Distributed authentication and configuration

The previous infrastructure Windscribe Pro required communication between VPN nodes and the central core Windscribe Pro to authenticate connections. This approach could cause latency, performance, and availability issues because all operations depended on a single datacenter, which presented a potential point of failure.

FreshScribe uses a distributed kernel that brings the data needed for connections closer to individual VPN nodes and spreads them out geographically. This reduces the risk of outages, shortens the time it takes to establish a connection, and eliminates many problems.

Improved maintenance and reliability

Windscribe Pro has made hundreds of small but important improvements to the microservices that are key to setting up a VPN connection. Improvements include, for example, better communication between components. These improvements result in faster, more reliable connections with lower latency.

Plans with the FreshScribe platform

Windscribe Pro has several plans for the platform. In the future, the new FreshScribe platform will bring new solutions for censorship bypassing, configuration data storage, and connection optimization.

Windscribe Pro already has static IP addresses in its offering, which improve the user experience when using VPNs by reducing problems with service blocking and trust requests, for example using the CAPTCHA tool.

However, the use of static IP addresses can affect anonymity, as static IP addresses are used by fewer users than IP addresses on regular VPN servers. It is also necessary to keep a record of which user is assigned a particular static IP address. These issues will be addressed in the future by the new zero-access configuration.

In addition, the FastPath feature will facilitate IP address rotation using an intermediate node. This will allow users to change locations to connect through the VPN while still remaining connected through the VPN.

Zero data access configuration

Currently, Windscribe Pro tries to minimize user data collection by modifying open-source tools and libraries to not store information about the user’s source IP address. However, for DNS configurations with R.O.B.E.R.T or port/static IPs, the settings need to be kept in the database so that they can be used on new connections.

The new FreshScribe platform will allow this configuration data to be sent during the connection, ensuring that this data is not stored centrally but remains on your device. This benefits both your privacy and the Windscribe Pro VPN infrastructure.

FastPath Routing

FastPath Routing improves VPN performance and anonymity by introducing a system of ingress, intermediate, and egress nodes that are optimized for low latency. By routing your VPN data to an ingress node near you, this system allows for a faster and more efficient path of data through the network, which not only increases connection speeds, but also provides the flexibility to switch egress locations without having to reconnect.

Anti-censorship mechanisms

With the new FreshScribe system, which is modular and flexible, Windscribe Pro will be able to test, modify, and implement new anti-censorship experiments more quickly and efficiently.

In this article, we’ll look at the principles and practices for creating a username that is not only original, but also hard for attackers to guess. We’ll present some tips to ensure maximum security for your online accounts.

How to create a secure username?

The first step to protecting any account is choosing a secure username, whether it’s a random website account or an online banking account.

Just as we carefully protect our important documents and personal information, we should protect our accounts in the same way. A unique and well-chosen username is the cornerstone of this protection. But what does such a username look like?

Don’t include your personal information

It is very important to avoid using personal information such as your real name, date of birth, address or other sensitive data. This is because this information can easily be misused in phishing attacks, identity theft or other forms of online fraud.

In addition, attackers often use this information to reveal passwords, manipulate accounts, or even try to break into other accounts by combining your publicly available information.

• Avoid using your full name (e.g. “JanNovak”) or nicknames that easily reflect your real identity.
• Do not use parts of your personal information such as initials associated with your year of birth (e.g. “Jan1985”), this is unfortunately a common and risky practice.

Use unique combinations

A secure username should be original but easy for you to remember. The goal is to create a username that is not common and is hard to predict, minimizing the risk of your account being attacked.

Uniqueness ensures that your name won’t appear on lists of common usernames that hackers often try first.

• Combine random words or parts of words that don’t fit together at first glance (e.g., “BlueTree99” or “CloudDog35”).
• Add numbers or special characters to your name, but not in common patterns (e.g. use “29Q” instead of “123”).
• Take inspiration from words or phrases from unusual sources, such as books, scientific terms.

Safe username generators

If you’re having trouble coming up with an original and secure username, there are many online tools and generators that can help.

Most generators work by using algorithms to create random combinations of letters, numbers and symbols.

Some tools allow you to input information such as your name, interests or hobbies to make the resulting name easier for you to remember. The goal is to create a unique username that is difficult for attackers to guess.

Popular tools:

• SpinXO: This generator takes into account different keywords and interests to create a personalized username that is still original and relatively safe.
• NordPass Username Generator: The NordPass generator tool creates random usernames with an emphasis on security and originality. It also offers a choice between simple and more complex combinations.
• Hootsuite Username Generator: This username generator allows you to quickly and easily create a unique username tailored to your specific needs. You can select a social network, specify an account type, and choose a category to customize your username.

Username managers

Personal data managers, also known as password managers, are key tools for securely managing and storing your login information, including usernames, passwords and other sensitive information.

These apps and services allow you to keep all your usernames and passwords in one place in an encrypted database, making them easier to manage and increasing your online security.

Using a password manager gives you the ability to have strong and unique usernames and passwords for each account without having to remember them. Other benefits include, for example, auto-populating login details.

When choosing a password manager, it’s important to consider factors including trustworthiness and security, level of encryption, user-friendliness, available features, and possibly price.

