TL;DR: Learn about the risks associated with free VPNs in the app store and why non-technical users should avoid them to protect their online privacy and security.

Due to their ability to protect online privacy and secure data transmitted over the internet, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become increasingly popular among internet users in recent years. However, the popularity of VPNs has also resulted in a proliferation of free VPN services available on the app store, many of which claim to offer the same level of security as paid VPN services.

Even though a free VPN may seem attractive to non-technical users, the risks associated with these services should be considered. We will discuss why using a free VPN can be dangerous and provide examples to illustrate these risks in this blog post.

Malware and Spyware

With free VPNs, there is a risk of malware and spyware being bundled with the app. VPN providers may make money by selling user data or injecting advertisements into the browsing experience of their users. This can result in installing malicious software on the user's device, which can be used to gather sensitive information such as login credentials, bank details, and personal information.

Weak Encryption

The majority of VPNs use encryption to secure the user's data and prevent it from being intercepted by hackers or government agencies. However, free VPNs may use weak encryption algorithms or do not use any encryption at all, which means that the user's data is not adequately protected. As a result, data leaks can occur, and the privacy of the user may be compromised.

Limited Bandwidth and Slow Speeds

A free VPN provider may limit the bandwidth available to users, resulting in sluggish connection speeds and buffering when streaming content. In addition, it can be frustrating for users who wish to watch their favourite television shows or movies uninterrupted.

Logging and Selling User Data

In some cases, free VPNs may log user data, including browsing history and IP addresses, and sell this information to third parties for advertising. As a result, it can compromise the user's privacy and result in targeted advertising, spam emails, and even the theft of personal information.

Examples of Risky Free VPNs

Hola VPN

Hola VPN is a free VPN service that allows users to access blocked websites in their country. However, Hola VPN was accused of selling user bandwidth to third parties, which means that others may be able to use the device as a proxy server. As a result, the user's IP address can be used for illegal purposes.

Free VPN Hola Sells Users' Bandwidth, Puts Them at Risk

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a free VPN service that claims to provide secure and private browsing. However, Hotspot Shield was accused of snooping on VPN users and selling data to advertisers.

Hotspot Shield accused of snooping on VPN users and selling data to advertisers

Cannot lock down data

Some free VPN providers may not have the money to protect and lock down your valuable data. This isn’t necessarily malicious or nefarious, but it still severely affects users.

Seven Hong Kong VPN providers accused of exposing private user data

Conclusion

Therefore, non-technical users should be cautious when using free VPNs available in the app store. Although some free VPNs may offer basic protection, they often come with risks that can compromise the privacy and security of the user. Instead, you should use a reputable paid VPN service that offers better encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and does not log user information.

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Toronto Citizen Lab: Protecting Digital Security and Human Rights in the Age of Cyber Threats

March 8, 2023GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Discover how the Toronto Citizen Lab advances digital security and human rights. Learn more about their notable contributions to cybersecurity, including discovering government-sponsored spyware and their commitment to promoting freedom of expression and access to information. Learn more about this multidisciplinary research center's role in addressing cyber threats in the modern world.

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In an increasingly connected world, cybersecurity has never been more critical. However, increasingly sophisticated and complex cyber threats make it more difficult to defend against them. This is where organizations such as the Toronto Citizen Lab come into play.

It is a multidisciplinary research center dedicated to advancing and protecting digital security and human rights. As part of their work, they examine various issues related to cyber threats, such as censorship, surveillance, and online privacy.

Toronto Citizen Lab has significantly contributed to cybersecurity by uncovering and exposing government-sponsored spyware. They have been involved in some high-profile cases, including discovering the Pegasus spyware used by the Mexican government to target journalists and activists.

Besides uncovering malware and phishing attacks, the Citizen Lab has also uncovered a range of other cyber threats. They work closely with academic, industry, and civil society partners to investigate these threats and develop mitigation strategies.

Citizen Lab is not only committed to cybersecurity but also to advancing human rights in the digital age. Their research focuses on online censorship, surveillance, and promoting freedom of expression.

Toronto Citizen Lab is a vital organization that is dedicated to protecting digital security and human rights. In addition to their significant contributions to cybersecurity, they will continue to play a critical role in addressing future cyber threats.

Link: Citizen Lab

#CyberSecurity #DigitalSecurity #HumanRights #TorontoCitizenLab #PegasusSpyware #OnlinePrivacy #Censorship #Surveillance #Malware #PhishingAttacks #FreedomOfExpression #AccessToInformation #Research #Investigation #Mitigation #Multidisciplinary #Academia #Industry #CivilSociety

What is The Onion Router and is it secure

November 3, 2022GeneralEdward Kiledjian

To provide its agents with a safe and secure means of communicating with each other without being tracked, the US Navy developed the TOR project. TOR stands for "The Onion Router." TOR sends your data via a network of nodes, or "onions," each of which encrypts your data before forwarding it to the next node. Consequently, it is challenging for anyone to trace your data back to you.

The TOR project is now managed by the TOR Foundation, a not-for-profit organization. TOR Foundation is devoted to researching and developing free and open-source software for privacy and anonymity. Individuals and organizations donate to the TOR Foundation, and governments and foundations provide grants.

