Radar detectors are a great tool for anyone who spends time behind the wheel. Not only do they help drivers keep up with speed limits, but they also can significantly reduce the financial burden of driving. These devices detect radar signals used by police officers to measure the speed of oncoming cars, allowing the driver to adjust their speed before being pulled over. In addition to saving money, having a radar detector can also provide peace of mind for drivers on long trips and help keep them from getting distracted by worrying about the police. There are numerous options out there like the MAX 360c MKII Radar Detector from ESCORT.

About Escort MAX 360c MKII Radar Detector

Escort has more than 40 years of industry-leading performance to provide to consumers and in 2019, it was chosen as Autoweek Reader’s Choice Top Pick for Best Radar Detector Brand. Escort strives to provide a premium driving experience through advanced technologies and innovative features such as the Escort Live mobile app.

The MAX 360c MKII is one of the top tier options in the MAX product family. It features a robust internal platform and powerful components that provide an improved range, lightning-fast performance, and a quieter ride than other MAX products. The MAX 360c MKII radar detector has an upgraded dual antenna platform, Blackfin® DSP chip, and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. The device is designed to be easy to set up and use. Simply attach the mount and detector, plug in the cable, and connect to the companion app to access the Drive Smarter® community, which includes shared alerts from other detectors and drivers across the country.

Main Features

• Exceptional Detection Range
• False Alert Filtering
• Autolearn Intelligence
• Drive Smarter App
• Defender Database
• Built-in GPS
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Directional Alert Arrows
• Digital Signal Processing
• Next-Gen Antenna Platform
• Automatic Updates Via WiFi

Tech Specifications

In the Box:

• Travel Case
• MAX 360c MKII
• Smartcord USB with Mute
• EZ Mag Mount

Pricing & Availability

Escort has several MAX models including the MAX 360c MKII. The other options are the MAX 3, MAX 360 MKII, and the MAXcam 360c. Each model has its own set of features and different pricing levels (the list price is included below). The devices can be purchases direct from the manufacturer (escortradar.com), Best Buy, or Amazon. Retailers may have different prices than the original list price.

• MAX 3 → Simple and Powerful Radar & Laser Detection (List Price: $399.95)
• MAX 360 MKII → 360° Detection with Bluetooth® Connectivity (List Price: $599.95)
• MAX 360c MKII → 360° Detection with Dual-Band Wi-Fi Connectivity (List Price: $699.95)
• MAXcam 360c → MAX 360c Performance with Integrated Dash Cam (List Price: $849.95)

Installation & Downloads (*******from escortradar.com)

Detector Tools Pro (Windows version compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11) (Mac version compatible with version 10.10+. Not compatible with any Max Ci series or iXCi remote systems)

• Detector Tools Pro 2.3.4.8
• Detector Tools 2.5.10.1 (Mac)
• MAX 360c MKII Quick Start Guide
• MAX 360c MKII User Manual
• MAX 360c MKII Spec Sheet

Please note: Works with most vehicles. Some late model vehicles such as newer BMWs may have 12v outlets with non-standard dimensions, preventing full insertion of the SmartCord plug. Users with such vehicles may consider a Direct Wire kit or third-party solution.

For more information, visit escortradar.com, Facebook, or Twitter.

If you are using public Wi-Fi hotspots in places such as libraries, coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, or conference centers, you are putting yourself and your data at risk. Most public hotspots are unsecured, which means that anyone can connect to the network and intercept any data being sent or received. This includes passwords, email messages, and even financial information.

Even if a public hotspot is legitimate, it may not be well-protected against hackers. Hackers can also use public hotspots to launch attacks against other devices on the same network. Using a public hotspot can also expose your device to viruses and other malware. To protect your data, it’s important to use a VPN when connecting to a public hotspot.

VPN stands for “virtual private network.” It is a type of technology that allows users to create a secure connection over a public network. VPNs can be used to access region-locked content, hide your IP address, and protect your data from hackers. If you use a Mac, you might be wondering if you need a VPN. Even though computers running macOS are less susceptible to cyber attacks than Windows machines, they can still be vulnerable.

VPNs for Mac can provide an extra layer of security and privacy when connecting to the internet. They can also help you bypass restrictive censorship and location-based restrictions. When you use a VPN, all of your traffic is encrypted and tunneled through a remote server. This means that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online, and it also means that third-party trackers can’t track your behavior. Even if you are on a Mac, you should still route your internet traffic through a VPN — especially when you are in public areas.

Pros and Cons of using a VPN

When it comes to using a VPN, there are several factors to consider. While a VPN does provide a user with an encrypted tunnel for their internet activities, it can slow down your connection and is an added expense. Here are some pros and cons you may want to think about before adding a VPN to your system.

Pros

• Added security and privacy
• Provide access to blocked websites and content
• Protects your identity from online censorship
• Can bypass government censorship filters

Cons

• A slower than normal internet connection speed
• Less secure than methods such as a proxy server
• Can be difficult to set up
• Can be expensive

Which VPN should you use?

If you run a search for “VPN Provider” on Google, you will get more than 85 million results. There aren’t quite that many providers, but there are dozens to choose from. Wading through the menagerie of companies available is cumbersome, to say the least, and what makes it more complicated is knowing whether or not to trust a review site’s opinion of service.

Many VPN providers offer affiliate programs as a part of their larger marketing plans. There is nothing wrong with this, but it does make it harder for users to figure out if a reviewer is recommending a certain VPN service based on their actual use of the system or based on the amount of revenue they are generating from that particular affiliate link.

We recommend doing a bit of research on the VPN service to see who is the best fit. When we complete reviews of VPNs here on Mac Sources, we do not include any affiliate links in our articles. We only include links back to the VPN service for informational purposes only and we do not receive any monetary benefits from the review itself. We complete real-world tests and look at the following factors.

• Who the company is: who owns them, what makes them unique
• Where are they located
• Pricing
• How their service works in real-world terms
• Testing: speed, IP leak, DNS leak, WebRIC leak

Some of the most recent VPN services we’ve reviewed include:

• Atlas VPN
• Mullvad VPN
• PureVPN
• VyprVPN
• FastestVPN

Conclusion

In 2022, using a VPN on your Mac is more important than ever for online security. A VPN is a great way to keep your data safe and secure. It can also help you access blocked websites and content, and keep your online activity private. The technology creates a secure network connection for you while you are using the internet and can even be used to connect remote offices, branch offices, and employees working from home to their company’s network. Using a VPN is a smart choice for security. By using a VPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind, knowing that your data is safe from prying eyes.

Eufy SmartDrop is a great investment in your home security and protects you from porch pirates.

With an estimated $4.9 trillion US dollars spent worldwide on e-commerce in 2021, it’s no wonder that thieves have taken to stalking porches rather than cars in parking lots. In fact, 43% of Americans report falling victim to porch pirates. So, what can consumers do to protect themselves from this type of theft? One potential solution is to add a secured location for package drop-off to your home or business.

When you search on Amazon for ‘locked delivery box,’ there are a number of options that come up. But, we discovered earlier this year, that not all package boxes are created equal. Some of them are downright awful. One that easily stands above the rest is the Eufy SmartDrop – Smart Delivery Box.

About SmartDrop

The Eufy SmartDrop was originally released in July 2021 after a successful Kickstarter that launched in August 2020. It is essentially an extra large safety deposit box that can be used for delivery drivers to leave packages in when the user isn’t at home. SmartDrop measures 30 x 14.4 x 12.6 inches and is 68 liters in volume.

The box has a built-in HD camera and 2-way audio that can act as a smart doorbell of sorts. With it, delivery drivers can alert users that they have a package to leave. The box can be left unlocked for package deposit (it automatically locks after one has been made).

If the box is locked, a pin code can be set and relayed to delivery drivers via the shipping label or communicating through the SmartDrop’s camera and microphone. The user can unlock the box via pin code, standard mechanical key, mobile app, or smart assistant.

The Eufy SmartDrop is currently being sold for $399.99 through Eufy.com and Amazon.

Main Features

• Large capacity – can fit 99% of packages; spacious enough to fit multiple items at one time
• Works for all couriers
• Built-in 1080p HD camera (with night vision) records videos of deliveries
• On-board keypad allows PIN access
• Two-way audio lets you talk to couriers
• Motion-detection triggers camera
• Multiple Methods to Open: Press to Open, PIN Code Access, Access Via the App, Traditional Key Access, Alexa or Google Assistant
• IP65 Weatherproof
• Tough and Robust: Hydrophobic coating, Anti-corrosion coating, High-density steel, Cold rolled carbon steel
• Easy to Install; can be bolted down for added security

User Experience

The Eufy SmartDrop comes in a large shipping box. It weighs approximately 44 pounds and there is assembly required. The assembly process is actually one of the only complaints I have about this awesome product. And, it’s not really a complaint because I honestly don’t see another way for this product to be sent out to consumers. That said, there are six large metal panels and tons of tiny screws to insert into each panel.

The first step in the assembly process is to lay all the parts out to make sure you aren’t missing anything. The assembly hardware includes the aforementioned screws, a charging cable for the battery pack, the battery pack, the gas hinges, keys, and anchoring screws. The anchoring screws are optional. If you have the box placed in a secure enough spot, I don’t feel that they are 100% necessary.

For example, our SmartDrop is placed on our covered front porch directly next to our front door. This location would require a lot of maneuvering on the part of a thief in order to pick up the box in its entirety not to mention the fact that it’s nearly 50 pounds when it is empty. With that in mind, we felt comfortable enough to leave the box unanchored. If you don’t have a secured location or your SmartDrop will be accessible to others, I would recommend anchoring it.

Even though there are lots of little screws to deal with, the box is not hard to put together. Each side slides into each other and then it’s just a matter of tightening screws. The instructions that are provided are very easy to follow and it doesn’t take long to assemble. Again, the step that takes the longest is screwing in all the screws.

Once you have the box assembled, you are ready to insert the battery pack. This might be my favorite feature of the SmartDrop — the rechargeable battery. In our last secure dropbox, we constantly fought changing the AA batteries that were in the lock and the AAA batteries that were in the keypad. Eufy made this very easy and included a hefty battery pack. The specs state it’s a 10,000 mAh battery. Users also have the option of connecting the box to wired power with a power adapter (not included).

We’ve been using the SmartDrop box for just over 30 days and we’ve only had the charge the battery pack once. We receive multiple packages per day and also trigger the camera with motion throughout the day. So, I would say that our battery usage is probably higher than the average consumer.

Given that information, I would think that a typical home user who might receive one package a day or a few packages per week, would likely get an entire month of battery use from a single charge on the battery pack. The only downside I would highlight with the battery pack is that it recharges via Micro USB. I would much rather see this be USB-C.

Connecting the box to the app and WiFi was a complete breeze. When we set it up we did it just a few feet from our wireless router, but the location where it lives is only about 20 feet away from it. We have not had any connection problems with it. The camera records as it should and we have been able to open it remotely with very little lag between the app and the device. It’s been a delight to work with and has not caused any stress because it just works.

We receive packages of all sizes and there have only been a handful of packages that would not fit in the box due to their size. Our delivery drivers have not had any issues accessing the box using the Open button. We hung a sign on our door with instructions and after a month, most of them caught on easily enough. There were a few at first that didn’t get it right away and we’ve had several comments that it’s a really cool option for package storage. They’ve been very impressed and I actually had one driver ask me where they could get one.

Because of its size, the SmartDrop has definitely been a conversation piece. I loved to see that the camera was built it. We happen to have a smart doorbell attached to the side of our house directly above the SmartDrop. So, we have the sensitivity on the SmartDrop’s camera turned down. That said, it does seem to be a little less responsive than I would expect.

Our doorbell picks up the tiniest of movements and announces that “you are being recorded” multiple times before the SmartDrop provides directions on how to use the Open button. This hasn’t been a big hurdle for us though since the majority of our delivery drivers ‘get it’ right away or follow the instructions we provided. It also helps that the Open button is a different color.

While our SmartDrop is located in a somewhat enclosed area, I do have a great case study for how well it holds up against the weather. About two and half weeks after we installed the box, we had a really severe thunderstorm move through our area. The meteorologists refer to it as a ‘straight-lined wind event’ but if you didn’t know any better, you would think a tornado had blown through the area.

Our neighbor’s fence was knocked down, we had branches and limbs down all over our yard and debris littered our entire porch area. The SmartDrop was unfazed. The wind was so strong that it moved our pergola that resides on our back patio about 12 inches, but the SmartDrop didn’t move one inch. It was steady and strong and the inside remained dry and untouched. We had blowing rain and hail that day and the SmartDrop kept working.

Conclusion

I don’t like to play favorites, but the Eufy SmartDrop definitely stands out against its competitors. It is probably in my top five favorite gadgets I’ve ever had the pleasure of testing. The app connectivity works as it should and it’s a sturdy product that provides us with a safe, secure location for our packages to be delivered. If you are looking for an option like this, I would not hesitate to invest in this as a solution. The SmartDrop is a remarkable piece of technology and it solves a problem that many people have.

For more information, visit eufylife.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Wireless camera makes outdoor security easy.

After experiencing a driveway car break-in early in my adult life, I knew that I wanted more eyes on my property.  As I got married, started to have children, grew into my family, and worked long hours away from home, I wanted options to monitor and interact with my kids/wife.  Some may opt for a hub-based monitored system or perhaps a wired system, while some may want a do-it-yourself, modular system like the options from Toucan.  Luckily Toucan has several monitoring options to protect your home, office, rental, or even a vacation home

Unboxing

The Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera arrived in a 6 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/4 inches tall by 2 1/2 inches thick retail package.  The cover panel showcased a large slightly raised, glossy image of the camera upon a blurred green foliage background.  The company name/logo was displayed at the top left of the panel and provided a nice contrast against the background. 

I was impressed with the design of the cover, the company logo, and the layout of the information.  The lower edge of the panel provided the generic “Wireless Outdoor Camera” name, and a raised glossy image of a smartphone using the Toucan App, while six product defining tabs were present along the left edge of the panel: 1. Magnetic Mount for Easy Adjustment, 1080P Full HD video, Built-in Rechargeable Battery, Easy Wire Free Setup, Videos Encrypted for Privacy, Free 24 Hr Video History.  

The right side panel provided the company name/logo at the top of the panel, a labeled image of the phone App (wide angle live feed, pre-recorded messages, two-way talk, siren alarm, call emergency services, photo capture, video capture), and dual QR codes linking to the iOS or Google Play Store. 

The rear emergency-cone orange-colored panel provided the company name/logo along the top of the panel, twelve product icons (IP56 waterproof, PIR motion detection, night vision, instant notification, instant live feed, two-way talk, siren alarm, wireless connection, call emergency, no hub required, pre-recorded messages, access anywhere), and a pictorial representation of the three-step setup process (attach, pair, connect).

Lastly, the white-colored top panel provided the company name/logo, while the dark gray bottom panel provided information about the limited warranty, manufacturing labels, SKU barcodes, and a list of the packaging contents (Toucan wireless outdoor camera, screw, and anchors, magnetic mount, charging cable, quick start guide and adhesive tape).  Overall, I was pleased with the packaging experience, with the photo-quality imagery, the labeled diagrams, and the lists of product features.

I slid the inner white box out of the outer packaging, lifted the lid, and removed the Toucan surveillance placard/customer support package, a plastic-wrapped black surgical mask, the half-pill-shaped camera, and an accessory box.  The 7.9-ounce Toucan camera, measured 3 1/4 inches long by 2-3/4 inches tall by 2-inches wide and had the Toucan name/logo printed in grey font onto each side of the camera.

The top panel had a 1 1/8 inches wide by 1/2 inches tall grey-rubber access port, while the bottom panel had a 5/8 inches wide by 5/16 inches tall grey-rubber micro-USB access port.  The accessory box housed a 1.4-ounce, 1 13/16 inches wide by 2 3/16 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick white/grey-colored magnetic attachment bracket, a sheet of 3M tape, a 20 inches long USB-A to USB-micro cable,  and a zipper style bag with wall attachment hardware (#2 grey wall anchors, #1 green wall anchor, #2 7/8 inches long by 1/16 inches wide flat-head screws, and #1 3/4 inches long by 3/32 inches wide round head screw).  

