Whether you’re doing a bit of casual browsing, shopping through ecommerce websites, writing a social media post, or simply watching a YouTube video, you are leaving a digital footprint that is then followed by companies looking to monetise what you leave behind.

They do this by collecting your data and then selling it to the highest bidder, which is not only an issue ethically, but also puts you in danger of data misuse, offensive targeted ads, and even cyberattacks.

With this in mind, it’s important to be aware of how insecure your online presence really is.

Cyber Hygiene And Awareness

In this instance, knowledge is the best form of self-defence. Although there has been a lot of emphasis put on governments to formulate effective legislation, the problem of data brokers is not going away any time soon.

Right now, the data broker market is valued at around $350 million, and it’s growing at a CAGR of 7.96% to potentially reach $550 billion by 2028. But despite all of this, a lot of people are still not aware of how seemingly innocuous sites and third-parties are profiting from them.

If you want to know how to delete yourself from Google, how to stop spam, or how to remove your digital footprint, then there are tools available to do so and reduce the amount of value that brokers can extract from you.

Firewalls And Antivirus

With this knowledge, you can start putting in the steps to reclaim your personal data, but the fight for your internet safety is not over. We mentioned before that data brokers can put you in danger of cyberattacks, and with around 800,000 individuals being targeted by hackers every year, this is a key problem that also needs addressing if you want to secure your online presence.

The answer is relatively simple, too. Firewalls and antivirus software have long been some of the best tools to fight cyberattackers, but according to a recent survey, the usage of these tools is on the decline – from 78% in 2021 to 66% in 2023. Having this protection, however, can shield your computer and your network from hackers looking to breach it.

A VPN

VPNs can also be effective against both hackers and data brokers. Although they cannot hide your data completely, they do offer more protection from malicious third parties who are after your data by hiding your IP address, and securing your online browsing experience by encrypting it.

This is part of the reason why they have become so popular over the last few years. Earlier this year, it was reported that 1.5 billion people use VPNs, with a current market size of $44.6 billion that is expected to double by 2027.

2-Factor Authentication

These are the three best ways to defend your data and your overall internet safety, and each one of them should be put into practice if you care about your data being taken and your safe browsing being put at risk.

That being said, the emphasis isn’t just on you. Over the last few years, more sites and apps have been required to implement multi-factor authentication, essentially asking users to open two locked doors before they can access something. This is usually done with a password, and then a text sent to the smartphone – or biometrics using retinas, facial features, or fingerprints.

With businesses having to do more to protect you and your data, it’s important to jump on board and opt-in whenever you’re given the choice. With new technologies changing the world of computing, the cybersecurity threat is only going to get worse over the coming years, which means you should remain aware of new legislation and welcome efforts being made to keep you safe – while also doing everything you can to protect yourself from the off.

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In the vast world of virtual private networks (VPNs), Avira Phantom VPN has gained recognition as a secure and private internet browsing solution. However, if you’re searching for alternatives to Avira Phantom VPN, this article aims to delve deeper into various reliable options available in the market. Whether you seek heightened security measures, lightning-fast speeds, extensive server coverage, or specific features tailored to your needs, we will explore a selection of VPN alternatives that offer unique strengths and capabilities.

Why do You Need VPN? 

VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become an essential tool for online security and privacy. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, creating a secure and private tunnel between your device and the websites or services you access. This encryption shields your sensitive data from potential hackers, cybercriminals, or other prying eyes. Additionally, a VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously by masking your IP address and location, providing an extra layer of privacy. Whether you’re using public Wi-Fi, accessing geo-restricted content, or simply safeguarding your personal information, a VPN ensures that your online activities remain protected and your privacy remains intact.

1. NordVPN

When it comes to VPN services, NordVPN is often hailed as the leading contender among all users. Boasting an impressive suite of features, NordVPN provides a vast network of servers spanning multiple countries. Its commitment to user privacy is demonstrated through robust encryption protocols and a strict no-logs policy. NordVPN offers exceptional speeds for seamless streaming and browsing experiences, along with features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN for added security. With user-friendly apps and reliable customer support, NordVPN presents a comprehensive alternative to Avira Phantom VPN.

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has garnered a reputation for its unparalleled speed and reliability. If a lightning-fast connection is your priority, ExpressVPN won’t disappoint. With an extensive network of servers in diverse locations, this VPN opens doors to bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing global content. ExpressVPN employs industry-leading encryption protocols, supports multiple devices, and presents a user-friendly interface. Although slightly higher priced than some alternatives, the exceptional performance and comprehensive feature set make ExpressVPN a compelling choice.

3. CyberGhost

With a strong focus on privacy and security, CyberGhost offers a user-friendly VPN service. Its vast network of servers ensures reliable and fast connections, while stringent encryption measures and a strict no-logs policy protect your online activities from cybersecurity threats. CyberGhost goes beyond the basics by providing features like ad-blocking, malicious website blocking, and dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting. With an intuitive interface and affordable pricing plans, CyberGhost stands as a solid alternative to Avira Phantom VPN.

4. Surfshark

Surfshark may be a relatively new player, but its growing popularity stems from an enticing array of features. Boasting a large network of servers across numerous countries, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections and offers robust encryption for optimal online security. Unique features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, and MultiHop, which routes your connection through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, add to Surfshark’s appeal. With competitive pricing and a user-friendly interface, Surfshark presents a budget-friendly alternative for VPN seekers.

