Surfshark VPN : Award-winning VPN service

[jasonX]

 

Surfshark Apps Version Changes

 

Surfshark for Windows version 5.9.0, 2024-09-02

(There is still no word of the changes from Surfshark. We will update this thread when the data is in.)
 
Changes in reference to v5.8.3, 2024-07-11
 

• We updated our Kill Switch and resolved internet connectivity issues related to it.
  
• We uplifted our Antivirus scan window so you can now access all other features while scanning your device.
  
• We worked on finding bugs for app installation, performance, and connectivity issues and implemented the necessary fixes. 
  

See HERE



Surfshark for Android version 3.9.0 2024-08-19

Changes
 

• This time, we uplifted and improved the Surfshark widgets so you can use your VPN more easily without opening the app.
  
• As always, we added a few bug fixes and minor app performance improvements.
  

See HERE



Surfshark for macOS version 4.15.1 Jul 22, 2024
 
Changes
 

• We revamped our Refer a Friend program. Now, every friend you refer earns you and your friend up to 3 free months of Surfshark;
  
  
• The macOS app now features Alternative Number! With it, you can create an alternative number to use online and avoid sharing your real info;
  
  
• As always, we added some minor fixes and improvements for an even more seamless Surfshark experience.
  

See HERE



Surfshark for iOS (iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV) version 3.19.1 Aug 27, 2024
 
Changes
 

• We upgraded our app onboarding program. From now on, all new users will get a more personalized onboarding process based on their online security experience.
  
  
• You can now pause your VPN connection using small widgets, too! To do so, long-press the Surfshark VPN widget, choose the "edit widget" option, and select the pause time.
  
  
• As always, we added a few bug fixes for even faster surfing.
  

See HERE



Surfshark VPN Edge Add-on version 4.19.0 Aug 27, 2024
 
(There is still no word of the changes from Surfshark. We will update this thread when the data is in.)

See HERE



Surfshark VPN Firefox Add-on version 4.19.0 Aug 27, 2024
 
Changes
 

• Personalized onboarding process based on your online security experience;
  
  
• Cleanweb ad blocking improvements.
  

See HERE



Surfshark VPN Chrome Extension version 4.19.0 Aug 27, 2024
 
(There is still no word of the changes from Surfshark. We will update this thread when the data is in.)

See HERE


 

PERTINENT LINKS

 

Surfshark VPN Product SITE

Surfshark Pricing HERE

[jasonX]

 

How to secure your Wi-Fi from neighbors

 

Nowadays there are individuals (or groups) who have the inkling to get away with everything they do to the detriment of others. This has been a fact since the old ages. Stealing in all it's forms is a bad habit (or sin) but most get away with it and mostly it is the innocent who falls prey to such. Ms. Silvija Danauskaitė of Surfshark shares us tips  to protect ourselves from Wi-Fi thievery. 


Say your Wi-Fi speed is always slow, even when you’re the only one using it — have you ever wondered why that happens? Well, your neighbor could be stealing your Wi-Fi, and it’s time you protect it. But to keep it real, it’s not just a matter of Wi-Fi speed. Because who knows what your neighbors are doing on the internet with your Wi-Fi? If they are using your IP for malicious or illegal activities, then it could cause serious trouble for you. 

So, let’s explore how to protect Wi-Fi from neighbors or unauthorized access.



 

How to know who’s using your Wi-Fi

Before you start thinking about protecting your Wi-Fi, you must know who is using it. There are a couple of ways to find this out, but we’ve listed some of the most convenient options for you. So here’s how to see who is using your Wi-Fi:
 

• Check router settings
   
  • Log in to your router’s admin page by typing the router’s IP (Internet Protocol) address into a web browser.
    
    
  • Enter the admin username and password (default credentials are usually set to username as “admin” and password also as “admin”).
    
    
  • Look for a list of connected devices under the title Device List or Attached Devices.
    
    
  • If the number is higher than the number of household devices currently connected to the internet, there are Wi-Fi stealers around you.
    
  
  
  
  
• Use network monitoring apps
  
  Third-party applications like Datadog, Zabbix, and SolarWinds provide an easy-to-read list of devices connected to your network. You can use these apps to identify unknown connected devices and stop neighbors from using your wireless internet. In addition, these apps also provide alerts for new connections to spot unauthorized devices as soon as someone connects.
  
  
  
• Router LED indicators
  
  Routers have LED indicators that show network activity. The blinking light represents data being sent and received over your network. If you notice a continuously blinking light even when no known devices are using the internet, someone unauthorized might be using your Wi-Fi. 
  

