Are you looking for secure and safe ways to manage your passwords? Do you get tired of sticky notes and want peace of mind? Sick of storing all of your sensitive and important passwords and logins in a spreadsheet or Google sheet? We took some time to review some of the best password managers that you can use to safeguard your passwords.
Memorizing every password can be complex, and it is also not a good thing to use the same password for everything. You should take it easy when it comes to online privacy. Whether you are an employee working remotely or acting personally, it is vital to make sure that your online presence is safe and secure from poking eyes.
Unless you want to have a hard copy of all of your passwords and notes on your mobile that can be compromised, you might need to consider a password manager. It can help safeguard your login credentials and identity for any online account.
What is a Password Manager?
A password manager is an encrypted digital vault that helps store the passwords login details you use to access different accounts and apps on your mobile. Password managers enable secure your sensitive data, credentials, and identity from online theft.
Additionally, it has a password generator that creates unique and strong passwords and makes sure that your password does not match your other passwords. A password generator is a helpful feature of a password manager when it comes to creating a unique password for any online account.
A password manager not only provides security to your login data but also helps in solid password suggestions through a password generator. With all the security breaches, increased cyberattacks, and online theft, it is crucial to have a unique password for your online apps and accounts.
Additionally, with a manager, you don’t need to memorize the various pieces of information, such as credit card information and shipping addresses. You can set one master password or in some cases fingerprint or PIN to autofill your password field and form.
Best Password Managers Today
The list of best password managers keeps on updating every year. They are gaining in popularity and use so more and more password managers enter the market. Due to much competition in this field, users can get some high-quality options for choosing their password managers. For this review, we honed in on three of the top password managers which have been selected to give you a better version of password security.
Bitwarden is the top password manager for 2022 due to its open-source roots and its unlimited, unbeatable, and free version. Don’t confuse the word “free” in this case as cheap or inadequate either. This free version can help in generating, storing, and automatically filling all of your password details across all the known devices and websites.
Some of the crucial features of this software are as follows
Secure, open-source, and transparent
Free version that can be used across multiple devices
Premium subscriptions start just at $10 per year
Works with: macOS, Windows, Linux, iPhone, Android, iPad
Browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Opera, Safari, Brave, Tor, and Vivaldi
Its free version has only limited features but its premium version is feature-rich. Just like its competitor, Bitwarden allows its users to share memberships, passwords, and other items in premium subscriptions.
LastPass is also one of the top password managers that you can use to secure your personal details on the internet. It’s my personal “daily driver”. Its free version allows you to store passwords, sync all credentials and login information, and use them across multiple devices and internet browsers. .
While you can choose a free version of Lastpass to use on desktop and mobile devices, recent updates have confined the role of the free version. It also has the following features:
Offers free and paid versions
Paid version price starts at $36 per year
Works with: iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Linus, MacOS
Browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, and Edge
Upgrading to the Paid version (starting as low as $3/month or $4/month for a family plan…yes if you kids are on devices, they need to protect their passwords) is going to unlock some really cool features. You’ll get a security dashboard, priority tech support, group and the ability to share your passwords with others (no they can’t see your password, LastPass just fills in your password for them), and encrypted storage. You can also store passport info, serial numbers, bank info, credit card info and even just notes you want to keep private.
1Password is also one of the top and unique password managers that allow you to access it on multiple devices. If you are looking for a trusted and strong password manager app that keeps your personal information secure and safe, then 1Password is the ultimate solution for your online problems.
The major features of this password manager are as follows:
It does not offer a free version
Only offers 14 days trial, then you have to buy the premium version
You can buy the premium version for $36 per year
Works with: Linux, Windows, Chrome, iPhone, Android, iPad, macOS
Browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Safari, and Edge
The best password sharing options of any password manager we looked at
Has extensive (and free) online security resources for any level of learner
Features both password manager options for families and businesses
If you’ve ever struggled to remember a password, you may have considered using a password manager. But let’s recap exactly what a password manager is and really hone in on if you really need one. A password manager is a piece of software that helps you generate and store strong passwords for all your online accounts. That way, instead of trying to remember dozens of different passwords, you only need to remember one master password (and please don’t use “password123” as your password!). And if that sounds like a lot of work, don’t worry. Most password managers can automatically fill in your passwords for you.
Those we’ve reviewed here are work phenomenally on desktop, tablet, and mobile. So do you need a password manager? That depends on how many online accounts you have and how concerned you are about security. If you only have a few accounts, and you’re not worried about anyone hacking your info…then maybe pass on one (no pun intended). However, if you have a ton of accounts across multiple platforms, software, services, devices, etc…you may want to consider taking the plunge and checking it out. At the very least, opting in for a free trial is worth your time and energy. I did an audit on my account, and I have over 300 passwords (accounts, apps, websites..they add up fast) and I don’t know what any of them are! I don’t have to! A password manager tracks, changes and fills in the random password that it’s tracking when I need it!
