Category: Safety | Internet Security

Identity thieves are continually on the look out for new methods to steal your identity.  It may be a new scheme using existing technology or the use of a new technology.  When cyber criminals get creative it means the rest of us need to get more vigilant about internet security.

Mostly, we need to pay closer attention. People tend to have their guard down when they are on a new app that couldn’t possibly be used as a scam.  Or could it?   For example, people a more prone to question a potential scam on Facebook, because these schemes are common and well documented.

Parents have also read many articles about the popular apps that kids are using, such as Snapchat, Kik Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Education is the first step to protect yourself, but as technology continues to advance there is never a time to stop learning.

Fitness Scams

When I first heard about fitness scams my first thought was, huh?  I couldn’t imagine what it was.  Perhaps it was about people being approached while someone was outside jogging or working out in a gym.

On the contrary, this scam happens through fitness apps.  We usually don’t think of a fitness app being related to social media.  But when people connect with other joggers, yoga partners, or weightlifters, they are now socially connected with these friends and colleagues

This is when cyber thieves begin to work their schemes to steal someone’s private data, glean money through a scam, or find out where a person lives.

Criminals also use a person’s passion for health and fitness to entice you with tried-and-true methods, like incredible offers via email or text. If you receive a text message that claims to have a drug for a cheap price that can make you lose weight immediately, you should not follow the link and purchase it, even if the deal appears to be too good to pass up.

Ways to Protect Yourself

Many fitness trackers will store users’ locations on their systems, and if this information gets into the wrong hands, it could be used for malicious purposes.  Keep your account secure with a good password and email/text authorization to ensure no one can attempt to log in without your knowledge.

And regarding the social media aspect of a fitness app.  If you are sharing your location or connecting with others through the app, scrutinize all communication.  If you receive a message on a legitimate fitness app from someone new or a friend, it does not mean the message is safe.  It could be a scammer attempting to build a fitness relationship with you learn personal information about you.

These fake relationships start innocently enough, but over time they will try to get personal information from you.  You also don’t know if a friends apps has been hacked and it’s a scammer contact you from their account.

Quishing: Malicious QR Code Scams

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Quishing is like is Phishing (email scams), Smishing (SMS text scams), and Vishing (voice call scams).  QR codes are common but if you are not familiar them or have never scanned one, here’s how they work:

QR codes are a type of barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. When scanned, the code opens a website, pdf, or other type of digital page.  If a malicious QR code gets scanned, it could lead to malware or a malicious website.

This QR code when scanned on your phone will take you to our website’s home page.  You can trust it’s safe because we created it.  Always be cautious of unsolicited emails with QR codes.  Before scanning a code, verify the legitimacy of the website or the email sender. QR codes are a legitimate method used for authentication purposes on your phone.

Scanning a malicious QR code is the same as clicking a malicious email link or in a text message. It will either infect your computer or access personal information from you.

However, they can cause havoc if created by a hacker.  Check for red flags such as suspicious email addresses or requests for sensitive information.  But even an email address you know could be used to carry out the scam, such as a hacked email account of someone you know.  It may require you to talk to or text the person who sent for confirmation.

For an added layer of protection, consider using a trusted QR code scanner app instead of scanning with your camera phone.  These apps often scan for malicious URL’s and give warnings about potential dangers.

Scams Powered by AI

Thanks to new developments in artificial intelligence scammers are taking advantage. This new technology is accessible to anyone for any purpose, good or bad.  Using AI allows users to make  presentations more realistic, even to those who are suspicious.

AI is used by scammers for:

• Writing:  AI can write emails and texts and track response rates of the message to increase effectiveness. Traditionally, one of the common traits of a scam message is misspelled words and grammatical error.  This can be eliminated using AI.

• Voice:  Be extra cautious of calls from friends or employers who ask for personal information.  AI can mimic a voice to be a certain age or have a specific accent. Scammers no long need to make these calls themselves, which opens up the scary prospect that AI could even have a conversation with you. Plus, it’s all automated like a robocall, but an intelligent one.

• Deepfakes: There is already plenty examples of AI creating deepfakes of celebrities for the purposes of advertising on social media or simply for entertainment.  Deepfakes add authenticity to offers that fool unsuspecting victims who are enticed by big savings or winning a contest.