SETUP/INSTALLATION:

I plugged the micro-USB cable between the bottom of the camera and a standard 5V/2.4A output adapter and immediately noted a flashing red LED at the front of the camera.  After about five seconds, the light flashed blue, while the camera vocalized “The device is initializing” in a deep robotic female voice.  The light returned to a deep red color and resumed charging. 

As the device charged, I opened the instruction manual bag, removed the two orange/white octagonal Toucan stickers, the limited warranty page (full of legalese), and reviewed the Thank You Card with web address information and QR code links to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, App/Play Store, and chat, and then perused the Quick Start Guide. 

I liked that the panel matched the color scheme of the outer packaging and that the product started with a brief display of the package contents.  The second panel provided a helpful “Get to know” panel that displayed the magnetic base mount, the features of the camera (camera lens, microphone, light sensor, motion sensor, LED indicator), the contents of the included ports (set/power upper port and USB-micro lower charging port).  

The subsequent panels provided a helpful setup and installation step-by-step display.  I scanned the QR code, linked it to the App Store, downloaded the 4.5* Toucan Smart Home App, and followed the step-by-step setup process.  After about thirty seconds, the App was ready to open. 

During that time, I applied the 3M adhesive to the back of the magnetic base. I cleaned the surface of the vinyl siding with a damp washcloth (70%water/30% white vinegar), let the surface dry, and then affixed the magnetic base to the surface.  I loved that they included three different mechanisms for installation.  If attaching the device to drywall, flat wood, vinyl, or door frames, you can use the included 3M tape.  If needed, you can choose to use the rear picture style hanger or the dual plug-accessible mounting points. 

I made sure the vinyl was dry, affixed the mounting bracket, waited 24 hours, and then applied the camera to the base.  Interestingly, I found a bonus method of attachment that was not mentioned.  Thanks to the strong magnetic base, you can mount your camera to a metallic surface like a door or a toolbox.  The camera’s rounded, metallic back plate encompassed approximately 1/3 of the entire device. The mount was affixed securely to the metallic plate and provided a robust, posable experience.  If the mounting bracket will not work for your given project/location, you can use the 1/4 inches diameter screw with a standard camera or GoPro Mounts.  

APP Integration

The App setup process proved to be rather simple.  I provided the App with permission for notifications, selected North America as the requested region, and then clicked “Proceed.” I tapped “Create A New Account,” entered my demographics, and password confirmed the password, and then clicked the register button.  The App sent an email to my chosen location, I confirmed the email, returned to the App, and then re-entered my email/password.

Each of these steps proved to be rather intuitive and required little in the realm of tech knowledge.  The subsequent grey screen recommended reading the installation guide prior to adding the device and linking to the page online.  I selected the large “+” to add the new device and found a few options to choose from amongst Wireless Outdoor Camera, Security Light Camera, Wireless Doorbell, Sconce Light, or Light Bar. 

I selected the Wireless Outdoor Camera, chose a name for the device (Front Porch, Driveway, Backyard, or Custom), allowed location only when using the App, activated Bluetooth, and then set up the network.  When I attempted this step with my WiFI turned off, the setup failed.  I believe that was the only step that may cause some hiccups for users.  The App did not warn me that my WiFi was turned off until the process failed.  There were a few tidbits of information after they fail that will help others to return to the setup process and should help with pairing.  

I activated my phone WiFi, entered the network Password, selected “Next,” and the App took me to another panel. I opened the top access panel, pressed the setup button for 3 seconds, and the device again announced that it was initialized, followed by “Set up is in progress.” 

After approximately ten seconds, the camera noted “connection succeeded, you can use your device now.”  I was impressed with the speed of the connection and with the easy setup process. I closed the camera’s top access port, attached the camera to the magnetic base, and then noted that the App requested a  firmware update from 0.02.070 to 0.02.073.  After waiting through the five-minute update, I opened the app, allowed access to the microphone, to photos, and then walked through the tutorial panels.  

The main app panel showed the clock at the top left, the LTE/5G/WiFi/battery, then a “?” App tutorial icon, a link to download/buy the Pro setup ($2.99/month/$29.99 per year), the Toucan Name, an envelope/mail icon, and “+” icon to add devices.  Beneath the row of buttons, you will find the list of cameras with active displays for those that are online. 

Along the bottom of the panel, you will find a generic watermark house image and three icons: Dashboard, Events, and Settings.  To access the camera, tap the large image on the screen. The camera link will open and provide a large active view at the top 1/2 of your phone/tablet screen.  You can tap the four corner icon at the bottom of the picture to turn to landscape and back to regular view or press the microphone button to mute the speaker.  The camera will provide options for 2 way communication, and the speaker output was rather loud.  I did not find a way to decrease or adjust the volume of the speaker output throughout the testing process. 

The lower segment of the app had five small buttons and one large mute microphone button.  From left to right, you can tap the thought bubble to select one of four preset phrases (Hello, who is it?, How can I help you?, No soliciting, thank you, Dog Barking), a record button, a snapshot button, an SOS button (call 911), and an alarm button.  I was impressed with the App, with the layout, the buttons, and the camera/app integration. 

At first, I did not think that I would like the preset phrases, but I found that I was disappointed that there were so few options to choose from.  Instead of giving your own voice, you can tap the preset and the robot voice will interact with the camera target.  If you tap the cog icon at the top of the panel, you can adjust the settings, change the name, toggle do not disturb (motion notifications) mode, toggle schedule mode, adjust the time zone, toggle video date/time stamp, change night vision (auto, always on, always off), adjust motion detection (max, high, med, low), turn on/off motion sensor with snooze schedule, turn on/off the camera LED, adjust motion zones, activate/reactive emergency call, evaluate network settings, and activate/reactive auto greeting. 

I was impressed with the size, shape, design, and features of the ~$100 Toucan camera and the integration with the Toucan App.  The free App provided a majority of the features, which should be perfect for most users.  If you want unlimited video downloads, an adjustable siren duration, extended recording video duration, custom event recording times, more users, video in the video, and holiday auto greetings, the $2.99 pro or the $9.99 Elite plans may be worth it to you.  The highlight of the review had to be the magnetic base and the various installation methods (3M, anchor/screw), and the bonus ability to stick to metallic doors, craftsman toolboxes, or to my car. 

I added a segment of soft Velcro to the back of the base and was able to install several hook segments to move the base to various locations.  I used the camera as a baby monitor while my daughter was sleeping, then stuck the camera to my metallic front door to monitor for motion on the stairs.  I stuck the base to my Craftsman toolbox to monitor the kids playing in the garage and used it on the basement door to watch for visitors/motion. Interestingly, the magnet was strong enough to attach to my metal door with the single strand of Velcro strip attached to the base.   

The Toucan camera came with a 6500mAh built-in rechargeable battery and was built to survive the outdoor elements.  The wireless setup meant that I did not have to drill holes, did not have to position the device close to an outlet, and allowed for a greater degree of personalization.  Some may find the need to charge the device an annoyance, however, I found that I only needed to charge the device once weekly.  

The notifications provided updates as the motion was detected, I was able to communicate through two-way-chat and could activate the loud alarm, or call 911 through the App. The convenient magnetic base allowed for a nearly infinite level of customized positioning.  To continue the praise for the device, the two-way communication, quality night mode imagery, emergency contact, and siren/signals proved to be quite impressive. 

The Toucan camera proved to be more than a simple outdoor camera, and the name limited the scope of its abilities. Despite all of the positive features mentioned above, the only complaint that I found was that they only included a single base.  

For more information, visit toucansolution.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

FastestVPN leaves users frustrated and confused.

Editors Note: We don’t insert VPN affiliate links into our reviews and we are not paid to complete reviews on any VPN services. All VPN reviews are based on our own testing and experiences. Always do your own testing before deciding on a VPN service.

Access to a reliable VPN service is essential to any internet user who travels. Virtual Private Networks – or VPNs – provide users with a protected tunnel to use when they are on public networks so that others can’t peer into your system. This review will focus on FastestVPN.

Who is FastestVPN?

According to their website, FastestVPN is a Cayman Island-based company. It looks as though the VPN is owned by the parent company Fastest Technology Limited.

The company was founded in 2017 with the promise to provide a secure internet experience without leaking your data to third parties. FastestVPN uses 256-Bit AES encryption to secure users when they are on public WiFi networks. The goal is to protect the user’s identity and provide anonymity. Servers are available in 40+ countries and more than 52 locations.

Features

• Online Privacy & Security – 256-Bit encryption, best protocols, and anti-malware are incorporated in FastestVPN connection
• Open & Free Internet
• Fastest Blazing Speed – FastestVPN is optimized for P2P file-sharing; choose a server location and get the highest speeds. With 99.99% uptime, enjoy the fastest VPN connectivity round the clock
• No Log Policy – FastestVPN has a strict no-log policy and does not keep any data that could be used to identify its users
• Compatibility with 20+ devices
• Connect up to 10 devices and use them simultaneous with a single FastestVPN subscription
• FastestVPN ensures high security with its built-in DNS leak protection
• Smart Tunneling routes select traffic with VPN automatically even when the app is not open
• Internet Kill Switch – terminates internet connection in the event connection to VPN server is lost
• Multiple protocols available such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, OpenConnect, L2TP
• FastestVPN protects your data with military-grade 256-Bit AES encryption
• NAT Firewall provides an extra added layer of security
• Unix-based P2P Optimized Servers
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• 99.99% Uptime
• Unlimited Server Switching
• Anonymous torrenting
• Fast buffering and downloading
• Prevent ISP Throttling
• Access geo-restricted content

Pricing & Availability

FastestVPN provides flexible payment plan options including monthly, yearly, or every 3 years. All plans come with free 2TB of cloud storage and a password manager. Plus, a 15-day money-back guarantee is available to anyone who is unsatisfied with the service.

VPN Plans

• 1 Month Plan = $10 per month
• 1 Year Plan = $2.49 per month (billed $29.95 annually)
• 3 Year Plan = $1.11 per month (billed $39.95 triennially)

All plans include –

• Internet Kill Switch
• P2P Optimized Servers
• Free Malware Protection
• Free NAT Firewall
• Free Adblocker
• 256-bit AES Encryption
• 10 Multi Logins
• Unlimited Server Switching
• 24/7 support via Live Chat

Platforms & Devices (as listed on FastestVPN’s website)

While these are all the platforms that FastestVPN lists as compatible on their website, this review is focused on the Mac and iOS versions.

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Amazon Firestick
• Android Box
• Kodi
• Roku
• PS4
• Linux
• Apple TV
• Xbox
• Chrome Extension
• Firefox Extension
• Smart TV
• Android APK
• Router
• Apple Chromecast

Privacy Policy

According to the App Store, the FastestVPN app does not collect any data from its users. The full privacy policy can be found here. Because the VPN is located in the Cayman Islands, it is not subject to any of the known intelligence alliances currently available.

User Experience

One of the first things I noticed about using FastestVPN was the inconsistency there seems to be with the service’s app support. The website lists support for Mac and iOS. When I clicked on the link for the Mac app, I was taken to the Mac App Store. The app that was shown was listed as “Fastest VPN” and the seller is listed as “360 Digital Marketing LLC.” This app is listed with version 1.4.3 as the most up-to-date option. It was last updated 2 years ago.

When I manually searched for FastestVPN in the Mac App Store, the app “FastestVPN – Security for WiFi” was available. This app has the seller listed as “FASTEST TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD” and is currently on version 2.4.1. It was last updated 1 year ago. Both versions of the app have copyright listed with Fast Technology Limited.

Aside from their being two totally separate versions of an app for this service, the iOS version of the app lists compatibility with iPad, iPhone, and Mac. The Mac compatibility states “requires macOS 11.0 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip” but the 360 Digital Marketing version of the app is only compatible with macOS 11.0 or later and does not list any M1 support.

I have seen this happen with other VPNs, but it doesn’t change the fact that it is extremely confusing for the user. On top of that, the iOS version that should work with M1 Mac devices was completely non-functional for me. My 2020 M1 MacBook Air would get caught in a möbius loop trying to connect to the VPN. The VPN status on my system would fluctuate and would continuously connect and disconnect. It didn’t even pause operation long enough for me to remove the VPN option from my Network settings until I uninstalled the app.

When I installed the real Mac app, it worked fine. My larger concern is that neither of the apps has seen an update in a very long time. With some apps, this isn’t an issue, but since these are VPNs, I prefer to see more updates to coincide with security updates. Plus, since the native Mac app hasn’t been updated in 2 years, it is not compatible with M1 Macs.

Despite the app support being outdated, they seemed to provide a secure connection to FastestVPN servers. To get started, you have to sign up for an account with an email address and password. You also have to select the billing plan you want to use. There doesn’t seem to be a free option for the service like some VPN providers offer.

Once you get logged in, using the app is self-explanatory. You select a server manually and click the lightning bolt to connect or you can select Smart Connect to have the VPN connection to the best connection option for your location.

You have the option of selecting the VPN protocol you want to use when your system connects to your provider’s servers. A protocol defines how your system talks to that server and can affect your connection speed and security as well. FastestVPN lists OpenVPN, IKEv2, IPSec, OpenConnect, and L2TP as the protocols that are available to use with their service, but when I opened the protocol settings options the only ones listed are IKEv2, IPSec, TCP, and UDP. When you select the protocol in the preferences of the app, it only shows the servers that use that protocol.

Once I’m connected to a VPN I run it through speed and security testing. The speed test is simply testing the network connection speed when I’m not connected to the VPN and when I am connected to the VPN. I typically connect to more than one server location.

• Without VPN Connected: 651.99 Mbps Download
• With VPN Connected (Charlotte NC): 330.65 Mbps Download
• With VPN Connected (India): 1.17 Mbps Download
• With VPN Connected (Bulgaria): 358 Mbps Download
• With VPN Connected (Australia): 101 Mbps Download

The security testing I ran was using bash.ws. Without the VPN connected, my network only scored a 41%. With the VPN engaged, our network scored a 50%. The results are highlighted below. The best score I’ve gotten with a VPN so far is 66%.

Conclusion

While FastestVPN appears to provide a secure server connection to the internet, there are certain parts of the service that are unappealing to me. I feel that the apps should be brought up to date with current operating system standards as well as security protocols. There seems to be some misinformation provided on the service’s website that is inconsistent with what you actually get with the product.

I also noticed that there were some misspelled words and the Chromecast is referred to as the “Apple Chromecast” which is inaccurate. If FastestVPN can invest some time into quality control for the website information and development of the app support, then this could be a really good option as a VPN.

For more information, visit fastestvpn.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

EufyCam provides a high-quality video feed to monitor your property so you have peace of mind

Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property and make sure that everything is safe. They can help you identify any problems or theft, and they can also provide peace of mind in case anything happens while you’re away. We’ve had security cameras around our property for the past 10 years.

At first, it was just a video doorbell. Then, we added a floodlight camera with motion activation to our garage. Finally, we started incorporating wireless security cameras around the entire property. Most recently we added two eufyCam 2 Pro Wireless Home Security Cameras to enhance the system we already had in place.

About eufyCam 2 Pro Cameras

This is our first experience with eufy branded products, but we’ve worked with eufy’s parent company, Anker Innovations, for many years. eufy has a motto of “Smart Home Simplified” and they are dedicated to creating products like laser-guided robotic vacuum cleaners and, of course, wireless security systems. eufy was launched as a brand in 2016 and has grown quite a bit since then.

The eufyCam 2 Pro Cameras feature a 365-day battery life and are compatible with HomeKit. The cameras are rated IP67 and are weatherproof. They have night vision and there is no monthly fee for video recordings. The cameras record a crisp, clear 2K video signal and there is a spotlight included on the cameras. The eufyCam 2 Pro was launched in 2020, which was two years after eufy released its first security camera, the EverCam.

Main Features

• Smart Image Enhancement: Built-in AI technology identifies and focuses on the human in the image.
• Instant Mobile Alerts: Get notified in seconds when motions are detected.
• Activity Zones: Define the area where detection occurs so you receive the alerts that matter.
• Real-Time Response: Use the two-way audio option to speak directly to visitors.
• Smart Integration: Connect to other smart devices in your home using Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa.
• Military-grade Encryption: Data and footage are only accessible by logging into your account.
• Repeater Mode: The HomeBase acts as a WiFi repeater to the cameras to enhance their signal.

