Yes, the Internet has become safer — but a VPN is still needed

Ten years ago, the Internet was not as encrypted as it is today — which meant there were many more risks for privacy and security. Nowadays, people can feel safer because of improved encryption tools such as HTTPS (HTTP Strict Transport Security). They can use their credit cards online or send personal information through emails without fear. No one will know what’s happening behind the scenes. HTTP, the original web standard and still widely used today for essential functionality such as image loading speed or cookie storage, has mainly been replaced by HTTPS. Though initially only found on websites engaged in commerce over insecure networks with no encryption — think banks’ MFA-protected checkout pages — HTTPS has become so ubiquitous that one day we may all have to upgrade from our old HTTPS just like how people had an “HTTP” setting in their word processor back then! But don’t think you are 100% safe. A VPN (virtual private network) and other security measures can still be an excellent option to boost the effectiveness of privacy tools like HTTPS.

Experts still recommend that the average Internet user have a VPN to keep their browsing safe. Use HTTPS Everywhere or an encrypted connection on other sites. Your information will stay hidden from prying eyes when using public WiFi networks like those found in airports, libraries, and coffee shops.

The security benefits are twofold: First, by not providing any personal details online yourself (like a name). Second, because even if someone were somehow able to intercept what was being sent back between browser and server, without knowing anything about how encryption works, they wouldn’t see enough detail to track down which particular packets of data belong with whomever else might be accessing those same websites at another time.

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Risks still abound in browsers and apps

While standards have improved over time, more work must be done before HTTPS adoption reaches 100%. The long tail needs some encryption too!

To keep your data safe, a VPN is an excellent choice. A virtual private network ensures that you have encryption protection on all outgoing and incoming connections. A VPN also secures all other sensitive information such as bank account numbers or login credentials for websites.

HTTPS is a safety measure that every online service and mobile app should implement. However, a VPN can provide an extra layer of protection. HTTPS is an important security measure that helps protect your information, but it’s not perfect. You still need to be careful about what sites you visit and how they’re accessed on the Internet because there are risks like manipulator-in-the-middle attacks. Someone could trick you into connecting with their browser instead of yours. Or sometimes even downgrade back down from HSTS (which only works for some people).

As a result, many people are unsure what information they should trust, or unaware which sites or apps store their data.

Browser apps

Mozilla’s Firefox browser offers reassuring padlock icons to show the user it is secure. At the same time, Google Chrome provides security alerts when something seems fishy online. Chrome’s “Verify site identity” option makes you think before giving up your password.

In a world where you can’t be sure who has access to your data, apps must be carefully designed from the ground up with security in mind. Unfortunately, there are numerous examples where sensitive information is put at risk due to improper design or implementation. Most recently, Bank of America and HSBC had app failures because they failed to verify hostnames properly. Dating app Tinder was sending photos over HTTP instead of secure means (HTTPS). Social media app Clubhouse was sending user IDS as plain text … and the list goes on! It’s hard enough to manage all our online lives without having compromised toolsets too.

It’s no surprise that people and businesses are flocking to VPNs. It’s a reliable way of ensuring that your data is secure and private, even when using other apps or sites like Facebook without HTTPS protection.

Keeping your Internet activity private

In the future, when encryption standards are adopted more widely on websites and apps, it will keep your information safe from third parties like Internet service providers, who can see what sites you visit without an encrypted connection. It turns out that both DNS protocol — which authenticates connections between two devices by checking them against a block list of known good sources — or SNI TLS server name indication (TLS S vetting), used in most modern HTTPS enabled applications, including for SPDY/HTTP2, replaces unencrypted data with random characters creating thus anonymous transaction identification number. Hence, there is no way for ISPs and other third parties to identify the content transferred across these networks.

A VPN is an excellent way to protect your privacy and security online, both for personal users and businesses. By using one, you entrust the company with protecting this data rather than risking exposure from ISPs like ATT or Verizon, who sell customer information and regularly manage content. Most subscription-based VPN providers prioritize their business model toward keeping users safe — there’s no better investment for peace of mind when it comes down to private browsing sessions.

A VPN provides private, encrypted DNS, which you can use to surf the Internet in privacy. Not only does this provider protect your identity with their no-logging policy and PwC audit, but it also runs its VPN servers on RAM when possible for extra security measures that will keep you safe from any prying eyes or governments.

With VPN security simplified for the everyday user

Double VPNs featured image

The modern world is tumultuous and dangerous, so you can never let your guard down. When it comes time for safety online or on the go, some tools can help keep hackers at bay without compromising privacy — and one such resourceful tool is a VPN service.

Whether at home or on the go, it is essential to protect your personal information when using public WiFi networks. This includes making sure that all communication on these connections runs through an encrypted tunnel so others cannot intercept what we say and do online.

The importance of VPNs during a worldwide pandemic such as we are experiencing now makes them more essential than ever before. No matter where you are, your VPN is always with you. Whether it’s to bypass government censorship or stay safe on public WiFi networks, there’s never been a better time than now for connecting life back into the web.

A savvy digital citizen can utilize this powerful little tool in so many ways. Thanks to one-button convenience and security features like encryption protocols, a VPN protects our data from hackers trying to snoop sneakily around online while hiding behind fake accounts.

One of several layers of protection

There are many ways to protect your data. You can use a VPN, but it’s not the only tool in this arsenal. A VPN can help you stay safe and secure on any device, but it’s important not to rely solely on this precaution. Many other tools are available for protecting our privacy, such as HTTPS. And don’t forget that your passwords need constant maintenance. Make sure they are strong and change them frequently. On my privacy-news website, I’m excited to help you stay safe online. We have created detailed guides with tips on improving people’s mobile security, browsing anonymously (or not), using the Tor browser, and more. You’ll also find articles that discuss software tools that will protect your devices or accounts from hackers while providing insights into keeping personal information private when communicating digitally.

I always recommend a VPN to my clients. They are the best way for you to protect your identity, traffic logs, and information online.

Featured image: Shutterstock

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