Latest news with #internetprivacy
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
The Wiretap: U.S. Court Data Was Hacked
The Wiretap is your weekly digest of cybersecurity, internet privacy and surveillance news. To get it in your inbox, subscribe here . R ecords systems used by the Department of Justice and defense counsels have been breached, according to Politico , and the hack could expose highly sensitive information on informants, witnesses and sealed cases. The breach hit two components of the judiciary's records system: Case Management/Electronic Case Files, or CM/ECF, used by legal professionals to upload and manage case documents; and PACER, which is used by the public (including Forbes reporters) to access court files. It's unclear who carried out the breach, which is still being investigated, though the possibility of a nation state-sponsored attack hasn't been ruled out. Neither the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, which runs the records systems, nor the Justice Department have commented. The breach itself poses a number of potential harms down the road. Any leak could expose–and consequently endanger–confidential sources. It could also tip off suspects being investigated, but who haven't yet been arrested or charged, given them a chance to destroy evidence or otherwise cover up their tracks. Given the sensitivity of the data hosted on the platform, you might expect it to be well secured. But earlier this year, Michael Scudder, chair of the Committee on Information Technology for the federal courts' national policymaking body, told the House Judiciary Committee the systems were 'outdated, unsustainable due to cyber risks, and require replacement.' Got a tip on surveillance or cybercrime? Get me on Signal at +1 929-512-7964 . THE BIG STORY: Congress Launches Flock Safety Inquiry Boston Globe via Getty Images 404 Media, which has been doing plenty of reporting on Flock Safety, reports that two members of Congress have launched a formal investigation into the company. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will be looking into Flock's 'role in enabling invasive surveillance practices that threaten the privacy, safety, and civil liberties of women, immigrants, and other vulnerable Americans.' Flock says it takes civil liberties seriously and is looking forward to working with the committee. Read the whole story at 404 Stories You Have To Read Today Last week, Vegas was home to two major cybersecurity conferences: the Black Hat and DEF CON. These annual gatherings of security pros produced a ton of new security findings. Some highlights: Security researchers figured out how to crack eight brands of electronic safes using two different techniques, both exposing significant vulnerabilities, Wired reports. The same publication reports that researchers found a way to hijack Google's Gemini AI to mess with smart home devices. It began with a poisoned Google Calendar invitation, which included instructions to turn on smart home products. When Gemini was later asked to summarize upcoming calendar events, the instructions were triggered to turn off lights and switch a connected boiler on. Google said the research had led it to speed up security improvements to protect against similar attacks. Other researchers poked holes in Apple Intelligence privacy, which is shifting data around its company servers 'beyond what its privacy policies indicate,' reports Cyberscoop. They claimed that may increase the risk of user information being exposed. Apple said it didn't agree with the findings and said they didn't represent privacy violations. Winner of the Week Also at DEF CON, a group of researchers from Samsung and Georgia Tech, called Team Atlanta, won the $4 million top prize of the AI Cyber Challenge, run by the Pentagon's research arm DARPA. Their winning entry was an AI program that could autonomously find and fix cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 'As hackers we started this competition as AI skeptics, but now we truly believe in the potential of adopting large language models when solving security problems,' said Georgia Tech professor and Samsung's vice president of research Taesoo Kim. Loser of the Week Outside of the conferences, Google was hacked and had one of its Salesforce database systems breached, exposing contact information and related notes for small and medium businesses. The Air France and KLM airlines were hit in similar attacks. More On Forbes Forbes Alex Rodriguez's Startup Jump Raises $23 Million In Quest To Be Shopify For Sports Teams By Justin Birnbaum Forbes Longer Leash On Life: Inside The Dog Longevity Startup By Amy Feldman Forbes Apex Wants To Bring Henry Ford-Style Mass Production To Satellites By Jeremy Bogaisky
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The little-known risks of using a free VPN to get around the Online Safety Act