Mistakes to avoid

The username is often the first line of defense for your online account. Yet many of us choose it without much thought. So what are the most common mistakes made when creating a username?

Using popular words

Using easy-to-guess usernames increases the risk of account hacking. Usernames such as “admin123”, “user456”, or even “password” are among the most vulnerable, as they are often used in attempts to break into your account.

Using the same username

While it may seem practical to use the same username on all platforms, it’s important to consider some situations where doing so could be risky.

If you use the same username across different accounts, attackers can take advantage of your username already acquired on one platform and automatically use it on others.

Therefore, it’s better to use different variations of your username to reduce the risk of all accounts being compromised at once.

Using one email address

Using one email address for all purposes can be dangerous and impractical. If someone gains access to that single address, they can easily take control of your other accounts by resetting your passwords.

Additionally, there is a higher risk of spam because your address can be spread among marketing firms or end up in the hands of hackers. Another concern is the threat to privacy, as sharing a single address for both personal and business purposes can lead to sensitive information being leaked. Inbox organization becomes more complex, as important messages can easily get lost in a flood of less important emails.

Changing an address if it is misused is also unnecessarily complicated. Therefore, it is wise to use different emails for different purposes to improve your security and make it easier to organize your communications.

Email aliases are a useful tool that allows you to manage different email addresses from one main account, improving security and simplifying organization. They help protect privacy by allowing you to hide your main address when registering on different sites or for less trusted communications.

If an alias is misused or overwhelmed with spam, it can be easily deactivated without affecting the main account. Aliases also make it easier to organize your inbox, as each alias can serve a different purpose.

However, it is important to choose a suitable and trustworthy email service that offers reliable security features such as strong encryption, two-factor authentication. Some services can provide you with

Writing usernames in the wrong places

One of the most common mistakes when managing usernames is storing them on papers that are easily accessible. Whether it’s a post-it note taped to your monitor or a notepad in your desk drawer, these are not good places to store sensitive information. Anyone with access to your workspace can easily gain access to your usernames.

Another risk is storing usernames in unsecured digital documents. Storing this information in text files or spreadsheets without encryption is just as dangerous as having it written on paper. These files can easily be compromised by malware or accessed by unauthorised persons.

Using the same username after a data leak

If a situation arises where your username is part of a data leak or disclosed as a result of a cyber-attack, it is essential to update all affected usernames immediately.

Ignoring this need can lead to further complications such as your account being hacked and your account being obtained by attackers.

It is also important to note that some platforms do not support username changes, so it is advisable to use different usernames for each platform. In such cases, it is advisable to change your password.

To find out if your email address or login credentials were included in the data leak, you can use Have I Been Pwned.

Examples of secure usernames

Secure usernames should be original, hard to predict and ideally should not contain personal information. The following examples can serve as inspiration for creating strong usernames.

• Examples inspired by a combination of random words and numbers: BlueSky37, ThunderWolf29, SilentStream_88, StarDust42.
• Examples with special characters to increase security: Green$Hawk_17, Shadow_Dragon#9, Phoenix@FlameX3, Fire&Stone28.
• Unique examples of combinations of interests and numbers: AstroTomas23, Techno_Tomas_42, GalacticTomas_77, Tomas_EngineerX98.

In this article, we take a look back at how TouchArcade shaped the gaming community, why it had to shut down, and what the future holds for this iconic site.

What was TouchArcade for?

TouchArcade served as one of the most prominent media outlets focused on mobile gaming. Its main functions were to provide reviews, news, and articles about new games available for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Since its launch in 2008, it has become the go-to source for mobile game fans looking for the latest news, reviews, and game recommendations.

TouchArcade also provided a forum where the gaming community could discuss games, and regularly produced a podcast, The TouchArcade Show, which recently celebrated 600 episodes.

With over 33,000 articles and 4,000 game reviews, TouchArcade was the App Store’s guide to the gaming world. CNET ranked TouchArcade as one of the top 10 gaming blogs, while Time magazine selected TouchArcade as one of the 50 best sites in 2011.

Why is TouchArcade going out of business?

TouchArcade is closing primarily due to long-term financial problems. The site is simply no longer able to generate sufficient revenue. The team has deliberately avoided practices such as aggressive ads, clickbait headlines, or questionable sponsorships that, while still profitable on today’s Internet, are not in line with their values. However, this ultimately led to the financial unsustainability of the project.

What’s next for TouchArcade?

Although TouchArcade is winding down its daily operations, all content will remain online and accessible to all. This includes over 33,000 articles, 4,000 game reviews, annual picks of the best games, and much more. The site will thus serve as a reference source and a reminder of the evolution of mobile gaming over the past 16 years.

TouchArcade employees are now looking for new job opportunities as the job market is challenging, especially in the gaming industry. They are therefore openly asking potential employers for help in finding new jobs.

The TouchArcade team hopes to continue recording their podcast, The TouchArcade Show, which recently celebrated 600 episodes. Support from Patreon, which has been crucial to keeping the site going, could continue to be used to fund the podcast and occasional posts or special articles. Thus, the site has a chance to live on in a limited form, even if it is no longer as active as before.

