current state of technology. One of the changes I’ve made to help protect my privacy is always using a VPN when I’m on a Wi-Fi network I don’t manage. iOS has robust support for it, and I recommend you consider it as well. If you search for VPN on the App Store, a long list shows up. How do you determine the best VPN service for iOS?
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open source VPN

‘Confirmed VPN’ iOS/macOS update makes it the first open service with third-party audits, open source code, more

Confirmed VPN launched last year for iOS, macOS and more, but it has been working on something bigger than just another VPN service. Today, the company has made its apps openly operated with third-party audits, open source code, audit logs, and much more. It is also inviting other VPN services to join the platform called Openly Operated.


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CMV: With even porn sites offering VPN, the three reasons Apple should do the same

There’s been some amusement as a certain well-known ‘adult entertainment’ site announced the launch of its own VPN service.

Smutty jokes aside, there’s never been a more important time to use a VPN. Less than $100 will now buy a bad guy the equipment they need to carry out a man-in-the-middle attack – where they spoof a public WiFi hotspot and intercept the traffic. Some of these devices are even small enough to be disguised as a power plug, meaning they could be left in a coffee shop happily collecting data to be later used at leisure.

And the loss of net neutrality raises the prospect of ISPs offering a two-speed Internet, or even blocking sites altogether. Most are adamant that they’d never do so, but then they were equally vocal about wanting to end net neutrality, which makes no sense unless they planned to take advantage of the change …


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State attorneys general join trade groups in fighting to restore net neutrality

The FCC may have voted to repeal net neutrality rules – opening the way for Internet service providers to speed up, slow down or even block services depending on who pays them to do so – but some are determined that the war isn’t over.

After a trade group representing companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google vowed to fight the decision in court, a number of states plan to join the battle …


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Protect your internet activity with a two-year VPN subscription for $54 ($166 value)

In 2017, it’s more important than ever to have a strong game plan when it comes to cyber security. A part of that puzzle is using a trusted VPN service that adds an extra layer of protection to your data, along with a host of other benefits. All of this, combined with recent legislative action makes it all the more important to find a service that fits your needs.


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‘Apple’s troubles in China have just started’ after it removed more than 400 VPN apps

Apple has come under considerable criticism following its decision to agree to a Chinese government request to remove VPN apps from its local App Store. Virtual private networks allow people in China to access sites blocked by the government, and to ensure that authorities cannot track the sites they visit.

App-tracking site ASO100.com says that the company has so far removed more than 400 VPN apps. But while Apple is trying to maintain good relationships with China by complying with such requests, analysts and tech commentators believe that its troubles with the country ‘have just started’ …


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