Latest news with #VPN
CNET
6 hours ago
- CNET
As a VPN Expert, These Are the Steps I Take to Keep My VPN Connection Speedy
Though virtual private networks can be great for protecting your privacy and unblocking geo-restricted streaming content, there's an unavoidable trade-off: VPNs slow down your internet speeds, sometimes by 50% or more. It's the nature of how VPNs work, and there's no way around it. A VPN encrypts your online traffic while routing it through a server in another location. While this keeps your online activity private from your ISP and other snoops, it slows down your speed. It takes time to encrypt and decrypt your internet traffic and for your data to make the round trip from your device to the VPN server and back. Other factors, like server congestion or the VPN protocol you're using, can also affect your speeds. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure your connection remains speedy when you're using a VPN. The speed hit may be virtually imperceptible for general internet use when you use a fast VPN, but you'll want all the speed you can get for data-heavy activities like competitive gaming, streaming or video calls. A delay of even a few milliseconds can mean the difference between glory and failure in your online game. Slow VPN speeds can result in a ruined video streaming experience, spoiled by constant buffering and poor video quality. If you're using a VPN while on a Zoom call, you'll want to do whatever you can to maximize your VPN speeds to ensure the call remains smooth and stable. If your VPN isn't as fast as you need it to be, here's what you can do to speed up your connection. Read more: The Best VPNs, Tested and Rated 7 ways to improve your VPN speeds Connect to a server closer to your physical location Generally speaking, the closer the VPN server is to your physical location, the faster your connection speeds should be. Your traffic will have a shorter physical distance to cover when it's routed through a VPN server that's close by rather than one that's halfway across the world. If you're in Boston, your VPN connection speeds should be a lot faster if you connect to a VPN server in New York City or Montreal than one in Sydney or Tokyo, for example. This won't always be practical if, say, you want to stream content from a specific country or access a gaming server from a particular location. But when you need a faster connection, try connecting to a few different VPN servers close to where you're physically located and see which ones yield the fastest speeds. Some VPNs will have a speed test feature built into their apps, but you can always use a speed testing website like Ookla Speedtest to check the speed of your connection. (Ookla is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) If you're looking for a VPN with tons of server locations, try NordVPN, which offers servers in 111 different countries -- so you're bound to find a few relatively close to where you are. Connect to a server that isn't overloaded When too many people are using a single VPN server, the server can get overloaded and your connection speed can take a hit. Some VPN providers display the current server load on their servers either in the app itself or on the website. If you choose one with a lighter load, you'll generally achieve faster speeds. If your VPN provider doesn't display the current load on its servers, try connecting to a few different ones to see which gets you the fastest speeds. Sometimes, it just takes a little trial and error. Your VPN will lower the speed of your connection, but you can try to minimize that hit. Sarah Tew/CNET Try connecting via a different VPN protocol A VPN protocol is a set of instructions between the VPN app on your device and the VPN server that determines how the secure connection is established. There are various VPN protocols and most providers give you the ability to choose between a few different options depending on what platform your using. Different protocols have different advantages and disadvantages in terms of speed and security, so if you connect via one VPN protocol rather than another, you can potentially boost the speed of your VPN. OpenVPN is currently the most battle-tested protocol, and it offers a nice combination of speed, stability and security -- but there are protocols that can deliver faster speeds. More VPN providers are now offering newer VPN protocols like WireGuard or their own proprietary protocols -- like ExpressVPN's Lightway and NordVPN's NordLynx that deliver blazing-fast speeds paired with solid security. Switching to one of these other protocols, if offered by your VPN provider, can yield you faster connection speeds through your VPN. Just be aware that these protocols haven't been as thoroughly tested in the wild as OpenVPN, so they shouldn't be your first choice for critical VPN use. If you prefer to use OpenVPN exclusively, use UDP rather than TCP to get the best speeds. While TCP is typically the more stable option, it tends to be slower than UDP because it needs to send data packets in the right order and will wait for confirmation of receipt from the recipient prior to sending the next packet. UDP isn't concerned about the order in which it sends data packets or getting any acknowledgment that they were received, so it tends to be faster, but less stable. Most VPN apps allow you to change the protocol