Roskomnadzor has created a new register of social networks

Recently, there has been an important step in the regulation of the digital space in Russia. In accordance with Article 10.6 of Federal Law No. 149-FZ “On Information, Information Technologies and Information Protection”, Roskomnadzor has created a new social networking register. This register includes a total of 15 popular platforms that most of us use on a daily basis.

The included platforms include global giants such as TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, as well as Russian social networks VKontakte and Odnoklassniki. The registry also includes popular communication, content sharing and streaming apps such as Telegram, Likee, LiveJournal, Pikabu, Pinterest, Rutube, Zen, Twitch, Discord and Yappy.

Roskomnadzor is now monitoring these platforms and may apply various regulations, financial sanctions or requirements to them, or ban them entirely, as it did with the Signal app.

Under the new regulations, the owners of these social networks must ensure that their platforms are not used to commit crimes or disseminate prohibited information, according to the Russian Federation. This information includes:

• State or other secrets specially protected by law – Owners must ensure that their platforms do not publish information that could threaten state security or violate secrets protected by law.
• Materials containing public calls for terrorism – It is prohibited to post content that promotes or justifies terrorism or other extremist content. Social network owners must quickly identify and remove this type of material.
• Promotion of pornography, violence and cruelty – Platforms must not distribute content that promotes pornography, violence or cruelty and must ensure that such content is not available to their users.
• Obscene language – The new rules also include a ban on the dissemination of material containing obscene language that could be considered inappropriate or harmful to the public.

Who gets financial penalties, how much, and why?

In the first half of 2024, the owners of several large social networks were fined for failing to comply with their obligations to monitor and manage content on their platforms, according to the federal service for supervision of communications, information technology and media Roskomnadzor. The platforms TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitch and Telegram were fined, with the total amount of the penalties reaching 7700000 ₽$82,390.

YouTube received the largest fine, paying 4000000 ₽$42,800. The next platforms to be fined were Pinterest and Twitch, which paid 1000000 ₽$10,700 each. Telegram faced a fine of 900000 ₽$9,630, while TikTok’s fine was 800000 ₽$8,560. These fines were imposed for failing to monitor and moderate content on their platforms, which is in line with the requirements of Russian law.

In addition, these platforms were also fined for failing to comply with other legal obligations. In this case, the total amount of fines reached 4750000 ₽$50,825. The fines were distributed as follows: TikTok paid 7500000 ₽$80,250, YouTube paid 1000000 ₽$10,700, Pinterest paid 1000000 ₽$10,700, Twitch paid 1000000 ₽$10,700 and Telegram also paid 1000000 ₽$10,700.

Operators of these networks must take into account that non-compliance with the rules can be financially challenging and that regulation of the digital space is likely to tighten further. For users, this may mean changes in what types of content will be available on these platforms and what rules they will have to follow when using them.

What will be the impact of financial sanctions?

Roskomnadzor has drafted four protocols on administrative offences based on Article 19.7.10-4 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation. These protocols were drawn up due to the failure of social network owners to comply with orders issued by this authority.

The protocols on administrative offences drawn up by Roskomnadzor are now awaiting consideration in court. The outcome of these proceedings will be crucial for how the relationship between the state and social network operators in Russia will develop.

If the courts rule against these platforms, further sanctions and fines may follow, which will further increase the pressure on social network operators. In the worst case scenario, if this situation escalates it could even lead to the blocking of these platforms.

A virtual private network (VPN) is an effective tool that can bypass the blocks by changing your IP address and hiding your true geographic location. When you connect to a VPN server in a country where the Signal app is not blocked, your internet traffic is routed through that server, allowing you to access the app as if you were physically present in that country.

The VPN also encrypts your data, ensuring that your online activities remain private and protected from surveillance.

Step 1: Download and install the VPN app of your choice on your device

First, choose and download a VPN service that meets your security and speed requirements, our list of the best VPNs will help you choose. Once you’ve selected a VPN service, download the appropriate app for your device via the VPN provider’s website. Now that you have the VPN app downloaded, you can start installing it. If your chosen VPN service requires it, you’ll still need to create an account.

Step 2: Connect to a server in a country where the Signal app is not blocked

After installing and launching the VPN app, choose a server from the menu in a country where Signal isn’t blocked. For example, servers in the US or Europe are often a reliable choice. Choose a country that gives you a fast and stable connection and connect to the server of your choice.

Step 3: Verify that your connection is working properly

Before launching Signal, it’s a good idea to verify that your VPN is working properly. You can do this, for example, by using a website that checks your IP address to make sure your IP address matches the country you’ve chosen. The ideal website to check your IP address is the What Is My IP Address page.

Step 4: Open the Signal app and try to connect

Now that your VPN is turned on and your connection is authenticated, open the Signal app. The app should now turn on and work without any restrictions. We recommend additionally enabling the “Censorship circumvention” feature in the Signal app settings (Settings → Privacy → Advanced → Censorship circumvention.).