Final Thoughts On Password Managers
An extensive and highly effective password manager is one of the best solutions to protect you against online-based theft and security breaches. A quality password manager allows you to store, secure, and safeguard your login information, personal details, and important credentials. Multiple password managers are available today. When it comes to choosing the best password version for you, keep in mind your personal preferences and what you think a password manager should do for you. If you’re looking for something simple and effective, Bitwarden is your best bet. If you’re looking for one of the best premium password managers with all the bells and whistles (think business, multiple device and platform sharing, etc), you’ll want to target something like Lastpass.
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new pieces of technology to improve your home network. Recently, we had the chance to test out the Synology RT2600AC wifi router, and I was really impressed! Not only is this thing a workhorse when it comes to throughput and range, but it’s also packed with features that make it a great addition to any home network. The router market is snowballed with various options. There are many huge brands with excellent offerings, making it difficult for a newbie to choose the right one. Synology is one of the most popular companies for routers.
Synology RT2600AC Router Review – Everything You Should Know
As for a specific router, Synology RT2600AC is by far the most popular of the brand. Just on Amazon alone, this product has already yielded 3K+ reviews with an average of 4.4 out of 5 ratings. It truly is a poster child for Synology. And for good reason…
Synology RT2600AC Specs
Processor: Dual Core 1.7 GHz
Coverage Area: 3,000 square feet
Memory: 512 MB DDR3
Antenna: 4×4 MIMO Omni-Directional up to 2.53 Gbps wireless speeds
Hardware: 7 Engine
LAN Ports: 2
WAN Ports: 2
USB Ports: 2
Additional Ports: 1 SD Card Reader
Dimensions: 7x11x3 inches + 1.5 pounds
Switch And Button: WPS, USB/SD Eject, Reset, Wifi On/Off
WiFi Type: Dual Band
Maximum Device Connection: 100
Security WPS 2.0
Mobile Dongle Support: 3G and 4G
Let’s Talk About The Synology RT2600AC WiFi Router
Synology RT2600AC is the upgrade to its previous year’s release RT1900AC. As you may expect, it is a bit more pricey than the last but surely worth the cost. What this new version delivers on specs and performance more than triples the value compared to the previous version’s price. Many times, consumers will opt-in for the earlier versions because of price (they don’t see the increased value in newer versions). This is partly because they may not understand all the new tech involved with newer versions. And in some cases, opting in for older versions is cost-effective. But with the Synology RT2600AC router, you’ll be glad you spend a little more coin for a better product (a much better product). The router can support a quad-stream with 1733 megabits per second on the 5GHz band. The other band, 2.4GHz, can support 800Mbps. And that’s not even the best part. Are you sitting down? This Wifi router comes with an operating system, Synology Router Management (SRM). That’s pretty cool and I personally believe it lends itself to a better user experience. But I’m geeky like that. While most other routers rely on websites for management, the OS makes Synology RT2600 a standout.
As for user experience and ease of use, the Synology RT2600AC is easy to use (for novice users as well), even more, if you have experience using Windows or macOS. You can use it for search, get notifications, transition, open multiple windows, and more! Plus, the router keeps things very organized. This way, you can easily keep track of everything without a lot of hassle. The most impressive feature about the router is its Package Center. It enables users to add more features to the device, such as VPN server, Download station, Intrusion Prevention, etc. Synology currently offers eight free applications to support packages. The router is equipped with 512 MB of memory, which might seem a little inconvenient for many. But, it also comes with a solution. You can insert an external hard drive or SD card to add more storage. More memory in your router allows you to install more packages. That’s more of an advanced feature, but it will only take you about 20-30 minutes to research those extra packages to determine if that’s something you want or need.
Some of those additional packages include:
VPN Plus Server: turn your router into a powerful VPN server
Download Station: easily download files from the internet through BT, FTP, HTTP, and more.
Media Server: Easily stream files located on SD cards or attached storage
DNS Server: host multiple zones and provide name and IP address services
RADIUS Server: provides centralized authentication, authorization, and account management
Threat Prevention: protects your network from threats and malicious activities
Cloud Station Server: sync data from multiple platforms
It is also important to talk a little bit about security protocols in this Synology RT2600AC review. And, the router exceeds its older brothers and most other routers with strong parental controls. It features web filtering, HTTPS Sites blockage, and Ads reduction. On top of all, Synology RT2600 also features Traffic Control, which allows you to monitor your internet bandwidth with detailed reports and activity analysis.
Parental Controls and Content Filtering At The Router Level?