AI can also produce deepfake photos used to create fake online profiles for romance scams. This is where scammers gain the trust of someone seeking a relationship online and later manipulate their victims to divulge personal information or steal from them.

Event Scams

Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency by offering good deals on sold-out events, but these ticket scams are fake. They advertise last-minute deals on tickets at prices that seem too good to be true. Phishing emails related to event scams may mimic legitimate ticketing services, including using their official logos and similar language.

Official sources are the safest bet for streaming events. By sticking to these sources, you reduce the risk of encountering scams that exploit the popularity of streaming services.

Cybercriminals will also use social media to advertise fraudulent streaming services. These ads might lead to fake websites designed to steal personal or financial information.

To avoid streaming platform scams, one should try to stick to the official broadcasting lists from the event’s website or official social media page.

Payment Apps

Banking fraud is common there has been much education about how to avoid divulging login details about your accounts. However, with the dawn of new payments apps it’s never been easier to send and received money to and from friends and family.  These convenience of not having to deal directly with your bank makes it easier for scammers to steal from you.

Spoofing calls may be made to you about security issues and requesting personal information regarding a payment app you may be using.  You may also receive links from your bank or payment app requested you to login to verify or correct information.  In any of these situations, be very suspect.

In general, one should always pay close attention to the apps they are downloading. Recently, Apple found an app in their store that was mimicking a reputable password manager app.

Cyber Gateways for Scammers

Are cybercriminals watching you or listening to your conversations? Many don’t think about Bluetooth and how it can affect your privacy and even computer security in the home. Hackers can access your devices and data if your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings are weak.  They can learn personal information about you to carry out targeted phishing attacks against you and your family members.

Bluetooth Security and Smart Devices

Fortunately, there are steps your can take to make sure your home is secure.  We’ll first explore Bluetooth vulnerabilities, followed by what you can do to increase awareness and safety.

Potential Bluetooth Vulnerabilities

Here are things you need to be aware of when it comes to smart devices.

Eavesdropping Attacks

Devices like Alexa and Google Home make our lives easier, but they can be hacked, and malware can be installed to listen in on your conversations.

Device Hacking

Smart appliances like washing machines and refrigerators rarely have their default passwords changed. These can be used as a means to infect every other device on the network.

BlueBorne

BlueBorne is a set of vulnerabilities that affect devices with Bluetooth connections, allowing attackers to potentially take control of devices, spread malware, or steal data without requiring the devices to be paired.

Bluetooth Sniffing

Bluetooth signals can sometimes be intercepted by nearby devices using specialized equipment, allowing attackers to eavesdrop on communications between devices.

Weak Encryption

Some Bluetooth devices may use weak encryption methods or have security flaws that make them susceptible to brute-force attacks. To protect against weak encryption vulnerabilities, use Bluetooth devices that support stronger encryption protocols, such as Bluetooth 4.2 or later, and keep your devices updated with the latest firmware.

Bluetooth Impersonation Attacks

Attackers may attempt to impersonate trusted Bluetooth devices to gain unauthorized access to your device or data. To prevent Bluetooth impersonation attacks, be cautious when connecting to unknown devices and verify the authenticity of Bluetooth devices before pairing with them.

Smart Doorbells

Cybercriminals use a search engine called Shodan for this purpose. Cybercriminals use a specialized IoT search engine to find unsecured devices or devices with only a default password in place.

Solutions to Enhance Bluetooth Security

Bluetooth Pairing:  Make sure to pair devices in a secure environment and verify the devices’ identities during pairing. Avoid pairing with unknown or untrusted devices. Use strong, unique passwords for Bluetooth pairing whenever possible.  Replace any default pin codes.

Separate Your Networks:   Your fridge and laptop should never be on the same network. If they are, hackers could gain access to your data on any device connected to your Wi-Fi. Even home surveillance cameras and become infected with malicious code to carry out cyber attacks.

More Tips for Bluetooth Set Up and Usage

• Avoid Using outdated Bluetooth devices.
• Keep your Bluetooth-enabled devices updated with the latest firmware and security patches.
• Disable Bluetooth when not in use, especially in public places.
• Consider using Bluetooth devices that support secure pairing methods, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Secure Connections.
• Regularly monitor your device for suspicious activity and review Bluetooth connection logs if available.
• Devices that are loaded with sensitive personal and business information should never be on the same network as IoT devices which are more vulnerable to attacks.