Step 5: Verify that Signal is working properly

The last step is to test all the important functions of the Signal app, such as sending and receiving messages, making calls, sending media (photos, videos) and other functions. If everything works, the VPN has successfully helped you bypass the block and you can communicate safely through the Signal app without any further restrictions. However, when using Signal, you will always need to have a VPN connection turned on otherwise the Signal app will remain blocked.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the block in Russia means for Signal, why it became a target of the Russian authorities, and how the app itself is responding.

If you’re wondering how to unblock the Signal app we recommend reading our guide.

What is Signal and why is it so popular?

Signal is a free messaging app that puts a strong emphasis on user privacy and security. Its main advantage is end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. In addition to text messaging, Signal also allows calling, video calling, group creation and file sharing.

Signal is often referred to as one of the most secure applications for communication. Its open source code allows independent experts to check and verify the security features of the application. The encryption that Signal uses is considered very robust and resistant to eavesdropping.

Activists and dissidents in countries with limited freedom of speech use it to protect their communications and resources. Journalists prefer it for secure communications with whistleblowers and to protect sensitive personal information. Ordinary users often choose it for everyday communications with friends and family due to the end-to-end encryption that competing applications do not offer.

Why was Signal blocked in Russia?

The VPN wiki was unable to find an official statement from the Russian Federation on the blocking of the Signal app. The absence of an official report was also confirmed by the Russian source Бумага: всё о Петербурге.

A few hours later, the Federal Service for Supervision of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Mass Media Roskomnadzor made a statement on the whole situation to the private independent Russian news agency Interfax.

“User access to the messenger Signal is restricted due to violations of the requirements of the Russian legislation whose fulfillment is necessary to prevent the use of the messenger for terrorist and extremist purposes,”

The reason for the blocking of the Signal app is therefore allegedly due to the failure to comply with the requirements of Russian legislation. The Russian Federation is therefore allegedly concerned about the use of this platform for terrorist and extremist purposes.

The blockage has been confirmed by NetBlocks, a cybersecurity monitoring organisation. According to NetBlocks, the blocking was carried out specifically through an internet provider in Russia

Signal app statement

The Signal app has shared important information on the X platform regarding its availability. It highlighted the fact that the app is blocked in several countries, and in response advised users to use proxy servers. In addition, Signal provided instructions on how to set up and use the proxy servers so that users can continue to use the app even if it is blocked.

Signal also encouraged the community to contribute to the best of their ability by creating their own proxy servers to help extend the availability of the service to those in censorship-affected areas. In addition, the app reminded the community of the existence of a “Censorship circumvention” feature in the settings that can help restore access to the app in the event that it is blocked.

In other important news, the Signal team is already working on an even more advanced feature that should provide more reliable block circumvention.

Weak passwords are easily cracked by hackers, while strong passwords, made up of a combination of letters, numbers and special characters, provide better protection against cyber attacks.

How to create an unbreakable password?

Today, your online accounts are like the keys to your life. Basically, we can’t do without them, whether it’s an Instagram account or an online banking account. Just as we protect our physical keys, we should also keep our digital ones secure. One of the most important elements of this security is a strong and unique password. But what exactly is a strong password?

Length is key

The longer the password, the better. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long, but ideally more. Long passwords are much harder for hackers to crack, even if they use the latest technology.

• Example of a bad password: ruqzxhpe
• Example of a better but still weak password: ymooljvcwjwdhnqzplmjrkaszsgqjr

A short password is vulnerable to brute force attack. This is a method in which an attacker systematically tests all possible combinations of characters until he finds the correct password, using powerful computers and algorithms. The length of a password fundamentally affects its security; shorter passwords are easier to crack because they have fewer combinations to try.

Avoid personal information

Never use your personal details such as your date of birth, partner’s name, pet’s name or address as a password. Also, information from your username should not appear in your password. If your username is user.name@email.com, then your password should not contain parts of that username. This information is now relatively to easy to find and can be used by hackers to break into your account.

• Example of a bad password: UserName
• Example of a strong password: mfuYjH(Mebsr9*Hh(XhjP2BFl0(bGu

A password made up of personal information is vulnerable to dictionary attack. Hackers use this method to crack passwords by systematically testing passwords from a pre-prepared list of the most common or predictable combinations, often containing common words, phrases, names, and other personal information they can gather using social media. Personal information such as names or dates of birth are particularly vulnerable to these attacks.

Diversity is key

A strong password is not just about length, but also about character variety. Combine upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters (such as !, @, #, $, %, ^, &). The more different types of characters you use, the more resistant your password will be to attacks.

• Example of a weaker password: ymooljvcwjwdhnqzplmjrkaszsgqjr
• Example of a strong password: mfuYjH(Mebsr9*Hh(XhjP2BFl0(bGu

Using password generators

Password generators are tools that create random and strong passwords made up of letters, numbers and special characters, ensuring that your password is highly secure and strong.

VPN wiki, also allows you to generate a strong and secure password, thanks to its own password generator. When you use the generator, the passwords are much stronger than the ones people come up with on their own, and it also saves you the time you would have spent on coming up with your password.

Mistakes to avoid

Unfortunately, many people still make basic mistakes that can lead to their data being leaked and their security being compromised. Let’s take a look at a few common mistakes to avoid.

