#Internet Access VPN

[bananaede]

guys my Tumblr is acting weird:( I hope it's not filtered

[pchelik-please]

YouTube just got banned in my country.

R.I.P. YouTube ig

[amethystsoda]

information about what’s going on with the “tiktok ban” bill — I’ll post his part 2 on how you can make your voice heard to help stop it as well

[sassysnowperson]

I have never been so sad to be a US American with little knowledge of piracy or a VPN, because all the cool Eurovision stuff I'm missing out on :(

Much love to my friends who celebrate! I hope the music is ridiculous and fun and moving. Have a lovely time!

[awkward-teabag]

I was just going through this for some tag talk but ExpressVPN's parent company is Kape Technologies plc. Kape Technologies also owns the VPNs CyberGhost, ZenMate, and Private Internet Access, so that's 3 more VPNs to avoid.

Kape Technologies also owns the VPN review sites vpnMentor and WizCase which both heavily push ExpressVPN to a gross degree (as in both give huge popups to subscribe to ExpressVPN) while claiming it's unbiased and them being owned by Kape doesn't affect their reviews at all. They also push CyberGhost and PIA, though to a lesser extent by having them in the #2 and #3 places. ZenMate isn't mentioned because it "partnered" with CyberGhost.

Everything else aside, to me it's sketchy as hell when one person buys up multiple VPNs and VPN review sites, especially when that person also owns online advertising companies, one of which effectively used a trojan, sorry, injector, to deliver personalized ads that was then used by malicious actors to inject malware and spyware onto people's computers without them noticing.

That company? It changed its name from Crossrider to Kape Technologies to "distance the company from past activities".

Boycott ExpressVPN

[agileseen24]

How to check if your computer is being monitored

In today's digital age, the issue of privacy and security is more pressing than ever. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, understanding if your computer is being monitored is crucial. This guide will delve into the signs of monitoring, tools to detect it, and steps to safeguard your privacy.

Understanding Computer Monitoring

Before diving into the signs and detection methods, it’s essential to understand what computer monitoring entails. Monitoring can involve tracking your online activity, keystrokes, file access, and even webcam usage. This can be done by malicious software (malware), spyware, or legitimate monitoring software used by employers or parents.

Types of Monitoring

Malware and Spyware: These are malicious programs that can be installed without your knowledge. They can track your activities and send data back to an attacker.

Keyloggers: This type of software records keystrokes, capturing sensitive information like passwords and personal messages.

Remote Access Tools (RATs): These tools allow someone to control your computer remotely, monitoring your screen, accessing files, and even using your webcam.

Legitimate Monitoring Software: Often used in corporate environments, this software tracks employee activity for productivity or compliance reasons. While legal, it can still infringe on personal privacy.

Signs That Your Computer May Be Monitored

Recognizing the signs that your computer might be monitored is the first step in protecting yourself.

1. Unusual System Behavior

Slow Performance: If your computer suddenly becomes sluggish, it might be due to monitoring software consuming resources.

Frequent Crashes or Freezes: Unexpected system crashes can indicate underlying issues, including malware.

2. Suspicious Programs

Unknown Applications: Check your installed programs for any unfamiliar applications. Many monitoring tools disguise themselves as legitimate software.

High Resource Usage: Use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to look for processes consuming excessive CPU or memory.

3. Network Activity

Unexplained Network Traffic: Use network monitoring tools to check for unusual data being sent or received. High outbound traffic could indicate that data is being transmitted without your consent.

Blocked Ports: Monitoring software often uses specific ports to communicate. If you notice blocked ports that you didn’t configure, it could be a red flag.

4. Webcam and Microphone Behavior

Indicator Light Activation: If your webcam or microphone is being accessed without your knowledge, the indicator light may be on even when you're not using it.

Unexpected Recordings: Check for unusual files that could be recordings made by your microphone or webcam.

5. Browser Behavior

Unusual Browser Extensions: Check for extensions you didn’t install. Some can track your browsing activity.

Unexpected Redirects: Frequent redirects to strange sites or altered search results can indicate tracking.

6. Security Alerts

Antivirus Notifications: If your antivirus software frequently alerts you about threats, it may indicate that monitoring software is present.

Firewall Alerts: Unusual outgoing connection attempts can suggest that an unauthorized program is trying to access the internet.

