If you’re a privacy advocate, then you’ve heard about Signal – a free end-to-end encrypted message app which gained popularity after receiving praise from the well-known whistleblower Edward Snowden. Although the app’s download numbers aren’t as impressive as other messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, we’re sure this is going to change soon. Not only is Signal open sourced but it also provides self-destructing messages, stores almost no information, and doesn’t run ads. In short, if you’re looking for a way to safely message people without worrying about government surveillance or hackers, Signal is the app to use.
Signal is available worldwide and, since it’s not as mainstream as some of its competitors, it’s still accessible in some countries with strict censorship policies like China. Despite this, there are a few countries where Signal has been blocked, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, and Iran. Fortunately, Signal developers designed a workaround for you to use the app in these locations. They added domain fronting to their service, allowing users to circumvent censorship by making it look like they’re connecting to a different service.
Unfortunately, this is not something that you can expect to work forever. Initially, Signal used Google App Engine to apply this workaround. After Google decided to stop domain fronting for all countries, Signal turned to Amazon CloudFront. Sadly, Amazon also announced that it will make changes to prevent domain fronting, and Signal is still trying to figure out another way to enable people from censored countries to access the app. However, you can always use a VPN.
VPNs are known for overcoming geographic restrictions and protecting their users’ privacy from hackers and the government. That’s why in heavily censored countries, such as Russia and China, it’s of utmost importance to use one. That’s also true for other secure apps, especially when it comes to communication. You want to make sure nothing you say gets stored in a company’s server that can easily be handed to the government or get hacked by cyber criminals. But how do you use these applications if they’re blocked? That’s where VPNs come into play.
With VPNs, you can select a specific location from a wide array of countries located all over the world. The software creates an end-to-end encrypted connection between your device and the VPN’s server, allowing you to trick websites, apps, or ISPs into thinking you’re accessing them from another region. This is a standard procedure for anyone that wants to access streaming services unavailable in their countries. Crucially, VPNs can also change your app store location enabling you to download (and use) apps that aren’t ordinarily accessible in your country, including Signal.
Considering that you’re getting a VPN to use Signal in countries where it’s banned, you want to make sure you get the top guns. Although it’s a bit more expensive, it’s essential to use software that won’t leak your actual location for even a fraction of a second.
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.
A surfing shark might not conjure up an image of security, but it does represent an effective way of defending yourself from the threats of the deep ocean that is the internet.
Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark offers encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.
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.
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