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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
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.
When smart turns dumb: After 16 years, Ecobee is phasing out its oldest thermostat models, the EB-STAT-02 and EB-EMS-02. After July 31, 2024, they’ll still work as basic thermostats but will lose all server-linked features. Have one? Check the support page to see if you’re eligible for 30% off a newer model.
Your kids love Roblox – and so do pedophiles
If your kids play Roblox, listen up. The kids’ gaming platform is also a haven for pedophiles. Take sicko DoctorRofatnik, aka “Doc,” creator of Sonic Eclipse Online, a Roblox game popular with thousands of kids.
In 2020, a player posted messages Doc sent to a 12-year-old on X: “I’ll corrupt you beyond your wildest dreams. Words cannot explain what I want to do with you.” So, Roblox kicked Doc off the platform, but he immediately created new accounts.
Weak signal? How to get better Wi-Fi on your Android
You rely on your phone for a lot. It helps to give your tech a checkup now and then to avoid more severe and costly problems later. Tap or click here for six ways to get started.
What’s more frustrating than lousy Wi-Fi when you’re trying to get something done? Your Android phone loses much of its functionality without a solid network connection. The problem could be coming from several sources, and we’re here to help you narrow them down and get your internet back on track.
Tidy your tech: Best cable organization and cord management options
Everyone seems to own laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, Internet of Things devices and so much more. It’s great to be connected, but what isn’t great is all those tangled cords.
Thankfully, there are tons of organizing tools to choose from. Whether you want to hide those cables swinging from your TV or move the wires out of your way on your computer desk, we’ve got the right organizers for you.
3 simple ways to make your Wi-Fi faster and more stable
Game time. Work time. Chill time. All rely on lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Little is more frustrating than slow internet.
Many things can cause your connection to falter from unauthorized users to a poorly-placed router and even an outdated modem. What’s the best way to get faster internet? We can help.
Spruce up your kitchen with these 13 great products
Is your kitchen full of old, broken appliances, cracked cups and stained plates? Yep, it’s definitely time for a kitchen product makeover.
All it takes is a few matching sets, some space-saving items and this list of 13 outstanding products that promise to spruce up your kitchen.
This app capitalizes on one of the best hidden iPhone features you're not using
Millions of users are trying to guess the daily word on the website that quickly went viral, Wordle. With seemingly everybody doing it, here’s how safely play and avoid fakes. But that isn’t the only mobile application that has skyrocketed in popularity.
Free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals
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.
3 tech favorites Kim relies on that you should, too
As America’s tech pro and a small business owner for over 20 years, Kim has partnered with a few hardware and software vendors and companies.
These companies may sponsor The Kim Komando Show and Komando.com, but she honestly trusts their time-saving tools, security features and money-saving innovations. Kim only partners with companies she is proud to bring to you and uses herself, and she arranges special deals to make these products even more affordable.
Weak signal? How to get better Wi-Fi on your iPhone
Think about everything you do with your smartphone. Shopping, navigation, gaming, work, email, research, social media and oh yeah, sometimes it makes for a handy portable phone. It’s no surprise that these devices cost so much money. With all that said, don’t you want to keep your phone running in peak condition?
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.
Change this one setting to get faster internet speeds
Slow internet speeds are incredibly frustrating. You pay a boatload of cash to your internet service provider, and your connection is spotty and slow.
Many things could be causing delays in your connection speed. We’ll go over each of these things at the end of the article, but we’re going to focus on your DNS or domain name system for now.
Did you take a COVID test at Walgreens? Records of it were left open online
Millions of people across the country have stood in line for a COVID-19 test. By the last count, over 606 million tests have been conducted. Whatever your results were, if you got a COVID test from Walgreens, there is some bad news. Tap or click here for how to store your COVID vaccine card on your phone.
Data breach alert: Info on millions of seniors leaked online
With things like your email address, login credentials and telephone numbers, cybercriminals can accomplish an astonishing amount of destruction. That’s why it’s critical to take steps to protect them before it’s too late.
Alexa can double as a security cam - Should you use it?
As news broke this week that eufyCam’s server update allowed strangers to view other people’s feeds, many might be looking at other options. Anker, the company that makes the security cameras, quickly patched the flaw. But much too late for some people’s liking.
The trick to stream movies not available in the U.S.
You’ve scoured your DVDs, plowed through your “must-watch list” and now what? You can unlock thousands of new movies and TV shows, just with the click of a button. All you need is a VPN and a Netflix account.
Netflix just raised its prices again, and this is one way to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Privacy showdown: Incognito mode vs. using a VPN
Privacy should not be taken for granted. You expose yourself anytime you go online, and somebody could spy on you without your knowledge.
Even your favorite apps can invade your privacy. While they might not be out to steal your banking information, they are gathering data on you. Tap or click here to see which major apps are guilty of sharing your data.