Yes! This is becoming a very popular and effective way of implementing parental controls. In this regard, Synology makes it easy. With their powerful traffic monitoring tools, you can easily set up bandwidth prioritization so your gaming console or smart TV always gets enough speed and never stutter or lag. Plus, you can keep kids away from harmful websites with just a few clicks by using custom profiles for different members of the family! Like most parental control features it includes the ability to assign devices to profiles (Gabe has one with his tablet, desktop, and phone linked to it). You can control the times those profiles have access to the internet, and set content filters for each profile based on their ages. Before I discovered the Firewalla, this was my go-to parental control system for the DDID Home.
Support? Other vendors should follow these folks.
Synology support is the best in the business for a number of reasons. First, Synology offers a wide range of products that are designed to meet the needs of a variety of users, so their support team is well-versed in all kinds of users. From entry-level to enterprise-level, Synology has a product and a support team member there for you to fit your needs. Synology offers a high level of customer support and their team of experts is available 24/7 to help you with any questions or issues you may have. The support via chat is second to none. I’ve personally resolved most issues in 15 minutes or less. If it takes longer (or is more complicated to handle over the phone or chat), there’s an option to allow them to remotely resolve the issue. And that remote access is an encrypted connection and the security for this is crazy cool. When it comes to tech support…compared to every device or service I’ve engaged with, Synology is the best I’ve ever experienced.
This wifi router is packed with features and can deliver great performance. Small, medium, or large home? Doesn’t matter. This is a great device all around. But is it the right router for you? Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of the RT2600AC to help you make an informed decision.
Pros
MU-MIMO Data Streaming
Package Center makes various tasks pretty easy; allows for some sweet add-ons for protection as well
Great performance with 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands
Several management and monitoring tools
Powerful WiFi range
Setup, Management, and Connectivity are seamless and easy to understand
Simple yet Professional level controls for those wanting it
Comprehensive VPN server
Intrusion prevention
Regularly updated (a must-have option for Wifi routers)
No monthly fees!
Cons
Some would prefer that there should be support for combining LAN ports into a single connection. This is picky, but something some have said they wish it had (I don’t think it’s too much of an issue, but wanted to mention it).
Compared to premium VPN services, it’s not as good (again…compared with premium VPN services).
Lackluster options for VLAN (but this is again being picky and only advanced users would understand).
The Final Verdict For Synology RT2600AC?
Do you really need the Synology AC2600RT wifi router? Again, I’ll just say this was the device I use personally for my home network. When it comes to routers, there are a lot of options on the market. A lot of easy to operate, but lacking in other features. There are also a lot of complex and advanced routers that the everyday person would have no clue how to operate. But what about this one? Do you really need the Synology AC2600RT wifi router? Let’s recap briefly some of the features of this router to see if it’s worth the investment. The Synology AC2600RT router has incredible Gbps speeds, supports MU-MIMO technology for efficient data streaming, has efficient parental controls, and includes content filtering. It allows you to extend its functionality and offers stellar security protocols. This Wifi router also comes with four external antennas for stable signal performance. In addition, the router includes a built-in VPN server and firewall for security. And it’s easy to set up and use, even for beginners. To combine all of that into one device, this router is very powerful and offers ease to users. That’s a tough ratio to peg in today’s tech world. If you want to upgrade your old Synology routers or even upgrade from another brand, RT2600AC is one of the best options for you.
So you’re probably in the market for a router? You’ve maybe looked at a couple of places and have settled in on a mesh router. Maybe you’ve heard about the Gryphon AX and really want to know what the buzz is all about. I remember first seeing the Gryphon AX when a neighbor called me about helping him set it up. At first, I was like “Why didn’t you go with Google Nest Wifi?” And he said, “This came highly recommended from a friend at work.” I have to be honest, the Gryphon AX is a pretty sweet piece of mesh Wifi tech. With a flooded market of mesh routers, it can be difficult to pick the right one. Some of us default to what our friends recommend. Some of us hit the interwebs to find out. Gryphon is a popular brand offering these types of devices. One of their most talked-about mesh routers is Gryphon AX. But is it worth the hype? Should you buy it? Does it really deliver the blazing fast speeds it claims with Wifi 6? We’ll answer all these questions in this Gryphon AX review. So, let’s look at its features, pros, cons, and more!
The Ultimate Gryphon AX Review
Some of these specs are definitely worthy to geek out about, and a lot of these you may not understand. For those of you that may not have any idea what AC speed is and why that’s important, just briefly glance through this next section knowing that these specs are what we’d expect from a premium mesh Wifi router.