Reusing passwords

One of the biggest mistakes is reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts. If an attacker gains access to one of your accounts, they can easily gain access to other accounts that have the same password. Imagine someone obtaining your password on a less secure site and then trying to log into your email or bank account with that password.

The recommendation is simple: use a unique password for each account. Password management apps can help you store and manage these passwords securely.

Writing down passwords in the wrong places

One of the most common mistakes is writing passwords on papers that are easily accessible. Whether it’s a piece of paper on your monitor or a notepad in your desk drawer, these places are not good places to store sensitive information. Anyone with access to your space can easily gain access to your passwords.

Another danger is storing passwords in unsecured digital documents. Storing passwords in files such as text documents or spreadsheets without encryption is just as risky as having them written on paper. These files can easily be compromised by malware or accessed by unauthorised persons.

Using the same password for long periods of time without changing it

Using the same password for long periods of time without changing it is risky. Passwords should be updated regularly to minimize the risk of disclosure and misuse. The longer you use the same password, the more likely it is to fall into the hands of hackers.

Ignoring two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an additional level of security that requires not only a password, but also a second factor, such as a code sent to your phone. Ignoring this method is a big mistake. Even if someone gets your password, they can’t get into your account without the second factor.

Not changing your password after a security incident or data leak

If a security incident or data leak occurs, it is imperative to change all affected passwords immediately. Ignoring this may result in further compromise of your accounts and sensitive information.

Using the Have I Been Pwned page, you can check to see if your email address, password or website has been leaked, if this has happened it is advisable to at least make a password change.

Tips and tricks for remembering

1. Use mnemonic devices

One of the oldest and most effective tricks is to use mnemonic aids. For example, you can create a password using the first letter of each word in a sentence that you can easily remember. For example, the sentence “My dog Rex loves to go for walks in the park on Hradecka Street, the park is next to the shop with the number 191” could be turned into the password “MdRltgfwitpoHS_tpinttswtn191”.

2. Use associations

Associate the password with something you like or are interested in. If you like a particular place, you can incorporate the name of that place into your password. For example, your email password could include the name of a city you’d like to travel to and a significant date associated with that place.

3. Create your own rules

Create your own rules for creating passwords. For example, you can always use a certain combination of words and numbers that are meaningful to you. If you have a favourite song, you can use the words in its parts and add special characters and numbers to them. This will not only increase the complexity of the password, but it will also help you remember it better.

Using password managers

Password managers are apps or services that store and manage your passwords in an encrypted database, allowing you to securely store all your passwords in one place and access them using a master password.

Using a password manager allows you to have strong and unique passwords for each account without having to remember them, and also offers features like auto-fill logins and alerts for security issues. When choosing a password manager, it’s important to consider security, user-friendliness, features and, if applicable, price.

What is NordStellar?

NordStellar is a new enterprise risk management platform that lets you protect and manage the accounts of your company’s employees, and your customers. Using alerts, you’ll be able to keep track of what’s going on in your business and what threats may be lurking. You can respond to cyber threats before they escalate.

Why is NordStellar important for businesses?

According to IBM, there has been a 71% year-over-year increase in cyberattacks that use stolen login credentials. Cybercriminals have recently become more focused on obtaining information such as login credentials, credit card numbers or phone numbers, which they can then sell on the black market. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4,450,000.

How and what does NordStellar protect you from?

With NordStellar, you can reduce the risk of various cyber attacks through early detection. NordStellar can detect unauthorized access and detect login credential breaches. This allows you to protect sensitive data such as access data to emails, phones or credit cards. This prevents identity theft and protects your company’s reputation and customer trust. With early detection, you can monitor unusual activity on different accounts in your company and stay one step ahead of attackers.

Protection from Malware

Malware is malicious software that can infect your company’s devices and cause various damages. It can be viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware and other types of malware. Malware can steal your personal information, destroy your files, block your access to your computer and even spread to other devices.

Ransomware protection

Ransomware is malware that encrypts your files or your entire system. The attackers then demand a ransom to decrypt them. If you don’t pay, your files may be permanently lost or dumped on the internet.

Protection from ATO attacks

In an ATO attack, an attacker tries to gain control of your online account, such as a business account. They can do this using a variety of techniques. Once an attacker has control of a company account, he or she can use it to transfer money, make purchases, or engage in other activities that harm the company.

Protection against session hijacking

In session hijacking, an attacker takes over your ongoing session with a website or application. This can happen, for example, by exploiting a security vulnerability in your system or using a stolen cookie. Once an attacker gains control of your session, they can use it to access your data, perform transactions or other malicious activities.

Price and availability

NordStellar does not provide direct pricing on its website. For more detailed pricing information, you must inquire through the contact form on the website.

However, there is an option to get a trial (DEMO) version of the program, this is a limited version that allows you to try out the basic features of the program before purchasing it. In order to get this demo version, you need to contact NordStellar through the form available on their official website.

Why choose LightningX VPN?

LightningX VPN is a reliable VPN service that allows you to surf the internet without restrictions and with the confidence that your data is safe. It offers high download and streaming speeds so you can enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. With top-level encryption, you can rest assured that your online activity is always protected.