What’s included in the Box

• eufyCam 2 Pro (2)
• HomeBase 2
• Mount
• Micro USB Charging Cable
• AC Power Adapter
• Ethernet Cable
• User Manual

User Experience

When the eufyCam 2 Pro Camera System arrived, we unboxed it to unveil all the parts included with the kit. In addition to the items listed above, indoor and outdoor mounting accessories are also part of the kit. A couple of eufy Security stickers are provided, too, and a HomeKit setup guide. Since I was familiar with how other wireless cameras have been set up, I knew that getting the HomeBase connected to our network and powered on was likely the first step. So, I grabbed the ethernet cable, power cable, and HomeBase and installed it in our network cabinet.

The next step in the install process is to download the mobile app (available for iOS or Android) and sign up for a eufy account. The app will then provide on-screen instructions for the remainder of the installation. The mobile guide will give you directions on how to mount the cameras. Because they are weatherproof, they can be used indoors or outdoors. We opted to place one in our living room and one outside on our front patio.

We also decided to let the living room camera rest on a shelf rather than mount it on the wall and the front patio camera we set up with one of the indoor mounts. The indoor mount is a metal knob that allows the camera to attach via its magnets. The location where we placed the outdoor camera is very secure and would require someone to use a ladder in order to reach it. We preferred using the round metal mount because we can swap the cameras easier and some of our Arlo cameras can also mount to it if we ever needed to change where the cameras are located.

One of the reasons I was eager to add these cameras to our existing system is that I felt the response time on some of the older cameras was waning. So, these eufy cameras were meant to replace those units. I was expecting the new cameras to be faster, but I was honestly blown away by how quickly the cameras connected to the mobile app.

There are two ways to access the cameras’ video feed – through the eufy app or through your smart system. Our smart home system of choice is Apple HomeKit, which was why the eufy cameras were so appealing to us. HomeKit provides you with a video preview in the Home app with the option of opening the camera to a live feed. When I accessed our Arlo cameras through the Home app it would take 30 seconds or more for it to show the live feed and sometimes, the cameras wouldn’t even connect. The eufy cameras have never faltered. They take about 5 seconds to connect to the live feed and the video signal is clear and steady.

As far as the HomeKit setup is concerned, the HomeBase of the eufy cameras has a HomeKit code stamped on the bottom of it. What you are actually connecting to HomeKit is the HomeBase. Then, the cameras that connect through it are accessible in the Home app. This is the same process that smart home products like Philips Hue lights use when they connect to HomeKit.

One of the highlighted features of these cameras is their battery life. They are supposed to last 365 days on a single charge. We have had the cameras installed for less than a month, but their battery levels are already down to 60%. I will say that the Arlo cameras – even the newer ones – have to be charged every couple of weeks (some sooner).

Apparently, there are some factors that can affect the eufyCam’s battery life, too. If the cameras are in a high-traffic location and constantly being accessed, that can use up battery. It’s also hypothesized that using the Home app over the eufy app can also reduce the battery life. I believe this has something to do with how the Home app is updating the video still images.

Conclusion

So far I’ve been very impressed with the eufyCam 2 Pro Camera System. They were easy to set up, easy to connect to HomeKit, and provided quick access to video of our property. I feel that the eufyCam is a great choice for home security. It provides peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure. If you are looking for a reliable home security system, the eufyCam is a great option.

For more information, visit eufylife.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

EZVIZ Camera protects your castle with a digital guardian! Never Miss a Moment.

The EZVIZ C62K+ Smart Home Camera arrived in a 4 5/8 inches wide by 6 1/2 inches tall by 4 9/16 inches thick retail package.  The company name and product name were at the top of the cover panel, while the EZVIZ logo, Apple App Store, and Google Play Store icons were displayed along the bottom right.  The main showcase of the panel was the large, photo-quality image of the dome-shaped C62K+ camera. 

I liked the depth provided by the clean white tablet and the dual shade off-white color scheme of the package/camera.  The right side panel continued the theme and provided an image of a modern living room scene.  The camera rested atop a side table, while the curtain, chaise lounger, and green plant added fullness and staging. 

At the bottom of the panel, you will find nine product-defining icons: 360 degrees panoramic View, 2K resolution, Color vision with starlight lens, supports dual-band 2.4/5Ghz Wi-Fi, AI-powered human shape detection, auto-zoom tracking, voice activity detection, two-way talk, supports micro SD card and EZVIZ cloud storage (only certain countries). 

The left side panel provided another picture of a fun living room scene with three active kittens.  However, this image showed motion lines around the camera representing 360-degree rotational motion.  The camera targeted the cats and provided a pictorial representation of the pet detection feature mentioned at the bottom of the panel. 

Beyond capturing “your furry friend” on camera, the panel detailed the camera’s waving hand mechanically.  By waving your hand in front of the camera, it will automatically call the EZVIZ app.  The rear panel provided an EZVIZ sticker at the top left of the panel (Smart Home Camera, SKU #/barcode, product manufacturing labels), the same App/App store logos as the cover, and copyright information.  The top panel provided an SKU barcode along the top left and the EZVIZ name/logo at the top of the panel. 

I removed the outer plastic, lifted the top half of the outer box, and chuckled after finding the 11.4-ounce EZVIZ camera resting within an internal tray.  As a father of a teenager, a preteen, a seven-year-old drama enthusiast, and a three-year-old she-hulk, I would recognize an eye roll anywhere.  The central 1 3/4 inches wide by 2 3/4 inches tall black “eye” lens embedded within the white-colored, 3 7/8 inches round camera shell, pointed straight up. 

The bottom half of the lens mechanism displayed a white slumbering face outline to represent when the camera was in sleep mode.  The lower 1-inch gimbal style base allowed the camera to cover nearly a full 360-degree arc (~330 degrees).  The flat bottom contained 3 small 1/4 inches diameter rubberized feet and a tripod-shaped cutout for a wall mount.

The cutout space listed the EZVIZ name/logo, the CS-C6 model number, SN, 10W/2A I/P, verification code, and a QR code. The posterior surface of the speaker provided a 1-inch wide by 1-inch tall hexagonal speaker cutout, while the base had an Ethernet port and an antiquated USB-Micro input port.  

Beneath the cardboard tray, you will find a small 14-panel instruction manual and a 4 3/8 inches square by 2 1/8 inches tall accessory box.  The box contained a 1 3/8 inches wide by 1 13/16 inches tall by 15/16 inches thick Type A wall adapter, a 2 3/16 inches diameter wall mounting plate, a small bag with three 7/8 inches long by 1/4 inch head screws plus drywall anchors, and a 117 1/4 inches long USB-A to USB-micro cable. 

Even before testing the camera, I was a bit taken aback by the design of the wall adapter and the use of USB-A plus USB-micro tech.  I would have preferred a flat wall plug to allow for optimal cable management or at least for the USB-A plug to insert at the side.  Several chargers have bendable type A prongs to allow the body of the adapter to fold flat against the wall. 

Unfortunately, once you plug the USB-A into the adapter, it juts out beyond 2 1/2 inches from the wall.  Beyond the adapter, the use of USB-Micro charging is a bit old-fashioned.  I would have expected this device to use a USB-A to USB-C cable or USB-C to USB-C.  In fact, USB-C will be the only charging system allowed in Europe as of 2024 due to recent legislation.

I plugged the wall adapter into the wall, the USB-A cable into the adapter, and then the micro cable into the camera.  I half expected the camera to make a whirring noise and to rotate down, but the camera stayed in place and displayed a red icon just below the camera.  After about fifteen seconds, the camera slowly moved down to level, the top segment rotated to the left, and then circled back to the center. 

A blue LED flashed at the camera’s base, while a female voice announced, “Please use EZVIZ App for WiFi Configuration.” I used the Camera App on my phone to scan the QR code within the instruction manual, navigated to America, and then selected “English.”  If needed, you can select a variety of European language options (16), APAC options (7), MEA options (6), or American options (4).  The ten-page manual provided legal information, a table of contents, a product overview/accessory list, and then a rundown of the camera/LED basics. 

Next, the manual detailed the setup process:

1. Connect to power.
2. Download the App from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store.
3. Connect to the internet.
4. Add camera to EZVIZ App. 

Since I had not used the App previously, I had to set up the system de novo.  I downloaded the 4.5* EZVIZ/EZVIZ Inc App (4+ category Photo & Video), waited about twenty seconds for it to initialize, then opened up the App.  The App asked to use my location and provided three options “Allow once,” “Allow While Using App,” “Don’t Allow.”  I chose Don’t Allow. Next, the App asked to track my activity across other Apps, to which I selected “Ask App Not to Track.” Lastly, it asked to send me notifications, which I allowed.  

I tapped the light blue “Create New Account” box, entered my name, region (USA), selected “Save,” entered my email, phone number, chose not to select the marketing tab, and then tapped “Continue.”  I reviewed the TOS (terms of service), Privacy statement, Use of Cookies, and then selected “I Agree” at the bottom. 

The App Asked me to create a password, verified my non-robot status, I entered the four-digit number sent to my phone, and then activated Face ID login.  The main screen of the App showed the EZVIZ name along the top of the panel, a cartoon living room along the middle, devices and library along the bottom.  To add the camera, I found that I could either tap the “+” or the “Add Device” option to move to the next panel. 

I selected “Cameras,” allowed access to the phone camera, scanned the QR code on the Quick Start Guide, and followed the prompts.  The app made sure the camera was powered on and then provided a descriptive networking page for those who may need a bit more information.  Ideally, the phone, router, and camera would be close together for the initial pairing process.  Unfortunately, the App would not let me proceed without allowing location tracking.

When I entered my Guest Access information, the EZVIZ device connected easily.  I changed the name of the camera to Leeroy Jenkins, selected “Bedroom,” and then selected “Done.”  A female voice announced, “Connecting to WiFi Please Wait…” “WiFi Connected” “Password Registration Successful” and then “Connection complete, welcome to EZVIZ.”

The main App provided a large image of the live camera feed and a small blue CloudPlay storage bar.  The App provided 7 days of CloudPlay free with the download. The subscription plan allowed 24/7 event-based video history, 1 GB free storage, plus various plans for 3-day, 7-day, or 30-day recovery (7-day yearly 59.99, monthly 5.99, 30-day yearly 109.99, monthly 10.99, 3-day yearly 39.99, monthly 3.99). 

I did not choose to add my credit card to the subscription; instead, relying upon the add-on MicroSD card.  Beneath the CloudPlay link, you will find an arrow next to the word Today.  You can select the option to change the date and review clips that are saved to either the cloud or to the MicroSD card.  These clips can be accessed along the lower section of the App. If you tap one of them, it will play at the top of the screen and replace the “live” view.  To return to live viewing, select the live option.  

Along the bottom edge of the App, you can select “Snapshot,” “Record,” “PTZ,” “Talk,” “Definition (Ultra HD, Full HD, Hi-Def-Standard)”, “Privacy mode,” “360 Picture” and “Rearrange.”  The snapshot option will capture a photo and save it to your phone camera.  Tapping the record option will start a recording and save it to the App.  If you tap the PTZ option, it will open a D-pad-style controller that will change the angle of the camera. 

You can pinch to zoom on the image up to ~8.0x.  I found the zoom feature to be useful but suffered from a lack of definition.  The pan and tilt function was quite easy to control but suffered a bit from lag.  When I controlled the camera from my living room, I was able to see the camera rotate before the image updated. 

Without realizing that the image had shifted, I panned the camera too far.  After a few trial/error sessions, I realized that the pan/tilt was not live/real-time and required a bit of patience.  The “Talk” feature allowed for sound and two-way communication, which was a neat way to communicate with my children. If you tap the definition option, you can change the definition of the recording between the different settings. 

If you tap the privacy mode, the camera will pan completely upward to hide the lens and will show the white slumbering face painted onto the surface.  Personally, with concerns for privacy, I felt that this was the best feature of the camera.  You can press the 360 picture option to capture a full 360-degree view.  Lastly, if you tap the live image, options for pause, sound, pan/tilt/zoom, and talk will become available along the bottom.   

If you log out of the App and then back into the App, it will take you to an earlier screen than the one I mentioned above.  You can use the shield at the bottom to activate/deactivate the camera sentry mode.  With the notifications options, the AI will send information when motion is detected, will record the activity, and then notify you about the activity.

This data will be saved in the App for easy recover/review later. The same warning message “Leeroy Jenkins AI Human detection 2022-06-09 20:10:36” message was also sent to my Apple Watch Generation 6.  Once I received the warning message, I returned to the App and reviewed the data. I tapped the upside-down beaker option and found that I could adjust the event type between Motion, person, vehicle, sound, alarm, system message. I tapped the library option and found that I could review the previous events.  Overall, the App proved to be quite intuitive, easy to set up, and easy to navigate.

I was quite pleased with the EZVIZ camera, the 2K video, the full-color spectrum, bright night mode, the sensitivity, and the motion capturing ability. The video proved to be quite sensitive and the included features worked perfectly for a home with small kids.  The device could be used as a nanny cam, room monitor, or possibly as a baby cam. 

I was impressed with the easy setup, the quick connection to the network, and experienced only a single disconnect error over the last two weeks.  The camera stopped connecting, and I was forced to reset the device.  I rotated the camera upward, used a sharp device to remove the rubber stopper, then held the reset button for about 8-10 seconds.  The female voice announced, “Reset Successfully.” I attempted to connect back to the network following the app instructions and experienced no further issues.  

The notification system worked well to alert me to motion/activity, and the talk feature added a neat way to communicate with my children.  The sensitive motion detection/tracking coupled well with the alert system and the App features.  At $160, the price may be a bit high for some.  Even though there are devices for around $50, the camera is a solid investment.  With a few updates to the App, a cheaper cloud storage option, and even USB-C, the device could easily support the listed price.  

Pros:

• Smooth Pan/Tilt
• Intuitive App Function/integration
• Night Vision
• Voice chat/2-way-talk
• Privacy Mode
• EZVIZ notifications
• Auto-Zoom and Follow
• Supports up to 260 GB SD card

Cons:

• Antiquated USB-A to USB-Micro Cables
• No HomeKit Support
• Cloud Storage is too expensive. 
• MicroSD not included

For more information, visit ezviz.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

VyprVPN provides a no-logging service to its users.

Editors Note: We don’t insert VPN affiliate links into our reviews and we are not paid to complete reviews on any VPN services. All VPN reviews are based on our own testing and experiences. Always do your own testing before deciding on a VPN service.

VyprVPN is a virtual private network that is offered by telecommunication company, Giganews via its parent company, Golden Frog. It’s been a product offering since 2010. Giganews operates out of Austin, Texas while Golden Frog is incorporated in Switzerland.

“VyprVPN was founded in response to governmental surveillance, and our strong encryption keeps your information safe from hackers, identity theft, and malware. It stops your ISP from tracking your every move and prevents advertisers from collecting and selling your valuable data.”

In addition to providing standard VPN services, VyprVPN also helps users to bypass censorship and restrictive networks.

Features

• Chameleon – a technology that allows VyprVPN to fight back against censorship and keep the internet free and open. Chameleon™ is a great VPN protocol for bypassing restrictive networks in any country trying to control internet access.
• VyprDNS – a VPN feature that keeps your network safe from any potential man-in-the-middle attacks.
• No logging – VyprVPN is a no-log VPN and they don’t store any user traffic logs.
• Public Wi-Fi Protection – Automatically connect to VyprVPN whenever you access an unknown Wi-Fi network.
• Kill Switch – Our Kill Switch automatically blocks all internet and network traffic when VyprVPN disconnects or is disabled. It’s a powerful tool to automatically ensure your personal information and peer-to-peer (P2P) traffic are kept private.
• Audited No-Log VPN
• 24/7 Customer Support
• 30 Simultaneous Connections
• 70+ Worldwide Server Locations
• High-Speed Streaming
• Access to Restricted Content
• IP Address Protection
• High-End Encryption/NAT Firewall

Pricing & Availability

VyprVPN is available for all major operating systems including Windows, macOS, QNAP, Anonabox, Android, iOS, and Blackphone. Apps can be downloaded either from vyprvpn.com or various App Stores. The apps are free to download but in order to use the VPN service, users must sign up for a premium subscription.

VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if users are not satisfied with the service. At the time of publishing this article, the subscription prices are $15/month or $100/year.

The iOS app lists several different in-app purchases that are different than what is offered through Vyprvpn.com. There is no apparent documentation that provides users with information about the differences between the different versions. It is possible that these prices were entered at different promotional times and never removed.