you connect through in their settings section, so try playing around with the protocol settings to see which ones get you the fastest speeds. Enable split tunneling if available If your VPN provider offers a split-tunneling feature, then try enabling it to see if you can boost your VPN speeds. Split tunneling allows you to send only the traffic you want through your VPN connection, while sending the rest unencrypted through your regular internet connection. For example, if you're using your VPN for streaming, you can allocate just your streaming traffic to go through the VPN, which won't slow down your online gaming. This can help optimize your VPN speeds for certain activities, because all the excess traffic you don't need running through your VPN won't burden your bandwidth. Use a wired connection Using a wired connection will typically be faster than using your Wi-Fi. Chances are you've got several devices connected to your home Wi-Fi network all at the same time -- devices that are all sharing and competing for resources on the same wireless channel. This can result in an unstable internet connection and, therefore, slower speeds. If you have the proper equipment, try establishing a wired connection by hooking your computer up directly to your router via ethernet cable and then connect to your VPN. Close unnecessary apps running in the background If you have apps running in the background that you're not using, they could be taking up resources on your machine and slowing your connection. Take a minute to check if anything's running in the background that you're not using and close those processes. By clearing up potential bottlenecks like this, you might notice a faster connection. Restart your router and other devices When was the last time you restarted your devices? Just like anything else, tech like your computer and router occasionally need a little R&R. When you reboot your computer, you'll give it a needed refresh, free up some RAM and get it working optimally. So, as cliche as it sounds, try turning it off and back on again, then see how your VPN speeds improve as a result.
Tom's Guide
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
How to watch 'The Great British Sewing Bee' season 11 online from anywhere for free
The naughty programme controllers at the BBC had everybody guessing about when (or even if) "The Great British Sewing Bee" was going to return but now they've put us out of our misery. Here's how to watch it from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for free. "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 premieres on Tuesday, July 15 at 9 p.m. BST. on BBC One. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer. • FREE — BBC One / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free You know the drill by now. 12 amateur sewers will be put to the test over 10 weeks to display their skills with a range of challenges both thematic (this year those will include art and movies and even Korea) and technical (patterns, made-to-measure). The range of responses will require different approaches but always draw on one key asset - inspiration. Grab your needle and thread stitchers and don't forget your thimble. We're off... Read on and we'll reveal how to watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 online and from anywhere. "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 premieres on Tuesday, July 15 at 9 p.m. BST. on BBC One. Episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer. You don't have to miss it if you a Brit exiled abroad because you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We'll show you how to do that below... Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favorite is NordVPN. NordVPN July deal: FREE $50 / £50 Amazon gift card Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN. ✅ FREE Amazon gift card worth up to $50/£50✅ 4 months extra FREE!✅ 76% off usual price Use Nord to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" live online with our exclusive deal. Using a VPN is incredibly simple. 1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite. 2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view your usual U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list. 3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer and watch "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11. There are currently no plans to air "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 in the U.S. right now. If you are a Brit in the States on work or vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN, choosing U.K. from the list and heading to BBC iPlayer. In the U.K. then "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 airs on BBC One on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. BST (4 p.m. ET/ 1 p.m. PT) starting on Tuesday, July 15. Episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer. If you're not in the U.K., you can still catch the show by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN. As with the U.S. there are currently no plans to air "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 in Canada but if you are a Brit in the Great White North on work or vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN. "The Great British Sewing Bee" streams on Binge in Australia, so we'd expect season 11 to show up at some point in the very near