Smart TVs

IoT devices are a network of physical devices that connect and exchange data with each other over the internet. IoT stands for the Internet of Things.  Basically, anything connected to the internet.  One device that is often forgotten about is the Smart TV.  Because Smart TVs connect to the internet and are therefore considered an IoT device.

Though convenient, Smart TVs can be exposed to cyber threats similar to phones and laptops.  Cybercriminals who have hacked a Smart TV may change your privacy and security settings. They can even lock you out of your TV ask and as you for payment to unlock it.  This is called a ransomware attack.

Hacking into you TV can allow them to access private information, including your credit card details.  A hacked TV allows scammers can watch you and listen to you from your TV. And just like any security breach, they can send you targeted phishing attacks based on what they have learned about you.

Hacked TVs also become a gateway to access other devices that are connected to your home network.  Also, once inside your TV, cybercriminals can create malicious apps designed to look like legitimate ones.

Ways to Prevent Smart TV Hacks

• Make sure your software is up to date. Do it manually when you think of it and enable automatic updates for those times you forget.
• Use strong and unique passwords for account associated with the TV.
• If you can hard wire your connection, this is much safer than using Wi-Fi.
• If you wonder if you TV has been hacked because of strange activity, disconnect it from the internet and perform a factory reset.
• Be sure update other passwords across all other accounts and make them unique from each other, including your Smart TV

Cyber awareness about all the devices connected to the internet in home will help keep you accounts and devices safe.

Election Scams

Elections scams are not new, but AI technology is adding fuel to the fire as those with ulterior motives seeks to disrupt and influence election outcomes.

Cybercriminals often impersonate political figures to deceive users into revealing personal information, downloading malware, or donating money to fraudulent causes. They distort reality and exploit the stress and excitement around elections to manipulate users.

Deepfakes can be used to impersonate political candidates, making it sound like they said things they never did. Deepfakes distort voters’ perception of reality and can have serious consequences for voter perception and trust.

Fake Social Media Accounts can spread disinformation quickly, making it sound credible and widespread. This can also lead to phishing attacks.  Bots are also rampant online doing the work of scammers at an increasingly fast pace.

Foreign influence campaigns aim to create division and undermine trust in the election process. Campaigns might use phishing emails, fake social media accounts, or bots to steal personal information, install malware, and spread disinformation.

Advice to Avoid Falling for Election Scams

Practice Skepticism

Question sensational or shocking content, especially on social media.  Verify authenticity through multiple sources, including fact checking websites.  Be weary of accounts with generic photos and ones that repost from other sources frequently.

Scrutinize Unsolicited Emails and Phone Calls

Don’t give out any personal information.  Avoid clicking any links.  Verify details of the call or email by contacting a candidate or political party directly.

Check Website Security

When visiting any website for any reason, check for basic security.  Ensure it has the https: before the URL. It should also shows a secure symbol in front of it, such as a padlock.  Do not engage any website that is not secure.  Leave the website and search Google for legitimate websites related to what you are seeking to do online.

Be wary of AI chatbots used by scammers. These bots can mimic human conversations, making it harder to detect fraud. Scammers may use them to steal personal information, trick users into financial schemes, or spread malware. Always verify the source of any chatbot interaction, avoid sharing sensitive details, and be cautious of unsolicited messages that seem too good to be true.

Final Reminders

Always use official sources for information. Stay away from social media as a reliable source for information, even if it looks like a trusted news or government website or account.

If any of your accounts are compromised in a breach you should change your password immediately.  The same goes if someone guessed your password and manages to log in.  After changing your password, take the steps offered within each of your accounts to enhance login security.

Never give our personal information over the phone until you are sure who you are speaking with.  Tell the caller you will call them back at the number you have in your contacts.  The same goes for links.  Don’t click a link in an email.  Visit your bank or employer’s website directly from one of your bookmarks or by searching Google.

Learn more about how scammers try to dupe you into clicking malicious links or responding to messages with personal information.  Give yourself a well-rounded education about common scams and remember to never stop discovering ways to protect your devices and your identity.