 

WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR WI-FI


Now that we’ve looked into the different types of VPNs, let’s see which one is better for business and which one for personal needs:

 

• Use a strong password
  
  If you’re curious whether a neighbor can mess with your Wi-Fi, the answer is yes. But only if you have an easy-to-guess password or no password at all. So, the best way to protect your Wi-Fi is to have a strong password to secure your internet connection.
  
  That’s why you should create a password that combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This will ensure that your password is not easily guessable — for example, your name, age, or birthday. 
  
  Note: Change your Wi-Fi password periodically to keep your network security tight.
  
  
  
  
• Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption
  
  WPA2 is a security protocol that uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption to ensure that data transmitted over the network is encrypted and protected from interception. It requires a pre-shared key (PSK) to maintain a secure connection between a device and a wireless access point. 
  
  The PSK is a shared secret key known to the wireless access point (AP) and the client device. You can set it up during the network’s initial configuration. Then, whenever a device attempts to connect to your network, it will have to provide the correct PSK. This encryption makes it extremely difficult for attackers to intercept and decipher the data.
  
  In addition to this, WPA3 is another security protocol that provides better security features over WPA2. It uses SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) to protect against brute-force attacks. Instead of relying on a pre-shared key alone, SAE requires the device and the router to generate unique keys each time they connect. This way, even if someone tries to guess the password repeatedly, they won’t be able to crack it easily.
  
  However, if your router doesn’t support WPA3, WPA2 is still a strong option.
  
  
  
  
• Change the default SSID and password
  
  You can also restrict internet access from neighbors’ by changing the default SSID (Service Set Identifier) to something unique that isn’t personally identifiable. Doing so makes it harder for attackers to guess the type of router you’re using. 
  
  You can also hide your SSID to add an extra layer of obscurity to your network. Here’s how:
   
  • Go to the web, type your router’s IP address, and press Enter.
    
    
  • Enter the router’s admin username and password.
    
    
  • If you have forgotten the credentials, reset your router to factory settings using the button on the router.
    
    
  • Once logged in, look for the wireless settings section — mostly labeled Wireless, Wi-Fi Settings, or Wireless Setup.
    
    
  • Look for an option related to SSID broadcast, which can be labeled SSID Broadcast, Visibility Status, Broadcast SSID, or Enable SSID Broadcast.
    
    
  • Uncheck the box or select the option to disable SSID broadcast. 
    
    
  • Now, save and apply changes.
    
  
  And that’s it — your SSID is hidden!
  
  
  
  
• Update the router’s firmware
  
  Manufacturers often release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, but users are unaware of them. So, make sure to check your router’s admin page for firmware updates and apply them as needed. This will ensure that your router has the latest security features.
  
  
  
  
• Use a VPN
  
  In addition to the protection methods mentioned above, you can use a Wi-Fi VPN like Surfshark. Surfshark VPN encrypts all data transmitted over your Wi-Fi network by masking your actual IP and replacing it with one from the VPN server. This converts your data into a secure format that can only be read by the intended recipient.
  
  That’s how Surfshark makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities or identify your devices. It also protects your network from man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, which can occur when attackers intercept communication between your device and the internet.
   
  
  Man-in-the-Middle Attack: Types and Examples
  
  
  Dangers of public Wi-Fi: how to use open networks safely

 

What do you do if your neighbor already has access to your Wi-Fi?

Some people want to use free Wi-Fi anywhere they go. While it can be done legally, neighbors can illegally intercept your IP for free internet, too. To prevent this, I have prepared an action plan for you to follow if your neighbor has access to your Wi-Fi network:
 

• Identify unauthorized devices: find the list of connected devices and identify those that have unknown MAC (Media Access Control) addresses;
  
  
• Block unauthorized devices: add the MAC addresses of your authorized devices to the router’s MAC address and filter the list to restrict network access to your devices only;
  
  
• Monitor your network: use monitoring tools to see how your actions are working and if any unknown devices are connected to your Wi-Fi;
  
  
• Create a guest profile: in an emergency, sharing your Wi-Fi with your neighbors is okay. However, make sure to set up a separate guest network profile for visitors. This way, they won’t be able to access your main network;
  
  
• Change router password: after you’ve done everything, log in to your router’s admin interface and change the Wi-Fi password to strengthen your credentials.
  

For the complete information on the topic visit SOURCE HERE.