Speed

LightningX VPN offers an unlimited data cap so you can enjoy downloading and streaming your favorite movies or TV shows to the fullest. With minimal latency and high-speed connection assurance, LightningX VPN is ideal for streaming movies and TV shows in high quality, playing lag-free online games and browsing the internet without waiting for pages to load.

Security

LightningX VPN protects you with the latest encryption protocols including Shadowsocks, Vless and WireGuard, while data is encrypted using AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 algorithms. Of course, DNS data leak protection is also provided. So you can shop online, use public Wi-Fi networks with confidence that your data is safe

Accessibility

With a global network of 1,000+ LightningX VPN servers, you’ll overcome geo-restrictions in more than 50 countries and access content from all over the world. Whether you want to watch foreign streaming services, shop in foreign stores, or simply want to view content that’s blocked in your location, LightningX VPN gives you access.

Friendliness

You don’t have to be an IT expert to enjoy the benefits of LightningX VPN. An intuitive design with a user-friendly interface that is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Apple TV platforms makes it easy to connect and disconnect from VPN servers even for those with no previous experience with VPNs, and on up to 3 devices connected to LightningX VPN at the same time.

Price

LightningX VPN has 4 subscription options on offer, differing only in price and duration.

• Daily plan: suitable for occasional use with a subscription for only one day.
• Monthly Plan: more affordable for more frequent use with a monthly subscription.
• Three-month plan: still affordable, but with a longer duration and payment for 3 months.
• Annual Plan: Lowest price per month, but requires payment of the full amount at once.

All plans include the same benefits, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and support a variety of payment methods that include credit card, PayPal, Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay, and USDT

How do I get started with LightningX VPN?

You can download the LightningX VPN app for free on the website before subscribing to the service itself.

First, choose what device you’ll be using the VPN app on, there are a number of popular platforms to choose from. Windows and macOS for desktop devices, Android and iOS for mobile devices, and finally there are two supported TVs, Android TV and Apple TV.

Then once you’ve chosen your preferred VPN app, you can start downloading by clicking on the “Free Download” button.

Once you have downloaded LightningX VPN and started installing the app, you can choose between two languages to use the app in, English is the obvious one, the other language is Chinese.

Now that the app is installed, all that’s left to do is to subscribe to LightningX and after successful payment, log in with your account to the VPN app and start using it.

Of course, there is also a reverse process where you can subscribe to LightningX first and then download and install it.

At the same time, PrivadoVPN is expanding its offering with a new secure DNS technology within the Privado Control Tower, which is designed to protect the privacy and security of online users. This update also includes VPN optimization for even smoother streaming of content from around the world. If you’re interested in this news, you can read our review, during which we tested the whole PrivadoVPN in detail.

Privado Sentry

In today’s digital age, the importance of cyber security cannot be denied. With cyber threats evolving at an alarming rate, comprehensive protection is needed. the PrivadoVPN, has taken a significant step forward with the launch of Privado Sentry, a powerful and user-friendly antivirus solution designed specifically for Windows operating system users.

This standalone application, competitively priced at $1.99 per month, can also be seamlessly added to 12-month and 24-month subscriptions PrivadoVPN

8

★★★★

Fast VPN offers SOCKS5 Proxy support, operates within the Tor network, and is based in the secure jurisdiction of Switzerland. The downside is the low number of servers.

$1.18 /mo  ​30-day money back guarantee

Get this VPN 90% cheaper

Key features of Privado Sentry

• Real-time protection: Always stay one step ahead of viruses and malware. Privado Sentry scans all downloads, installs and executables to catch threats before they enter your system.
• Continuous Active Protection: Provides continuous scanning to keep you protected from hackers and malware at all times.
• Thorough scanning: Scans every inch of your device, leaving no escape space for malware and viruses.
• Custom scanning. Whether you prefer scheduled scans or quick scans.
• Malware Isolation: Prevent the spread of malware by isolating, encrypting and moving infected files to quarantine.

What you are protected against

• Virus protection: Detects and neutralizes malicious codes and programs that aim to harm your system.
• Trojan Horse Protection: Trojan Horse Protection includes methods to detect and remove programs hidden in useful-looking software that, when executed, will compromise your computer.
• Malware protection: Keep your computer safe, protect yourself from all types of malware, including worms, rootkits, spyware and other malicious software that can damage your computer, steal your data or invade your privacy.
• Zero-Day protection: Stay one step ahead of threats. Get continuous protection from vulnerabilities and undiscovered exploits that attackers can exploit before they’re patched.
• Phishing protection: Prevent fraudulent emails and websites from stealing your data.
• Spyware protection: Protect your privacy and data, prevent unauthorized tracking and theft of your sensitive data by detecting and removing spyware.
• Ransomware Protection: Stop attacks before they encrypt your files, data and demand a ransom.
• Adware Protection: Browse websites without annoying ads, block annoying ads that clutter your screen, slow down the internet and drain your battery.

Privado Control Tower: Enhanced VPN and New DNS Secure

Privado Control Tower PrivadoVPN is proud to announce enhancements to its core VPN service and the introduction of brand new secure DNS technology within Privado Control Tower. These updates reinforce PrivadoVPN‘s commitment to protecting users online privacy and security.