Tools to Detect Monitoring Software

If you suspect that your computer is being monitored, several tools can help you investigate further.

1. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Using a reliable antivirus or anti-malware program can help detect and remove malicious software. Some popular options include:

Malwarebytes: Excellent for detecting and removing malware and spyware.

Norton: Offers comprehensive protection against various types of threats.

2. Network Monitoring Tools

Tools like Wireshark can help analyze network traffic and identify suspicious activity. You can monitor data packets to see if there are any unexpected connections.

3. Task Manager / Activity Monitor

Regularly check the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) for processes that look unfamiliar or suspicious. Research any questionable applications before taking action.

4. System Scans

Use built-in tools to perform system scans:

Windows Defender: Run a full scan for malware and spyware.

Mac’s Built-in Security Features: Use the Malware Removal Tool for additional scanning.

5. Firewall Monitoring

Make sure your firewall is active and monitor logs for any unusual activity. A firewall can block unauthorized access attempts and alert you to potential threats.

Steps to Protect Your Privacy

If you determine that your computer is being monitored or you want to prevent it from happening, follow these steps to enhance your security.

1. Update Your Software Regularly

Keeping your operating system and all software up-to-date ensures that you have the latest security patches. This reduces vulnerabilities that can be exploited by monitoring tools.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Implement strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, making unauthorized access much more difficult.

4. Install a Firewall

Ensure you have a firewall activated, whether it’s built-in (like Windows Firewall) or third-party. This helps control incoming and outgoing network traffic.

5. Be Cautious with Downloads

Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, as this can introduce malware to your system. Always verify the legitimacy of software before installing it.

6. Regularly Review Permissions

Check application permissions on your device regularly. Revoke access for any apps that do not need to access your camera, microphone, or location.

7. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, making it difficult for anyone to monitor your online activities.

8. Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Knowledge is your best defense against monitoring.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you suspect your computer is being monitored and cannot identify or remove the software yourself, consider seeking professional help. Cybersecurity experts can perform a thorough analysis of your system and provide tailored solutions.

Conclusion

Understanding if your computer is being monitored is vital for protecting your privacy. By recognizing the signs, utilizing detection tools, and implementing security measures, you can safeguard your personal information. Remember, vigilance is key in the ever-evolving landscape of digital security. Stay informed, proactive, and secure in your online presence.

[crazydiscostu]

ConnectVPN

Lets watch Korean cooking shows!

Today we’re looking at a new VPN subscription service on the market. Join us for a definition of VPN and a review of the ConnectVPN service – a service that boasts its focus on customer need, rather than bloated service add-ons. What Is A VPN? Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that can protect your online privacy, keep your data secure, and allow you to access content that might otherwise…

[ellarem]

implodes

[subjectsix]

KIP'S BIG POST OF THINGS TO MAKE THE INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY SUCK A LITTLE LESS

Post last updated November 23, 2024. Will continue to update!

Here are my favorite things to use to navigate technology my own way:

A refurbished iPod loaded with Rockbox OS (Rockbox is free, iPods range in price. I linked the site I got mine from. Note that iPods get finicky about syncing and the kind of cord it has— it may still charge but might not recognize the device to sync. Getting an original Apple cord sometimes helps). Rockbox has ports for other MP3 players as well.

This Windows debloater program (there are viable alternatives out there, this one works for me). It has a powershell script that give you a little UI and buttons to press, which I appreciate, as I'm still a bit shy with tech.

Firefox with the following extensions: - Consent-O-Matic (set your responses to ALL privacy/cookie pop-ups in the extension, and it will answer all pop-ups for you. I can see reasons to not use it, but I appreciate it) - Facebook Container ("contains" Meta on Facebook and Instagram pages to keep it from tracking you or getting third party cookies, since Meta is fairly egregious about it) - Redirect Amp to HTML (AMP is designed for mobile phones, this forces pages to go to their HTML version) - A WebP/AVIF image converter - uBlock Origin and uBlacklist, with the AI blacklist loaded in to kill any generative AI results from appearing in search engines or anywhere.

Handbrake for ripping DVDs— I haven’t used this in awhile as I haven’t been making video edits. I used this back when I had a Mac OS

VLC Media Player (ol’ reliable)

Unsplash & Pexels for free-to-use images

A password manager (these often are paid. I use Dashlane. There are many options, feel free to search around and ask for recs!). There is a lot that goes into cybersecurity— find the option you feel is best for you.