• VyprVPN (1 month)(1 month) $11.99
• VyprVPN (1 year)(1 year) $69.99
• VyprVPN Pro (1 month)(1 month) $14.99
• VyprVPN (1 month) Trial (1 month) $9.99
• VyprVPN (1 month)(1 month) $9.99
• VyprVPN Mobile (1 year) $29.99
• VyprVPN Pro $14.99
• VyprVPN Premium (1 month) $12.99
• VyprVPN Premium (1 month) $12.99
• VyprVPN (3 months) $24.99

Privacy Policy

According to their privacy policy (effective March 10, 2021), VyprVPN:

DOES NOT

• Log a user’s source IP address (typically assigned to the user by their ISP).
• Log the IP address assigned to the user when using VyprVPN.
• Log connection start or stop time.
• Log a user’s traffic or the content of any communications.
• Discriminate against devices, protocols, or applications.
• Throttle or rate limit your Internet connection.
• Log any DNS requests.

DOES

• Collect data such as location, user content, diagnostics, contact info, and usage data.
• Retain user data for as long as necessary
• Use collected Personal Data to provide and maintain Services, provide customer support, and provide news, special offers, and general information to users.
• Transfer user information (including personal data) to computers located outside of the state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction. Golden Frog transfers data to Switzerland and stores it there.

The complete Privacy Policy for VyprVPN can be found here. It is actually hosted on goldenfrog.com rather than Vypervpn.com. VyprVPN also uses a third-party security firm for auditing.

You can view the full report here at VyprVPN Letter of Attestation and No Log Assessment by Leviathan

How does Vypr VPN work in practice?

As far as the process goes, VyprVPN controls your subscription through an account setup that utilizes an email address, first and last name, and password. And when you checkout, you also provide credit card and/or PayPal information. You could also get to a point where you are submitting your address as well. Here’s how.

There are multiple ways to signup for a VyprVPN account – using the iOS app/App Store, VyprVPN.com, or through Giganews.com, VyprVPN’s parent company. Now, on Giganews.com, there is an option for a 14-day free trial. When you go through the signup process through Giganews.com it will check to see if you are eligible for the free trial. In order to get to that point, you have to provide your email, first and last name, address (including city and state), and payment information (credit card or PayPal).

I walked through this process and got to the submit screen when I saw the following dialogue box. The free trial of Giganews only includes the Usenet service and the VyprVPN is NOT part of the trial. I found this to be a little tricky on their part.

That said, if you sign up through VyprVPN, there is no suggestion of a free trial – at all. When you sign up for an account, you enter your email, first and last name, and password, and then move on to select your payment method and checkout. There is no veil there and it’s very straightforward.

The iOS app does have the option of a 3-day free trial, but you have to be EXTREMELY careful if you select to do this because, in order to opt-out of the free trial before you get charged, you have to do so 24 hours before it is set to expire. My suggestion if you decide to do the free trial is to immediately cancel the subscription. You will still have access to the 3-day trial until it expires, but you won’t automatically be charged at that point. Keep in mind this is also only available for brand new accounts.

I really like the interface on both the iPhone and Mac. The homepage of the app is the connection page. This gives users the immediate option to connect (or disconnect) and select their server preference. In one or two clicks, you are connected and can go about your business. There are no complicated required settings to sort through. There is also a stats icon in the right-hand corner that reveals connection details such as data transfer rate, connection status, time connected, etc. This part of the experience gets an A.

The other main parts of the app consist of the Customizations and the Servers. The server page is simply a list of the servers that are available. By default, they are sorted by country. You can have them sorted by speed and region as well. There is also a search option, which is very useful. Sometimes you want to connect to a different country, but the fastest options are usually going to be the servers that are geographically closest to you physically. Therefore, having the option to search for a specific country is another big perk of this app interface.

Under the Customize menu, users can turn on Public WiFi Protection, which means the VPN will automatically be turned on when you are on an untrusted WiFi network. I love this feature. On this same screen, you can add trusted networks. Let’s say your home network is a trusted network, but your work WiFi is not – because it’s public. VyprVPN would automatically connect to a VPN server when it detects that you are on your work WiFi network. This is extremely handy for people who travel or work from remote locations frequently. It means you stay protected even when you forget to turn it on manually.

Automatic reconnect is also included in the Customize menu and so are Protocol options. By default, WireGuard is selected as your VPN protocol. It is listed as the ‘most advanced’ option. The other options are IKEv2, Chameleon, and OpenVPN. OpenVPN is a basic industry standard for VPN connections. It’s reliable and is an open-source technology. The Chameleon protocol is a proprietary protocol designed by VyprVPN. It’s meant to bypass geo-blocks for users to remain invisible to governments, corporations, and ISPs. It’s labeled as ‘Anti-Censorship.’ I used WireGuard for both my Mac and iOS testing processes.

Finally, there is a hamburger menu in the upper left-hand corner that includes your Account information, Support contact, a link to VyprVPN’s blog, and About information. The app experience is very close to the same for both the Mac and iOS versions, but the Mac version does have a few additional customization options including:

• Connection per app
• Kill switch
• VyprDNS
• Startup Options
• Notifications

Overall, I really like the execution of the UI for the apps. I also really like that they are very similar in design. I have seen some apps look completely different between systems and I think that can confuse some users. It’s much more helpful and user-friendly if your experience is the same when you move from device to device.

I found that connecting and disconnecting was very quick. I worked for quite a while on my home network with the VPN engaged and didn’t really notice a difference in my internet experience. For the most part, I was just visiting different websites and checking email, but the point is that I didn’t notice any major lagging issues or interruptions in the way I was working due to the VPN being turned on.

The app is responsive and learning how to use it is seamless. Even if you aren’t familiar with VPNs, you wouldn’t have any issues using VyprVPN’s interface. The only criticism I have is that the Mac app is not available through the Mac App Store, but the iOS version is.

Also, after the first use of the iOS app, the app store rating dialogue box appeared. I know that the ratings help the apps and the developers, but I find the pop-up disruptive to my workflow and would love an option to ignore them all. This is just a personal pet peeve of mine and not something that is likely to affect anyone else’s experience.

How does Vypr VPN measure up against testing?

In order to judge how well a VPN service is working, we complete three different rounds of testing – IP address check, Speed Test, and IP Security Tests. When we complete these tests, we first do a control test that is our connected computer without the VPN engaged. Then we turn on the VPN and run the tests again. In the case of VyprVPN, I completed all these tests using my MacBook Air (2020, M1) and my iPhone 12 Pro.

All of these tests are completed from our office which has high-speed internet service. Our WiFi router is the Netgear ORBI RBRE960 WiFi 6E Mesh System and the cable modem is the Netgear Nighthawk CM1200.

Is the VPN working?

We test this by checking our public IP address on both the iPhone and Mac with the VPN turned on and it turned off. This is really the first step in the testing process. It tells you that the VPN is indeed created a tunnel. If your IP address is different when it’s on and off, then the VPN is working.

You can check this by typing “what’s my IP” into a Google search and you will get a response at the top of the search results. Some VPN services will also include an IP address read out in their app interface, but I prefer to check a neutral location – such as What’sMyIP. The table below shows the results. This test was successful and we were able to confirm that VyprVPN does create a tunnel.

Speed Test

The second test we run is a standard internet speed test. There are different services that can be used for this, but we use speedtest.net (Ookla). On the iPhone, I downloaded the Speedtest app so that I was getting the most information while using the same test as the MacBook Air. You can expect that a VPN connection will be slower than your native connection since a VPN is designed to add extra security steps between you and the Internet.

The table below shows the native download and upload speeds, the VPN download and upload speeds, and the percentage difference between them. These tests were done with the Fastest Server option selected as the connection point in VyprVPN.

IP Security Tests

Security testing is probably the most important part of our testing process with VPNs. Since VPNs are supposed to be creating a secure connection for the user, certain checks should be completed to ensure the VPN is doing its job completely. We use bash.ws to check for IP leaks, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and other IP security issues. The testing process provides an anonymity rating for the IP address being tested. The closer to 100%, the better the score is.

In judging the score against how well the VPN is doing, we look at whether or not it improves on the native connection’s score AND we look at what areas still need improvement. There are a few checks in this test that are not as crucial to an individual’s security as others. For example, DNT (do not track header) is checked. DNT is not a widely adopted security standard and therefore, there is no guarantee that enabling DNT will have an effect. That said, the tables below show the results of these tests on both the MacBook Air and the iPhone.

You’ll notice that the VyprVPN connection did improve one area (IPv4 – no blacklist) but it did not prevent the IP from leaking. This is a big security risk. This is one of the main reasons you use a VPN – to prevent your IP address from being revealed to ISP DNS servers. A DNS leak can result in different types of private information being shared including browsing activity, location, and your IP address. Since this test failed with the VPN engaged, I ran a second test from Bash.ws – their DNS Leak Test. This test identifies the DNS servers being used by the VPN. In this case, there were three identified:

• Anexia (Miami, United States)
• Digital Ocean (North Bergen, United States) goldenfrog.com
• Amazon.com (Ashburn, United States) amazonaws.com

The Digital Ocean server was owned by Golden Frog, which is VyprVPN’s parent company (the company that owns Giganews). Amazon and Anexia both provide cloud servers to companies. Out of curiosity, I changed the server location to Sydney, Australia, and ran it again. This time only two servers were identified – Google Cloud and Amazon. Bash.ws still flagged this as a DNS leak. Now, it’s important to note here that it’s entirely possible that VyprVPN is simply leasing servers from Anexia and Amazon in order to speed up traffic handled by their service.

After getting this result, I disconnected from VyprVPN and ran the DNS Leak test without the VPN. While the test revealed that I was connecting to 15 different DNS servers on my native WiFi connection, all 15 servers are owned by Charger Communications, which is my ISP. This indicates that it’s a more secure connection than previously thought.

Final Thoughts

As much as I enjoy the simplicity and easy use of the apps, I have some doubts when it comes to the security of VyprVPN. After finding the DNS leak, I did some additional research and did several additional DNS Leak tests. They all said the VPN connection that I was using was vulnerable. This gave me cause for concern. The speed difference is also quite a large gap. When I compare it to other VPNs I’ve tested, it is a much large speed difference.

Another piece of information that turned up while I was completing my research on VyprVPN was a report from AppEsteem, which revealed that some VPN providers were installing their own root certificates rather than using those that are issued by established certificate authorities (CA). This is another cause for concern when it comes to privacy as self-signed root certificates can be targeted by hackers more easily than those from CAs. It’s a questionable practice that should be taken into consideration when using VyprVPN’s service.

So, can I recommend VyprVPN? Unfortunately, not at this time, I just don’t feel comfortable doing so due to the speed and security concerns I have with the service. I’m hopeful that the service will improve over time and we can take a second look at it because it looks very promising.

For more information, visit vyprvpn.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Apple computers are well known for their sleek design and ease of use. However, as with any computer system, Macs need security in order to protect users from malicious software and online threats. Computers can be hacked and users’ personal information, such as bank account numbers and passwords, can be stolen.

Macs come equipped with a variety of security features that can help keep your data safe and protect you from potential online attacks, but they can still be vulnerable to online attacks. As a Mac user, it’s important to be aware of your online surroundings and stay vigilant when it comes to your Mac’s security. There are a variety of ways to protect your Mac, and the best solution for each person depends on their needs. Here are a few ways to make your Mac more secure and less prone to outside attacks.

Keep your system and applications up to date.

Even though they can sometimes be a hassle and take time away from daily tasks, completing updates that are available for your system and applications that you use on your computer is an essential piece of a computer’s security puzzle. Operating system (OS) and application updates are important for several reasons.

First, updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities in the software. If these vulnerabilities are not patched, they could be exploited by attackers to gain access to your computer or data. Second, updates can include improvements or new features for the OS or applications. These enhancements can make your computer run faster or more efficiently.

Finally, failing to install updates can leave your computer vulnerable to attacks or performance issues. For these reasons, it is important to keep your OS and applications up to date.

Enable the native macOS Firewall.

One of the security options that is incorporated into macOS natively is a Firewall. A firewall is a security system that is used to protect a computer or network from unauthorized access. Firewalls can be software or hardware-based. They work by blocking incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined rules. Firewalls are important because they help protect networks from hackers and other cyber threats. They can also help secure data and protect against malware and other infections.

Even though macOS has a built-in Firewall available, many users never activate it. Some users can see Firewalls as annoying because they can block some application activity. This type of annoyance is usually just a momentary lapse in how a user interacts with their system and with a simple system permission allowance, it can be avoided in the future. That said, many users don’t want to take that step when it comes up so they leave the macOS Firewall deactivated. This is not recommended because it can leave your entire system open to outside attacks.

To activate the built-in macOS Firewall, go to the Apple icon and open System Preferences. Select Security & Privacy and click on the Firewall tab. There is a button that says “Turn Off Firewall” or “Turn On Firewall” depending on the state of the system Firewall. When the Firewall is enabled, there is a green dot and the words “Firewall: On” across from the on/off button. You will also notice that there is a Firewall Options button below the on/off button. This is where you can set application-specific permissions. Apple has good knowledgebase information through support.apple.com to help users determine the best options for their specific macOS version.

Use an anti-virus program.

While a Firewall will help to decrease and in some cases, completely eliminate, outside infection factors to your Mac, you should also use antivirus software to keep your software updated and help protect your computer from malicious activity. According to information provided by McAfee, Mac users are less likely to be infected with malware than PC users. However, it’s still important for Mac users to take basic precautions to protect their computers from viruses and other threats. Installing anti-virus software is the best way to ensure your system is free of malware and other hazardous infections.

There are several antivirus software solutions available for computers running macOS. Here are a couple of our favorites.

Malware Bytes – This program is available at malwarebytes.com and is a good all-in-one cyber protection option for all types of users. Malware Bytes cleans up an already infected computer, protects user identity and privacy from hackers, protects documents and financial files from ransomware, protects users from malicious and fake websites, stops malware that degrades computer performance, and crushes malware attacks that corrupt your programs. The free option includes all these features, but on a limited basis. The full, premium version pricing starts at $40/year.

CleanMyMacX – This application is a good all-around performance software package for macOS users. The app has more than 30 tools built-in to provide help for the most common Mac issues. CleanMyMac X monitors your system health, ensures your programs are up to date and provides personalized cleanup tips based on how the user utilizes their Mac.

In addition to its impressive system tool package, CleanMyMacX also provides a virus and adware scanner. If any is found the app will delete any threats. CleanMyMacX is available through the Mac App Store, Setapp, and macpaw.com. The pricing starts at $39.95 per year (subscription) or $89.95 one-time purchase (for one machine). The free trial includes a lot of the full version features with some limitations.

Set strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

Setting strong passwords is one of the best ways to protect your Mac from unauthorized access. To create a strong password, make sure it is at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Rather than attempt to create unique passwords manually, we recommend employing the use of a password generator. Many password managers have generators built-in, but if you need a separate app for it, we recommend Sklv Password Generator. It’s a simple option that is very easy to understand. It operates on a closed network and does not transmit any data to the Internet, which is an added layer of protection for the user.

Along with strong passwords, users should always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This will require you to enter a unique code sent to your phone in order to log in to your account. Again, there are many options available for this type of service, but our preference is to use Authenticator App from 2Stable. This system makes 2FA very convenient because it has apps for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Authenticator App is free to download but has some limitations on features until the user purchases the premium version of the app, which is $9.99 per year.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few simple ways you can protect your Mac. Your protection is in your hands and it is possible to shield yourself and your system from outside threats. All of the options we outlined in this article – using a Firewall along with an Antivirus program, keeping your system and applications updated, and using strong passwords with 2FA – are all steps that can make it much harder for outside forces to infiltrate your system. If you follow these tips, you can help minimize risks to your Mac.

Use a Password Manager & Strong Passwords

One way to keep your data secure is to use a password manager. We recommend using 1Password. Their service is subscription-based so if you don’t want to lock yourself into something like that, our second choice would be Enpass, which offers a lifetime license to their service. These are programs that will keep all of your passwords – as well as other important information – locked away and safe. Along with the password manager should come strong passwords. This means that your password should be at least 8 to 16 characters long or more and include a mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Use a Firewall

You can also keep your data safe by using a firewall. This is a program that will help to protect your computer from hackers. We suggest turning on the default firewall in macOS via the System settings menus under security or using something like Little Snitch.

