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Why you need a VPN (even if you're not tech-savvy)
When surfing the web, you might encounter a few confusing acronyms. Take VPN, for example. You might shrug and scroll past it if you don’t know what it means. Just like that, you could miss out on the best internet privacy tool.
A VPN is a solid line of defense that protects your private information from third parties that want to profit from your digital movements. When we say third parties, we’re not just talking about cybercriminals. Businesses also want to profit from your data.
With a VPN, you can take back privacy and stop your internet service provider (ISP) from spying on you. Here are a few reasons everyone should use a VPN.
1. Privacy from your ISP
Companies that provide internet service see your every click as a way to make money. Many ISPs save your browsing history on their systems and store anonymous logs to sell to marketing companies.
Others even try to upcharge you, turning privacy into a premium feature. That means you’d have to pay an extra monthly fee to ward off prying eyes.
It’s good to know that the data your ISP collects on you doesn’t always stay with them alone. Their storage of your browsing history is accessible to government agencies. That brings us to the next benefit of a VPN.
2. Privacy from the government
Should the government subpoena your ISP, they’re legally required to spill the beans. By beans, we mean your search history. Uncle Sam can snicker at your most embarrassing secrets if you look up something strange out of context.
And who wants government agents ogling your browsing habits? Who hasn’t searched for something that would sound bizarre out of context?
With a VPN, you can bypass your ISP’s attention. You hide your IP address and location by connecting to a VPN server. Instead, an encrypted tunnel completely reroutes your network’s traffic. Nifty, huh?
3. Gives you a secure way to access public Wi-Fi
VPNs: How they work and how to choose the best one for you
© Fizkes | Dreamstime
I’m sure you’ve heard me mention VPNs before on my show. With hackers, thieves and scammers constantly out in full force, ready to steal your money, now’s the time to get on board.
VPN is short for virtual private network. What this means is when doing your banking online, hackers can’t step in the middle and steal your account information and drain your money. A VPN also stops your internet provider from tracking you and lets you unblock websites and bypass filters. You need it on your computer, laptop, tablet and phone.
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🇺🇸 Made in America: Apple is hiring 20,000 folks for software and development jobs over the next four years and opening a new AI server factory in Houston next year. The $500 billion investment also includes building a manufacturing academy in Michigan. Love this.
Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals
© Christian Bridgwater | Dreamstime
The internet is a crazy place. Not only do marketers and advertisers follow your every move, but there are also hackers and scammers lurking in the dark corners, ready to pounce on your personal information.
At least marketers and advertisers want to make money off of you. The hackers and scammers we’re talking about want to flat-out steal your money by hijacking your personal information.
Security tip: How to set up a VPN on all your devices
If you’re security and privacy-conscious, you need to take all the steps you can to keep yourself safe online. That starts with the right VPN.
Not using a VPN is like leaving your front door unlocked every time you go out. Sure, nothing might happen for years, but when something does happen, it’s devastating.
🍜 Is this pho real? Some idiot tried to steal an $18,000 robotic server from a San Jose Thai restaurant. The guy walked in, asked to use the restroom, then dragged the bot to his car when he thought no one was looking. Employees stopped him, but it almost would’ve been funnier if they didn’t … The robot’s software only works inside the restaurant, so it would’ve been useless.
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