Things I suggest:

Understanding Royalty Free and the Creative Commons licenses

Familiarity with boolean operators for searching

Investing in a backup drive and external drive

A few good USBs, including one that has a backup of your OS on it

Adapter cables

Avoiding Fandom “wikias” (as in the brand “Fandom”) and supporting other, fan-run or supported wikis. Consider contributing if its something you find yourself passionate or joyful about.

Finding Forums for the things you like, or creating your own*

Create an email specifically for ads/shopping— use it to receive all promotional emails to keep your inbox clean. Upkeep it.

Stop putting so much of your personal information online— be willing to separate your personal online identity from your “online identity”. You don’t owe people your name, location, pronouns, diagnoses, or any of that. It’s your choice, but be discerning in what you give and why. I recommend avoiding providing your phone number to sites as much as possible.

Be intentional

Ask questions

Talk to people

Remember that you can lurk all you want

Things that are fun to check out:

BBSes-- here's a portal to access them.

Neocities

*Forums-- find some to join, or maybe host your own? The system I was most familiar with was vbulletin.

MMM.page

Things that have worked well for me but might work for you, YMMV:

Limit your app usage time on your smartphone if you’re prone to going back to them— this is a tangible way to “practice mindfulness”, a term I find frustratingly vague ansjdbdj

Things I’m looking into:

The “Pi Hole”— a raspberry pi set up to block all ads on a specific internet connection

VPNs-- this is one that was recommended to me.

How to use computers (I mean it): Resources on how to understand your machine and what you’re doing, even if your skill and knowledge level is currently 0:

This section I'll come back an add to. I know that messing with computers can be intimidating, especially if you feel out of your depth. HTML and regedits and especially things like dualbooting or linux feel impossible. So I want to put things here that explain exactly how the internet and your computer functions, and how you can learn and work with that. Yippee!

[krnlforroblox]

Private Internet Access VPN: The Best VPN for Gamers

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is often considered one of the best VPN options for gamers. In this article, we will explore why PIA is a top choice for gamers and how it can improve your gaming experience.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows users to securely connect to the internet through a private network. When you use a VPN, all of your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, which makes it much harder for anyone to intercept or monitor your activity.

Why is Private Internet Access (PIA) the Best VPN for Gamers?

There are many factors that make PIA a top choice for gamers. One of the main reasons is the speed of their servers. PIA has a large network of servers located all over the world, which means that you can always find a fast and reliable connection. In addition, PIA has a no-log policy, which means that they do not keep any records of your online activity. This is important for gamers who want to protect their privacy and ensure that their activity is not being monitored.

Another reason why PIA is a great option for gamers is its support for multiple devices. PIA can be used on a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, Android devices, and iOS devices. This means that you can use PIA to improve your gaming experience on any device you own.

Why Do Gamers Need a VPN?

There are several reasons why gamers might want to use a VPN. One of the main reasons is to improve connection speeds and reduce lag. When you use a VPN, your traffic is routed through a private server, which can help reduce the distance between you and the game servers you are trying to connect to. This can result in faster connection speeds and a smoother gaming experience.

Another reason why gamers might want to use a VPN is to protect their privacy. When you play online games, you are often required to share personal information, such as your IP address and location. A VPN can help protect this information by masking your IP address and making it much harder for anyone to track your online activity.

You Can Also Read: Nord VPN: Your Online Privacy is in Your Hands Now

Conclusion

In conclusion, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top choice for gamers who want to improve their connection speeds, reduce lag, and protect their privacy while they play. With a large network of servers and a no-log policy, PIA is a reliable and secure VPN that can help you get the most out of your gaming experience.

[athenawasamerf]

My dad (predictably, bc that man refuses to use his brain) shared a video of Tate praising Islam last year. The one where he was like ‘if I walk through New York [i think?] wearing a shirt that says Jesus is gay, no one will do anything, but Muslims have Standards’ or whatever and said Christians have become too tolerant. My little brother (14) saw it and, with no other context, mentioned Tate positively in front of my little sister (11). I had my sister calling me, hysterical, about it, and I had to intervene with pretty severe consequences for my brother to hammer down that him supporting Tate and his likes will be the unequivocal end to having any sort of relationship with me.