Gryphon AX Specs
Advanced Internet Protection: Provides next-gen firewall security that keeps your devices safe while using the internet
Wifi Guest option
Gryphon Homebound which is on the go security + enhanced parental controls
Powered by WiFi 6 (Gryphon claims a 40% increase in WiFi speed and total WiFi data throughput)
Speed: Can deliver up to 4.3 Gbps of total Wifi data throughput
Wireless Specification: 802.11ax
AC Speed: AX4300
Bands: 3
Antennas: 6 high-powered internal antennas
1 WAN Port + 1 Gigabit LAN Ports w/ Ethernet Backhaul
MU-MIMO: Yes
Quality of service (QoS): Yes (this allows you to prioritize the internet traffic of specific devices
Ipv6 compatible: Yes
Security Protocol: WPA2, WPA3
Area Coverage: Up to 3000 square feet
Nodes: 2
Anti-malware tools: Yes
Wired backhaul: Yes
DD-WRT: No
USB Ports: No
About Gryphon AX
The Gryphon AX comes in single and dual-router devices. The latter consists of identical white towers with an area coverage of 5000 square feet. However, the single node can still cover up to 3000 square feet, which is one of the highest square footage coverage areas in the mesh WiFi router market. Just one unit is perfect for small and medium-sized homes.
The mesh router offers an additional 40% faster WiFi connectivity. It means you can use several devices simultaneously and face no connectivity or speed issues. The device is tested to ensure no connection issues within its area coverage. My buddy has over 40 devices connected to his and noticed zero slow-down in speeds. That’s pretty impressive.
Gryphon AX also ensures reliability. Whether you are playing games, live streaming, or simply surfing the internet, you will notice a balanced and uninterrupted speed. Gryphon AX makes setup and management as easy as it gets. Thanks to the Gryphon app, you get full control over the mesh router. The app has all the basic and advanced options, including WiFi settings, band steering, and IoT networking. Plus, it is available for both iOS and Android. By scanning the QR code on the bottom of the router, you can get started with the application. I love how companies have really put a priority on easy setup and installation. It really shows with this device as well. I should note that at the time of this review, the only control method is through the app. You won’t be able to configure or do anything on a web-based interface. Not a deal-breaker, but I’ve read where some users wish this was an option.
However, one of the best things (maybe the BEST) about the Gryphon AX review is the device’s security features. It outsmarts most other mesh WiFi routers in this aspect. It allows you to set up a secure connection and monitor throughout. I love that it prevents unknown connections (like when my kids give away our Wifi password) and I love that I can track traffic history on my network.
Gryphon AX also offers parental controls, allowing you to manage an entire network from your mobile application. It is equipped with Intelligent Intrusion Detection, which quickly notifies you of any malware device connection in the network. The mesh router also features Malware Filtering, Regular Security Updates, and Ads reduction.
Gryphon AX has Device Vulnerability Scanning. It allows the mesh router to scan all the connected devices to give security updates (it runs the scanning on your smart appliances as well). Although it has top-notch security, you can upgrade to advanced protection. It comes free for 90 days. After that, you will have to pay $7.99 per month. Again, I don’t think that’s necessary, but is an option. The choices are good.
Gryphon AX Pros & Cons
Pros
Easy to install and manage
Strong security protocols and parental controls
Solid signal strength
Uninterrupted performance
Blazing speeds
Provides regular security updates
Blocks ads!
And a ton more!
Cons
Advanced security tools require a subscription
Compared to rivals in the market, it’s an expensive piece of hardware
The only control method is the Gryphon app
Have been some reports of being buggy with the Android app
So…Is The Gryphon AX Really Worth All The Buzz? Does It Really Deliver Blazing Fast Speeds?
The Gryphon wifi Router is definitely worth all the buzz! It’s a great router with tons of features and it’s very user-friendly. I highly recommend it! But..the question remains, should you buy it? Well, it depends entirely on your requirements. Depends on what you’re looking for in a mesh Wifi router. If you want a secure and strong mesh router with great parental controls and the capability of handling fast speeds, the Gryphon AX is a solid piece of equipment. For this price point, there are better options on the market (the Google Nest Wifi, for example).
Here’s Why You Should Buy Gryphon Ax Router From Amazon
Amazon is probably the best place to buy electronics because of its unbeatable prices, large selection, and convenient delivery. We’ll even add to that their return policy. With the Gryphon Ax router specifically, you get free returns and the process (if you’ve never done it) is amazingly easy. For the most part, you get pretty solid product support from Amazon. They won’t hassle you about returning an item. In fact, most of the time it’s all automated so there’s no one to talk to.
Gryphon Ax aside, electronics, in general, can be expensive, but Amazon offers great deals on all kinds of gadgets. You can also find rare and discontinued models on Amazon (even eBay for that matter), as well as the latest releases. Plus, Amazon Prime members enjoy free two-day shipping on most items.
With the recent Russia-Ukraine conflict, many people are reaching into their pocketbooks to help and provide assistance to those heavily impacted by this conflict. It’s a normal reaction from many people in the world to help those in desperate need. These situations bring a sense of responsibility within us and so concerned individuals want to reach out and help victims. Unfortunately, there are nefarious and dubious motives by thieves and criminals trying to exploit the charitable nature of people. And with the current events unfolding, we are getting warnings from many organizations that we need to exercise caution when donating.