The PrivadoVPN has undergone further optimization for seamless geo-blocking and streaming of movies and TV shows. New servers have been added in Germany and Austria, expanding the network and strengthening content availability in these regions. Support for Netflix, BBC, Hulu and Disney is still maintained and optimised for seamless streaming at the highest quality.

Secure DNS technology is also in place to protect users from ads, malware and third-party trackers. A secure and fast DNS server ensures fast and secure web browsing. Users can manually configure secure DNS in the Privado Control Tower admin panel or activate it automatically when connected to the VPN application.

Plans for free users

The PrivadoVPN announces further enhancements to its free VPN service. The free PrivadoVPN now offers users a data cap of up to 10GB per month, allowing users to test the VPN for streaming movies and TV shows, downloading files, torrenting, and browsing the web. This is ideal for users who want to try out a VPN without commitment.

The PrivadoVPN will also be expanding its offering with trial versions of Privado Control Tower and Privado Sentry, which make advanced security and privacy features available.

How does it all work?

All AI conversations are completely anonymous, as is searching through DuckDuckGo. Thus they cannot be traced back to a specific user, this is achieved by changing the IP address.

The AI version you choose is called first, while the metadata and your IP address are removed and replaced with the IP address from DuckDuckGo. All activity pretends to be created by DuckDuckGo.

Since privacy is emphasized, your conversation is not saved and always needs to be restarted. A fire icon is used to easily delete and start a new conversation with the AI. When you click on this icon, the entire AI conversation is deleted.

Complete confidence?

DuckDuckGo claims in its privacy policy and terms of use that it has contracts with AI providers. These contracts should guarantee that your conversations will not be used to train and improve AI and also that the model providers should delete the data and information once it is no longer needed and within 30 days.

If you want to be completely sure that even DuckDuckGo will not know and process your IP address we recommend using a virtual private network (VPN).

How do I access the feature?

The new feature can be found in the DuckDuckGo search engine, just type any term into the search box and start searching. Then under the search box you will find an icon called “chat”, clicking on this icon will take you to a room with the AI model of your choice.

Another way to access the feature is through the bar icon found in the top right hand corner of the search box, once you click on the icon you will see more options, along with the AI Chat feature.

Future of this feature

DuckDuckGo is looking to add more AI models in the future, as well as a self-hosting option. There are also plans to add a paid version that will guarantee a higher query limit and access to more advanced AI models.

1. Step 1: Choose a platform to watch UEFA EURO 2024

   The first step to enjoying the UEFA EURO 2024 matches is to choose the right viewing platform. Our table of streaming services where you can find UEFA EURO 2024, which we’ve put together with CyberGhost VPN, will help you choose. There are many different platforms on the market that offer live streaming of football matches. Some of these platforms provide the option to watch completely free of charge, while others require a subscription or one-time payment.

   State	Provider	Price per month	Number of matches out of 51
   UK	BBC iPlayer	free	25
   UK	ITVX	free	25
   NZ	TVNZ	free	All
   NL	NPO	free	Netherlands matches only
   DE	ARD	free	17
   DE	ZDF	free	17
   AT	ORF	free	20
   AT	Servus TV	free	31
   IT	Rai	free	31
   IT	TV8	free	Italy matches only
   AU	Optus	$24.99	All
   CA	QUB TVA	$17.99	All
   CA	TSN	$19.99	All
   CA	Bellmedia	$76	All
   DE	SKY	$30	All
   FR	TF1	$4.99	25
   US	Sling TV	$40	All
   US	DirecTV	$65	All
   US	Hulu	$70	All
   US	fuboTV	$75	All
   IT	SKY	$53	All

2. Step 2: Getting a VPN

   The next important step is to use a virtual private network (VPN), such as CyberGhost VPN. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location and connect to the internet as if you were in another country. This is useful in cases where free tracking is only available to residents of certain countries. For example, if the ITVX station in the UK is broadcasting free matches, you can use a VPN to set your location to the UK and watch the matches for free.

   You can easily subscribe to CyberGhost VPN online, the best price is $2.17 per month. Your purchase is covered by a money-back guarantee lasting 45 days from purchase, we have verified this guarantee for you.
   

   

   8.8

   ★★★★

   VPN puts high emphasis on security and connection stability. Compared to others, it has a wider range of physical servers in different countries and a good selection of protocols.

   $2.17 /mo Free 1-day trial ​45-day money back guarantee

   Get this VPN 83% cheaper

   What should a virtual private network do to watch UEFA EURO 2024 seamlessly?

   1. Fast and stable streaming speeds
   Having a fast and stable connection is key to watching matches in real time. The VPN should offer fast speeds to be able to watch the matches in high definition. Ideally, a VPN should have unlimited bandwidth, allowing you to watch unlimited content without speed limits.

   2. Servers in many countries
   In order to access different streaming channels that may have geographical limitations, it is important for a VPN to have servers in many countries around the world. For example, CyberGhost VPN offers servers in more than 89 countries around the world, ensuring a wide range of available options for connecting and watching UEFA EURO 2024.

