Best Tips for Making Passwords Strong and More Secure

Best Tips for Making Passwords Strong and More Secure

When it comes to creating passwords, many of us just aim to make them strong enough and unique enough without much thought to other security measures. And some of us just have one password we use for all of our accounts. Let’s be real, that’s not the best practice in internet security. You do have an obligation to your own digital citizenship and to be smart when it comes to creating passwords. There are a few things you can do to make your passwords even more secure and I want to dish on some easy ways to do this. One of the most significant issues in the digital world is weak passwords. Sadly enough, passwords are like our last line of defense against hackers attempting to access our personal information. Most users are unaware of the importance of the strength of passwords. And because of this, we make it too easy for hackers to invade our personal digital spaces. 

Ways To Make Passwords Strong

We all know that we need to create strong passwords for our online accounts, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with something that is both unique (at least unique enough not to be hacked) and easy to remember. With how many times we’re asked to create a new online account for this service and that app, it’s no wonder we get lazy with password creation. Here are some tips for creating passwords that will keep your information safe.

Password Tip #1: Make it Long

Hackers try every possible way to invade once they have fixed their gaze on an account (or service). The first thing they want to do is guess your password. This step is done by taking help from all the data they have collected about you. You’d be shocked how much personal information of yours is on the internet widely available to the public. Do I like that? No. But that’s a debate and an issue for another day.

One clever tactic they use is something called Brute Force Attack. Each password is nothing but a combination of letters, symbols, and numbers. Brute Force Attack is a type of hacking where a hacker uses a “brute force”, or an automated trial and error method, to discover the password or key to a system. Hackers use brute force attacks when they don’t have any other way to access the system or if they want to take over a large number of accounts quickly. A brute force attack can be very time-consuming and expensive for hackers, so most of them only use this method as a last resort. However, brute force attacks can be very successful and lucrative, especially if the hacker has access to a large amount of computing power. 

DISCOVER: Best Password Managers

For this method to be successful for hackers though, a computer program tries every single combination possible. The shorter your password, the easier it is for the program to find it. So, make sure to make your passwords as long as possible. 

Password Tip #2: Make it Nonsense

Your password should be long but being long is not enough. Make it so nonsensical that it means nothing in the world at all. You might be thinking, “What’s that going to do?” Quite a lot.

A few years ago, online data breaching and illegal account invasion got the limelight on social media platforms. It’s one reason why 2FA really picked up steam. 

RELATED: Two Factor Authentication: Do I Really Need It?

I remember watching a few YouTube channels doing pranks on people for the sake of both entertainment and awareness. They would go to random people in public and ask them a few questions about their passwords. Most of the people disclosed their passwords by answering a few questions. And these YouTubers were able to easily hack them. Why? It’s because most of us make passwords out of special memories, events, dates, and things like that. 

My favorite password principle: No Normal Words! For example, I’ve created a personal (and effective) way to make hard-to-crack passwords. It’s easy to remember, yet hard to crack. Use the syntax of the internet as part of your password. Don’t use “jokersucks”, but something like “WWW.j0k3r$uck$.c0m!”. 

Password Tip #3: Do Not Renew Every Time

We are flooded with passwords. There comes a point in our lives where it is physically and mentally impossible to remember every single password because the number of accounts you hold is many. So what most people do is come up with one password and recycle it whenever they need a new one. From their point of view, it reduces the probability of losing a password. They’re trying to make it easy on themselves. I get it. But from a security perspective, it’s probably the dumbest thing you could do. 

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Why? It significantly increases the chance of getting all their accounts hacked after having only one getting hacked. If you find it challenging to manage all passwords, use a good password manager like LastPass. It will help you in today’s digital world of massive vulnerability. 

Should I Use A Password Manager?

We’ve gone into quite a bit of detail about the essential use of having a password manager. When you figure most people have at least 50 online accounts, it’s a smart idea to use a password manager. In my opinion, LastPass is the best password manager I’ve ever used. It has everything that you need in one place: easy access, encryption, and security tools like two-factor authentication or secure sharing with family members and colleagues. 

>>Get LastPass Password Manager Here<<

Password Tip #4: Always use MFA

MFA is an abbreviation of Multi-Factor Authentication. It involves not just typing in your password but proving it for the second time by Google Authentication or some other way. Hackers cannot invade your account when it requires two-factor authentication.

The Bottom Line!