future but there is no release date as yet. Right now, you can catch up with seasons 1-10 on Binge. If you are a Brit down under on work or vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN. "The Great British Sewing Bee" season 11 typically airs on TVNZ in New Zealand. Season 10 is currently streaming on TVNZ+. There's no word when season 11 might land but it will be soon. If you are a Brit currently there on work or vacation you can catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer. Jess from LondonKit from ManchesterGaynor from Port Talbot Glendora from LutonYasmin from GatesheadDan from DurhamNovello from LondonStuart from HerefordshireCaz from StaffordshireOrla from InvernessPeter from DevonSaffie from London Season 11 Episode 01 - Tuesday, July 15 at 9 p.m. S11 E02 - Tuesday, July 22 at 9 p.m. S11 E03 - Tuesday, July 29 at 9 p.m. S11 E04 - Tuesday, August 5 at 9 p.m. S11 E05 - Tuesday, August 12 at 9 p.m. S11 E06 - Tuesday, August 19 at 9 p.m. S11 E07 - Tuesday, August 26 at 9 p.m. S11 E08 - Tuesday, September 2 at 9 p.m. S11 E09 - Tuesday, September 9 at 9 p.m. S11 E10 - Tuesday, September 16 at 9 p.m. Esme Young: The 75 year old Joined "The Great British Sewing Bee" as a judge in 2016. A designer who's made costumes for films from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" to "Trainspotting", Esme is also a tutor at Central Saint Martins art school. With three friends passionate about fashion, she opened the iconic store Swanky Modes in Camden, London, in the 1970s and dressed stars such as Grace Jones, Siouxsie Sioux and Cher. Their most famous creation, the Amorphous dress, is in The V&A Museum. She has also appeared on: "Richard Osman's House of Games", "Would I Lie to You?" and "The Wheel". Patrick Grant: A designer and creative director of bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row and its subsidiary E Tautz, the 52 year old won Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2010. In 2015 he bought ailing Blackburn clothing manufacturer Cookson & Clegg, saving the factory from closure, and launched social enterprise Community Clothing to champion UK-made quality, affordable and sustainable fashion. Earlier this year, he presented the documentary Coronation Tailors: "Fit for a King." He has judged "The Great British Sewing Bee" since its start in 2013. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why Zero-Trust Network Access Requires VPN Technology
Francis Dinha is CEO and cofounder of OpenVPN Inc., a leading enterprise network security company. As businesses increasingly adopt zero-trust network access (ZTNA) as a way to secure their digital environments, a common misconception is emerging: Some believe that ZTNA can replace virtual private networks (VPNs). While it might not be as exciting to explain, the reality is that ZTNA simply cannot function without the support of some kind of tunneling technology—and that means working with VPNs, not against them. Both technologies are crucial in the fight against cyber threats; it doesn't have to be one or the other. That being said, they do both serve different purposes, and understanding their relationship is key to enhancing organizational security. Different Tools, Complementary Purposes ZTNA and VPNs are often mistakenly seen as competing solutions. However, they are not mutually exclusive. A VPN serves as a secure transport layer by creating an encrypted tunnel for communication between users and networks. This ensures that data remains private and protected, even over public networks like the internet. On the other hand, ZTNA focuses on access control. It ensures that only authorized users can access specific resources based on context such as their location, device health or user identity. ZTNA defines who can access what, when and under which conditions. While ZTNA policies enforce strict access controls, the mechanics of secure data transmission still rely on VPN tunneling, even on ZTNA tools. It's clear we need both secure access control and secure data transport, but many businesses still misunderstand this idea. The Role Of VPNs In Zero-Trust Strategies Zero trust is a model where trust is never assumed, regardless of whether the user is inside or outside the corporate network. The central tenet of zero trust is that access should be granted only on a need-to-know basis. To enforce this, organizations implement tools like identity and access management (IAM), multifactor authentication (MFA) and other strategies like device management. Despite these innovations in access control, zero trust does not eliminate the need for secure communication channels. VPN technology remains a crucial component of this model. In fact, 40% of companies still report using a VPN. A "zero-trust VPN" might sound like a contradiction, but it is an essential part of a complete zero-trust architecture. NIST And The Enduring Importance Of VPNs The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which provides guidelines for cybersecurity best practices, underscores the importance of network segmentation and encrypted tunnels in any zero-trust architecture. In the NIST Special Publication 800-207 on zero trust, NIST states that strong network segmentation and secure pathways remain foundational to zero-trust security models. Without secure transport mechanisms like VPNs, organizations leave themselves vulnerable