   3. Strong encryption and security
   Security and privacy are essential for every internet user. A VPN should provide strong encryption to protect your data from potential threats. This means that your online activity will be protected from being tracked by third parties, including your ISP. It is also important that the VPN has a no-logging policy, which means that your online activities will not be logged.

   Best VPN for watching UEFA EURO 2024

   The CyberGhost VPN is one of the best VPNs for watching UEFA EURO 2024. It’s in the top tier of premium VPN service providers, with ultra-fast servers in 89 countries and with 9,264 servers worldwide.

   It offers an easy-to-use app for a variety of devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and can also be configured on routers, smart TVs and gaming consoles. the CyberGhost VPN supports simultaneous connections via VPN, so you can watch UEFA EURO 2024 simultaneously on 7 devices wherever you are.

   It uses the latest protocols for faster speed, security and reliability. In case of any problem, 24/7 customer support is available for you. If you are dissatisfied with CyberGhost VPN, don’t worry. Your purchase is covered by a money-back guarantee lasting 45 days from purchase, we have verified it for you.

   With CyberGhost VPN you can watch not only UEFA EURO 2024 but also other streaming services like Netflix, Disney and others that are unavailable in your country due to geo-blocking. the CyberGhost VPN is the ideal choice for reliable and hassle-free viewing of not only UEFA EURO 2024. For more information, read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
   

   

   8.8

   ★★★★

   VPN puts high emphasis on security and connection stability. Compared to others, it has a wider range of physical servers in different countries and a good selection of protocols.

   $2.17 /mo Free 1-day trial ​45-day money back guarantee

   Get this VPN 83% cheaper

3. Step 3: Download and install the VPN app

   Once you have successfully acquired a VPN to watch UEFA EURO 2024, it’s time to download and install the appropriate app on your device.

   Once you have successfully purchased your subscription CyberGhost VPN, download the app to your device by clicking the “Download” button on the webpage.

   Once the app is downloaded on your device you can start installing it. There is nothing complicated, a clear wizard will guide you through the installation. If there is any problem with CyberGhost VPN there is 24/7 support available for you.

4. Step 4: Connect to the VPN servers

   Now, if you have the VPN app running, all you need to do is connect to a server located in the country where the UEFA EURO 2024 streaming platform is available.

   For example, if you want to watch UEFA EURO 2024 for free via the ITVX platform, which is only available to UK residents, choose a server located in the UK to connect to. This will give you access to content that is otherwise only available in that country.

   In the CyberGhost VPN app, click on the arrow icon and then search the list of servers for the location you need to connect via VPN, once you click on the location, CyberGhost VPN connects you and your location is changed.

5. Step 5: Watch UEFA EURO 2024

   Now that you are connected to a server in the country where the streaming platform is available, open the app or web browser and navigate to the page of your chosen platform, for example ITVX.

   Log in with your valid country login credentials, find the section dedicated to UEFA EURO 2024 and click on the live stream or recording of the match you want to watch. Thanks to your connection via CyberGhost VPN, you will be able to access all matches and other content without restrictions.

What is Manifest?

Manifest V3 is the latest version of Google’s browser extension platform. It is a JSON file that contains information about the extension, such as its name, description, the permissions it requires, and the scripts it runs. Developers use Manifest to define the features and behavior of their extension.

In June 2024, Manifest V2 will be disabled in pre-stable browser versions, specifically Chrome 127 and later. Users will no longer be able to install Manifest V2-based extensions in the online store.

Developers will still have until June 2025 to modify their extensions for Manifest V3. After that date, Manifest V2-based extensions will be inoperable. The new version of Manifest V3 will affect all Chrome-based web browsers.

What does this mean for users?

Chrome introduces a new version of Manifesto V3 as a new step towards greater privacy, security and performance, for example it is possible to have more control over the extensions themselves and determine what rights the given extension has.

The advantage, but also the disadvantage, is the deactivation of old and non-functional extensions that work on the Manifest V2 version. A lot of extensions that contain malware and try to track users will be disabled. On the other hand, if you have an extension installed that you know is no longer supported, you will have to look for an alternative due to Manifest V3.

However, the browser will inform you in advance about the removal or deactivation, and will also offer you an alternative in the menu for the given extension.

If an extension is removed from the online store in Manifest V3 in the future, you will receive a notification about its removal and a recommendation to uninstall the extension.

It is precisely because of the changes that many ad-blocking extensions will be less effective or non-functional. But do not despair, there are still alternatives, if you want to stay loyal to Chromium, there is the Brave browser, which already has ad blocking built in and there is no need to additionally install an ad blocking extension.

Another option is a browser that is not based on Chromium, for example Firefox, here you can already add a functional ad blocker via the extension.

What does this mean for developers?

Developers will need to update for example the JSON file to be specific to Manifest V3, modify the script and update the API calls, the full list can be found at documentation.

New is the so-called “rollback” option, if your previous version of the extension has been checked and published, you can use it to return the version to your older published form, easily and without checking.

Conclusion

Manifest V3 brings both positive and negative changes to the world of browser extensions. Users can look forward to more control, privacy and security, while developers will need to update their extensions for the new version.