A study was conducted on the passwords of users. The results showed that most users use the simplest passwords, with 111111, QWERTY, 123456, and abc123 being the most commonly used ones. In fact, it is estimated that 24% of Americans have used words like “password” in their passwords! Don’t be that person, please. Make your password long and nonsense for absolute security. And just practice common sense digital governance. 

Synology NAS Review: Entry-level NAS for Home or Small Businesses

Synology NAS Review: Entry-level NAS for Home or Small Businesses

Opting for a NAS (Network Attached Storage) system in today’s era is a tough choice, especially when plenty of options are available in the market. When it comes to network-attached storage, there are a ton of options. Some are decent. Some are really bad. So if you are looking for a NAS system, you should take a serious look at what Synology has to offer in its NAS product lineup. An entry-level NAS like Synology DS220j or DS420j is perfect for small businesses starting from scratch and home usage.

Let’s Review What Network Attached Storage Is

A Network Attached Storage is a storage system that you access via a network instead of connecting directly to the computer. It contains a processor and an operating system to run applications and enable authorized users to share and backup important data, files, and other information. So if you are confused about making a decision, here is a quick review of entry-level Synology DiskStation DS220j and DS420j.  

Synology DiskStation DS220j Review

With Synology DiskStation DS220j, you can effortlessly set up and manage your cloud server. It is a two-bay Network Attached Storage device that offers an easy-to-use and user-friendly operating system with fast speed for data transfer enabling you to run multiple apps and store your data, including files, documents, music, and many more. It also possesses numerous RAID configuration options that help protect your sensitive data.

DISCOVER: Network Attached Storage 101

Pros and Cons of Synology DiskStation DS220j

Every NAS device has pros and cons, and so does Synology DiskStation DS220j. Below are listed a few pros and cons of DS220j.

Pros:

  • The price of the DS220j device is quite reasonable, starting from $169.99.
  • Great Performance
  • Easy to install and manage with a user-friendly Operating System.
  • App Catalog is relatively substantial.

Cons

  • It consists of merely a single LAN port.

Design and Features Of The DiskStation DS220j

It consists of a glossy white enclosure similar to DS218j. It includes the following features:

  • It measures 6.5 by 3.9 by 8.9 inches.
  • Its front panel consists of a power switch and four LED indicators for drive and LAN status.
  • The rear panel possesses two USB 3.0 ports, one Gigabit LAN port, a reset button, and a power jack.
  • DS220j possesses Synology’s extraordinary DiskStation manager, making the device’s configuration easier.
  • The performance of DS220j was quite fast during testing and great for small businesses and home users.

LEARN MORE: Our Review Of The iBi Smart Photo Manager

What Do I Think About The DiskStation DS220j

Synology’s DS220j is perfect for small businesses and homeowners to create their cloud storage. The reasonable pricing, speedy performance, and a wide range of apps make it more appealing to the customers. It provides you with a user-friendly operating system to effortlessly configure drives. You can also easily create and share folders making it a multimedia server. Definitely a solid entry-level NAS device. Would highly recommend pulling the trigger on getting one of these as your first NAS.

Synology DiskStation DS420j Review

The Synology DiskStation DS420j is another perfect fit for small businesses, especially those just stepping into the corporate world. You can also use it for casual home usage to store and backup data, including files, documents, images, and many more.

The DS420j is powered by Synology’s excellent DiskStation manager and possesses multiple valuable tools. DS420j is a four-bay Network Attached Storage device with RAID configurations to protect your sensitive data.

Pros and Cons Of The Synology DiskStation DS420j

Just like DS220j, DS420j also possesses its pros and cons that are listed below:

Pros

  • DS220j comes with twice as much storage as DS220j.
  • Easy to set up and user-friendly Operating System.
  • Synology’s NAS contains RAID configurations to secure your essential data.
  • It supports a wide range of applications and the latest HDDs.

Cons

  • The internal hard drive is not included.
  • Drives are not swappable without shutting or rebooting the device.

Design and Features Synology DiskStation DS420j

  • DS420j is a four-bay storage device that is small enough to fit on a desktop easily.
  • Its front side consists of a power switch and four LED indicators for drive and LAN status.
  • The back panel possesses two USB 3.0 ports, a single LAN port, a reset button, and a power jack.
  • It also possesses Synology’s extraordinary DiskStation manager, just like DS220j, which makes the device’s configuration easier.
  • The performance of DS420j was fast during testing and performed exceptionally well for the given use cases.