My brother had never heard of Tate before my father shared that clip, but my 11 year old sister was fully aware of him, and so are her classmates. What the fuck is going on with these kids?

About Andrew Tate...

[orbitbrain]

Over 4,000 Vulnerable Pulse Connect Secure Hosts Exposed to Internet

Over 4,000 Vulnerable Pulse Connect Secure Hosts Exposed to Internet

Home › Risk Management Over 4,000 Vulnerable Pulse Connect Secure Hosts Exposed to Internet By Ionut Arghire on December 09, 2022 Tweet More than 4,000 internet-accessible Pulse Connect Secure hosts are impacted by at least one known vulnerability, attack surface management firm Censys warns. Touted as the most widely deployed SSL VPN solution, Pulse Connect Secure provides remote and mobile…

[crim50n-r8er-reblogs]

Senate Bill 686 of the 118th Congress (The Restrict Act)

I’m honestly a bit disappointed here at Tumblr for not talking about this bill more, so I’m going to share what I’ve learned about it with you all

The link above goes to a pdf file going over the entire bill that has only been introduced atm as shown in the image just above from congress.gov.

Now, people only see this as a means to ban Tiktok, but that’s just the mask this truly cruel bill is hiding behind.

To boil it all down, this bill lets the Secretary of Commerce to have the power to ban…basically ANYTHING on the internet.

This includes hardware like video game consoles or Wifi networks as well as software and applications such as VPNs.

It also gives the government the power to monitor, basically everything you do online, private messages, posts on social media, streams, you name it, they can monitor it.

And the punishment for using, say, a VPN to access Tiktok, will result in 20 years in prison with a 1/4 million fine, a full million if you did it on purpose.

Now, I please ask you all to go to your representatives and tell them about how you don’t want this bill to be passed whatsoever. Heck, if you have to, (passively) threaten them with supporting their opponent in the next primary in any way they can. Just remember to be respectful and civil.

If you don’t want to do that, I respect that decision, and I understand that you wouldn’t want to deal with politics. But, I at least ask you to signal boost this post by reblogging it to your own followers and give any other thoughts about this that you might have in the tags or just normally.

I don’t want this lovable hellsite we all call home and made such good friends and memories on to be under the eyes of those pedophilic heathens who can’t seem to even know how to unlock a smartphone.

I thank you all for reading this, and I hope you all have a good day/night.

[olismabel]

A NEW POST WILL BE MADE BEFORE THE PREMIERE DATE (26/09). 9-1-1 and 911 ls will be two separate posts.

Reminder than you can find live streams here:

daddylivehd

s7-tv

watch.lonelil * 

braflix (+1 hour)

thetvapp (+1 hour)

* you’ll need to follow the instructions on the site.

Depending on your internet service provider, you might not be able to access some of the sites listed above without a VPN service. (info on VPN, here and here.)

Makes sure to always have an ad blocker while visiting those sites.  

What time to tune in:

9-1-1 airs at 8 pm in the US on ABC, and you can use this site or this site to convert it to your timezone.

Keep in mind that Daylight saving time has started on Sunday March 10th in the U.S.

You can find the episodes here the next day or very soon after:

 primewire

 bflix

 hurawatch

 braflix

 fmoviesz

 sflix

 watchseries

 projectfreetv

 soaper

tagging:

@mistmarauder @madneyforever @seacoloredeyes @transbuck @tulipfromtheinternet @mooshkat @blackestglass @gayhoediaz @barbiediaz @buddieslovecore @queerbuck @annaannaaaa @nancygillianmvp @evanzbuck @classical-memeician

[ms-demeanor]

is a VPN still useful for tormenting? most of the guides ive seen are very firm on using a VPN

VPNs are definitely still useful for tormenting. Tormenting me!

But seriously:

Torrenting and accessing sites that are blocked in your country (not just getting around Netflix) are some of the legitimate use cases for a VPN; if you're going to use a VPN for those purposes you definitely want to use one that is on the more secure end of things and if I'm going to recommend one it's going to be ProtonVPN because they've got a good track record for openness and security. Privacyguides.org is a good resource if you want to learn more about the privacy concerns with various online products and services, and they have a good section on VPNs for anyone who is looking.

If you are using a VPN to get around country-level blocks on internet access, you need to know a lot more about commercial VPNs than I do, and I would recommend going to look for information in a forum that is more specific to tech stuff than tumblr.