Many internet users have turned to VPN software to visit sites containing blocked content in the wake of the UK's Online Safety Act coming into force. The Online Safety Act sets tough new requirements on social media platforms as well as sites hosting pornography, to protect children and remove illegal content. These include requirements for age checks, some of which require personal data to be uploaded to access sites that show pornography. The site Top10VPN, which monitors VPN traffic around the world, reported that British VPN traffic rose by 1,327% on 25 July, the day the act came into force, and had risen almost almost 2,000% by 27 July. But cybersecurity experts have said that there is a danger that users will rely on free VPNs, some of which are notorious for privacy risks. What are free VPNs? Virtual private networks, or VPNs, refer to software that routes a user's internet connection through a server in another location, making it seem as if the user is in another country, and thus bypassing the requirements for age checks. Most VPNs charge a monthly fee for use, but there are free versions – ranging from trial versions of paid software to services that are always free. It's some of the always-free versions that users should be wary of, explains Jamie Akhtar, CEO and Co-founder at cybersecurity company CyberSmart. "Unfortunately, free VPNs can come with risks. Although it must be said, not always; if you're using a free trial version of a reputable product, you're likely fine. However, totally free VPNs do raise concerns," he warned. What are the risks of free VPNs? Paid VPNs are highly protective of user privacy, because their financial models rely on paying subscribers. For some free VPN services, user data can be a way to earn money - such as by selling information on the sites people visit to advertisers. Akhtar warned: 'Most free products still need some way to monetise their service, so if you aren't paying in cash, you're probably paying with your data." On less reputable free services, it's also not clear who has access to your data, and how they might use it. 'Some free VPN providers don't disclose their data policies or company ownership, making it unclear who is handling your data or what they're planning to do with it. It'll also be more difficult for you to access legal recourse if your data is abused," said Akhtar. 'If the VPN doesn't adhere to privacy laws or keeps logs that can be handed over to authorities, your identity and online activities could be exposed.' With 'free VPN' a popular search term, cybercriminals have also 'cashed in' by creating apps that look like VPNs but are in fact malware that can infect devices. 'There have been instances of cybercriminals disguising free downloadable VPNs as malware, spyware, and ransomware, so be very careful where you source yours from," added Akhtar. How can I be sure a VPN is safe? There are free VPNs which are perfectly safe to use, such as trial versions offered by major VPN companies such as NordVPN, PrivadoVPN, Surfshark, Proton and Norton. But as a general rule, these come with limitations such as slower speeds or a cap on data. It's generally worth paying the small monthly fee for a paid VPN service just for peace of mind, says Akhtar. 'Many free VPNs have weaker encryption standards or outdated protocols, which can leave your data vulnerable to interception and your device open to attack. There's also the likelihood that it just won't work as well as a paid service. Many free VPNs have unstable connections and high latency, making using them a pretty frustrating experience. 'All in all, it's worth stumping up the extra cash for a paid service. Excellent VPN services can be found for very little cost, and it's worth it for the peace of mind you'll gain."
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trustless VPN signups surge as UK Online Safety Act sparks privacy rush
Signups for virtual private networks, or VPNs, are surging after new provisions from the UK's Online Safety Act that enforce age and identity checks and require sites to block certain content for UK users came into effect last week. So-called trustless or decentralised VPNs that tap into blockchain technology are benefitting too, despite stiff competition from more mainstream products. 'Traffic does seem to be increasing, and users from the UK are increasing,' Harry Halpin, CEO of Nym Technologies, the firm behind NymVPN, told DL News. Spokespeople from two other trustless VPNs told DL News they've also seen an uptick in signups and traffic since the UK's new rules came into effect on July 25. What are VPN? VPNs are software that encrypt users' internet traffic, making their browsing history and location harder to trace. They allow users to access websites blocked in the UK and dodge identity checks. Their increased use comes as UK residents push back against the Online Safety Act. The act is meant to protect children by blocking access to websites that contain material harmful to them, such as porn sites. Web users can remove the blocks by providing sites documents such as bank statements or passports to verifying their age and identity. But critics say the rules are being applied too broadly and that even adults are struggling to access legal content. Others argue that the blocks do little to protect children as they are easily circumvented using VPNs, and the mandatory age and identity checks threaten users' privacy. No control Trustless or decentralised VPNs advertise themselves as a more private and secure alternative to commercial VPNs. 'Most commercial VPN providers are centralised,' Halpin said. 'Centralised VPN providers can actually directly see all of your internet traffic, even if they claim to use encryption.' Several commercial VPN companies that say they don't log user activity have been caught doing so. This is a problem, Halpin said, because it means those VPNs can easily hand over their users' data to authorities should they request it, or lose the data in a hack. Decentralised VPNs, on the other hand, operate similarly to blockchains in that they are made up of a network of distributed nodes. Proponents claim this means they cannot collect or log users' data, even if they wanted to. 