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What Do I Think About The DiskStation DS420j?

The Synology DiskStation DS420j is perfect for small businesses and home users to create private cloud storage. The four-bay DS420j possesses a capacity of about 64TB with four 16TB HDDs. You might be thinking that’s too much storage capacity, but when you consider the trajectory technology is going with increased file sizes (images, video, etc)…you can burn through a lot of terabytes. With a robust DiskStation manager, you can effortlessly set up other facilities like establishing surveillance solutions that support up to 16 IP cameras. You can also backup and sync your files and documents across all connected devices. This is my pick for the best NAS device for homes and small businesses. 

>> Get The Synology DiskStation DS420j Here <<

Some Concluding Thoughts About Synology NAS Devices

Synology DiskStations DS220j and DS420j are suitable for small businesses and home usage since they are reasonably priced with great features. A Synology NAS is perfect for you if you want to share your media files with your family, keep your office documents in a single accessible storage, or backup your media files from PCs, Laptops, tablets, and phones. Personally, I use a Synology DS1019+ NAS because it supports up to 10 drives which allows me to have up to 2 drives fail simultaneously without any data loss. I also run my Plex multimedia server, and a cloud backup application. Listen I trust the hardware, trust the software, and truly believe they are the best network-attached storage devices on the market.

What Is NAS? How Do You Know If You Need One?

What Is NAS? How Do You Know If You Need One?

Data is a vital asset of any organization or home. It’s hard for employees (whether they work for a big business or small business) to perform their roles and functions properly if they don’t have access to corporate data. Poor data management can lead to business volume loss, poor customer service, and poor business liquidation. Because of this, it is essential to have an effective data management tool to create a smooth flow of information.

Organizations require a large data storage facility to house their data and make it accessible from anywhere. Network Attached Storage or NAS is an effective solution to a lot of problems faced by any large or small organization as it not only provides storage and protection but also ensures online availability. We wanted to explore the basics things you need to know about NAS, how it works, some of the benefits of having a NAS, and answer if you really need one. 

What Is NAS?

NAS is the short form of Network Attached Storage, a file storage system that allows multiple users and different client devices to connect to the centralized disk capacity and retrieve the required data. NAS devices are adaptable and robust, so you may expand your storage capacity as needed. 

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NAS is similar to having your private cloud at work. It’s quicker, less costly, and gives you total control over all the cloud platform features. Data is always available with a NAS, making it simple for staff to communicate, reply to clients quickly, and follow up on purchases or other concerns because everything is in one place. Because NAS functions similarly to a cloud infrastructure, data can be monitored remotely via an access point, allowing workers to work from anywhere. It has become efficient data storage and access platform for employees.

How Does NAS Work?

A NAS is essentially a little host/box that fits on your desk or some other surface. You can use a USB connection to link it to your system, eliminating the network’s primary usefulness. There are some that also come equipped with wireless connections and others that you can connect via a network cable. A NAS generates its remote system that any equipment can access with the proper credentials (ID and password). 

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A NAS is an upgrade from a simple external hard drive and the first step toward constructing your private cloud computing. This technique eliminates the dangers and obligations of file-providing from other systems, resulting in a customized and enterprise backup system that is as cost-effective and efficient as the cloud.

Network attached storage

Image Source: Tech Target

NAS equipment has different elements built into its designs to enable the various ways for its use:

Storage

The fundamental role of a NAS device with hard disc drives is to preserve your contents. Two to 5 hard disks are included in the most common NAS devices for homes and offices, local firms, and corporate workgroups.

Networking

You can use a hardwired or Wi-Fi connection to connect to the network. Whereas many NAS equipment has USB ports, with most of them you can’t use them to link the NAS to your pc or laptop. Instead, you can use these connections to attach additional objects to your Operating system, either for power, backup, or data transmission.

CPU

Network Attached Storages also contain a built-in CPU as they require computational power to manage the file system, read and write activities, run apps, manage users, and run security policies to protect data stored on the NAS when it connects to the internet. 

Operating System

While it may not appear to the ordinary user that an operating system controls the storage medium, NAS systems require an OS to handle duties that otherwise would have been handled by a CPU for DAS devices. The NAS also requires an operating system to run the diverse applications that users can use to access data from their NAS systems, which include:

● Business Data Management 

● Data Transfer

● Web Server

● Multimedia Management

● Cloud Integration

● Productivity tools

Why Is NAS Important?