 

PERTINENT LINKS

 

Surfshark VPN Product SITE

Surfshark Pricing HERE

Content lifted from Surfshark Blog with permission

[jasonX]

 

Create an anonymous email account for free

 

 

Everybody hates SPAM mail! It get's frustrating to open your email and there it is, tons of it! Sometimes even if we are careful there will always be an unexpected email that is, again, SPAM! 
Ms. Silvija Danauskaitė of Surfshark shares us tips on free anonymous email accounts. 


Whether you’re a journalist on a stakeout, a netizen worried about data breaches or a casual user frustrated with a spam-filled inbox, an anonymous email account can be a worthwhile addition to your online privacy toolkit. It enables you to send emails without revealing your identity or, at least, makes it significantly harder to trace them back to you. Don’t worry if this is your first foray into the world of anonymous email service. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know — including where to create an anonymous email account for free.

 

What is an anonymous email, and why might you need it?

An anonymous email conceals the sender’s identity and contains no identifying information. To create an account, you don’t need to provide your name, phone number, or other personal details that can be traced back to you. Additionally, some anonymous email providers also encrypt your emails, so everything from your email content and attachments to your IP address remains private. Even if intercepted, your data stays safe from prying eyes. While using a secret email account may seem overkill when you’re just sharing silly memes with friends, it can be incredibly useful — and even necessary — in various situations:

 

• Data security: using an anonymous email account minimizes the risk of your information being compromised in case of a breach. This is particularly important when registering or entering your email address on unfamiliar or sketchy websites;
  
  
• Spam prevention: an anonymous email account for signups keeps your primary inbox free from junk and marketing messages when buying or selling online, signing up for services, or subscribing to promotional newsletters; 
  
  
• Incognito whistleblowing: if you need to report unethical or illegal practices, an anonymous email account lets you do so without worrying about exposing your identity or facing retaliation; 
  
  
• Increased communication security: in authoritarian countries with strict internet censorship, anonymous emails let you communicate more freely and reduce the risk of your email being monitored; 
  
  
• Covert activism: a discreet email address makes organizing and communicating initiatives easier and safer, especially in regions with oppressive regimes; 
  
  
• High-stakes investigation: journalists covering sensitive topics or high-risk investigations rely on anonymous emails for confidential communication with sources and contacts.  
  

 

The best free anonymous email services


There are plenty of free anonymous email account providers out there, but not all of them will suit your needs. Let’s compare the top options to find the best fit for you:

 

 

• Proton Mail
  
  Proton Mail, an extremely popular anonymous email service, uses PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) for end-to-end encryption to ensure that only you and your intended recipients can see your emails. Even the provider can’t snoop on your messages and attachments. However, subject lines and recipient/sender email addresses aren’t end-to-end encrypted, so they could be accessed or disclosed if required by law.
  
  Like other reputable providers, Proton Mail doesn’t require personally identifiable information during signup. However, you can add a recovery email for password retrieval purposes. Based in Switzerland, the provider also benefits from some of the world’s strictest privacy laws.
  
  On the free plan, you can create up to 10 aliases to keep your primary email address under wraps and set emails to self-destruct after a set time. Additionally, you can send end-to-end encrypted messages to non-Proton Mail users by enabling its Password-protected Emails feature.
  
  For pricing plans see HERE
  
  Proton Mail is available across multiple platforms. The provider has apps for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. You can also access your inbox directly from your browser. 
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Tuta Mail (previously Tutanota)
  
  German-based Tuta is another well-known anonymous email service provider, right up there with Proton Mail. With Tuta, your data, including email bodies, attachments, contact lists, and your IP address, is always end-to-end encrypted and protected from prying eyes. Most importantly, unlike Proton Mail, even your subject lines are encrypted.
  
  Whether you opt for a free untraceable email account with Tuta or a paid version, no personally identifiable information is collected during signup. All the plans also offer the same security features, which include 2FA (Two-factor Authentication), password-protected emails, and session handling.
  
  Tuta’s Free plan comes with 1 GB storage from the get-go — double the standard 500 MB you start out with at many other free anonymous email account providers. Other pricing plans can be seen HERE
  
  Dedicated Tuta apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. There’s also a web version if you prefer using a browser.
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Guerrilla Mail
  
  A veteran email provider, Guerrilla Mail lets you start using its services immediately without providing personal information or even signing up for an account. Simply visit its website, and you’ll be assigned a random email address to kick things off. Alternatively, you can choose your own address.
  
  All emails received using Guerrilla Mail are temporary, lasting only for an hour in your inbox before automatically being deleted for enhanced privacy. This is especially useful if you only need the email address for one-time registrations or brief communications.
  
