Nowadays, it’s no longer a secret that internet security is essential. In a world where we have cookies which track our location, privacy and data exposures, and custom ads based on our browsing habits, the use of a VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become crucial, especially if you live in a country where the government is known for spying on its citizens’ browser activity. By using a good VPN, due to its military-grade encryption, not only will your browsing habits be completely safe, but you’ll also be able to bypass government-imposed geo-blocks through servers with foreign IPs. The internet has become a scary place and VPN companies are our knights in shining armor ready to save the day.
It’s no question that Microsoft Edge was a significant jump from Internet Explorer. However, although Microsoft states that its users’ privacy is essential, it’s been uncovered that by default, Microsoft Edge is not actually that private.
When a user connects to a website, Microsoft Edge will communicate with Windows Defender SmartScreen to protect you from phishing and malware. The information sent includes the visited website’s full URL as well the user’s security identifier, which is unique to every single Windows user account. In other words, Microsoft Edge has been sending our complete URLs to Microsoft servers, including our non-anonymous account IDs.
Although the risk is mitigated by having this information sent through a secure connection which would require a man-in-the-middle attack to intercept it, it’s still concerning.
Nonetheless, there are ways to bypass this privacy concern through Edge’s configuration where you can disable SmartScreen. Of course, it’s crucial to take into account that this makes you completely vulnerable, making both a good antivirus and a great VPN imperative for protecting your computer from malware.
To disable SmartScreen, you need to click on the three dots at the top right of Edge, go to definitions, scroll down, and click on advanced configurations. Here, you can change the typical browser settings regarding cookies, history, password management, and more, and in the very end, you will have the option to disable Windows Defender SmartScreen.
Although it’s possible to tweak Microsoft Edge’s configurations to increase the amount of privacy security, there are always different threats which the browser is not able to protect you from. Moreover, by disabling Windows Defender SmartScreen, you are exposing yourself to malware and phishing attacks, making it essential to use a VPN. Combining your preferred privacy settings with a good VPN is the best way to be as secure as possible while safeguarding your valuable information from unwanted eyes.
Contrary to other browsers, Microsoft Edge does not have any VPN extensions available, meaning you will have to install a desktop VPN, turn it on, and leave it running in the background, which isn’t actually a big deal since it’s better to have a desktop app rather than a VPN browser extension.
While using a mobile device, security is even more critical since it’s more likely to use public, open Wi-Fi networks. Therefore, while using Microsoft Edge (or any other browser for that matter) on mobile, it’s imperative to use a VPN service. That’s why most VPN providers have mobile applications that you can easily find on both Android and Apple app stores.
With an extensive server network spanning 105 countries, apps for all major platforms, and even extra security tools like an ad blocker, ExpressVPN delivers all you need for a private and secure online experience.
The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing.
NordVPN has already managed to conquer the market by being one of the most reputable and trustworthy services ever made. Among its vast arsenal of features, the close attention given to security is one of the major highlights, thanks to the presence of an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, ads and malware, and even double VPN servers.
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN’s special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.99 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days.
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
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