Network-attached storage is an important part of any business or household. It provides a convenient way to store data and access it from anywhere in the world. The key benefits of using network access storage are listed below:

Data Storage

A NAS device will provide enough storage capacity to a computer system, thus increasing the amount of storage space accessible. It’s worth mentioning that almost all computers and laptops have limited storage capacity, which might make it difficult for them to run smoothly.

Data Automation

When utilizing a NAS system, it is possible to construct automatic backups that will represent any adjustments done locally on a computer to files or folders.

Data Protection

Think about how fragile our data is AND the devices that store them. A simple fall can destroy your laptop or you could lose all of your data by spilling a beverage on your computer and ruining it. Fortunately, your data is protected by a NAS system and local equipment failure does not impact the security of your data. 

DISCOVER: The Best Password Managers

Do I Need Network Attached Storage?

Network access storage (NAS) is an excellent data storage tool that helps the organization to overcome all the challenges related to data management. It allows users to access corporate data at any time and any place. NAS devices are often used to store and share large amounts of data, such as photos, videos, and music. They can also be used to back up important data or to create a private cloud storage system. While NAS devices can be expensive, they offer a number of advantages over other types of data storage, such as increased security and easier access. If you have a lot of data that needs to be stored and accessed, then a NAS device may be the best option for you.

In a home network, a NAS device can be used to store music, photos, and videos. For example, the iBI is one of my favorite NAS devices for families to store personal media. The iBi is fantastic as it helps families with a basic level of experience with storing personal media files. Personally, I am a huge fan of Synology NAS like the DiskStation DS models. This is entry-level network-attached storage for your home that can do a TON: data backup, file syncing, and sharing. The DiskStation is a robust private cloud for your home that can also be used to back up data from computers, laptops, and mobile devices. In a business, a NAS device can be used to store important company files or to provide employees with access to shared data.

Best Network Switches for Small Business

Best Network Switches for Small Business

Any office with many devices should invest in the best network switches on the market. All of the PCs, printers, and networking equipment in the workplace may put a lot of strain on the network, so keeping a reliable and fast network switch is essential. You want to keep your business smooth and operational right?

For the most part, many network switches will meet your requirements regardless of your budget or network size. Trust me, there are cheap network switches that will get the job done, but when it comes to business, you do want something nice and of high-quality. There are modest alternatives for just a few network-connected devices and bigger versions with a high number of ports to handle a large number of network-connected devices. 

We know that it can be an overwhelming decision to choose the best network switch for your small business, so we have prepared a list where you can easily select the type of switch which best fits your small business needs. Let’s cover some basics first… 

What Is A Network Switch?

Today, networks are critical for supporting companies and facilitating connections across the company. A network switch, which connects multiple devices to convey resources, is essential for all networks whether business or home.

A network switch joins devices on a network (commonly known as a LAN) and sends datagrams to and from them. A switch, unlike a modem, only distributes data to the one object for which it was designed (which might be another swap, a modem, or a person’s laptop), not to systems of numerous devices.

DISCOVER: Network Switch Basics Every Business Owner Should Know

A managed switch performs the same purpose for considerably bigger networks and gives network managers even greater control over traffic prioritization. They also allow developers to design Virtual LANs (VLANs) to partition a regional system into smaller sections.

How Does The Network Switch Work?

I’ll try and keep this as simple as possible. When a device is attached to a switch, it records its Media Access Control (MAC) address, a code included in the device’s Network Interface Card (NIC) that connects to the switch through an ethernet wire. The switch uses the MAC address to determine which associated device is sending outbound connections and where inbound data frames should be delivered. In contrast to the protocol stack (Layer 3) Internet address, which can be issued periodically to a computer and varies considerably, the MAC address specifies the hardware device.

Whenever a device transmits a signal to some other unit, the switch examines the packet’s payload to identify what to do next. It validates the location or ranges and sends the packet to the target machines through the proper ports. While switches function at Layer 2, they may also function at Layer 3, which is required to enable virtual LANs (VLANs), which are network component segments that cross subnets. Traffic must flow across switches to move from one domain to another, which is helped by routing systems installed into the switches.

Top 5 Network Switches For Small Business

When it comes to choosing the best network switch for your small business consider first the number of devices that will be connected to the switch. You’ll need a switch with enough ports to accommodate all of your devices. Secondly, think about the speed of your network. If you have a lot of devices or large files being transferred, you’ll need a fast switch. Next, consider the features your business needs. Some switches come with features like Power over Ethernet or VLAN support. And finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost. You have to think about cost in the vacuum of “value” as well. Small business network switches can range in price from around $100 to $1000, so you’ll want to make sure you choose one that fits your budget BUT still checks the boxes of what you need for your small business. There’s nothing worse than spending a little under your budget for a small business device that just doesn’t cut it. 