Just recently, Cybersecurity firm Avast warned that cyber criminals were taking advantage of the crisis in Ukraine to pillage donations. Avast told Reuters that “We have tracked in the last 48 hours a number of scammers who are tricking people out of money by pretending they are Ukrainians in desperate need of financial help.”
The internet is a great resource for finding information and connecting with people all over the world, but it can also be a dangerous place if you’re not careful. There are countless scams waiting to pounce on unsuspecting victims, and if you’re not careful, you could easily become one of them. Money scams, specifically, are one of the most common types of online scams, and they can be very costly for victims. If you want to avoid becoming a victim of a money scam, here are some tips to help you stay safe online.
Tips On Donating To Charities Online
Donating to charities online is a great way to give back to your community. There are many great organizations that need your help and donating online is a fast and easy way to make a difference. If you feel the noble urge to donate, you should. BUT…there are right (safe) ways and wrong ways to do so. Here are some tips to avoid money scams when donating to charities online:
Tip #1: Do Your Homework
There are many ways to verify a charity’s reputation and trustworthiness. If you visit Give.org, you can view a report by BBB’s Giving Alliance to verify their claims and legitness. The BBB has really good standards for charity accountability, so run the charity through those checks to see if they pass the test.
Tip #2: Donate To A Familiar Face
If you’ve donated to a charity before, it’s a safe bet that they’re going to be trustworthy on another go around. In some serious crises, some organizations that take only specific donations will pivot and broaden their operations to help tackle the most urgent needs. If not, they will know of another charity to where your donation can be sent to. Even though a previous charity might not accept donations on behalf of a crisis, the chances of them knowing where you can donate to are going to be high. Trust them.
Tip #3: Be Cautious With Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a very popular method of donating to disaster relief and causes. It’s also very common to be rife with scams. It’s best to donate to crowdfunding to someone you personally know and trust. You also need to review the platform’s policies on fees, how funds are collected, and refunds. It’s sad, but crowdfunding sites do very little research when it comes to vetting organizations and people putting together campaigns. Be very cautious with crowdfunding as a means of donating.
Tip #4: Experience Matters
Is the organization or charity experienced? Perform a Google search on the company. They should have a website. What kind of claims are they making? Are they promising 100% will be spent on the relief? If so, that might be a signal of a scam. Do you a little research on the company, but also go with the charities that have the most experience.
Tip #5: Trust Your Gut
If something feels too good to be true, it most likely is. Before you donate, go through the tips and checks we’ve outlined above. If you don’t feel comfortable with donating, then don’t. You want to feel good about donating. And it dampers the mood a little bit when you find out you’ve been conned by someone exploiting a crisis. Even though this sounds cliche, trust your gut.
The most important thing is to not let these scammers prevent you from donating. If you have the impulse to give, to want to make a change, to inspire and help a movement…you should want to exercise it. But…exercise a little diligence in knowing who you are donating to and what they’re going to do with your donation.
Simple Framework To Protect Yourself When Donating Online
It’s not just getting your donations scammed by shady organizations and people either. Making the wrong choice of where you’re donating to on the internet, can lead to your personal information getting accessed as well. Anytime you engage in any kind of currency or credit card information exchanged online, you MUST be cautious. This framework is not bulletproof (you’re always going to be susceptible to getting your information hacked), BUT…the little stuff matters and the little stuff oftentimes is going to be enough to give you an added layer of protection.
Check #1: Site Security
Don’t give away your personal information to anyone you don’t know. Is the site secure? If not, don’t donate. Sites should have a little lock engaged in the address bar of the browser and have an HTTPS as part of the URL.
Check #2: If They’re Asking Don’t Be Giving
This sounds kinda rude, but let me explain. Beware of emails asking for money or offering a too-good-to-be-true deal. The same goes for text messages. Unless you know the company and have done business with them in the past, just send that email directly to the trash. Emails are an effective way to solicit business, but it’s best to go directly to the website.
Check #3: Do Your Due Diligence
Check the legitimacy of any website or social media account before entering your credit card information. This flows in well with check #1, but look for security badges and SSL certificates. If someone is contacting you or creating a social media campaign about being a victim, be very cautious. With the crisis unfolding in Ukraine, we’ve seen a lot social media scams, propaganda campaigns, and shady phantom charities popping up. Does the website have a .org or a .com? During the hurricane Katrina crisis, the FBI identified over 4,000 websites that were fraudulent. Many of these websites were appearing in Google and Yahoo searches so people were taking them seriously! So…do your due diligence.
Check #4: Be Quick To Delete
Do not hesitate to hit that delete button when you feel the need. Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. If you don’t recognize the sender AND the email address, delete it. A lot of times, senders can change their sender name to appear to be from a legit source. Go the extra miles and check out the exact email address it’s being sent from.