Many apps use location to work properly, from mapping and rideshare to food delivery and weather apps. These apps rely on the user’s location to offer a satisfying user experience and function. Android and iOS have built-in security features that let you know when an app requests to use location.

Some apps, such as Google Maps, also use location in the background to run their services, which utilizes user location to provide traffic data.

With all these features and countless apps using GPS, it’s normal to wonder if apps can track your location. In this article, we’ll give an answer to this question and help you find out if an app is using your location, as well as how to prevent apps you don’t want from using such features on your phone.

Is It Possible for an App to Track Location?

Yes. Apps can track location through geolocation services on your phone. However, you’ll need to allow the app to use location services on your phone. Unless you give the app the green light (typically when you use the app for the first time), your phone won’t let the app use the location.

Although it’s unlikely for an app to use location services to track where you are specifically, it can happen. If you received a suspicious text message about your location after downloading an app, a reverse phone number lookup can reveal the sender’s true identity.

How Do Apps Use Location?

If an app requires location to work appropriately, you’ll be prompted with a notification as to whether or not to allow the app to use location. This prompt typically appears when the app tries to use geolocation services for the first time and saves your preference afterward.

You’ll typically have two options when allowing an app to use location services. You can permit the app to use location all the time or only when the app is in use. The first option gives the app access to your location even when the app isn’t in use. The second means the app can only use the location when it’s on.

Depending on what services the app offers, you may need to update these preferences. For example, a messaging app providing your live location to another user relies on geolocation services continuously to provide precise location when your phone is locked.

How to Check If an App Is Tracking Your Location?

Checking whether an app is using your phone’s location features is the easiest way to know if an app is tracking your location. Below, you’ll find how to check this on Apple and Android devices.

iOS

1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap Privacy & Security.
3. Select Location Services and select the app you want to check.

Once you select the app you want to check, you’ll know if the app has permission to use location services. If you’d like the app not to use your location, you can do it by selecting Never in the settings.

If you don’t want any app to use location services on your iPhone, you can also turn off location services altogether in the Privacy & Security settings.

Android

The exact steps to check if an app is tracking your location on Android vary due to phone brands using different variations of the operating system.

Generally, you’ll need to go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > select the app you want to check > Permissions > Location.

Following the above, you’ll see which apps are using location and update your preferences. Additionally, you can turn off location using the Quick Settings menu by swiping down from the top of the screen. Simply bring up this menu and tap the location icon to turn off location services for all apps.

Staying Safe While Using Devices With GPS

Most apps rely on-location services to offer a better user experience. The apps downloaded from an official store are unlikely to use your location for something malicious.

However, the same can’t be said for apps downloaded from the internet. Fraudsters and hackers deliberately offer free versions of malicious apps and run different types of schemes in the background to steal your data.

Installing these apps can put you at risk for more than just revealing your current location. It can go as far as stealing your identity and credit card information. Only download apps from the App Store and Play Store to stay safe.

One of the most revered security features in fight against cyber criminals is two-factor authentication, also known as is 2-step verification. Subsequently, multi-factor authentication takes protection to the next level.  The more layers of security, the safer your accounts are. Yet, even with these seemingly impenetrable features, hackers can still get in.

The methods used to breach robust authentication processes have been around for a while and new schemes to dupe you continue to be developed.

Defining Authentication Security Measures

Let’s first define the types of authentications so that at the very least you can ensure you have employed them as a first line of defense. From there our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to protect yourself from being duped by various schemes to access your data, as well taking steps to fortify your devices.

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA is a security process where the user is required to provide two different authentication factors to verify their identity. Typically, these factors fall into three categories:

1. Something you know (like a password)
2. Something you have (a code sent your phone, email, or authenticator app).
3. Or the second factor could be something you are (like a fingerprint).

i.e. After entering a password to log into an online account, the user receives a one-time code on their mobile device. They then enter this code to complete the login process. In this case, the password is the first factor, and the one-time code from a mobile device or email is the second factor.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA is a broader term that encompasses any authentication process that requires more than one form of identification from the user. It can involve combinations of factors such as passwords, security tokens, biometrics, or smart cards.

i.e. Logging into a corporate network may require the user to enter a password, provide a fingerprint scan, and use a smart card. In this example, the combination of the password, fingerprint, and smart card creates a multi-factor authentication process.

