A virtual private network (VPN) is a secure pathway between two or more computers. These networks protect private web traffic from getting hacked and falling into the wrong hands. In other words, a private network protects your data from prying eyes. SSL VPN stands for Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network and can be used in a standard web browser. While a traditional Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) requires users to install specialized client software on their computer, an SSL VPN does not require the user to do so. Here are four criteria that you must use to compare VPN products that you are considering for the security of your office. VPN client software options SSL VPN client software can be clientless (meaning it requires no software installation), a browser plug-in, standalone or a mobile app for smartphones and tablets. There is no ‘best’ client approach, and you should evaluate all options in order to choose the best VPN server for your organization. VPN client OS support Standalone and mobile app based VPN products need installation of full-fledged software, as compared to VPNs that are clientless or browser plug-ins. Therefore, for common versions of operating systems, consider using heavy clients like standalone and app formats, and for less common versions, a light client would be appropriate.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) secures and protects your internet connection by providing a secure and private network that is routed through multiple locations. Any information shared on a public network is vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. It is a good idea to invest in premium VPN services that mask the connection to protect sensitive data. Here is a list of the most popular VPN services available in the market. ExpressVPN This service is compatible across multiple platforms like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Express VPN offers fast and reliable speeds that support heavy uploading, downloading, and video streaming with a global average speed of over 47 Mbps. An ExpressVPN connection is available across 90 countries. You can subscribe to 15 months of service for a price of $6.67/month approximately. NordVPN This VPN service offers multiple privacy options with secure protocols, an AES-256 based encryption technology, support for TCP Port 443, and a killswitch feature among other advanced options. The average global speed of 46 Mbps supports heavy data streaming over a decent connection network spanning 59 countries. Nord VPN is also one of the most affordable VPN services with a three-year subscription that is available for about $2.75/month.

Investing in a premium Virtual Private Network (VPN) service will ensure a private connection to protect information shared over the internet. VPN services reroute connections through multiple locations and provide security protocols with advanced features to secure the connection. You have to ensure that a VPN service has the following features before subscribing for a connection. Protocols A good VPN service must feature protocols like Open VPN control, IKEv2, PPTP, SSTP, and L2TP/IPSec over a secure TCP Port 443. An additional layer of security is available in the form of AES 256 encryption. Premium VPN services also feature advanced security protocols like DNS leak blocking, IPV6 leak blocking, First Part DNS server support, and a VPN killswitch to terminate any unsecured connections. Privacy and logging Even the most popular VPN services log in user data and keep a record of the private connection. As a user, it is better to opt for a VPN service that has a zero logging policy to ensure privacy and user anonymity even from the service provider. Servers and locations The primary function of any good VPN service is to reroute connections through multiple servers spread across random networks spanning different countries. Consider a VPN service that offers a minimum of 100 countries and locations to randomize the connection routing.

Introduction of the world wide web has unquestionably transformed our personal, social, and professional identities. Being a digital citizen has its own set of pros and cons. On the one hand, communication and access are convenient, faster, and more efficient. However, on the other hand, using the Internet carries a considerable amount of cybersecurity risk, which on occasions, can even cause our lives to tip over. Inevitably, every person has some form of presence on the Internet. To deal with the setback of cybersecurity risk, one can use a virtual private network (VPN). In simple words, VPN is a technology that helps you protect your identity as well as data. Continue reading to know about the benefits of using a VPN. Improved security When you browse the Internet using a VPN connection, the data is automatically encrypted and secured. Therefore, you don’t have to agonize over losing sensitive information such as passwords, IDs or personal documents to any form of security breaches. This feature of VPN can especially come to your rescue if you travel regularly and connect to different Wi-Fi or hotspot networks. Anonymity Using a VPN will allow you to access both web applications and websites in complete anonymity.

Cell phones are a huge investment, and most people want to hang onto them for as long as their features become obsolete. While this can be a good money-saving strategy, using a phone longer than it is intended to be used has its own consequences, like physical damage, glitchy OS, etc. So, on that note, here are 12 tell-tale signs that indicate it’s time to upgrade to a new cell phone. Outdated operating system Almost all older cell phones fail to upgrade to a new OS due to outdated hardware, which indicates it is time to upgrade to a new cell phone. Glitchy touch screen If the cell phone’s touch screen shows a delayed response to your swipes, it may be due to malfunctioning sensors. Fixing these sensors will only provide temporary respite from the glitch. Cell phone reboots randomly A cell phone that reboots randomly could point toward the presence of malware. However, if the phone reboots even without malware, it might just be old and worn out. Faulty power button The power button is critical. However, a faulty power button is not always a sign that your phone is about to die. That said, it is of no use if you cannot power it back on or off.