Use Anti-Virus Software

You can also keep your information and systems safe by using anti-virus software. This software will help to protect your computer from malware and other viruses. My choice right now has to be Malwarebytes. It’s affordable and seems to just work with minimal setup and very low maintenance from the user. There are plenty of other antivirus programs on the market. Just make sure you find one that works for you and does not eat up too many system resources.

Use a VPN

When using public wifi spots don’t forget to use a VPN. We recommend using Mullvad or IVPN. Using a virtual private network when you are working in public settings is the best way to secure yourself and your digital data. A VPN works by creating anonymity for its user while they are using the internet. There are many different options available and some of them are more secure than others. Mac Sources is dedicated to finding the best options that suit different types of needs. Mullvad and IVPN are solid options for most types of users.

Don’t Overshare Personal Information

Finally, you can keep your data safe by being careful with what you share online. Never share your passwords or credit card information with anyone. And be careful about the websites that you visit. Only visit websites that you trust and make sure to use anti-virus software when you do.

You also want to watch out for Facebook-style games designed to trick you into providing hackers with your secret information. These ‘games’ are designed to trick you into providing information that you might use in security questions or passwords. I have seen lots of these posted. They ask simple questions like, “What was your favorite food growing up?” or “Who was your best friend in middle school?” These bits of information are potential answers to things like security questions or even potential clues to what your password might be. You are tricked into answering fun questions and publicly sharing them online. Then, you ask your friends to play along and answer the same questions. These types of ‘games’ are a treasure trove for hackers.

Don’t forget to create a backup

Don’t forget to backup your data. Securing your online presence doesn’t keep you from a hard drive failure. In this scenario, you would be right back at the beginning and have to start over. So using an offsite backup solution along with any on-site backups you might have is the best method. We recommend using a service like Backblaze for offsite backups. Buying a NAS – like this one from Synology – is a great way to keep your most important photos and documents secure and backed up onsite is also a must.

One-time Use Credit Cards

When shopping online, we also suggest using a service like Privacy.com to create one-time use credit cards. It’s a free service that will let you generate a one-time use credit card that can’t ever be used again. This helps keeps your financial information safe when shopping online.

Data insecurity is a real threat to both individuals and businesses. Here are four ways to protect your data as a recap.

• Use strong passwords: Many people use weak passwords and easily guessed words like “password” or “123456”. These are easy to hack. Use strong passwords that are at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Keep your software updated: Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities. Make sure you install these updates as soon as they’re available. That includes each time iOS sends out an update is available.
• Use a firewall and VPN: A firewall helps protect your computer from unauthorized access. It can also prevent hackers from stealing your data. A VPN will protect you from data being sniffed by unwanted hackers by using a network tunnel. Always make sure you trust the VPN provider you are using. The two we listed above we have found to be the most secure and safe to use.
• Use an antivirus program: An antivirus program can protect your computer from malware and other viruses. It can also help protect your data from being stolen.
• Backup your data: Make sure to take advantage of services for offsite backups or have a system in place at home to securely back up your data like Time Machine.

Conclusion

A few simple steps can help keep your data secure. Use World Password Day as a reminder to change all of your online passwords. Use strong passwords, update software regularly, don’t open unfamiliar attachments, be mindful of public Wi-Fi networks and use a VPN when on them. Following these tips will help you keep your information safe and secure.

These days you can never be too careful when it comes to online security. While there are a lot of factors outside your control as a visitor online, there is one thing you can do. Have a strong, secure password. According to a 2018 survey from Statista, only 20% of the respondents said that they used different passwords for every single online login they own.

Sure, using the same user name and password makes things easier, but it is also a huge risk. With online threats being on the rise, using different passwords and changing them on a regular basis is essential to your online security. After all, stealing passwords and logins is the fundamental work that many hackers do.

If you are anything like me, you have accumulated hundreds of user names and passwords over the years, and tackling the task of organizing and changing them can be overwhelming. This is the exact reason that password managers exist. As an application, a password manager provides users a secure place to store and organize their private information. Some operating systems, like macOS, now offer a built-in option (Keychain) and while that’s a good start, it’s not the best that it can be.

Today, the first Thursday in May, is World Password Day. It’s a social movement – similar to World Backup Day – that is designed to promote better password habits. The history of the day dates back to 2005 when security researcher, Mark Burnett encouraged people to have a “password day” where they would update their important passwords. Intel Security actually has the honor of being the first to declare World Password Day in 2013.

So, what should you do this World Password Day to make yourself safer? First, find a password manager that not only works but make sure it’s one you enjoy using. It’s always easier to keep up with your password security when you aren’t annoyed by the software that is keeping track of it all. We have three that we recommend. We have experience with all three of these password managers and have found that they are all solid options and offer different features for different types of users.

NOTE: Mac Sources does not have affiliates with any of these password manager companies and the links we are providing here are just informational so that you can make the best decision for you.

1Password

As a password manager, 1Password provides users with the ease of accessing all their important data with one master password. All of a user’s logins are secured inside a vault, which is unlocked with the master password. It is also Nick’s Password manager of choice.

In addition to storing passwords and logins, 1Password also keeps information such as credit cards, bank accounts, addresses, and even software licenses secured within its vault. One of 1Password’s security features is called Watchtower.

This feature notifies users when their information has been exposed so that they may immediately take steps to re-securing their usernames and passwords. The app also notifies users when they have reused a password so there is no guesswork about when a password needs to be changed.

1Password just announced the release of 1Password 8, their latest, most advanced version to date. The app provides full support for families and team accounts as well as individuals. It requires a yearly subscription fee for access ($35.99/year for individuals), but a 30-day free trial is provided through the App Store. 1Password is available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad and the one subscription fee covers access to all of the devices.

Secrets

Secrets is a more simplified password manager that still offers quite a bit of security for its users. The app provides users with the ability to store logins, passwords, credit card numbers, bank details, and other confidential information. The app uses iCloud sync so that the database syncs securely and seamlessly across your Apple devices.

Secrets has a built-in password generator and supports AutoFill for Safari and other browsers. The app provides users with the option to generate one-time passwords for 2FA and uses Quick Unlock, which supports Touch ID and unlocking the app using the Apple Watch.

Secrets also allows users to import passwords from other applications and it has simple pricing with a one-time fee of $19.99. The macOS app is available through the App Store and Setapp. The iOS version is available in the iOS App Store and is also $19.99. This is my choice for password managers.

Enpass

Just like 1Password and Secrets, Enpass stores passwords, logins, and various other files are stored inside the app. The information is locally encrypted on your individual devices and everything is synced through your personal cloud account. Enpass also takes advantage of an Autofill feature and is available for all major platforms.

Enpass is an offline password manager, but users have the option to sync across devices using their chosen cloud service. The information in the app can be stored in multiple vaults for organization purposes. Enpass also has audit features similar to 1Password and Secrets, which gives users an at-a-glance option to see where their passwords are expired, weak, old, or otherwise compromised.

Enpass supports biometric authentication as well as Smartwatches. Users have the option to import from other apps/files, too, and it also features breach monitoring. One of the unique features of Enpass is its ability for users to customize categories, templates, and other items. Enpass is available for a subscription fee ($1.99 monthly for individuals) or users can purchase a lifetime license for $79.99. Jon’s choice for a password manager.

Password Best Practices

After you find a password manager that you want to use, the next step is to change your passwords. This is a long process for certain, but it’s an important step to take especially if you’ve never done it before. You want to make sure they are secure and in line with what the online account requires.

When creating new passwords, the first piece of advice we have is to leave personal details out of the password. In the early days of the internet, everyone used things like their dog’s name and their zip code. Back then, the risks were much lower than they are now. You want to use unique, random passwords.

Try to use at least 15 characters – if the account will allow it. Use a mix of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. In addition to these two main rules, you also want to avoid common substitutions like using the number 3 instead of the letter E. Also, try to avoid memorable keyboard paths. If it is easier for you to type, it’s also easier to be broken.

If you don’t want to try and come up with dozens or maybe hundreds of random passwords, a password generator can help with this process. All three of the apps we recommended above have built-in password generators that can provide randomized, safe passwords based on your specifications. We recommend you use the password generator that is built into your password manager of choice, but if you need a separate password generator, we recommend using Sklv Password Generator. It’s available for free in the Mac App Store, does not collect any data from users, is completely closed to the internet, and is also available for the iPhone.

Along with generating new passwords, you will want to enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where you can. Some sites don’t offer it as an option, but if they do, you should take advantage of it. Again, all three of the apps that we suggested as password managers, have options for 2FA. This definitely makes the entire process easier.

We would, however, caution that this can also be a bit of a hazard because if someone were to break into your password manager, they would have access to everything. But, if you keep your 2FA codes in a separate app, you have a safeguard. A good suggestion we have is Authenticator App by 2Stable. It does require a subscription, but it’s easy to use and designed well.

Finally, you want to keep your passwords private. Do not share them with friends or family members. While you may trust them and they may not intend any ill will toward you or your information, sharing your passwords compromises them. If by some chance your friend ends up using a password elsewhere and it is caught in a breach, that password is no longer any good. Keep your passwords private.

Conclusions

If you think about your online presence like your home, then your passwords are the key to the front door. You don’t want intruders breaking in and wandering around whenever they please. So, make sure you change your passwords frequently (experts recommend every 3 months), use a secure password manager to store them safely, and enable 2FA whenever possible.

Use these tools to secure your online presence and stay safe!

With so many people now working away from traditional office settings and using the Internet more frequently from remote locations, no one can debate the importance of protecting your connection. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is the best way to do this. When you do a Google search for the term ‘VPN’ you will get approximately 3,040,000,000 results. Trust me. I just did it. The question is, how do you know which one to select?

While we’ve explored several different VPN providers on Mac Sources, we are dedicated to finding the best options that can suit different types of needs. This review will focus on Atlas VPN, a freemium VPN service that was founded in 2019. There are several things we look for and test when we review VPN products. These areas include:

• Who the company is
  • who owns them
  • What makes them unique
  • Where are they located
• Pricing
• How their service works in real-world terms
• Testing: speed, IP leak, DNS leak, WebRTC leak

We feel that by running these tests and looking at these different areas consumers can make the best-educated decision about what VPN will work best for them. We also do not place any affiliate links in our VPN reviews (as of 2022) as we want to maintain our objectivity on the VPN itself. So, any links that go back to Atlas VPN’s website are just placed for information purposes.

Who is Atlas VPN?

Atlas VPN is a relatively new organization. They were founded in 2019 with a solid goal in mind – to make digital privacy and security accessible to all consumers. The VPN service was officially launched on January 16, 2020. At the time, they only rolled out a mobile app for Android with plans to release other platforms in the future. They have always billed themselves as a ‘freemium’ VPN provider, which means that they offer both free and paid services.

In October 2021, Atlas VPN was purchased by Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. Nord Security also owns Surfshark VPN and NordLayer. Even though Nord Security is based in Lithuania, the privacy policy of Atlas VPN states that they “comply with the laws of the USA.” According to the press release that announced the buyout, “…on a daily basis, the team behind Atlas VPN will continue to act independently and pursue their goals in the ‘freemium’ segment.”

Atlas VPN is supposedly located in Delaware although I haven’t been able to track down an official address for them. Their trademark is owned by Peakstar Technologies, Inc., which is located in New York, NY.

With Atlas VPN being located in the U.S., that means they fall under the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes, an alliance between a group of countries that was created in order to share intelligence data. The Five Eyes alliance includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. So, since Atlas VPN is supposedly located in the U.S., they are governed not only by U.S. laws but also by the Five Eyes.

The main reason to be concerned about an alliance affiliation is if your data is being shared. Atlas VPN has a strict no-log policy and does not keep information about their clients’ browsing history. They also do not utilize ads within their service, which can sometimes act as traffic manipulation to users. Now, this doesn’t mean that Atlas VPN doesn’t log any user data. But, it seems as though they try to keep it to a minimum.

According to their privacy policy (effective May 6, 2021), Atlas VPN:

DOES NOT

• collect real IP addresses
• store any information that identifies what users browse, view, or do online via the VPN connection
• share data with law enforcement and government agencies who makes requests for information about what users were doing through a VPN connection

DOES

• collect basic analytical information to improve their services
• collect an email address for provision of services, account creation for paid services, security of the account (checked against a third-party database of breached credentials), communication between user and Atlas VPN
• have access to billing information for paid services (via third-party payment processors)
• store some device information for monitoring, developing, and analyzing use of their services
• collect data when users visit the Atlas VPN website including various cookies, access logs, and social media widgets.

Their privacy policy also states that if a user wants their data deleted, they can contact Atlas VPN support via email. They retain data as long as a user has an account with them and they “may also retain the data for a period that is required for the fulfillment of our obligations (e. g. record-keeping) and for us to be able to establish a claim or defend ourselves from one.”

In addition to their privacy policies, Atlas VPN also uses AES-256 and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption and both IPSec/IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols to forward user data safely. Internal audits of services provided are performed regularly and VerSprite has tested the security of the iOS app.

Features

• SafeSwap
• Block malware and ads
• WireGuard protocol
• Tracker Blocker
• Split tunneling
• MultiHop+
• Data Breach Monitor
• Private DNS
• Solid no-logs policy
• Change your location
• Superior web traffic encryption
• Network kill switch
• Server around the globe (more than 750 servers)
• Seamless streaming
• Safe and sound P2P
• Best location detector
• Supersonic web surfing
• Unblock websites and apps
• Unlimited use

How much does Atlas VPN cost?

Users have the option to use VPN basic services free or to pay for a more feature-rich service option. This is what defines Atlas VPN as a *freemium* VPN service. Users are not obligated to pay anything to use Atlas VPN. When they download the app, they can connect to several locations at no charge. That said, Atlas VPN does offer three paid plans that provide more advanced features and access to all their servers. All prices are valid as of publishing this article.

• 1 Month: $10.99/month billed monthly
• 1 Year: $3.29/month billed $39.42 for the first year
• 3 Years: $1.99/month billed $71.49 for the first three years

With the 1 and 3 year terms, it is indicated that the price may be an introductory price and can potentially be changed when the term renews. According to the Atlas VPN Terms of Service, subscriptions are automatically renewed unless canceled (can be completed with Atlas VPN support). Atlas VPN does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How does Atlas VPN measure up against testing?

When we complete tests on VPNs, we first do a control test that is our connected computer without the VPN engaged. Then we turn on the VPN and run the tests again. All of these tests are completed from our office which has high-speed internet service. Our WiFi router is the Netgear ORBI RBRE960 WiFi 6E Mesh System and the cable modem is the Netgear Nighthawk CM1200.

Speed Test

The speed tests were completed using speedtest.net while the connected computer was on our WiFi network. The download speed was 453 Mbps and the upload speed was 19.7 Mbps. After getting this data, I completed a speed test with the VPN for the following locations – Dallas, TX, Romania, and Australia. The results are listed below.

The further away the server was the more the speed declined. I would still say these speeds are reasonable, however, if you can expect this type of drop when you are on a lower speed connection, then that could significantly affect your Internet experience.

IP Security Tests

We use bash.ws to check for IP leaks, DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and other IP security issues. The IP anonymity report gives you a full overview of where you might run into problems. When I ran the report with no VPN turned on, my anonymity was rated at 41%. There were 7 areas that were flagged as problematic. When I ran the test connected to Atlas VPN, I got a score of 66%.

There were still 4 areas (location, system, browser, and DNT being inactive) that were flagged. The other issues had been resolved. I also ran the IP Blacklist test (both VPN and non-VPN connections were not blacklisted) and the Open Port Check (both VPN and non-VPN connections showed all closed ports.

How does Atlas VPN work in practice?

I have been using the apps for macOS and iOS while reviewing Atlas VPN. The setup was painless and the apps are very user-friendly. Both apps are available through their respective app stores. I haven’t had issues with the way that either of the apps function. After you download the app, you can select the specific server you want (location of the server) or let the app connect to a ‘suggested server’ that will give you the best possible connection.

This will usually be the one that is geographically closest to you. To test this theory, I connected to a server in Belgium, disconnected the VPN, and then selected the suggest-a-server option and was connected to Dallas, TX which is the closest geographical location to me.

You can fine-tune your preferences so that Atlas VPN starts on launch, activate the kill switch, decide to share analytics with Atlas VPN, enable Safebrowse Plus, show the application in the dock or menu bar, and select which protocol you want the VPN to use.