  In terms of features, Guerrilla Mail is more sparse compared to providers like Proton Mail and Tuta. However, you do get basic spam filtering to keep your inbox clutter-free and a straightforward password manager. It’s ideal if you want a no-frills, utilitarian, anonymous email solution.
  
  The same stripped-down approach is reflected in Guerrilla Mail’s user interface, which may appear outdated to users accustomed to sleek modern interfaces. That said, all essential functions for sending and receiving anonymous emails are well within reach.
  
  One caveat with Guerrilla Mail is that, since it doesn’t require account registration, anyone with your Inbox ID can get into your inbox. So, be sure to use a random address or utilize the Scramble Address feature to safeguard your privacy.
  
  Guerrilla Mail is available on browsers and Google Play for Android devices. 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Mailfence
  
  Mailfence is a Belgian-based anonymous email service popular for offering end-to-end encryption based on OpenPGP, one of the most widely used email encryption standards. With OpenPGP, only the intended recipients can view your emails. You also have the option to verify the authenticity of your emails by adding a digital signature.
  
  To further protect your privacy, Mailfence strips your device’s IP address from all outgoing emails, making it harder for third parties to geo-map your location. During signup, you need to provide an email address to receive the activation code and recover your account. Still, you can always use a burner email or an alias to protect your primary account.
  
  Compared to other free anonymous email account providers, Mailfence provides a wider range of security features. These include 2FA for an added layer of security, spam protection to filter out unsafe emails, and malware detection to protect your emails and attachments from cyberthreats.
  
  Mailfence’s free plan includes 1 GB of storage — 500 MB for emails and 500 MB for documents. All plans come with task management features like calendars, contacts, and document storage.
  
  Upgrading to the entry-level paid plan for $2.50/month gives you 10 aliases and 11 GB of storage (5 GB for emails and 6 GB for documents). Plus, customer support is available via email, which is a notable change from the free plan, where you can only seek help by consulting its knowledge base. You can pay using cryptocurrencies to keep your banking details private.
  
  Mailfence is browser-based and has apps for iOS and Android. 
  
   
  
  
  
  
• Addy.io (formerly AnonAddy)
  
  Addy.io doesn’t store any emails — instead, it provides a free and open-source anonymous email forwarding service. The provider operates using an alias system, where you can create multiple aliases for your actual email address, keeping the latter private and free from spam.
  
  The free plan should be sufficient for most casual users despite its limited bandwidth. It includes unlimited standard aliases, 10 shared domain aliases, and 10 MB monthly bandwidth. Meanwhile, paying a buck a month gets you a custom domain, an additional username, and 100 MB monthly bandwidth.
  
  Addy.io extensions for browsers like Firefox, Chrome, Brave, and Vivaldi are available.
  

 

Differences between paid and free anonymous email services

Between the two, a paid anonymous email service almost always trumps a free one. Here’s a breakdown of how they differ:

 

 

Why should you consider Surfshark’s Alternative ID?

A separate paid or free anonymous email account might not be ideal if you prefer conventional email providers or simply wish to skip the hassle of managing yet another email account. In that case, Surfshark’s Alternative ID could be just what you need. Alternative ID lets you generate a new email address and an online identity, complete with options to customize details such as first and last name, date of birth, address, and gender. You can use this new email and identity to sign up for new accounts or subscribe to newsletters. All emails sent from these websites will then be forwarded to your actual inbox. This way, your primary email is not directly shared with the senders.

Alternative ID is included in all Surfshark plans. As an add-on, you can also try Alternative Number, which provides a phone number that you can use in place of your real one for online signups and listings. All calls to this number will be redirected to your phone and the SMS messages you receive will appear on your smartphone’s Surfshark app.

 

Data privacy, spam management, and confidential communication are just some of the many reasons why you might need an anonymous email account to send and receive emails without revealing your identity. Fortunately, there are plenty of free anonymous email account services out there. It’s up to you to pick the one that best meets your needs.

For the complete information on the topic visit SOURCE HERE.


 

PERTINENT LINKS

 

Surfshark VPN Product SITE

Surfshark Pricing HERE

Content lifted from Surfshark Blog with permission

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Surfshark is offering an exclusive 3-month free trial when you sign up/click after log in through this link.

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[jasonX]

 

NEW TOOL LAUNCH! Surfshark Data Leak Checker!

 

Surfshark's Data Leak Checker, powered by Alert, is a free online tool that helps users determine if their personal data has been compromised in a data breach. By simply entering their email address, users can see if their information has been exposed online, enabling them to take steps to secure their accounts. The tool ensures privacy, as the entered email is kept confidential and won't be used for marketing purposes.

Try Data Leak Checker HERE