Smartphones have evolved with time and become more efficient against threats. Regular security patches help minimize the risk of potential vulnerabilities and attacks on sensitive data on the phone. But manufacturers are known to discontinue a device’s security support after a few years. Such smartphones are at a higher risk of a data breach. So if you use an older unsupported device, you must remember these tips to keep it safe from malware. Identifying phishing attacks A phishing attack occurs when a hacker poses as an officially verified company and asks for sensitive information. These attacks occur through email, text messages, and even over a call. On granting access to data, hackers may acquire your bank account and credit card details. To identify a phishing attack, you must check for details like misspelled URLs and poorly designed websites and double-check the sender’s authenticity by calling the company in question. Avoiding unverified apps Both Android and iOS devices have dedicated app stores with verified and safe apps for purchase and download. But people sometimes install unverified apps from sources other than Google Play and Apple App stores. These versions may have all features unlocked for free but might contain a string of malware that will siphon off personal data from your phone.

While many people today can’t wait to get their hands on the latest smartphones on the market, there is another segment of the population that likes to use their mobile phones until the device is completely broken and dead. Sure, the second category of people are saving money while being more environmentally friendly, but they’re also putting themselves at risk of all kinds of cyber attacks that can have long-term financial and emotional consequences.  Here, we’ve explained the dangers of using very old mobile phones. It lacks security updates If you’re using a smartphone, you’ve probably already received one or more security patch updates till now. A security patch is a software update from the phone manufacturer to fix all the known vulnerabilities in a particular mobile phone model. Since cybercriminals are relentlessly searching for new ways to circumvent the security on mobile phones, phone-makers are required to keep fixing security holes now and then. However, most manufacturers stop sending out patch updates after two or three years (about five years in the case of Apple devices), making the mobile phones significantly less secure. If you weren’t aware, security vulnerabilities become common among the hacker community every few weeks or months, putting users of unsupported phones at higher risk of hack attacks.

Advancements in science have made it possible for something as basic as vacuum cleaners to have innovative features and be powered by smart technology. The newest vacuum cleaners can also be wireless. The appliances provide quality suction power with multiple detachable gadget heads for various purposes. However, human error and negligence can affect the durability of these machines. So here are 5 common mistakes to avoid while using a vacuum cleaner. Neglecting cleaning the filter You do have to clean the vacuum cleaners from time to time for it to function properly. Remove the filters and collection bins inside the appliance and clean them. Doing so right after emptying the bin will improve the suction quality. Not using the right accessories Vacuum cleaners come with multiple cleaning heads and attachments designed for specific tasks. For example, brush cleaner heads are suitable for scrubbing and vacuuming dust, dander, and surface pollutants off the carpet. If you use a flathead attachment designed for floor cleaning, it does not serve the purpose. So, use the right accessories to vacuum efficiently. Vacuuming oddly shaped objects or liquids Vacuum cleaners are designed to suction microscopic objects. Even if the motor is powerful enough, the gadget cannot pick up odd items like stones, screws, or even liquids unless built explicitly for the same.

Tablet computers, also known as tablet PCs, have similar hardware like RAM or processing chips to those of smartphones. However, they have bigger screens, which make it fun for users to watch content and easier for working professionals to carry out daily tasks. But there are several uses of a tablet, unknown to many users. If you own a tablet PC, here are five tips to utilize the device to its full potential. Use it as a secondary screen Many users might be unaware of this, but some tablets can be utilized as a secondary screen. Doing so can help you increase productivity, especially when working. Connect it to your computer monitor with the respective USB connectors, and you can do this seamlessly. You can also cast the contents of your tablet on a smart monitor or television. Modern tablets have a desktop mode, which, when activated, can wirelessly cast the contents to a smart TV or monitor for better viewing angles. Use it as a universal remote While you can do this on a smartphone, using a tablet computer as a universal remote can be much more fun. You can dock it on a wall at home and download the respective apps to control the smart appliances.