I had a really good opportunity to use Atlas VPN when we were out of town recently. We took a trip to Florida and had a rented condo for the week. WiFi was provided, but I really didn’t trust the connection. This was a prime opportunity to use a VPN and I strongly recommend using a VPN when you are on a connection that you don’t trust. Not only did I not trust the connection, but we were in a condo with many units nearby. I had no idea if the WiFi was a shared network or if other people might be tapping into it.

So, anytime I connected to the WiFi – with my phone or laptop – I enabled Atlas VPN. It worked really well and I did feel confident that my connection was more secure than without the VPN engaged. I did not complete the VPN testing at the condo, but I did do an IP check. That is the quickest option to determine if your VPN is securing your connection.

With your VPN turned off, visit whatsmyip.com or just type the phrase “What’s my IP” into Google and make a note (or take a screenshot) of your IP address. Then turn the VPN on and check it again. If the IP address has changed, then you know that the VPN is indeed active and protecting your connection.

I completed that quick check and determined that Atlas VPN was working as it should. As I mentioned above in the speed test section, it appears that Atlas VPN drops the connection speed by up to 66% depending on the location of the server and its distance from your geographical location.

I was using the Las Vegas, NV server and didn’t do any speed checks, but I noticed that the speed dropped quite a bit when the VPN was engaged. I was watching streaming videos (Netflix) and there were several times that the connection was so bad that the video couldn’t play.

I want to mention here that I also watched Netflix from our office (where the official testing was completed) and didn’t have as many problems watching videos when connected to the VPN. The quality was decreased a bit from my standard connection (without VPN) and it took longer to load at first, but the videos were watchable.

Now, I do want to point out that this could have been caused by the Internet service itself because I did try to watch streaming video without the VPN, too, and at different times of the day, the feed was unwatchable.

I also want to point out that on the same WiFi network, we were completing a cloud backup to Backblaze. I suspect that had some influence on my Internet speed because at the time I was watching videos, no one else was awake and actively using the network.

Many factors interfere with Internet service and when you are in a situation where you aren’t familiar with the setup, it’s hard to say for certain what is causing the slowdown. I did, however, notice a change in speed between using the VPN and not using the VPN.

Final Thoughts

I am a big advocate for using VPNs when you are connecting to unfamiliar Internet networks. And, I think it’s important to note that not all VPN services are created equal. Atlas VPN apps are nicely designed and easy to use.

The service seems to be secure, but the speed drop is something to consider as well. I do have concerns about Atlas VPN’s business practices. NordVPN, a sister company of Atlas VPN has become known for questionable business deals regarding its affiliate program. Hopefully, they continue operating as an independent entity.

The intent of this review is to provide information on the company, the service, and how it performs in real-world settings. We hope this article has helped to provide adequate information for users to make decisions about their own VPN use.

For more information, visit atlasvpn.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

iOttie provides quality automotive accessories for recording driving events, but Alexa integrations could use some work.

A little over a month ago, I took a trip with some friends. We drove about 900 miles each way. On the way home, we ran into lots of traffic and ended up hitting a piece of tire that had broken off of a semi-trailer. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the vehicle only had a little minor damage and was still drivable, but if the incident had been more serious, we wouldn’t have had any evidence about what had happened because we didn’t have a dash camera connected at the time.

I’ve been on the search for a reliable dash camera for a long time and this latest car trip drove that need home for me (no pun intended). So, I started using the Aivo View Dash Cam by iOttie.

DETAILS

The iOttie Aivo View is a smart HD dash cam that offers hands-free activation thanks to connected Alexa skills. The system is complete with loop recording, collision detection, and GPS tracking. The camera records with HD video resolution (up to 1600p) and it has a 140º field of view. The camera also has mobile app support and multiple ways to record including a Bluetooth remote button, voice control, and automated. The dash cam features emergency collision detection with its built-in G-sensor. The camera automatically records and saves the footage, while the GPS tracker logs key driving information.

Features

• Full HD Video Resolution: 1600p @30 fps / 1440p @30fps / 1080p @60fps / 720p @60fps
• Adaptive Recording: the camera has wide dynamic range (WDR) to capture clear images even in bright daylight or in low light. The camera also has a STARVIS image sensor for crystal clear images at night.
• iOttie Connect App Support: the app can connect to the camera through WiFi and users can see a live video feed from the dash cam. Users can even edit and download photos and videos as well as manage device settings, too.
• Works with Alexa Voice AI: The Aivo View can be controlled via Alexa commands once it’s set up with an Alexa skill.
• Emergency Collision Detection: Built-in G-Sensor detects collisions and automatically starts recording
• Built-in GPS Tracking: Records driving details including vehicle’s driving route, location, and speed.

USER EXPERIENCE

The setup of the iOttie camera was surprisingly easy. I’ve always had trouble getting devices like these connected to their companion apps and vehicle properly. Installation for the Aivo View is actually two parts – the physical install and then the app set up. The physical installation involves cleaning up the area you want to stick the mounting base, routing the power cable, and then positioning the camera on the mount so that it can see the most area toward the front of your car.

One of the headaches I always end up fighting with is hiding the power cable. Fortunately, this cable was narrow enough to be able to tuck around the seam along my passenger door easily. After I connected the camera to power and inserted an SD card (not included), I connected the camera to the app. The basic connection process is simple. You log in or create a new account with the iOttie Connect app. Then you add a new device, update firmware, connect the Bluetooth button, and that’s it. The camera just records when you move the car.

I’ve been extremely impressed with how well the Aivo View works. When I started the car, there is an audio prompt that lets me know that the loop recording has started and it records while you are in motion. The camera does not have a built-in display, but that isn’t a deal-breaker for me since I really just want to have a record of what happens when I drive. I don’t necessarily care to review the footage while I’m in the car. Plus, since you can access the video from the app, the screen is almost irrelevant as long as you have a good signal between the phone and the camera.

This iOttie dash camera only comes with a 3M mount and I think it would have been nice if a suction cup mount was provided as well. Even though the mount itself is semi-permanent, the camera can be detached as needed.

The video quality is very good in my opinion. The Sony STRAVIS image sensor provides a large range of colors and detail to your images. The resolution of my videos were captured at 2560 x 1440, which is 2K resolution. Sample video from both day and night driving is included. Small print is legible and headlights cause a minimal glare. I’ve had a lot of experiences with different dash cameras and I think the Aiva View has provided the best video quality and the least hassle.

Alexa Integration and the iOttie Aivo Boost

As far as Alexa goes, I have to admit that I don’t use it as my primary virtual assistant. My smart home and IoT devices route through HomeKit. I do have an Amazon Echo in my home and I do use it to control some of my devices at various times. So, I’m not unfamiliar with how to use it. That said, I’ve never had good luck getting Alexa-powered devices to work in my vehicle.

One of the other devices in the iOttie Aivo product line is the Aivo Boost. The Aivo Boost is a dual-port car charger that features dual microphones and a wake/mute button for control of the Alexa integration. The setup for the Aivo Boost should be easy. Once you plug it into your car’s power outlet, you walk through the app installation to get it connected to Alexa.

I was able to get the Boost connected to the Alexa app and my car, but any time I attempted a command, the device wouldn’t respond. I would get an error message that played through the car’s speakers, but I could barely hear it – even with the car stereo’s volume turned up. As I said, I’ve always had terrible trouble with Alexa automotive devices working for me. So, I removed the Boost from my car and just used the Aivo View without any Alexa connection.

Honestly, when it comes right down to it, the Boost is really just an add-on microphone for your phone. The Alexa integration is being powered by the Alexa app on your phone. I also noticed that you are limited by what you can request from the Boost. Another note to make is that I’m currently utilizing another device to be able to have wireless CarPlay capabilities. Since the Amazon app has to be active in order to use the Boost and that interferes with my CarPlay functions, I opted to disconnect the Alexa-based device. It did work well as a car charger.

Conclusion

The iOttie Aivo Boost is not worth adding to your car if you are only using it as a car charger. It takes up a lot of space and it’s not really necessary in a car that already has USB ports unless you are an Amazon Alexa only user. The Aivo View on the other hand is a wonderful dash camera with an easy setup. It has been consistent in its operation and is a worthy option to record driving events. I would recommend that dash camera to anyone.

For more information, visit iottie.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Essential Indoor Camera provides peace of mind while you are away.

These days you can’t be too careful when you leave your home unattended. About a month ago, my fiancé and I were preparing to leave town for 10 days. We had a vacation planned with some friends and we wanted to make sure that our home was secure while we were gone. We already have Arlo Cameras set up around our house but we liked the idea of adding one more before we left. So, as part of our preparations for leaving, we added the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera to our dining room.

About the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is the ideal option for protecting rooms in your home without sacrificing privacy. The camera is set up to work over Wi-Fi and features 1080p HD video. It also has two-way audio, a built-in siren, and an automated privacy shield that helps to safeguard private moments. Users can view events in real-time or if motion triggers the record function.

The camera is available in black or white and it’s easy to install on shelves, walls, and more. The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera has a viewing angle of 130º and it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Specs

• Resolution: 1080p
• Format: H.264
• Field of View: 130º diagonal
• Night Vision: High-powered infrared LED (850nm)with IR Cut Filter
• Zoom: 12x digital zoom
• Audio: Full Duplex 2-way Audio
• Status Lights: 2x LEDs (blue and amber)
• Motion Detection: Image based motion detection
• Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor
• Wired/Wire-Free: Wired Only
• Notifications: Automatic email alerts and push notifications
• Operating Temperature: 0 to 45 degree Celsius
• Microphone: Single microphone with noise and echo cancellation
• Dimensions: 2.0 x 1.9 x 4.5 in
• Weight: 0.27lb

What’s in the Box

• Arlo Essential Indoor Camera
• Power Adapter (1)
• Micro-USB Cable (1)
• Wall Mount Screw Kit (1)
• Quick Start Guide (1)

Is the setup of the Essential Indoor Camera easy?

One of the questions I get asked the most about security cameras is “how easy is it to set up?” Arlo takes the cake as far as easy setups go. It’s a step-by-step, app-guided process and if you already have an established Arlo Smart hub in your home or office, you only have to add a new device. It’s also important to note that you don’t have to have a hub to use this camera. It will work by just connecting to your Wi-Fi network. The use of an Arlo SmartHub or base station is optional. For this review, it is connected to our SmartHub

To add a new device:

1. Open your Arlo app and scroll to the bottom of the page on the DEVICES tab.
2. Tap on ADD A NEW DEVICE.
3. Select the appropriate Arlo device to add. In this case, use the CAMERAS option.
4. The next page you select your specific model of camera. Select ESSENTIAL.
5. There are currently three Essential camera models – Indoor camera, Spotlight Camera & Essential XL Spotlight Camera, and the Essential Camera. Select the INDOOR CAMERA.
6. The next screen provides you with the items you should have from your box – the camera, a wall mount, a power adapter and cable, and mounting screws. The Indoor camera comes preinstalled on a tabletop mount so you can just sit it on a flat surface. Once you have the pieces assembled, tap CONTINUE.
7. The next screen directs you to find the location where your camera will live. You want to make sure that it is close to a power outlet because this is a wired camera. At the bottom of the screen you have the option to continue or get the instructions for wall mounting. The wall mount instructions takes you to a page on Arlo’s website that walks you through using the wall mount. In my case, I just tapped CONTINUE because we were installing it in our dining room and ended up setting it on a counter.
8. The next set of steps takes you through connecting the camera to your Wi-Fi network. You will need to make sure your phone is connected to the Wi-Fi network where your camera will be connected. Then you will enter your Wi-Fi credentials so that the camera can capture the same settings. If you have a SmartHub or base station on the same Arlo account as the camera, the camera should automatically be connected with that hub device.
9. During the Wi-Fi/hub connection process the system will check for firmware updates and you will be asked to press the sync button to start the syncing process to your hub. The rest of the connection process is automated and if the camera requires updates, you’ll get a firmware notification on your app screen.
10. The final step for the Essential Indoor Security Camera is to provide biometric authentication or the Arlo account password to open the Privacy shield for the camera.

That’s it. It’s a simple process and it only takes about 10 minutes depending on the number of updates that need to be completed.

What kind of recording options are there?

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is a stand-alone camera and doesn’t require a hub for operation. That said, having an Arlo hub provides the user with recording storage either through an SD card or USB storage device connected to the SmartHub or Base Station or through direct storage access on SmartHubs VMB5000 and VMB4540. The full user manual for the Essential Indoor Security Camera mentions that it is possible to move a Wi-Fi-connected camera to a SmartHub or vice-versa.

After you install and set up your camera, you can move its WiFi connection from your router to a SmartHub or base station. You can also move your camera’s WiFi connection from a SmartHub or base station and connect it directly to your router’s 2.4 GHz WiFi band. To do this, you must remove the device from your account and reinstall through the Arlo app, selecting the appropriate option to move back and forth.

Accessing the Camera While Away

As I mentioned, we went out of town with some friends and we took this trip as an opportunity to test out the abilities of the camera. We were actually at Disney World when we tried connecting to it. The area was crowded with people and their mobile devices. But, we were still able to get connected to the Essential Indoor Camera on Main Street U.S.A. through the Arlo app.

The picture quality was great and the video played smoothly. It did take a few seconds to connect, but once it did, we were able to access all the features of the camera easily. The special feature of this camera is the Privacy Shield. I would see most people using this particular camera in a bedroom or nursery so that it could only be accessed when the main user allows it to. The Privacy Shield can only be opened by the main user and their biometric scan or password. So, prying eyes are blocked from accessing this camera’s feed without the owner’s permission.

It is a nice feature, but I sort of wish there was an easy way to leave the shield open. Users have the option of setting up a mode that keeps the shield open under certain conditions (set by the user), but I would prefer to see an option where the shield can be turned on or off. In our case, we had the camera set up in our dining room so that we could keep an eye on our rabbit while we were gone. This is not a place where a privacy shield is needed. It would make this camera more versatile if the shield on/off as an option.

HomeKit Compatibility

The Essential Indoor Camera is listed as compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT for smart home integrations. The individual Arlo cameras are not compatible with HomeKit, but the SmartHubs and Base Stations are. So, the process for connecting your Arlo system to your Apple HomeKit system is to connect the hub as the device. The hub then pulls all the connected device information into HomeKit. This is the same way that Phillips Hue bulbs work with HomeKit.

So, I thought by ensuring that the Essential Indoor Camera was connected to our SmartHub 3.0 (model VMB4540) that the camera would populate to HomeKit just like the others did. That did not end up being the case. After doing some general troubleshooting tasks (cycling the power to the Arlo hub, deleting it from HomeKit and reconnecting it, etc.), I reached out to Arlo support via Live Chat.

Arlo’s Live Chat is a bot. There is a note that says, “Escalation to live agent support is available to customers with an active Arlo service plan or trial.” I did establish a chat with the bot and could not get an answer based on the questions I was asking. I ended up asking for support contact. The bot asked me to restate my question so I did.

“I have a SmartHub 3.0 (model VMB4540) and we just added an Essential Indoor Camera to it. The SmartHub is connected to HomeKit and the other cameras work fine with it that integration, but the Essential camera is not showing up in the Apple Home App. It shows that it is connected to the hub though.”

The bot replied with, “I’ll send the following details to an Arlo Expert to review,” and, “Unfortunately, experts are busy or offline at the moment. You can still create a case and an expert will review and respond within 1-2 business days.” So, I created a case and then continued researching the issue through the Arlo knowledge base. I ended up finding a few inquiries that were similar to mine. This one was the closest even though this individual was using a Base Station. The thread started in October 2021 and the latest post was March 9, 2022.

In another thread, I found someone who called out the announcement where Arlo stated Essential cameras would be compatible with HomeKit. They pointed to this KB post where the required equipment for HomeKit is listed. The wired Essential Indoor Camera is not listed.

You need the following to use Arlo with Apple HomeKit:

• One of the following compatible devices:
  • Arlo Ultra 2
  • Arlo Ultra
  • Arlo Pro 4
  • Arlo Pro 3
  • Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera
  • Arlo Pro 2
  • Arlo Pro
  • Arlo Essential Camera
  • Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera
  • Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera
  • Arlo Essential Video Doorbell (Wired)
• The Apple Home app
• The Arlo app
• An Arlo Base Station (VMB5000, VMB4540, VMB4500, or VMB4000) Note: To use HomeKit, your Arlo device must be connected to an Arlo SmartHub or Base Station. You can’t use HomeKit with your Arlo device if the device is connected directly to a WiFi router.