LEARN MORE: Own A Business And Have A Solid VPN? Are You Sure?

By keeping these things in mind, you can narrow down your choices and find the best network switch for your small business. The following switches below are considered to be some of the best network switches for small businesses in the world.

1. Netgear GS105NA Prosafe 5

The Netgear GS105 is an uncontrolled 5 port Gigabit Ethernet switch that definitely will help you in connecting devices for your smaller businesses without any hassles. This product comes with a lifespan warranty coverage and a repair within one business day, so you won’t have to fear using a malfunctioning item.

  • Installation is simple and requires no settings.
  • Fanless design means no extra noise.
  • Low Electricity Consumption + Energy Efficient Design Compliant

2. Netgear GS108

The Netgear GS108 is a phenomenal network switch with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports that don’t require any configuration. It provides excellent internet connections without making a sound because it is constructed without fans. 

  • Any small firm needs a good variety of Ethernet adapters.
  • The design is simple and does not draw notice
  • Simple plug and play setup with no software install or configurations
  • 1G, Mega, and 10G speeds are available
  • Supports Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6
  • Layer 2 supervision
  • Energy Efficient Design Compliant

3. Linksys Business LGS108P

This small business network switch offers eight Gigabit Ethernet connections to provide your small company with the speed it needs to run smoothly. Furthermore, you can hit up to 10 Gbps, considerably improving your capacity to broadcast elevated files to linked devices without latency or interruption. This is one of those devices where employees won’t be able to periodically blame technology for not being able to get things done.

  • It also comes with no fans to keep the noise minimum
  • Up to 24 Gigabit Ethernet auto-sensing ports
  • High internet speed up to 1000 Mbps
  • High-quality services in the form of QoS for intelligent prioritization of traffic
  • Easy plug and play connection
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE+) support
  • Connectable to multiple ports
  • Meets EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) standards

If you have a residence or private office and prefer the security of a cable network, you understand the necessity for a switch port with a large number of ports. The TP-Link contains 24 of them and they will all work at full speed even when they are all connected. This is one of my favorite network switches for small businesses. Some of the incredible features include:

  • Less Power Consumption + Super Quiet
  • Enhance Network Connectivity
  • Plug and Play with no software installation and no confusing configurations to setup.
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty + Free 24/7 Technical Support
  • No Hardware Licensing
  • Full Remote Management
  • Energy-Efficient Technology
  • Multiple Power Ports
  • Increased Reliability WITH Reliable Speeds
  • 24x Non-Blocking Gigabit Ports
  • QoS For Traffic Prioritization

5. Cisco Systems 24-Port Gigabit Switch

The Cisco Systems 24-Port Gigabit Switch is an unregulated switch great for small office settings. It does not need installation, comes in a small portable, and is easy to manage configurations. There are some small business-related features that I just love about this network switch:

  • It comes ready to roll right out of the box
  • No software to install + no configurations
  • Energy-efficient design that doesn’t impact performance

Do I Really Need A Network Switch For My Small Business?

To reiterate, a network switch is a crucial tool that helps in connecting multiple devices to your computer network. It works by receiving data packets from the sender devices through its physical ports. Let’s remember: the main purpose of using a network switch is to develop a connection for sharing resources. 

If you’re running a small business, you might be wondering if you need a network switch. The answer to that depends on your specific needs. If you have a lot of devices that need to be connected to the internet or if you need to connect multiple devices to a single network, then a network switch can be an incredibly helpful addition. In my opinion, I think a network switch is a good idea for most home networks where someone is using their home as an office for remote work. However, if you only have a few devices that need to be connected, or let’s say you’re only using one network…then you probably don’t need a network switch. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not a network switch is right for your small business.

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We get it…as a small business owner, you know every penny counts. You need to be careful about how you spend your money and you need to make sure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck when you do decide to invest in technology. When it comes to network switches for a small business, it’s important to invest in quality (we’ve provided some solid examples in our reviews previously mentioned). Network switches are great small business additions because it helps to connect all of the devices on your network PLUS it provides a central point for managing traffic. From my perspective and as a business owner, I believe it’s an essential piece of equipment for any small business. A network switch is a worthwhile investment for any small business owner who wants to keep their operation running smoothly.