TOR addresses are used to disguise your actual IP address and prevent tracking of your online activities. TOR addresses are composed of random letters and numbers, making them virtually impossible to guess. Your traffic is routed through the TOR network when you access a website using a TOR address, which makes it very difficult for anyone to determine your real IP address or track your online activities.

TOR is not just used by hackers and drug dealers but also by ordinary users. TOR may interest anyone who wishes to keep their online activities private. TOR is a very secure network, and the data is challenging to trace. There is much technology behind TOR, but it is a highly effective method of preserving the privacy of your data.

It is possible to deanonymize TOR users.

It is, however, a challenging task. The data transmitted through the TOR network is encrypted, and each node in the network only knows the IP address of the previous node and the next node. As a result, it is challenging to trace the data back to its original owner. Nevertheless, in rare instances, law enforcement has been able to deanonymize TOR users.

Law enforcement can deanonymize TOR users in several ways. An example of this is by exploiting vulnerabilities in the software that is used to access the TOR network. It is also possible to determine which nodes in the network are being used by the same user by traffic analysis. It is, however, challenging to deanonymize a large number of users using these methods.

To prevent being deanonymized, there are a few steps you can take. First, ensure that you use the TOR software's most recent version. Additionally, you may use a VPN or other anonymizing service in addition to TOR. By doing this, law enforcement will have difficulty deanonymizing you. Last but not least, you should be careful when sharing information online. Be careful not to post anything that could identify you, and be cautious about the websites you visit.

TOR is constantly evolving, and new features are continually being added.

What are the most significant drawbacks of TOR?

One of the most significant disadvantages of TOR is its slow speed. In addition, since your data is being routed through multiple nodes, each node must encrypt and decrypt your data. Furthermore, TOR is sometimes blocked by websites and Internet service providers. Some internet content may be difficult to access as a result.

What makes Tor more secure than a traditional VPN?

Since TOR uses a series of nodes, or "onions," to encrypt your data, it is more secure than a traditional VPN. Consequently, no single individual or entity has access to your entire flow. Tracing individual traffic on the TOR network back to a single individual is challenging. In contrast, a VPN operator sees all your traffic since it passes through their system.

What is the relationship between TOR and the Darknet/Darkweb?

The TOR network is not synonymous with the Darknet. TOR can be used for both legal and illegal purposes. Darknet is a small portion of the internet that can only be accessed through special software, such as TOR, and is frequently used for criminal purposes.

In addition to Tor, what other networks offer privacy and anonymity?

In addition to TOR, a few other networks provide similar levels of privacy and anonymity. These types of networks include I2P, Freenet, and ZeroNet. Despite this, TOR is by far the most popular and widely used of these networks.

Keywords: TOR, anonymity, online privacy, Darknet, VPN, I2P, Freenet, ZeroNet.

What is the CCPA

October 26, 2022GeneralEdward Kiledjian

The CCPA was created by the California State Legislature in response to a law requiring businesses to protect the personal information of Californians. The law was created as a result of the many data breaches that have occurred in recent years as well as the increasing use of consumer data by businesses. CCPA replaces previous laws governing consumer ådata protection in California and establishes new requirements for businesses.

In accordance with the CCPA, businesses are required to disclose what personal information they collect, use, and sell, and consumers are entitled to know what personal information is being collected about them. Additionally, consumers have the right to request that their personal information be deleted, and businesses are required to comply with these requests. Furthermore, the CCPA prohibits businesses from selling the personal information of minors without their consent.

All businesses that collect, use, or sell personal information about Californians are subject to the CCPA, regardless of their location. Businesses that violate the CCPA may be fined up to $7500 per violation. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2020.

The CCPA is the first law of its kind in the United States and sets a new standard for the protection of personal information. A similar law is likely to be passed in other states in the near future. To avoid significant penalties, businesses must comply with the CCPA.

Consumers may file a complaint with the California Attorney General's Office if a business does not comply with the CCPA. If the office finds that the business has violated the law, it may take enforcement action.

All businesses that collect, use, or sell the personal information of Californians are subject to the CCPA, regardless of whether they are based in the state.

What is the difference between the CCPA and GDPR?

In many ways, the CCPA is similar to the GDPR, however, there are some key differences. A business that processes the personal data of Europeans is subject to the GDPR, regardless of where the business is located. Businesses that collect, use, or sell personal information about Californians are subject to the CCPA.

The GDPR also requires businesses to obtain explicit consumer consent before collecting, using, or selling their personal information. This requirement is not included in the CCPA, but consumers do have the right to request that their personal information be deleted.

Additionally, the CCPA prohibits businesses from selling personal information about minors without their consent, whereas the GDPR does not contain this provision.

There are some key differences between the CCPA and the GDPR that businesses should be aware of.

Keywords: CCPA, privacy, personal information, data protection, California, businesses, requirements

Description: The CCPA is a new law in California that requires businesses to protect the personal information of Californians.

Free VPNs in the App Store: Why You Should Avoid Them and Protect Your Privacy