to cyberattacks, as malicious actors could exploit gaps in the system to gain unauthorized access to critical data. Without VPN tunneling, even the best access controls cannot prevent the interception or manipulation of data in transit. The Shift In Cybersecurity Strategy Rather than seeing VPNs as unnecessary in the face of emerging zero-trust models, organizations must recognize how these tools work together. VPNs are not the problem; they're part of the solution. By evolving VPN technology to support more granular, contextual access controls, businesses can enhance their security posture. As businesses increasingly embrace hybrid workforces and cloud-based operations, ensuring secure connectivity without sacrificing access control will be essential. The combination of ZTNA policies and VPN tunneling provides the best of both worlds, allowing organizations to adapt to modern challenges while maintaining strong security frameworks. Working Together: Best Practices For Combining ZTNA And VPN Technology Zero trust and VPNs are complementary, not competing, technologies. As organizations move toward integrating zero-trust security with VPN technology, strategic implementation becomes essential to avoid common pitfalls and fully realize the benefits of this powerful security model. Here are several best practices and considerations for optimizing deployment: 1. Start with a comprehensive access inventory. Before layering ZTNA policies onto your VPN infrastructure, organizations should begin by auditing all existing access points—including users, devices, applications and services. Map out who needs access to what and under what conditions. Without this clarity, ZTNA enforcement may inadvertently block legitimate traffic or leave gaps in protection. 2. Integrate identity and context-aware controls early. ZTNA relies heavily on identity verification and context (e.g., device posture, location, time of day, etc.). Ensure that your VPN solution is integrated with robust identity and access management (IAM) systems and supports context-aware enforcement. This ensures the VPN is not just a static tunnel but a dynamic, policy-enforcing conduit. 3. Avoid the 'lift-and-shift' mentality. A common stumbling block is trying to bolt ZTNA onto legacy VPN architecture without rethinking how access policies should change. ZTNA is not simply a wrapper—it's a shift in mindset. Legacy VPNs often provide broad, implicit trust once connected; zero trust demands explicit, granular permissions. Transitioning to this model requires redesigning network segmentation and access scopes. 4. Ensure visibility and logging across all layers. When combining VPN and ZTNA, ensure you have complete observability into user sessions, device health, policy enforcement outcomes and data flows. Look for solutions that integrate with SIEM platforms or offer centralized dashboards to track both access requests and transport-level activity. This visibility is critical not only for threat detection but also for compliance and incident response. 5. Prioritize user experience. One challenge many organizations face is user friction during authentication and access. If the ZTNA-VPN setup is cumbersome, users may seek workarounds—potentially undermining security. Minimize complexity by using single sign-on (SSO) and adaptive access policies that reduce the number of re-authentication steps when risk levels are low. 6. Adopt a phased rollout strategy. Implementing ZTNA on top of VPN infrastructure is complex. Start with a pilot program focused on a specific user group or application, and gradually expand. This allows IT teams to test policies, monitor behavior and fine-tune configurations before rolling out organization-wide. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, businesses must embrace the combination of ZTNA-powered VPNs to ensure both secure connectivity and precise access control. The future of cybersecurity lies in this integration—where trust is never assumed and data is always protected. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Phone Arena
Microsoft is quietly giving your laptop settings a brain – and it's not Copilot
Receive the latest mobile news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy How to use the Settings AI agent Would you use an AI assistant in your PC settings? Yes, it sounds helpful Maybe, if it works well No, I prefer manual control I'm not sure yet Yes, it sounds helpful 0% Maybe, if it works well 0% No, I prefer manual control 0% I'm not sure yet 0% Mu model is powering it Grab Surfshark VPN now at more than 50% off and with 3 extra months for free! Secure your connection now at a bargain price! We may earn a commission if you make a purchase Check Out The Offer Microsoft is improving the Settings app with generative AI and a new agent designed to help you find yourself in the settings and configure things now, to use Settings effectively, you need to know exactly what you're looking for and where it is. There's a search tool, alright, but you still need to have a general idea of the setting's name. Of course, experienced users navigate the interface naturally, but more regular users may struggle with those people, Microsoft is now introducing an AI assistant in the Settings app aimed at guiding you through system AI agent isn't a chatbot, like, say, Copilot. It's actually built directly into the