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access, often referred to as PIA, has earned a reputation for its steadfast commitment to privacy and security. PIA excels in its no-logs policy, strong encryption, and support for various VPN protocols. With an extensive server network spanning multiple locations, users can connect to servers worldwide. PIA offers advanced features such as split tunneling, allowing users to selectively route their internet traffic through the VPN. Affordable pricing and an unwavering dedication to privacy make PIA a compelling alternative to Avira Phantom VPN.

6. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a highly regarded VPN service that prioritizes privacy and security. Developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, a renowned encrypted email service, ProtonVPN offers a robust set of features. It employs strong encryption protocols and has a strict no-logs policy to ensure your online activities remain private. ProtonVPN also includes advanced features like Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple secure servers to defend against network-based attacks. With servers in various countries and support for multiple devices, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for users seeking enhanced privacy and security as an alternative to Avira Phantom VPN. 

While Avira Phantom VPN has established its place as a reputable VPN service, exploring alternatives can help you find the perfect VPN that aligns with your unique requirements. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access offer distinctive features, server networks, and pricing plans to cater to various needs.

When selecting a VPN, consider your priorities, such as privacy, speed, server coverage, and additional features. It’s crucial to find a VPN that suits your specific needs and preferences. Take advantage of free trials or money-back guarantees offered by VPN providers to test different services and evaluate their performance on your devices and network. 

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With a VPN, we may browse the internet safely, conduct online banking securely, prevent website providers from tracking our online activity and therefore collect personal information, and last but not least, access online content that is blocked in our country. A virtual private network, or VPN, is a program that improves your online privacy and security. Your identity, data, and browsing activities are concealed by creating an encrypted tunnel by routing your traffic through a private server. Here are some of the top VPN providers for use in or outside of the USA in 2023.

  1. Proton VPN 

One of the well-known VPN services that you can use in the USA or elsewhere is Proton VPN. However, because this VPN service routes all of your traffic via multiple Proton servers, even if someone tries to monitor your connection, they won’t be able to identify you as a specific user. ProtonVPN has added a further degree of security to its system. Additionally, it’s nice that every session receives a unique encryption key. They won’t make any concessions on this matter and don’t want to put the user in any danger.

  2. ExpressVPN

One of the most complete VPN services is ExpressVPN. It has excellent security measures, is quite simple to use, and unblocks a lot of streaming websites. Since only 25 Mbps is required to stream in Ultra HD quality, you may enjoy viewing programs without interruption and downloading big files quickly. ExpressVPN has military-grade encryption, a safety switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and a well-established no-logs policy in terms of security and privacy. Your connection cannot be intercepted thanks to military-grade encryption, and a security switch ensures that your data won’t be unintentionally revealed. No one can see what you’re doing online because it strictly adheres to an updated and validated no-logs policy.

  3. CyberGhost

One of the simplest VPNs to use for streaming is CyberGhost, thanks to its servers that are geared for streaming. It has specialized servers for websites with simple access from everywhere, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Its speeds are more than adequate for high-quality streaming and torrenting of huge files. Your personal information is concealed from prying eyes by CyberGhost’s AES-256-bit encryption and further safeguarded by its no-logs policy. Military-grade encryption scrambles your data, rendering it unreadable, and a no-logs policy prevents anyone from tracking your online activity.

  4. Opera VPN 

The popular browser Opera has a VPN that comes with several capabilities. Opera VPN is available for practically every operating system, as you are undoubtedly aware. A VPN is already included when you download the browser, so you don’t need to download one separately for your PC. Opera operates at high speeds. In reality, there is no discernible difference in speed between using a VPN and not. For people who want a VPN for streaming material, this is fantastic. Opera will enable you to do whatever you want, whether it’s viewing videos on YouTube or listening to music on Spotify.

  5. Surfshark

The most popular VPN service on the market right now is Surfshark, a relatively young company that has generated hype. Here is a review of Surfshark VPN so you can learn more about its various features if you’re not sure whether to purchase it or not. On PC and Mac, the split tunneling option is fantastic for torrenting and dividing connections. Furthermore, a kill switch is included. Beyond these foundational elements, Surfshark has a ton more. Additional password technology that warns you of data leaks, GPS spoofing, URL and ad blocking, multi-hop, full P2P support, “invisible to devices” mode that conceals your device from other devices on the same network, and other capabilities are all available.

  6. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield offers users total anonymity while being the most affordable VPN service available. One of the most well-known brands among VPN service providers, with up to 100 million subscribers. You can transfer 500 MB each day with Hotspot Shield’s free plan. Every day, you will be able to access roughly 40 minutes of programming in HD. For data security, it has 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch option. However, Hotspot Shield does record some information, including your IP address, even though it does not monitor your surfing activities. These logs are, however, removed after each session.

A VPN’s download and installation are quick and easy, typically taking under three minutes. Most of the time, all you need to do is create an account, download the software, and connect to the server. However, for hardware like home routers, gaming consoles, and streaming devices that don’t support native programs, it can be a little more taxing. These were some of the best VPNs for use in or outside of the USA in 2023.  

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