Check #5: Be The Police
Sometimes the best enforcement on these shady companies is us. The internet is massive. No one government agency can manage it all. It’s impossible. They rely on us to report crimes and poor business practices. Report any suspicious activity to your bank, the police, or your local BBB.
Check #6: Get Your Head Out Of The Sand
Educate yourself about common money scams and how to protect yourself against them. Many times people don’t buy online or they don’t donate money online because they don’t want to deal with the dangers of doing so. And those are legitimate excuses. However, spending maybe 20-30 minutes a year on scams, how to protect yourself online, and just getting into the ecosystem of eCommerce is often enough. Get involved. Learn something. Because the world is evolving and we are all a resource to make the web a much safer place for us and others.
A Little Prevention Goes A Long Way
It’s important to stay safe when donating online (even buying something online), and it’s also crucial to be smart about where you’re sending your money. By getting involved with the organizations you support and by being educated on how to spot a scam, you can make sure that your donations are making a positive impact. By following the simple framework and the tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim of online fraud. Who knows…you might help protect someone else as well. And remember, always do your research before donating to any organization. There are many reputable charities doing amazing work around the world, so please find one that aligns with your values and donate generously!
Every day, we hear about cyber attacks and the damage they can do. Whether it’s a business or someone’s personal information that has been compromised, these attacks are becoming more and more common. And as our lives move more and more online, the need for good cybersecurity becomes even more important. One way to help protect your home or business network is by using a firewall. A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that helps to prevent unauthorized access to your computer or network. There are many different types of firewalls available, but one you may want to consider is Firewalla Gold.
Firewalla Gold is a firewall designed for home and small business users. It provides protection against malware, ransomware, and other online threats. In this Firewalla Gold review, we dive deep enough to find out if this firewall hardware is the best device for monitoring your business or home network.
Firewalla Gold Explained
Firewalla Gold is a cybersecurity device that combines a router and a smart firewall in one compact design. How does it compare to other Firewalla devices? Comparing Gold to Firewalla Red and Blue, the Gold is packed with features and benefits (and we’ll get into all of those below). It can support over 3 Gigabit of throughput on top of the existing feature sets (versus 1 Gigabit of throughput you get with Firewalla Purple). Firewalla Gold introduces many exciting new functionalities. What kind of amazing functionalities? Router mode, network segmentation, and enhancement and rules. Firewalla Gold is a fully functional router. The new Firewalla Purple has some of these features as well.
With four Ethernet ports with Gold, you can segment the network with physical LANS and VLANs to isolate traffic in different segments and apply different policies. For example, you can create a guest network as a VLAN and block devices in the guest network from accessing other parts of your network. You can also use a device group when you want to manage multiple devices with the same policy that you can set up and customize. For example, on your kids’ devices with one tap, you can control internet access for all devices in the group. Simple. As a parent, this is one beefy piece of hardware that can do a ton to help you monitor and manage your home network. There are many other design features we love, but here are some of our quick thoughts on the Firewalla Gold.
Our Quick Thoughts On Firewalla Gold
Pros: We love how Firewalla claims “Firewalla Gold [is] the world’s most affordable multi-gigabit smart firewall.” And after doing some research, this is primarily true. Firewalla Gold does a LOT. If you want privacy protection? You got it. Looking for optimal cyber security? Dunzo. Parental controls? Bingo. We counted over 20 useful and effective features and benefits of Firewalla Gold. It’s just layer after layer of enhanced and effective security for your home or business network.
Cons: This device does a TON! The amount of features and benefits along with all the other bells and whistles, and amounts of data you can find is incredible. So how is that a bad thing? Well…it can be a bit overwhelming. Although we didn’t find installing and using Firewalla Gold to be terribly difficult, we understand how many entry-level users could experience a learning curve with this piece of somewhat complex hardware. But diving into the tutorials and help support on their website will help reconcile any issues you face. Spending a modest 15-20 minutes to learn and understand how to install Gold will pay dividends. During the review, we really didn’t find anything of negative value about Firewalla Gold.
Verdict: Firewalla Gold is the perfect solution for any family that wants complete control of their home network. Whether you are looking to block pesky ads or protect against hackers, this device offers it all with ease and precision! Takes a little bit of time for setup, but the benefits are definitely there.
As if its innovative features weren’t enough reason alone why every household serious about network security should consider getting one today…it also comes at an affordable price point (within the context of what it can do) which will fit even those tight budgets out there.