'There is no central point of control,' Freqnik, a pseudonymous core developer at Meile dVPN, told DL News. 'Decentralised VPNs reduce the trust barrier.' Many decentralised or trustless VPNs leverage blockchain technology. Meile dVPN uses Sentinel, a decentralised blockchain marketplace where anyone can buy and sell internet bandwidth. Others, like NymVPN, let users pay for their services with privacy-preserving crypto like Monero and Zcash. Downsides Yet there are downsides to the enhanced privacy. 'With great freedom comes great responsibility,' Freqnik said. 'Any decentralised network, whether it be blockchain or peer-to-peer connections, is prone to bad actors.' Meile says it solves this issue by assigning nodes on its network a score based on the quality of service they provide. Some users also worry that decentralised VPNs won't be as performant as their centralised counterparts. According to Halpin, the extra level of anonymity NymVPN provides does slow it down. He said the speed is enough for instant messages and cryptocurrency transactions, and that Nym also offers a faster, less anonymous version of its VPN. For privacy diehards, these downsides likely aren't an issue. But for more casual users it might be a hard sell. After all, commercial VPNs do just as good a job of helping users bypass website blocks, the main reason users are flocking to the software. 'From what we can tell, centralised VPNs seem to be benefiting the most,' Freqnik said. 'Decentralised VPNs are still under the radar.' Tim Craig is DL News' Edinburgh-based DeFi Correspondent. Reach out with tips at tim@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Gizmodo
06-07-2025
- Gizmodo
Best Astrill VPN Alternatives in 2025: Faster, Safer, and More Streaming-Friendly
Table of Contents Astrill isn't exactly a household name, but for folks in places like China or the UAE, it's long been a go-to for punching through the Great Firewall. With built-in stealth protocols and unlimited devices, it looks powerful on paper. But dig deeper, and cracks start to show. It's one of the most expensive VPNs out there, and still doesn't offer a refund. Pair that with its clunky app design and patchy support for streaming platforms, and it becomes clear: Astrill may no longer be the smartest tool in the box. If you've been thinking of jumping ship, we've tested dozens of services to bring you the top Astrill VPN alternatives, which are faster, cheaper, and just as stealthy. Astrill isn't a bad VPN, but it feels like it's just stuck in 2015 pricing with 2020 features, while the competition is sprinting ahead in 2025. To find Astrill VPN alternatives that genuinely outshine it, we focused on the gaps it leaves wide open. Astrill charges over $12/month for the long-term commitment, and doesn't offer a money-back guarantee. That's steep, especially if you just want to test the waters. We prioritized VPNs that give you top-tier features and a risk-free trial. NordVPN, for instance, packs in blazing speeds, obfuscated servers, and a 30-day money-back window, all for nearly half the price. Astrill isn't built for binge-watchers. Even with Smart Mode, it struggles with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and others. We only picked VPNs that could reliably unblock multiple libraries without error screens or throttled streams. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are standout choices here, and it aced our tests across Netflix, Hulu+, and Prime Video. They are also reliable options when it comes to watching Paramount+ programs from abroad. From setup to server selection, Astrill's UI can feel stiff and overwhelming, especially for new users. So we focused on VPNs with clean, intuitive apps across all platforms: mobile, desktop, even Smart TVs and routers. Proton VPN gets full marks here with its polished dashboard and one-click profiles for streaming, torrenting, and stealth browsing. Despite its advanced features, Astrill locks some key options behind paywalls (like StealthVPN or VIP add-ons). We favored VPNs that offer customization without extra fees, like Private Internet Access, which gives you full control over encryption levels, port forwarding, and protocol tweaks straight out of the box. Astrill claims a no-logs policy but hasn't backed it up with third-party audits. That's a red flag in 2025. We only included providers that are independently audited, use RAM-only servers, and are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. NordVPN, again, checks every box here, has been audited five times, and is based in Panama. Astrill has its fans, no doubt, but with its sky-high pricing, clunky interface, and no-refund policy, we couldn't help but ask: Is there something better out there? Spoiler: there is. Actually, there are several. We tested over a dozen premium VPNs side-by-side with Astrill. The goal? Find services that offer better performance, smoother streaming, smarter security, and more transparency, all while keeping your wallet intact. Below are the top Astrill VPN alternatives that don't just match what Astrill offers, they improve on it. Let's start with the one that raises the bar across the board. According to our hands-on tests with NordVPN, it is the best Astrill VPN alternative to try right now. Whether you're streaming international Netflix libraries, shielding sensitive data on public Wi-Fi, or just tired of clunky interfaces