Within your accounts, look for two-factor verification methods that can easily be set up to protect your personal data.  If your password is compromised and someone tries to login, you will receive a verification code they are unable to see. If this happens, change your password.

Exploring Authentication Vulnerabilities

Robust strategies designed to enhance security include Two-Factor and Multi-Factor Authentication methods, which are widely adopted by individuals and organizations alike. However, as technology advances, so do the methods employed by cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

Here are the potential risks you should be aware.  The vulnerabilities are caused by humans who unknowingly reveal their login details.

Phishing Attacks: A Persistent Threat

Phishing attacks remain a pervasive threat to multi-platform authentication. Despite advancements in cybersecurity, unsuspecting users can still fall victim to deceptive emails, messages, or websites that mimic legitimate platforms. Cybercriminals exploit human vulnerability by using urgency and familiarity. They trick users into revealing sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and authentication codes.

To mitigate this risk, users should remain vigilant and employ security best practices, including verifying the authenticity of communication channels and using secure, verified links.

A general rule of thumb is to access your account through a trusted link in your browser or by searching Google.  Once you are logged in you can see if there is in fact something related to the email you received. Phishing can also be done via texts.

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Intercepting the Unseen

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks pose a serious threat to multi-factor authentication systems on multiple platforms. In this scenario, an attacker intercepts communication between two parties, potentially gaining access to sensitive information. While encryption protocols are in place to secure these communications, vulnerabilities in network security or compromised devices can provide avenues for attackers to exploit.

Organizations should implement robust encryption standards and regularly update security protocols to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.  Users should connect to secure networks and be cautious when accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.

Device Vulnerabilities

As the saying goes, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link”. Smartphones, tablets, and other connected devices can become targets for exploitation if not properly secured. Outdated operating systems, unpatched software, or weak device passwords can serve as entry points for cybercriminals.

Users must regularly update their device software, as well as the programs that are installed on them. Use strong, unique passwords.  Enable device-specific security features to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.  These include firewalls and built in security, such as Windows Security on PCs.

Biometric Risks: Beyond the Fingerprint

Within companies and networks, biometric authentication adds an extra layer of security, it is not without its vulnerabilities. Hackers have demonstrated the ability to replicate fingerprints, use high-quality photographs for facial recognition, or even create synthetic voice recordings for voice authentication. These techniques underscore the importance of combining biometric methods with traditional authentication measures.

Organizations should implement multi-modal biometric systems, combining different biometric factors to enhance security. Regularly updating biometric templates and employing liveness detection can also help mitigate risks associated with biometric authentication.

Account Recovery Loopholes

Loopholes are a backdoor for intruders.  Account recovery mechanisms, designed to help users regain access to their accounts in case of forgotten passwords or lost devices, can inadvertently become security loopholes. Cybercriminals may exploit weak account recovery processes to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

Service providers should implement robust and secure account recovery procedures, incorporating multiple verification steps. Users, in turn, should enable two-factor authentication for account recovery and regularly review and update their recovery information.

MFA Fatigue Attacks

If you have an account that only required authentication via push notification on your phone, beware of MFA Fatigue Attach.  This is when a cybercriminal continuously pushes of the second factor authentication request to the target’s email or phone. It annoys the account hold until they finally click “accept”.

The cyberthief hopes that the victim isn’t aware of what they are accepting, or that they click “accept” to make the action stop.  Meanwhile, the criminals who has just tried to log into your account gains access because you clicked “accept”.

Simple approvals, such as only needing to click “accept” on a push notification, can be a faster experience, but experts recommend requiring more context for authenticating.

Protection Today and Beyond

Two-factor and multi-factor authentication has become increasingly vital for the safety of each individual’s personal information, as well as the online platforms that serve account holders.

Companies must lead the way in ensuring they have multi-platform authentication systems in place.

Employees should be trained to properly use these systems and be aware of human caused vulnerabilities.

Users should be encouraged to activate two-factor authentication for each of their accounts.

Account holders can also educate themselves by:

• Teading articles on security issues
• Keep their devices and software programs up to date
• Be cautious when clicking links in emails or texts
• Report phishing attempts for make the internet safer for everyone.