Firewalla Gold is a great solution for monitoring your home network security and even your business. It’s a powerful firewall and intrusion detection system that will protect your data and keep you and your business and family safe online. This is a perfect device especially if you run a business from home. A few of my favorite features of this product are that it acts as a firewall, has a 3 Gigabit deep packet inspection hardware (compared to Purple’s 1 Gigabit), and has content and policy-based routing. Other features worth mentioning are:
VPN Client (for secure browsing and streaming, encrypts your data)
Bridge Mode which can bridge two networks seamlessly together
Simple plug and play features for setup (they claim 5 minutes…for most, it might take a little longer though)
Robust network segmentation
Enhanced and effective parental controls
Built-in ad blocker
Geo-blocking
Multiple WLAN Connections. You can hook up to 4 separate WLAN connections. For example, while I’m already using 2 connections, I can also use one for my fiber connection and another for my Starlink Satellite. I can load balance them, failover them, or load balance them with a priority level for each port. Firewalla Gold’s multiple WLAN connections feature is pretty sweet.
Has 32GB of storage
Firewalla Gold Is relatively small
A VPN encryption speed of 120 Mbits
This is a very robust piece of hardware and many will be overwhelmed with the amount of data you can get from Firewalla Gold. The trick is sifting out what is important to you as the user. And those priorities are probably going to be different from parent to a business person. You might understand some of what was mentioned above. But there may be some of you who won’t exactly know what all of this is. And that’s okay. Just understand that it’s awesome tech. But features smeatures. How do all of these high-tech, enhanced features benefit you?
Bear with us because some of these benefits just won’t speak to you. Some of them we get geeked about and some are ones most people (parents…we’re talking to you) can relate to. Here are some of the benefits of the Firewalla Gold that you should be stoked about:
Incredible protection. Firewalla Gold will keep your devices and data safe from cyber attacks
Firewalla’s VPN client alone is worth the cost of the device. No monthly contracts. After a few years, on this benefit alone it can pay for itself.
Firewalla Gold will monitor and control internet usage of every device connected to your network. Want to restrict internet access on one device and not the other? Easy. Don’t want little Jonny playing online games between 5-7? Simple. Want to receive alerts and notifications about certain online activity on your network? Not a problem. Block adult content. Easy. Block porn. No sweat. Want application-based monitoring? Firewalla does it all.
The Firewalla app and its integration with the piece of hardware is flawless and easy to operate. If you do have issues, there are ample amounts of tutorials online to help.
Geo-Blocking is another awesome benefit because we can block any network traffic from China, Turkey, Russian, Taiwan, Romania, and any of those countries that have a high concentration of incredible hackers. This benefit alone can stop hackers from attacking your business and personal data.
Firewalla Gold is going to block ads, which let’s be honest…can be very annoying at times.
Building a well-oiled and well-protected network is a breeze. Block domains and domains with wildcards. Block IP addresses. Port-based blocking abilities. Notifications when any device is online or offline. Regulate network traffic so you can prioritize traffic and reduce delays. Get impeccable and useful data insights into your network usage.
It’s understandable why there would be a little bit of overwhelm when looking at all the amazing things Firewalla Gold can do. It has a lot of power to do some incredible things. Theoretically, it is built for the advanced user. BUT…Firewalla Gold is the piece of hardware that will make you feel secure knowing your home and business networks are protected.
How Do I Install Firewalla Gold (H2)
Firewalla makes it easy to get started with their products by providing a step-by step guide on how you can easily install them. First of all, download the free Firewalla app from either Apple Store or Google Play store and follow instructions for connecting devices including plugging in the power code provided along with cords that connect everything together nicely.
Firewalla Gold Help/Support (H2)
The company’s support services are phenomenal. They offer a variety of ways to get help, including an extensive community and router compatibility checker tool that can pinpoint any issues you’re having with your device in just seconds!
All in all, their support services include a help center, a community (and I have found a lot of useful information there), router compatibility look-up, install guides, user manuals, app download helps, troubleshooting guides, and your basic contact help support tickets.
Firewalla Warranties
We’re happy to report that Firewalla is a brand we can trust. The warranty for their products stands behind its promise of quality and longevity, as well! All Firewalla hardware (Gold included) is backed by a limited one-year manufacturer’s warranty. In the scope of hardware devices, a one-year warranty is pretty good. This doesn’t mean you can be rough with the device. It is a Limited Warranty under normal use and service. They also have a decent return policy as well (30 days), but if you don’t buy directly from Firewalla (like Amazon, Indiegogo, or another reseller) you will have to follow those store policies on returns and refunds.
If you’re in the market for a new network security solution or are just curious about Firewalla Gold (or any of their other products like Firewalla Purple), we highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s an investment that could very well pay off in the long run thanks to its combination of features, benefits, vast online community, and customer service. Plus, if you do happen to have any issues with your device, Firewalla’s support is top-notch and they offer a decent hardware warranty that will make you feel at ease. They literally take the risk out of delivering you optimal security for your home or business. Grab a Firewalla Gold today!