and surprise charges, NordVPN delivers a smoother, faster, and more flexible experience than Astrill. When it comes to bypassing censorship, NordVPN is highly effective and is often mentioned as one of the top VPNs capable of working in China. With 7,400+ servers across 118+ countries, including a huge footprint in the US, UK, Australia, and Asia, NordVPN gave us ultra-fast speeds and consistent access to services Astrill struggled with, like Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Hotstar. While Astrill locks key streaming features behind premium plans, NordVPN's SmartPlay is built in, letting you stream geo-restricted content seamlessly without manual DNS tweaks. It's not just a streaming beast, though. NordVPN takes privacy seriously. You get RAM-only servers, AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy (audited five times), and Double VPN routing for sensitive activities. During testing, features like Threat Protection blocked trackers and malicious domains (even without an active VPN connection), something Astrill doesn't match. We also found the Meshnet tool useful for device-to-device encryption, especially if you're working remotely or gaming with friends in other regions. Plus, with support for 10 simultaneous connections, your whole household can stay protected under one plan. Best of all, NordVPN costs just over $3/month on long-term plans, with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on Android, which is a level of flexibility Astrill doesn't offer. Still unsure if this is the right alternative for you? Reading our Astrill VPN vs NordVPN comparison will no doubt help you decide. Buy at NordVPN Pros Cons If your main gripe with Astrill is its clunky UI, unreliable region switching, or paywalled 'VIP' servers, ExpressVPN is the elegant alternative you've been looking for. It's fast, it's intuitive, and it works, especially when you just want to stream something without fiddling with settings. With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN covers slightly fewer locations than NordVPN but nails the ones that matter most, like the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. In our tests, we unblocked Netflix, Hulu+, HBO Max, and Kayo Sports in seconds. And thanks to Lightway Turbo, ExpressVPN's custom protocol, we consistently got fast speeds with low latency, even on long-distance connections. One major upside over Astrill? ExpressVPN has native apps for nearly every device, including Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, PlayStation, and routers. It's also important to note that ExpressVPN offers a high-quality VPN app for Mac. There's also MediaStreamer, a smart DNS tool that works on devices that don't support VPNs directly, with no additional fees and no 'VIP' server nonsense. Privacy-wise, ExpressVPN runs TrustedServer architecture, where all servers are RAM-based and wiped on every reboot. It's also headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and has a no-logs policy that's been independently audited multiple times. At just around $5/month on long-term plans, ExpressVPN is pricier than others on this list, but if you want a VPN that works across devices and platforms, it's well worth it. Buy at ExpressVPN Pros Cons If Astrill's paywalled features and confusing interface drove you up the wall, Private Internet Access (PIA) feels like a breath of fresh air. It's powerful without being overcomplicated, especially if you're the kind of user who wants control over encryption levels, protocols, ports, and even which apps use the VPN. PIA has a massive network of over 30,000 servers in 91 countries, and it's one of the only VPNs that runs servers in all 50 US states. This is huge if you're trying to unblock regional streaming libraries, local sports broadcasts, or content restricted to certain states (like local FOX affiliates or blackout-limited MLB games). While Astrill hides basic streaming support behind premium tiers, Private Internet Access works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and even region-sensitive platforms like PBS with no upcharges or shady gimmicks. Streaming was smooth in our tests, especially when using the WireGuard protocol, which gave us reliable performance on both short and long-distance servers. Private Internet Access VPN also includes MACE, its built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker, which Astrill doesn't offer without manual configuration. It's one of the few VPNs that's fully open-source, meaning every line of code in the apps is open for public inspection. You can protect unlimited devices with one account, and subscriptions start at just over $2/month if you commit long term. It's a budget-friendly powerhouse that's ideal for tinkerers and casual streamers alike. Buy at Private Internet Access Pros Cons Astrill might boast about its 'Stealth VPN' or advanced configs, but for everyday users looking to stream, browse, and stay private without limits, Surfshark delivers where Astrill fumbles. It's the only premium VPN on this list that gives you unlimited device connections, making it perfect for households, friend groups, or just anyone with way too many gadgets. What really makes Surfshark stand out is how consistent its streaming access is across global platforms. In our tests, it unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, UK, Japan, and South Korea, all regions where Astrill struggled or required extra payment. Surfshark even gave us full access to Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and Hotstar, without bandwidth throttling or weird buffering glitches. It uses WireGuard by default, ensuring smooth speeds and low latency even across long distances. When you need extra stealth, the Camouflage Mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, ideal for getting around VPN blocks without triggering flags. It's not as granular as Astrill's setup, but for most users, it's plug-and-play with smarter defaults. You also get some privacy perks Astrill doesn't touch: RAM-only servers, IP Rotator, GPS spoofing on Android, and the option for a dedicated IP. And if you're trying to save, Surfshark is among the cheapest long-term VPNs out there, with plans starting at just around $2.50/month with a 30-day refund guarantee. Buy at Surfshark Pros Cons Astrill's pricing can be steep, especially if you're only looking for basic protection or occasional streaming access. That's where Proton VPN stands out as the best free alternative to Astrill on this list, which isn't surprising, given that it ranked as the top free VPN in our tests. Unlike most free VPNs, Proton VPN's free plan doesn't bombard you with ads, throttle your speeds to a crawl, or sneakily log your data. It gives you access to servers in five countries (the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland) with unlimited bandwidth and a no-logs policy backed by independent audits and Switzerland's strict privacy laws. For everyday private browsing, public Wi-Fi security, or location shifting to catch up on basic streaming, Proton's free version gets the job done. But if you upgrade to the Plus plan, that's where it gets competitive with Astrill on every front. The premium tier adds servers in 90+ countries, access to Secure Core (which routes traffic through multiple hardened servers), Tor over VPN, and streaming access to Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. It also enables VPN Accelerator, a unique speed-boosting tech that minimizes latency over long distances, which is something Astrill struggles with in its standard configurations. Proton VPN is easy to use, supports 10 devices simultaneously, and works across all platforms, from Android and iOS to Linux and routers. Pricing for premium plans starts at around $3.5/month, which makes it a flexible pick whether you want to stay free forever or level up later. Buy at ProtonVPN Pros Cons Astrill might look good on paper, but in the real world, it often overpromises and underdelivers, especially when it comes to price, streaming, and transparency. Whether you're frustrated by its high cost, limited server coverage, or lack of independent audits, there's no shortage of better options. If you want the best all-rounder that actually backs up its claims, NordVPN is your move. It's faster, more secure, works reliably with major streaming platforms, and has been audited multiple times for its no-logs policy. With support for up to 10 devices and rock-solid speeds, it's our top pick if you're ditching Astrill for something more future-proof. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee, and experience what a real premium VPN should feel like. If you feel the need to continue your research, you can check out our list of the best VPNs right now, or the full comparison of Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.
TechCrunch
27-06-2025
- Politics
- TechCrunch
SCOTUS porn ruling opens door to sweeping internet age verification
The United States Supreme Court ruled Friday to uphold a Texas law requiring websites with 'sexual material harmful to minors' to verify the ages of all visitors. The Free Speech Coalition (FSC), a trade association for the adult industry, had brought the lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenging the state's age verification law. Age verification in this context does not mean mindlessly clicking a box to declare that you are an adult – it means uploading government ID documents or using third-party verification platforms to prove your age. This decision has far-reaching ramifications for internet privacy. Eighteen states have already enacted laws requiring age verification to access such websites, while six additional states have passed legislation that has not yet taken effect. Under the Texas law that the FSC challenged, a pornographic website is defined as having at least one-third of its content deemed 'harmful to minors.' Internet privacy advocates have long criticized these age checks for their potential to compromise users' digital security, even when verification companies vow not to retain identifying information. In some cases, these age checks are conducted via government tools, and it's not abnormal for hackers to breach government databases. At a time when LGBTQ rights are under attack in the U.S., activists have protested that laws like this could be used to classify non-pornographic information about the LGBTQ community, as well as basic sex education, to be 'sexual material harmful to minors.' These concerns appear well-founded, given that President Trump's administration has removed references to civil rights movements and LGBTQ history from some government websites. The original Texas age-verification law, HB 1181, was passed around the same time the state imposed other legal restrictions on the LGBTQ community, including limits on public drag shows and bans on gender-affirming care for minors. The drag show law was later deemed unconstitutional for violating the First Amendment.