Concerned about the sanctity of your online privacy?  Looking for a way to surf the web safely without worrying about the risk of getting hacked and having your identity stolen? Incorporating a VPN extension into your Chrome browser is an easy way to protect yourself.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of choosing and installing a free VPN Chrome extension to give you peace of mind.

The need to safeguard your online travels is a continual battle as technology develops to stay one step ahead of cyber criminals. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a protective barrier around your devices and identity.

Chrome is the most popular browser used by far with a Chrome 65.76% share among internet users. You can seamlessly integrate a free VPN Chrome extension into the Chrome browser.

Understanding Chrome Extensions

Before delving into the VPN realm, acquainting ourselves with Chrome extensions helps to understand how add-ons amplify the capabilities of your browser. Extensions transform it into a versatile instrument tailored to your unique needs.

Having only the extensions installed that cater to your surfing needs significantly elevate your online experience, ensure that Chrome remains as fast as possible.

The Importance of VPNs

Why the VPN extension? Beyond the defense it provides against data theft, VPNs have many other benefits. It protects freedom of speech for those in oppressive countries, protects gamers from swatting and doxing, and can protect children from savvy predators who may be looking for victims in their local area.

Choosing the Right VPN Extension

The choice of the right VPN for Chrome extension becomes pivotal for a secure and seamless online experience. Seek out extensions compatible with your browser, especially those tailored for Chrome, ensuring an effortless amalgamation.

Opt for user-friendly options featuring streamlined setup processes. Emphasize security, prioritizing extensions that boast robust encryption and privacy features. Velocity becomes a pertinent consideration as well; gravitate towards extensions guaranteeing a fluid browsing experience.

Lastly, insights from user reviews can prove invaluable. Drawing from the experiences of others equips you to make an enlightened decision. By weighing these considerations, you shall discern a VPN extension tailor-made to your requisites, safeguarding your online endeavors.

How to Install the Extension to Chrome?

Embedding a complimentary free VPN Chrome extension onto Chrome is an uncomplicated undertaking, fortifying online privacy and security.

Here’s how to install it:

1.   Access in Chrome Web Store

• Open your Chrome browser and click the three dots in the top right corner. Then click Extensions, followed by ‘Visit Chrome Web Store.’

2.   Search for the Chrome Extension

• Upon arriving in the Chrome Store, search for your desired extension. In this case, type ‘free VPN Chrome extension’ in the search bar and click enter.

3.   Select and Research Options

• Any search within the Chrome store will show a list of relevant results. Click on the options to read features and reviews of each. Click the back button to return to the list.  results.

4.   Install and Activate

• When you are ready to install the extension you want, you can initiate the installation by clicking the “Add to Chrome” button. Chrome prompts a confirmation for installation; proceed by clicking “Add Extension.” The extension downloads and installs automatically.

5.   Create an Account (if required)

• Certain VPN extensions necessitate the creation of an account. Follow on-screen instructions to establish your account, if prompted.

Configuring the VPN Settings

Installation accomplished? Within the extensions settings you can customize options for maximum performance.

Click the VPN extension icon in the top-right corner of your Chrome browser. A click grants access to the extension settings.

Some extensions permit the selection of server locations or activation of additional features for an optimized user experience.

The free VPN Chrome extension seamlessly integrated to ensure secure safe and private browsing. The extension encodes your internet connection, shielding your data from potential threats.

The activation and deactivation of your VPN should mirror the simplicity of flipping a switch. Effective utilization of your VPN extension impacts performance and internet speed.

Conclusion

To clarify, browsing with a VPN is different from incognito mode.  When we refer to private browsing using a free VPN, it means your location is hidden. Hackers do not see where you live.  They see a different location. Predators with the ability to track people will not have the ability to even know what city or region you live in. Incognito mode simply turns off track of your browser history.  A VPN on the other hand, protects all facets of your privacy.

Finally, don’t let a VPN give you false security. Even with private browsing on Chrome in place, you should never give out personal information to others online. Follow best cyber security practices. You should still adhere to strict privacy settings for your social media accounts. VPN’s will also not prevent you from infecting your computer with a virus. Caution is still advised when visiting unknown websites.