Settings app's search box instead. It allows you to find configuration options by describing an issue or change you want to even cooler is that you can use natural language to explain what's wrong or what it is you want to do. The AI agent will then display relevant settings, and it may even automate the steps to apply the this new AI agent is less of a search tool but really more like an not the first time Microsoft has toyed with the idea. The company has previously experimented with a similar feature with Copilot. That version was known as "Copilot suggestions" internally and was designed to help by offering settings recommendations based on your obviously, this Copilot-powered feature was abandoned. Now, its place is taken by this new AI agent built into need to have a Copilot+ PC to take advantage of this new assistant. Basically, if you want to try it out, you can just open the Settings app on your laptop and use the search box to describe what you want to achieve, or if you're having a AI agent should start suggesting things in real-time as you type. When a setting is recommended to you, there will also be an "Apply" button (for example, with Voice Access activation), and clicking it will automatically enable the the feature is not perfect just yet. Not every query leads the AI to find you the relevant feature, and sometimes, the simplest of tasks can confuse AI agent in the Settings app is powered by the Mu model. This is a small language model (SLM) that runs entirely on-device. Microsoft says the model doesn't require an internet connection and processes natural language input locally with your laptop's NPU (Neural Processing Unit).It generates responses at over 100 tokens per second. This basically means that the feedback is almost system configuration isn't super simple and requires precise intent recognition. Microsoft, reportedly, first tried using a LoRA-tuned model for the task, but it responded too slowly and was unsuitable for the experience the tech giant was looking Mu model was fast but not too accurate. The company has since worked on it to improve its accuracy by scaling the training samples and expanding it to hundreds of more model was trained on real user queries, prompts, and user data. Microsoft claims that Mu performed quite well with multi-word queries. Short queries can be answered by the Search box's search functionality, and that's why the model is integrated into the Settings' search is also tuned to prioritize the most frequently accessed options for quick results, without guessing at vague I already mentioned, this AI agent is only available on Copilot+ PCs. Right now, it's available through the Windows Insider Program, and the timeframe of its official rollout is not clear just yet.
Gizmodo
2 days ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Top-Rated VPN, Bottom-Line Price: This Deal Is Stealing the Show
When something is so affordable yet excellent, it disappears in the blink of an eye. NordVPN's eye-catching deal lasts for quite a while, but we're afraid it'll end soon. Blink once or twice, and you'll miss out on it. If you're reading this article, you may still have a few days left. NordVPN breaks the boundaries of cheap VPNs by introducing a crafty gift to spice up the formula. More information is below. Don't quit now. Explore NordVPN Discounts NordVPN's biennial plans have always sparked attention among VPN enthusiasts. How can a VPN this popular be so affordable? We'll leave this question open and immediately jump to the best-value plan: NordVPN Plus. This one is 70% off and costs only $4.39 monthly for the first 24 months. With NordVPN, malware and ad-blocking, and NordPass (our favorite password manager), you'll get more than you've bargained for. But then, NordVPN spawns two more plans: Complete and Prime. The former's price of $5.39 monthly won't last long. It includes 1 TB NordLocker on top, while the latter, at $7.39 monthly, includes NordProtect. Serious packages at not-so-serious prices. NordVPN must be joking. Luckily, it's not, and when you hear about a 30-day money-back guarantee, you'll reach for that credit card in your back pocket. Testing NordVPN for a month risk-free sounds exciting, but a longer ride might be even smarter. We excluded one piece of information; fortunately, a good one. NordVPN's Plus, Complete, and Prime plans come with a twist or, better said, a gift. If you use the VPN for at least 30 days, each plan includes a $20, $40, or $50 Amazon gift card. They're issued from the 31st to the 50th day, and you can use them if you're from the USA, Australia, or Canada. If you were planning an Amazon haul, these fifty bucks can be a much-needed backup. Remember that NordVPN's Basic plan is excluded from the promotion. At the same time, it's only $3.39 monthly and is a staggering deal if you need only the VPN. At just a dollar more, the Plus deal makes more sense. NordVPN is more than a VPN, especially with all the tech surrounding it. Amazon gift cards are a fantastic offer, but we're confident that NordVPN alone is enough to knock your socks off. As the world's leading VPN, NordVPN offers: Believe it or not, we just scratched the surface with this list. Our NordVPN test offers more information. If you'd rather test the VPN yourself, you have nothing to lose by immediately opting for this refreshing summer deal. Try NordVPN Risk-Free