What Is VPN Split Tunneling? Do I Really Need It?

What Is VPN Split Tunneling? Do I Really Need It?

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your VPN service and all its bells and whistles all that much. You may know that it’s important for security and privacy, but beyond that…there’s a good chance you don’t know much about what it does and how it protects you. We wanted to take a closer look at what VPN split tunneling is and explore how important of a feature it is if you’re looking for a VPN service. VPN services come with tons of exciting features, most of them your basic internet user would have no clue why or how important they are. While some of them are basic, others are advanced. Some of these options are not available with all VPNs, but one such feature is known as “split tunneling” is quickly becoming a mainstay with VPN services.

What is VPN Split Tunneling and how does it work? Most importantly, do you really need it? We’re going to hit on these questions and try to simplify this amazing feature so you understand a little bit more about what it does. Plus, I’m going to dish on two of my favorite VPN services that have done a masterful job of making split tunneling a core feature in their VPN service.

Everything You Need to Know About VPN Split Tunneling

In the most simplified way of explaining what it is, VPN split tunneling is a feature that allows you to selectively route traffic through your VPN. This can be useful if you want to keep some of your traffic private, but don’t want to encrypt all of your traffic. Below we explain a little more in-depth on what split tunneling is, how it works, and the types of split tunneling you should have a basic knowledge about. We’ll also cover some of the benefits and drawbacks of using split tunneling.

LEARN: Are The Benefits Of VPN Worth It?

What is VPN Split Tunneling?

VPN split tunneling is a feature that can divide your internet. It allows you to send some data through an encrypted VPN tunnel and route the remaining data through an open network. Usually, split tunneling is used to decide which applications you want to secure. 

VPN split tunneling can be very useful to keep your traffic private. Its most valuable trait is security. At the same time, you can maintain access to the local network. In short, you can connect to both local and foreign networks simultaneously. 

DISCOVER: Should You Use A VPN?

How Does VPN Split Tunneling Work?

Split tunneling helps you control which data you want to encrypt. It also lets you send data faster on the unencrypted network. Here’s how split tunneling works:

Usually, most devices have one direct connection to the internet. It is the single channel to send and receive data. However, VPN helps you secure the connection between your device and server. Therefore, your data is received and sent through the secure VPN server. While your data remains encrypted, VPN can cause your internet speed to slow down as all the data travels through it. This is one of the main drawbacks and the most frequent complaints I hear about VPNs is you sacrifice speed for security.

On the other hand, split tunneling offers two connections simultaneously. You get an open connection to the internet and a VPN connection. This way, your sensitive data is protected, while not affecting your internet speed at all. 

Types of VPN Split Tunneling

There are three main types of VPN split tunneling. Each one serves a purpose and is really up to you to determine which one better suits the types of activities you do while using the internet. URL-Based Split Tunneling allows you to choose which URLs to encrypt. App-Based Split Tunneling lets you choose which applications you want to encrypt through a VPN. Inverse Split Tunneling routes all the traffic is automatically sent through a VPN unless you specify.

TRENDING: A Device With Built-In VPN And Monitoring Capabilities? 

Why Do You Need Split Tunneling?

There are a couple of really important areas why I think you need split tunneling as part of your VPN. Here are two of the most important reasons why I think split tunneling should be something you prioritize with your VPN service:

Multi-Tasking

Split tunneling helps you increase your productivity. It is a clever feature that allows you to do multiple tasks at the same time. For instance, you can stream foreign content while using services from the local network. Similarly, you can also access network-connected devices, such as hardware, while surfing the internet safely and privately. 

Better Internet Speed

Since data is transferred via multiple connections, the internet speed is not slowed down. On the other hand, VPN can drastically affect the speed, even for simple tasks, such as internet surfing. Hence, split tunneling can be a necessary feature if you have slow or mediocre internet. 

My Favorite VPNs That Have Split Tunneling

You should really consider a VPN service with split tunneling if you have a slow internet connection. It helps you keep your speed while also offering privacy for selected applications. With that said, here are my favorite VPNs that feature split tunneling as part of their basic package.

Express VPN

ExpressVPN is one of my favorite VPN services. Not only are they a major player in this niche, but with servers located all over the world and unlimited bandwidth, you can’t go wrong! Plus their support has been great too. I’m happy to say that after trying out several competitors’ services it’s nice knowing there’s one provider who will always have an answer for me when I need one fast (and reliable).

