You’re in your favorite cafe, sipping coffee while working online. Suddenly, your VPN disconnects without you realizing it. Normally, this might leave your browsing unsecured, meaning your activity could be observed by third parties like the internet service provider, the Wi-Fi admin, or attackers. But not if you have a kill switch. A VPN is designed to protect your online privacy, and a VPN kill switch maintains that protection by instantly stopping all internet traffic going to and from your device if your VPN connection fails. This feature is essential for anyone serious about securing the ..read more

You may be hearing reports of a new vulnerability called TunnelVision that can allow an attacker to bypass VPN protection under certain circumstances. We’d like to take a moment to explain the report and reassure you of the security of the ExpressVPN apps and services.  On May 6, 2024, a paper titled “TunnelVision – How Attackers Can Decloak Routing-Based VPNs For a Total VPN Leak” revealed a technique that would allow an attacker to circumvent VPN protection in some specific situations. The researchers reached out to us prior to the publication of the paper, and we’ve had time to do ext ..read more

While we are quietly delighted whenever we add a server location to ExpressVPN, sometimes a new location is just worth shouting about a little more than others. We’ve recently added Osaka to our list of Japanese server locations, which joins Tokyo and Shibuya. What makes it noteworthy? A former capital of Japan and the country’s third-largest city, Osaka is an enviable place to travel to or live in, offering a rich combination of historical sites, vibrant nightlife, specialty foods, and unique culture. And an Osaka VPN benefits residents and travelers alike, providing online security while al ..read more

Every year, World Password Day nudges us to tighten up our digital defenses. Initiated to raise awareness about the role passwords play in safeguarding our private information, this day also serves as a reminder of our ongoing battle against cyber threats.  But why do we lean so heavily on passwords, and why do they need to be so complex? As World Password Day approaches on May 2, we explore the history of password security, tracing its origins back to the earliest days of digital authentication. We’ll uncover how major data breaches have not only exposed vulnerabilities but have also ca ..read more

We’ve all been there: You’re about to meet up with someone but your phone is dying. So you just have to go old school and estimate when you’ll arrive and trust that you’ll find them without a problem. Or you turn off your phone for a while to conserve power. The anxiety of watching your battery drain is a feeling you could do without. Here are some tips that could stop the power hemorrhaging when you’re in the red, reduce gradual battery drain over the day, and generally improve the state of your battery for greater endurance. Jump to… Settings to use less battery on your phone How to keep yo ..read more

The Canadian government is in the planning stages of rolling out a country-wide digital ID program. With a digital ID, Canadians could sign up for a wide range of services more conveniently and quickly.  For example, instead of filling out a form at the doctor’s, you might be able to scan your digital ID on your phone. Many countries, like Australia, Germany, and Chile, have introduced digital ID programs for citizens to conveniently access government services, prevent identity theft, and create more efficient systems. So what are the benefits and risks of digital IDs? What is Canada’s d ..read more

When you use a VPN download, you might be offered a choice between TCP and UDP protocols in the app settings. TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP (User Datagram Protocol) are two fundamental protocols used to transmit data over the internet. Each has its own way of handling data to ensure it travels from one point to another efficiently. Jump to…Which protocol is better: TCP or UDP? How does TCP work? Advantages of TCP Disadvantages of TCP Applications of TCP How does UDP work? Advantages of UDP Disadvantages of UDP Applications of UDP TCP vs. UDP comparison Which protocol does Ex ..read more

On April 10, 2024, a paper with the title Quantum Algorithms for Lattice Problems was published on the IACR (International Association for Cryptologic Research) preprint service. Despite the unassuming title, this paper made a bold claim that could have toppled the world’s attempts to create post-quantum safe encryption. In this blog post, we look at the claim that was made, especially as it pertained to the choice of Kyber, and what happened next. We also delve into how our VPN’s post-quantum encryption could have been affected. Kyber’s security called into question Kyber is a lattice-based ..read more

Whether it’s chatting with friends or connecting with like-minded people in niche communities, Discord lets you do it all—which is why it’s one of the most popular VoIP and instant messaging platforms out there. Users can join any of thousands of servers and interact with strangers online. However, each server, and Discord itself, has its own rules to abide by, which can result in a ban if violated.  There are generally three types of Discord bans: A temporary ban means that the user’s account—and potentially their IP address—has been suspended and they will not be able to access Discor ..read more

Satellite internet has become increasingly popular in recent times, especially for those in underserved and remote areas. Among satellite internet providers, Starlink is the undisputed leader. However, it’s exposed to the same risks as any other provider, which is where a VPN can come in handy. Read on to find out how to use a VPN on Starlink. Jump to… What is Starlink? Why do I need a VPN for Starlink? Best VPN for Starlink How to get a Starlink VPN Should I use a free VPN with Starlink? Starlink VPN troubleshooting What is Starlink? Developed and operated by SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite ..read more