There is a lot of talk out there about VPNs. Should you get one? What are the benefits? I’ve heard they slow down your connections? I’ve heard they are the best protection you can get. Trust me, I’ve heard them all. There’s a lot of noise. Some of it is good noise. And some of it not. We want to set the record straight and talk about the pros and cons of using a VPN.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your computer and the VPN provider’s servers. This can be useful for many purposes, from safeguarding your internet traffic from prying eyes to accessing region-locked content. However, not all VPNs are created equal, and it’s important to understand the pros and cons of using one before deciding whether or not to invest in one. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of using a VPN so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.
What Are The Cons Of Using A VPN?
Before we hit on the good things about VPNs, we want to briefly dive into some of the cons. Some of the negative banter you’ll most likely hear are half-truths. And they’re partially true because VPNs are a dime a dozen. There are so many of them out there. There are free ones, paid ones, good ones, and bad ones. Basing a single experience on a single VPN service just doesn’t do the idea of getting a VPN justice. But generally speaking, let’s discuss some of the cons you might experience when dealing with VPNs.
VPNs Can Slow Down Your Connection Speed
This is true, BUT…it depends on the type of VPN you get. Most of the paid versions (and some of the free) can handle 1 Gbps speed or higher. Most people that experience a slowed connection probably have opted in for a free version.
They’re Difficult To Setup
This was definitely true in the infant stages of VPNs because most people using them were the techy-type and knew their way around this kind of technology. Of course, someone who is an average user of computers and the internet would struggle with new technology. But as more VPNs hit the market, we’re beginning to see companies get really good at customer experience, so the setup and configuration aren’t nearly as bad as it was only a handful of years ago.
VPNs Can Drain Your Battery
This applies mostly to your smartphone devices (and tablets for that matter). A big reason why this is the case is that apps that run continuously on your phone in the background naturally will have the most impact on your device’s battery. Just going off what my iPhone says, my VPN uses about 15-20% of my battery on average. It’s about the 3rd highest app in battery usage as well. And that’s been pretty consistent. But again…apps like Facebook, YouTube, NBA2k Mobile, and even your messaging apps will drain your battery, soooo.
VPN Connections Can Just Poof
This will happen from time to time and I’ve experienced it with a couple of free versions. This is why a kill switch option is a really nice feature to pay attention to. Hotspot Shield has a kill switch and is free. Most of the paid versions have this added benefit as well. Without getting into the complexities of kill switches, the idea behind the kill switch is really simple. Basically, if the VPN connection drops, you can activate a “Kill Switch”, which blocks your device’s access to the internet. It’s nice because this can prevent you from having that device send data outside your secure VPN. It’s a nice feature that most VPNs should have in case the VPN server drops. At any given moment, your secure connection to a VPN server can be interrupted, which in effect can reveal information that was private. Information like your IP address, your location, and some other personal data. You’re going to want a VPN that has an “Always On” option in their settings for a kill switch.
They Give People A False Sense Of Super Security
They are not full-proof protection from cyberattacks, personal data protection, and viruses on the web. Quite honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever come across something that is completely bulletproof from the dangers on the web. But the notion is such that some believe they get a VPN and they’re completely protected from anything nefarious on the web. That’s just not true.
There are seriously so many awesome benefits you get out of using a VPN. Benefits range from increased security, encrypted personal data, hacker protection, escaping data caps on your internet, and so many more. But we wanted to highlight some of the best Pros as to why you should get a VPN.
VPNs Are Affordable Security
This is one of the major perks of using a VPN. Compared to other security measures, VPNs can be significantly more affordable than other security measures. There are a handful of free VPNs out there that make security virtually free. Hotspot Shield and ProtonVPN are a couple of free VPNs you should check out. Even the paid versions are relatively cheap. ExpressVPN’s paid service right now is under $7 a month and Norton VPN is $40 for the whole year with up to 5 devices for protection.
A VPN Protects Your Data
This is such an incredible benefit. VPNs will help protect the data that you send and receive on your devices. Again…it’s not bulletproof (nothing is), but with the encryptions VPN services offer, it definitely makes it harder for hackers. They don’t necessarily work the same way as fully comprehensive anti-virus software, but they will protect you if you have healthy digital hygiene (stay away from phishing websites, don’t download compromised files, etc).
Access Content From Virtually Anywhere
This will depend on how many servers your VPN service offers, but generally speaking if you opt-in for a paid VPN, you’ll be able to access blocked content from anywhere in the world. I remember one time on a long vacation to another country we literally had Netflix blocked the whole time. You could argue that we shouldn’t have been watching Netflix on vacation, but nonetheless…a VPN will allow you to access any streaming service from any country. Furthermore, it’s not just streaming services. You can bypass almost any geoblock. Geoblocking is tech that will restrict your access to the internet and websites based on your geolocation.
Should You Get A VPN?
If you’re someone that regularly uses the internet, buys anything online, or does any kind of banking online, VPNs are a great way to increase your security and privacy. They work by creating an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, so that no one can see your traffic or track your activities. They’re not perfect protection, but they’re pretty good.
