A kill switch is a VPN feature that watches the encrypted tunnel between a device and a VPN server, cutting internet access the moment that connection weakens or fails. This stops a device's real IP address or DNS requests from leaking during outages or server switches, restoring access automatically once the secure tunnel resumes. The feature comes in two forms: app-level, which blocks only chosen programs, and system-level, which halts all network traffic on the device.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-15
Free VPN services aren't simply schemes to sell user data; some reputable providers offer limited free tiers hoping users will upgrade, while others monetize through ads or unclear data practices. A VPN encrypts traffic between your device and its server, hiding your destinations from your ISP, but it doesn't make you anonymous since sites can still track you via accounts and cookies. Choosing a free VPN means evaluating the provider's business model and privacy tradeoffs, not just the lack of a price tag.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-12
A technical guide walks through configuring a Tor exit node on an Ubuntu 14.04 system, the type of relay that connects anonymous Tor traffic to the regular internet. It outlines the legal and reputational risks operators face, including potential harassment from ISPs and authorities, plus practical hurdles like sites blocking exit node traffic or forcing CAPTCHAs.
madpsy.uk
· 2026-09-04
Rupert Young, an MIT alum now serving as chief product officer at MaxMind, traces his analytical approach to cybersecurity back to a childhood hobby of cataloguing stamps given to him by his grandfather. His company's GeoIP tool identifies user location through IP addresses, helping businesses verify currency settings, detect suspicious login activity, and prevent fraud.
technologyreview.com
· 2026-08-25
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