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Surveillance of the Internet Backbone

Schneier on Security

It’s useful for cybersecurity forensics, but can also be used for things like tracing VPN activity. Vice has an article about how data brokers sell access to the Internet backbone. This is netflow data. At a high level, netflow data creates a picture of traffic flow and volume across a network.

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Do you actually need a VPN? Your guide to staying safe online!

Webroot

So maybe you’ve heard of VPNs but aren’t actually sure what they are. Simply put, a VPN creates a safe, anonymous pathway for the data you send and receive over a Wi-Fi network, allowing you to browse anonymously and access content as if you were in a different location. Do you really need a VPN for personal use? Why use a VPN?

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5 common VPN myths busted

Malwarebytes

Virtual Private Networks ( VPN s) are popular but often misunderstood. VPNs are for illegal activity. Some people think that VPNs are only useful for doing things like torrenting, accessing geo-locked content, or getting around work/school/government firewalls. I don’t need a mobile VPN. My VPN won’t let me watch Netflix.

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Cell Phone Location Privacy

Schneier on Security

It protects users from fake cell phone towers (IMSI-catchers) and surveillance by cell providers. The user’s traffic is sent to the MVNO gateway and then out onto the Internet, potentially even using a VPN. “Pretty Good Phone Privacy” (PGPP) protects both user identity and user location using the existing cellular networks.

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Are Western Sanctions Undermining Russian Civilians’ Efforts To Obtain Accurate News Via VPNs?

Joseph Steinberg

According to a report published by The Washington Post , downloads by Russians of the 10 most popular VPN applications jumped from fewer than 15,000 per day just before the Russian invasion of Ukraine to a current figure of over 300,000 a day – even reaching as high as 475,000 per day at one point during the current military campaign.

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NSO CEO claims Facebook wanted NSO surveillance tool to spy on users

Security Affairs

In October 2019, WhatsApp sued the Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group accusing it of carrying out malicious attacks against its users. According to the NSO CEO, Facebook was interested in improving surveillance capabilities on iOS devices of the Onavo Protect. Copyright (C) 2014 Media.net Advertising FZ-LLC All Rights Reserved -->.

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Weekly Update 166

Troy Hunt

There was a massive exposure of personal data likely sourced from "enrichment" company People Data Labs (including my own data) Sponsored by VPN. Mass surveillance is a reality. A VPN can't solve this issue, but it's a great first step. Use one that puts principle before profit.

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