Discovering that the Essential Indoor Camera is not compatible with HomeKit (at least for now) was disappointing because we like to have all our smart home devices running through one app if possible.

Final Thoughts

I am a super fan of Arlo security cameras. I love the ecosystem they have built and the fact that it’s easy to have wireless security cameras with a non-subscription option for video recording. The system is fantastic and the Essential Indoor Camera is a nice add-on to the product family. I do like that there is an option to connect to the camera without a hub, but dislike that it’s not compatible with HomeKit through the SmartHub.

The video quality is clean and at $99 (at the time of publishing), the Essential Indoor Camera is a good budget-friendly option from the Arlo product family.

For more information, visit www.arlo.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

UPDATE April 7, 2022

When we first published this review, we ran some basic tests to check the security of the VPN’s connection. Since then, we had the site bash.ws recommended to us as a place to test how anonymous a VPN is keeping your identity. So, we ran a full anonymity screening using Mullvad and these were the results.

The anonymity rating was 7 out of 12 points or 58%. When I ran the test without the VPN enabled, the score was 5 out of 12 points, or 41%. The two main areas that were addressed by enabling the VPN were the IP address and a DNS leak. Many VPNs are at a minimum going to show location, system, and browser information. So that part doesn’t concern me. The remainder of our review on Mullvad VPN is shown below.

Everyone needs a VPN. I am a firm believer of this because I value my privacy. I remember being at a local car stereo store waiting on an installation to be completed a few years back. I connected to their WiFi and an obnoxious warning popped up on the screen that let me know that they log all the data that flows through their network. Here is the full text of that message.

This is an open wireless network. No network communication is 100% secure. No network communication should be considered private or protected. All communication over XXXX network is subject to monitoring. XXXX reserves the right to reduce throughput or access as need be.

That was a big NOPE for me. At the time I was using PIA (Private Internet Access) as my VPN. So, I logged into the service, but for some reason, it would not work. It straight-up failed on me. So, I could no longer justify paying for their service. That day, I went for an hour and a half without using the internet because I didn’t want to use WiFi in a place that wasn’t secure. That was also the last time I used PIA.

Since then, I have been somewhat obsessed with finding the best VPN provider available. I actually don’t leave my home much so it doesn’t make a lot of sense for me to pay for a year of service when I don’t know how much I’ll end up using it during that time. I did, however, find myself on vacation in Florida recently. We were staying in an Airbnb and I really didn’t feel that the network was as secure as it should be. So, I began my search for a VPN provider again and my research led me to Mullvad VPN.

What is Mullvad VPN?

Mullvad VPN is an open-source commercial VPN service. It was originally launched in 2009 and operates using WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. The parent company, Amagicom AB, along with Mullvad, is 100% owned by Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson who are both very involved with the company. As of October 2018, Mullvad operates with the vision to provide transparent and honest service within the VPN industry.

Mullvad VPN utilizes first-class technology to ensure all the accounts they serve are secure.

“Mullvad includes ‘industrial strength’ encryption (employing AES-256 GCM methodology), 4096-bit RSA certificates with SHA-512 for server authentication, perfect forward secrecy, ‘multiple layers’ of DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, ‘multiple stealth options’ to help bypass government or corporate VPN blocking, and built-in support for port forwarding.” ^[1]

As of April 2020, Mullvad VPN offers native iOS and Android clients using the WireGuard protocols. With Mullvad’s service users can evade hackers and trackers as well as maintain their privacy, which Mullvad states are a universal right.

“Privacy is fundamental to a well-functioning society because it allows norms, ethics, and laws to be safely discussed and challenged. Without privacy, a free and open society can neither flourish nor exist. That is why we provide a VPN service that helps keep your online activity, identity, and location private for only €5/month.” ^[2]

What sets Mullvad VPN apart from other providers?

Mullvad VPN is an exceptional organization with a lot of unique features. For one thing, Mullvad provides a lot of information about their services, policies, and company principles throughout their site. They have a reputation for being transparent with their subscribers as well as with the public. When I reached out to them about featuring them in a review, they directed me to their review policy. The synopsis is that they don’t engage in affiliate marketing or any of the following types of marketing:

• paid reviews
• affiliate marketing
• hosting third-party ads on their website

Mullvad does place paid ads in places like Google, Facebook, and Twitter, and they do host their own ads on Mullvad.net.

When I learned about this policy, I was immediately intrigued about the rest of the company and its services. I really respect the total transparency they offer and it made me investigate other VPN options more closely.

Remain Anonymous with Mullvad VPN

Mullvad has a very clear primary principle when it comes to their practices – privacy. They want their users to be able to remain anonymous when they use their service and in order to help with that mission, Mullvad doesn’t require any information from a user to start using their service. Yes, you read that right. You don’t have to provide an email address, create a password, give them your first and last name, or any other identifying information. You simply generate an account number from Mullvad VPN and then enter that into the Mullvad VPN app. This keeps users 100% anonymous.

Mullvad also has a strict ‘no logging’ policy. They do this to protect their users’ privacy and maintain their anonymity. At this point in time, they might still have to process personal data in order to accept payments, but their long-term goal is to not store any type of data – even payment data.

A Unique Pricing Model

Even Mullvad’s pricing model is structured to provide users the ability to keep their privacy. Mullvad charges one flat rate of €5/month or approximately $5.50/month. They don’t make things complicated with a multiple-tier pricing structure. It’s one price – no matter how long you use the service. They don’t want to lock people into a long-term subscription and Mullvad allows users to pay as they want to. If you want to pay for a full year at one time, you can. If you want to pay month-to-month, you have that option, too. The price has not changed since they launched 13 years ago.

In addition to the flat-rate pricing model, Mullvad VPN also accepts multiple forms of payment. Not only do they accept traditional payment forms such as cash, credit card, and PayPal, but they also accept fees transferred using methods such as Bitcoin. I was surprised to hear that they accept cash. Here’s what their FAQ says:

Can I really pay with cash? You bet, and please! Stay anonymous all the way. Just put your cash and payment token (randomly generated on our website) in an envelope and send it to us. We accept the following currencies: EUR, USD, GBP, SEK, DKK, NOK, CHF, CAD, AUD, NZD. ^[3]

While I love that they provide this option in the interest of anonymity, I can’t say that sending cash in an envelope is the safest option to ensure your payment gets to them. They do, however, provide a 10% discount to users who pay for their subscription through cryptocurrencies.

Additional Features You Should Care About

In addition to the anonymity practices and pricing model, Mullvad VPN provides the following features to further enhance its offerings to users.

• Mullvad has independent, external audits of their infrastructure and products to ensure transparency and improve their security
• Mullvad provides a safe jurisdiction as a VPN based in Sweden
• An integrated kill switch is designed into Mullvad’s products so that users can automatically stop all network traffic if they have connectivity issues
• Support is provided from within Mullvad instead of being outsourced

Where is Mullvad VPN located and why is that important?

As I mentioned above, Mullvad is headquartered in Sweden. Where a VPN provider is located (the actual business – not the servers) is important to you, the user, because different jurisdictions have different privacy laws and policies about data sharing. Because Mullvad is located in Sweden, they are subject to Swedish laws and regulations. In an effort to provide total transparency, Mullvad VPN has included a list of the relevant laws in Sweden that they must abide by.

In addition to Swedish laws, Mullvad also falls under the jurisdiction of the Fourteen Eyes, one of the alliances created between a group of countries in order to share intelligence data. There are cooperatives organized around the globe including the Five Eyes, which dates back to World War II, Five Eyes Plus, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes.

The original alliance – Five Eyes – is made up of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Fourteen Eyes is composed of the Five Eyes plus Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. These countries will still share data amongst one another.

Some users will say that since Sweden is part of the Fourteen Eyes, that is a no-go for them because that means that Mullvad can still share data with the authorities if asked. Even though that’s the case, since Mullvad doesn’t collect any personal information, there is really nothing to worry about. Plus, if you are like me and not doing anything illegal with your VPN service, it really doesn’t matter if they share what data they have.

How does Mullvad VPN work in practice?

The setup for Mullvad VPN is easy. The iOS app was available via the App Store, but the Mac App was not. We reached out to Mullvad to ask if there was a specific reason for that and we were told that there just hasn’t been much demand for it to be in the App Store. Therefore, developing it specifically for Apple, which is an involved process, hasn’t been a priority. They do offer the app as a direct download from their website.

I didn’t have any issues whatsoever with the iOS app. I generated my account number, entered it into the app, and started rocking the internet like a digital champ. Connections were solid and I didn’t even perceive that I was connected to a VPN. The macOS app is unfortunately a different story.

I downloaded it just fine, but when I entered the account number, for whatever reason, the app would not allow me to sign in. I reached out to Mullvad and they provided me with a new login code that fixed my issue right away. After getting connected, I haven’t noticed any drop-offs in service or other types of disruption.

I also think their support is very efficient and prompt to respond to inquiries.

What tests did we run on Mullvad’s service?

When we test out a VPN service there are two main features we are looking at – security and speed. Being connected to a VPN tunnel does inevitably slow down your data transfer rate while you’re connected to the internet and of course, you want your VPN service to be secure. After all, that’s the main reason to be connected, isn’t it? So, how do we look at these two areas?

The first thing we look for is an IP Leak. This is the most efficient way to know if your VPN is actually active. An IP address provides a lot of your information outwardly to connected sources that request that IP address. Your IP address includes information such as your area code, zip code, city, ISP, etc. Third parties can use this information to locate you.

Connecting through a VPN is the first step in masking your IP address from others. In order to find out if you have an IP Leak, and therefore, a VPN that is not working properly, visit whatsmyip.org (or just type the phrase “what’s my IP” into Google) without your VPN connected. Write down the public IP address that is shown. Next, connect your VPN and recheck your public IP address. If it is different than what you originally wrote down, the VPN is active and protecting your IP address.

But wait – there’s more! The second security breach to look for is called a DNS Leak. Even if your IP address is showing a different location, your DNS (Domain Name Server) may not be. If you have a DNS leak, your DNS queries, browsing history, and maybe even IP address could be exposed to third parties. In order to test this, you can utilize dnsleaktest.com.

When you first visit the site, it will show your public IP address. You will want to run the Extended Test. You are going to do this twice – once without the VPN connected and once with it connected. The first time you run it without the VPN, you will likely see a lot of servers being provided by your ISP. Take a screenshot and then run the test again with your VPN connection. Instead of seeing multiple servers listed, you should only see one and it should be showing the location that your VPN is connected through. If you don’t see any DNS servers that belong to your ISP, the connection is secure and the VPN is working correctly.

There is a third type of security leak called WebRTC Leak. WebRTC stands for ‘real-time communication’ and it’s a technology used with video chat and voice applications. WebRTC makes those types of applications run more efficiently. This is another place where data can be transmitted because it’s using the same types of internet protocols to create a connection. We did not run this test because even though there are a lot of WebRTC leak tests available, the majority of them are provided on VPN sites and others link to VPN affiliate programs. Since we couldn’t find what we considered to be a reliable testing method, we didn’t want to judge Mullvad VPN on this test.

NOTE: WebRTC is a setting that can be disabled through your web browser. If you search for “disable WebRTC” for your web browser, you will find the instructions on how to disable this data risk. That said, some video/audio communication channels will not work properly without them enabled.

Finally, we run an internet speed test (Speedtest powered by Ookla) to see how our speed is affected by the VPN connection. We run the test without the VPN connected and then with it connected. That way we can see what the current speed is at that point in time just before we run the speed test with the VPN turned on.

How did Mullvad measure up?

Mullvad VPN passed the IP Leak test and the DNS Leak test with flying colors. One of the things that I really like about Mullvad is that the app shows the location of the server you are connected to, your inbound IP address (used for the DNS leak test), and the outbound IP address (used for the IP leak test). Since Mullvad shows this information, it’s one more piece of information you have to verify the connection is secure because you can match up the IP addresses provided by Mullvad to what the tests are showing.

As far as the speed test goes, Mullvad did not disappoint. We have ultra-high-speed internet service and without the VPN we got a download speed of 467.34 Mbps and an upload speed of 20.68 Mbps. I didn’t expect that the VPN connection would provide that kind of result, but I did get a download speed of 178.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 21.36 Mbps. This was very impressive and while I did sacrifice a little more than half of my download speed to be connected to Mullvad, the speed was network speed is still plenty fast to get most types of work completed efficiently.

Final Thoughts

There are literally hundreds of VPNs on the market right now. Some of them provide decent service, but some are complete junk. It can be hard to discern the good from the bad, especially with all the affiliates pushing certain brands simply because they have a higher commission percentage. This is the reason that Mullvad VPN is a solid choice to go with because you know they don’t pay for that type of marketing. Any reviews you see on their service are based on real experiences because Mullvad doesn’t pay for those reviews to be good nor do they offer any sort of payback through affiliations.

Another big reason that Mullvad is trustworthy is that they aren’t owned by a conglomerate or another VPN company. Lots of VPNs are owned by the same parent company and as a result, they are all networked together, which means…that’s right. There is the possibility that they share information. Because there are so many choices out in the world right now, you need to be cautious with who you decide to go with.

Mullvad VPN’s number one mission is to provide the most privacy options to its users. Period. I’ve had solid service from them and believe – based on our testing – that they will work well for anyone.

For more details, visit Mullvad, Facebook, and Twitter.

_{[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mullvad
[2] https://mullvad.net/en/
[3] https://mullvad.net/en/pricing/}

A pepper ball launcher is a great option for non-lethal personal protection. 

For many years I’ve wanted to add a personal defense device to our household. My fiance was always a little leary of including a lethal firearm so we looked into alternative options like the PepperBall TCP Launcher. It’s powerful enough to provide protection for our house, but not so intimidating that my fiance is comfortable using it. In addition to being a great option for personal protection, it’s also a lot of fun to use for sport, too. 

DETAILS

The TCP – Tactical Compact Pistol – is a multi-shot, non-lethal product that projects pepper balls using compressed air. This device requires no license or waiting period to purchase. Since it is powered by compressed air it does not have any recoil and it’s easy to load and operate. The pistol includes a safety switch that prevents the device from firing until the user is ready. The TCP fires round projectiles as well as long-range VXR projectiles. Since the projectiles are designed to explode and disperse pepper ball gas, they don’t have to connect with a target to be effective. PepperBall is trusted by over 10,000 law enforcement and government agencies worldwide and it’s a proven leader in non-lethal personal defense. There is a one-year warranty on the TCP pepper ball launcher and it’s machined and assembled in the USA. The TCP is shipped with 2 black universal magazines and a manual. 

Features

• Semi-automatic
• Ultra-light weight construction
• 6 round magazine capacity
• Up to 150 FT launch distance
• Compatible with both standard round projectile and VXR™ projectiles (sold separately)
• Mil-standard 1913 picatinny rail accommodates most rail mount accessories 
• Compact size fits in a holster (sold separately)
• Uses both CO2 and N2 cartridges (8 gram ONLY- not compatible with 12 gram cartridges used in the LifeLite Launcher)
• Weight: 1.71 lbs.
• Dimensions (L x H ): 8” x 6.5”
• Caliber: 0.68
• Power: 8g CO2 

USER EXPERIENCE

When you get started with the TCP pepper ball Launcher you want to start with placing the safety in the on position (so no red is visible). Then, you want to release the magazine so that you can load it. Once you check to make sure there are no projectiles in the pepper ball launcher itself, you can proceed with loading the magazine. The magazine holds six projectiles at a time. They are held in place by the projectile retainer pin. The CO2 cartridge actually fits into the magazine, too. The cartridges are sold separately and none are included with the initial TCP pepper ball launcher kit. PepperBall does sell them, but you can also obtain them from most sporting good stores or even Amazon. If the pepper ball launcher will be used immediately, pull down the Flip Knob Base Screw and turn it clockwise to puncture the cartridge. If you don’t plan on using the pepper ball launcher right away, tighten the Flip Knob Base until it just touches the cartridge, but doesn’t puncture it. Once the magazine is prepped, load it back into the TCP. Before you fire the launcher, adjust the velocity, and then enjoy using the TCP pepper ball launcher. 