>> Get Express VPN Here <<

Norton Secure VPN

Norton Secure VPN is a great option for those who need to protect their information from hackers. The new Split tunneling feature allows you to choose which data should be secure without losing access to local services. Another awesome security feature includes anonymous browsing with a no-log policy so that things like online purchases are never tracked!

>>Get Norton Secure VPN Here<<

Update Your Google Chrome Browser Immediately

Update Your Google Chrome Browser Immediately

If you’re like most people, you’re probably not as tech-savvy as you’d like to be. And that’s okay, there’s no shame in admitting that you need a little help now and then. One area where it’s especially important to stay up-to-date is with your internet browser. So if you’re using an older version of Google Chrome, we urge you to update it immediately. Google Chrome is easily the most popular internet browser. It is easy to download, install, and use. The best part is that the browser stays fresh with new updates every now and then. In fact, based on our personal use of multiple browsers, Google Chrome has the most frequent updates of any browser on the web.

But, the real question is, why should you update your Google Chrome browser? Several factors can cause inconvenience to you if you use an outdated browser. Here are the top 5 reasons to update your Google Chrome browser immediately. 

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5 Reasons to Update Your Google Chrome Browser in 2022

Google Chrome is used by millions of people every day for all sorts of activities, from shopping to banking to checking email (and a whole lot of other purposes). Those are just a few of the reasons, but let’s dive into more details on why you should update your Chrome browser right now. 

1. Stay Secure

The biggest reason to update your Google Chrome is to tighten up the security. When any software is outdated, it makes an easier target for attackers to exploit. They can easily get access to your necessary information with simple attacks. The same can be said for Google Chrome. 

People store valuable information on the Google Chrome browser (email passwords, credit cards, etc). Whether it is your account details or history, your data can be easily leaked if you do not update the browser. There are minimal to no chances of cyberattacks with the latest updates installed. Since Google accounts are shared through various other platforms, protecting your data becomes even more essential. 

2. New Look And Feel

Google Chrome does not let users get bored of its UI design. That is why almost every update comes with a new aspect of the browser’s appearance. It allows you to surf the web with a fresh-looking browser. 

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3. New Features

Google Chrome updates always come with new features. Almost every major update integrates something new and valuable to the browser AND adds something valuable to the user. You might be missing some key features in your outdated version that can cause you to lack behind.

4. Optimized Speed

This is probably one of the most underrated reasons (and often overlooked) for updating your internet browser. The only big complaint most people have with Google Chrome is its speed. While the browser is quite fast, opening multiple tabs can slow down your device if it is not compatible enough. Luckily, the browser keeps adding new features that minimize the load time and offers optimized speed. So…if your Google Chrome is getting slower, it’s the right time to update it. 

5. Fixed Bugs

Yes…even Google products get a bug or two. With every update, you might find some minor glitches. Sometimes, these can be major and affect the browser’s overall performance. However, Google Chrome fixes its bugs in every update to offer you an error-free experience. 

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What’s New In The Latest Google Chrome Update?

Google Chrome’s latest updates added and enhanced the following features: 

  • Tab Group Saving: Grouping tabs are an excellent feature that helps multiple research sites at once. However, saving these grouped tabs allow you to take a break and continue from where you left off.
  • Add Notes to Saved Passwords: Saving passwords helps you save time. But, with this new feature, you can add notes with passwords to remember the context of your login details.
  • Updated Downloads: Now, you can view individual progress bars for each download. Plus, the options in the list are made more interactive. 

What Are You Waiting For?

Get updating! It’s important to keep your browser up-to-date so that you have the latest security features and can take advantage of the newest updates and improvements. Plus, who doesn’t like a little, shiny new thing? Updating your Google Chrome browser is easy, just follow these simple steps and you’ll be securely (and up-to-date) browsing in no time:

Step 1: Open Google Chrome

Step 2: Click the three dots icon in the top right corner of the browser.

Step 3: Click “Update” (if it’s available). If it’s not available the chances are that you already have the latest version.

Step 4: Click “Relaunch To Update Chrome”

Another really easy way is to click the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of the browser. Then click “Help” then “About Google Chrome”. From here you’ll be able to see the status of your browser. Many people forget to relaunch so the update never completely finishes. If your Google Chrome browser is updated, you’ll get a message like the one in the image below…

Update Your Chrome

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