I found the TCP to be very easy to set up and use. I was very excited to have the opportunity to test out the TCP because it was so unique. Before it arrived, I had seen videos of its use and was curious if it was really as powerful as the videos showed it to be. The TCP has far exceeded my expectations. To test it out, I fired at several different targets. We have a large backyard (approximately 1/4 acre) and testing out the TCP’s ability was easy in that space. I set up an old wooden board and fired on it from across the yard. The projectiles do leave a mark and so I attempted to hit the same spot multiple times. I was impressed with how accurate the TCP was target-wise. The only thing that did seem to affect the accuracy was a strong wind, which I did encounter a few times while testing the TCP. I did encounter a couple of misfires as the photos show. The projectile actually exploded inside the TCP and powder scattered everywhere – including the inside of the pepper ball launcher.

I did have the opportunity to test out the potency of the projectiles’ dust cloud against a couple of human volunteers. My 19-year old daughter and her 18-year old boyfriend offered to breathe in the dust cloud once the pepper ball projectile burst against a surface. My daughter tested it two different ways. After I shot the projectile onto a fence, the wind blew the dust cloud to my daughter and she walked through the dispersed cloud. That incident wasn’t nearly as potent as the next time she did it, but she said it didn’t seem to do much to her. In the second incident, I shot the fence directly next to her and she walked through the dust cloud as soon as it formed. Again, she said it didn’t seem to affect her much. She had a very small cough, but it wasn’t intolerable to her. Her eyes didn’t water at all. 

The second volunteer – my daughter’s boyfriend – actually allowed me to shoot him in the chest/neck area with the projectiles. He enjoys playing paintball with friends so he understood what type of discomfort he might endure from this experiment. He stood across the yard from me – approximately 60 feet away – and I shot him in the chest. After the first shot, I asked him to advance on me slowly so that we could see what type of damage the projectiles might do to a person the closer they got to the shooter. Until he got right next to me – about 8 feet away – he said the pain was tolerable. He did end up with some bruising and welts on his chest and neck, but he said that it didn’t feel any worse than paintballs and it didn’t stop him from advancing on me. He also said that the pepper ball dust didn’t affect him much either.

CONCLUSION

While the TCP Launcher is a capable non-lethal protection device, it does have some shortcomings. It is very easy to use, but the standard projectiles don’t seem to be potent enough to really slow someone down. Depending on where you hit a person with a projectile, you might be able to slow them down from advancing on you, but it’s not 100% reliable. If you use the more powerful projectile options, you might have a better result. The TCP Pepper ball Launcher is a good option for a safe, accurate non-lethal form of protection. 

For more information, visit pepperball.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

As we survived another Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and await another Cyber Monday, we can expect numerous packages to arrive at our doors.  According to the New York Times, Americans will ship over 3 billion packages this holiday season alone.  Interestingly, the site reported a pandemic-driven increase of 800 million packages when compared to previous years, as many businesses were forced to transition away from in-person sales toward e-commerce.   Unfortunately, as job losses and financial difficulties have led some to thievery, we must stand ever more vigilant against porch pirates; with the loss of nearly 1.7 million packages per day in the USA, it is only a matter of time before you are affected directly.

As more shopping is driven online, we must look for methods to protect our purchases.  It is estimated that Amazon Prime Members receive ~51 packages per year, and one-in-three Americans have had a package stolen.  According to a C+R Research team report, these losses resulted in the loss of millions of dollars each day. To attempt to combat this loss, Amazon has installed secure locker facilities in numerous cities and activated Amazon Key, a service that allows deliveries to be placed inside a home or into the trunk of your vehicle.  Additional features may allow you to opt-in for delivery alerts/tracking information, or you can send the items to your workplace.  Lastly, you can add a layer of defense to your home in the guise of an outdoor security camera/doorbell, like the professionally installed cameras from Vivint.  

For nearly a decade, Vivint has stood sentinel over my castle, protecting that which I cannot replace. My system started out with the main hub plus door/window open/close sensors and quickly morphed into a more integrated/advanced setup.  I have been through several panel upgrades, added smart door locks, smart lighting/fixtures, smart cameras, fire/carbon monoxide sensors, freeze sensors, flood sensors, and smart outlets.  This past year, I was able to upgrade to the Vivint Doorbell Camera Pro and greatly enjoyed the smart deter feature. Instead of a simple camera that records information, the Smart Deter technology will whistle at the perpetrator to cause them to look up for the sound.  At the same time, the setup will send a notification to my smartphone (“Person Detected-Doorbell Your camera played its deter tone after it noticed someone on your porch”).  Although this tech may not dissuade everyone, knowing that the packages had even arrived will provide a great deal of relief.  The fact that the tech will also alert the thief that their presence was known, plus record the audio/video, will increase the odds that you will catch the thief and recover your property.  In fact, a recent VIVINT survey of 1000 Americans found that 1:5 (20%) felt better simply having the outdoor security camera/doorbell. 

This holiday season, as you search for that perfect gift, think about turning your average home into a Vivint Smart Home.  Customize the setup to your need and employ their Smart Deter technology to your advantage.  I have truly enjoyed the ability to have two-way communication through my Doorbell Camera Pro.  I love that the App sends alerts to my phone when packages are delivered, and when I have visitors upon my porch.  Thanks to the technology, I do not have to wait for individuals to press the doorbell to start recording, or to alert me to their presence.  I have had many conversations with my children through the Doorbell Camera Pro and have startled several unsuspecting friends/visitors with the deter chime.  Combined with the other smart home features, Vivint has helped to allay some of the fear I have when away from my home/family.  

In addition to the perks of the doorbell Pro and external Pro Cameras, I love the plethora of features that Vivint Provides. I can locally or remotely lock/unlock my doors, and I regularly use the door/window opening warnings to know when my children have created potential access points.  This has proven helpful when my older children accidentally left the door open, creating a potential safety hazard for my 2-year-old daughter.  At least twice, I had to hunt for my Boston Terrier after a door was inadvertently left open.  Next, I love that I can adjust my thermostat and can see the room temperature.  Thanks to the Element Thermostat, I was able to prevent home damage after discovering that my furnace had failed.  When my wife and I went away for a weekend, the temperature within my home dropped and did not increase when I raised the thermostat temperature.  I was able to contact family, to contact an HVAC team, and had someone available to fix my blown capacitor in only a few days.  Additionally, I love that turn on/off my lights and power outlets either locally or remotely through the app.  

Lastly, this system has directly prevented worsening property damage and possibly even saved the lives of my family.  Thanks to the flood sensor in my basement, I was alerted to the presence of water.  This led to the early discovery of pipe damage within my outer wall, just beneath an outside spigot.  I was able to quickly disconnect the water, hire a plumber, and fix the issue.  The plumber even noted how lucky we were to have this setup, as the damage/repair plus the astronomical water bill would have been painful.  Beyond the entry point camera sentry, the most life-saving feature of the setup has been the fire alarms.  I have been alerted to at least a half dozen smoke alarms over the past few years.  Once, my 12-year-old left food in the toaster too long and this caused smoke to fill the kitchen.  The alarm detected the smoke, the panel activated, and help was urgently offered.  Additionally, we have had several cooking gaffes with bacon or browning meat that led to similar results.  Even though we have not had a fire team deployed to our home, I do not doubt that the setup would have had them here faster than we could have contacted 911.  Knowing that the system is in place and monitored 24/7, especially while we sleep, may be the ultimate reason to utilize Vivint.  Without hesitation, allowing Vivint to guard my family has been one of the best decisions I have made.

Learn More about Vivint and reach out to the team today. 
Call Today: 855-848-4681.

Follow Vivint on Facebook and Twitter.

Never plug in without this security device.

August is a deadly time to visit Las Vegas thanks to Defcon, one of the world’s largest hacker conventions. If you take your chances and visit Sin City during that time, you could easily become a target for attacks – even when you just want to charge your phone. When you plug your smartphone into a random USB port to charge, you risk infecting your device with any number of viruses or malware. Nowadays it is risky plugging in via USB ports anywhere at any time. I won’t plug my devices into any random USB ports because of the risk of malware being injected. Fortunately, there are security accessories that can help protect you from those sort of attacks. StarTech.com created the Secure Charging USB Data Blocker Adapter, a little device that helps block unwanted data transfer. Now, I carry it with me everywhere I go. 

DETAILS

The Secure Charging USB Data Blocker Adapter is small. It’s basically just the size of a USB flash drive – if not smaller. The purpose of this adapter is to allow for a device to charge without being able to transmit or receive data signals. The adapter does not have data pins, which provides actual physical data blocking. The absence of these pins also prevents theft/corruption and data leaks. The adapter is ideal for using while at corporate or public events. The adapter delivers 5V/2.4A of power (12W max) and works with all USB Type-A cables. It has smart onboard chips that identify the device’s power requirements and adjusts the output accordingly. The adapter is portable and measures 1.3″L x 0.7″W x 0.4”H. It is made with TPE plastic for durability and features aluminum-mylar foil shielding for noise-free DC power to devices. 

USER EXPERIENCE

The Secure Charging USB Data Blocker Adapter arrived in a small ziplock style bag with the StarTech.com info printed on it. There is no software required for operation. The adapter is simply plug-n-play. I tested it out in a couple of ways. First, I wanted to see how the adapter fit on a traditional USB-A plug. I didn’t have any issues with connecting the cable to the adapter. It wasn’t stiff or hard to plug in at all. The second part of the test was to see if the device I was connecting to my computer would show up as a data-based device. For example, when you plug an iPhone into a MacBook, you will usually receive a prompt that shows that data syncing is available. That was the type of notification I was looking for. Fortunately, the adapter did its job and I was only able to power connected devices and not fully connect to them. 

This little EDC adapter can save you from that chance experience where you are desperate to find a quick charge just to find out later that your device is now infected with whatever the exploit might be. This USB Type-A 4 pin male to USB Type-A 4 pin female adapter allows for charging but it removes the pins needed to transfer data. This makes it harder for hackers to force inject your device with malware when you plug into some random USB port. It’s been said for years that you should never pick up a random USB drive at Defcon for this very reason. 

Once USB charging ports were discovered to be able to hold malware infection, devices like this Secure Charging USB Data Blocker Adapter from StarTech.com had to be designed. The problem lies with people not knowing how dangerous it is to go unprotected in highly trafficked areas. You may never even know that you came in contact with malicious software or a person trying to infect you. With smartphones being the center of everyone’s life and so much of that life is stored on them, extra protection and security are a must.

CONCLUSION

The Secure Charging USB Data Blocker Adapter makes it possible for you to charge at USB 2.0 speeds but allows you to protect your data while doing it. This little device fits easily in a pocket or in your computer bag. It’s a shame that devices like this have to be made but luckily companies like StarTech.com have been able to produce them. 

For more details, visit StarTech.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Enjoy extra eyes on the road with the AUKEY DRO2 1080P Dual Dash Cam.

Whether you need a dashcam or not may be a rather personal decision. A quick Google search found “5 reasons you don’t need a dashcam” and “10 reasons why you need a dashcam for your car.” As a funny aside, the 5 reasons not to have one were sarcastic and quite silly. The main benefits to the device can be summarized in the moneyshake article “Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dash Cam.” The main benefit of having a dashcam is to serve as a source of evidence. Secondary benefits may include reduced insurance premiums and improved driving habits. However, one must caution against added distraction while driving and consider that the devices may encourage theft. If you have decided that you want the tech but do not want to break the bank, consider the Aukey Dual Car Camera.

The AUKEY Dual Dash Camera arrived in a 7 1/8 inches wide by 5 3/4 inches tall by 3 11/16 inches thick tan cardboard retail box.  The bold AUKEY name was displayed along the top left of the cover panel, followed by a slightly generic “Dual Dash Camera” title.  Just beneath the title, you will find an ink outline of the two-piece camera setup.  I liked the design detail but wished that the packaging would have provided a more specific image.  Besides a recycled “GO GREEN WITH AUKEY” icon on the side panels, the top/bottom/side panels were unadorned.  The rear panel displayed the AUKEY contact information along the bottom left and product manufacturing labels plus serial number/SKU along the bottom right.  I felt that the packaging lacked adequate information about the product and would have preferred to see the camera dimensions, color, weight, and a few more specifications on one of the panels.  Beyond the information listed above, the only other information was an AUKEY Dual Dash Cam HD sticker on the outer plastic wrapping.  

I removed the thin plastic wrapper, lifted the top off the box, and found a large black foam pad with three cutout wells.  Where the outer box lacked pizazz, the inner packaging was top-notch. The top left cutout measured 2 inches wide by 2 7/8 inches tall by 1 7/16 inches thick and contained the larger of the two cameras. The top right cutout measured 2 1/8 inches wide by 1 7/8 inches tall by 1 7/16 inches thick and contained the smaller of the two cameras. The final cutout measured 2 3/8 inches wide by 7/8 inches tall by 1 7/16 inches thick and contained the dual-port car charger adapter.  I then removed the black foam segment, lifted the thin cardboard layer, and removed the product accessories (instruction manual/warranty card/accessory 3M tape, 2 large mounting brackets (1 3/8 inches wide by 1 13/16 inches tall), 2 small mounting brackets (7/8 inches wide by 1 13/16 inches tall), a bag of six cable clamps with 3M tape (9/16 inches wide by 3/4 inches tall), one 156 inches long USB-A to USB-mini-B, and a  276 inches long USB-mini to USB-mini-B cable. Interestingly, only one of each of the bracket sizes had 3M tape pre-installed. 

The multi-lingual AUKEY DR02 D Dual Dash Camera instruction manual was divided into English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, and Chinese sections.  Turning to the English section (pages 1-12), the company listed the product contents (as above), information about an optional external GPS antenna (not included), a note to use a class 10 micro SD memory card (128GB max), and then provided a diagram of the front camera.  The 3 inches long by 2 inches wide by 1 7/8 inches thick front camera had a mounting bracket port along the top, an adjustable forward-facing lens, rear USB-Mini-B Power input, GPS unit input, and USB-MINI-B AV input ports.  Both camera-side panels had speaker cutout slots, the right-side panel had a small reset button, while the left panel had a micro-SD card slot and microphone.  Along the bottom surface of the camera (surface facing you in the car), you will find a 1 5/16 inches wide by 1-inch tall screen and four buttons (OK, Down, Up, Emergency).  The 2 inches long by 2 1/16 inches wide by 1-inch tall rear camera had a small mounting lock clip along the top, a forward-facing lens, and a rear USB-Mini-B AV output port.  

Following the labeled images of the cameras, the manual listed the product specifications (DR02 D model, Sony Exmor IMX307 2.3 MP CMOS Sensor, NT96675 CPU, 1.5” LCD screen, 170-degree front camera angle, 152 degrees rear camera angle, f/1.8 front camera aperture, f/2.0 rear camera aperture, exposure values, recording resolutions (1080P both, front only VGA/WVGA/720P 30fps/720P 60fps/1080P 30fps), JPEG images, sound on/off, loop/motion detection/time-lapse/Emergency recording modes, Gravity sensor sensitivity changes (low/middle/high), 128GB max micro SD card (not included),  DC 5V/1-2A input, operating temperatures, materials, and product dimensions.  The subsequent sections reviewed the outer signal LED (user can turn on/off), reviewed the control buttons, discussed how to use the Micro SD card, and detailed the power on/off instructions in pictorial and written form. The instruction manual recommended placing the front camera just at the top corner of the passenger side windshield and similarly along the top corner of the passenger rear window. Following the instruction manual, I installed the front dashcam bracket onto the camera, aligned the camera with my windshield, removed the red 3M tape cover, and pressed the camera against the glass. I plugged the USB Mini- B cable into the camera’s right side, the USB-A end of the cable into the car adapter, and then plugged the adaptor into the port on my car.

Once the front camera was installed, I inserted a 32GB MICRO SD CARD. I then powered the device on by pressing and holding the okay button. Once the device was powered on, I used the up/down buttons to select the language and then adjusted the year, the month, the day, and the orientation YY/MM/DD or MM/DD/YY or DD/MM/YY (International). The camera then requested the time to be set. After only a few moments, the camera was ready. The setup proved to be easier than I had anticipated. I plugged the 90-degree angled USB Mini-B Cable into the front camera, ran the cable along the top paneling of my Nissan Leaf, and then installed the rear camera on the glass of my hatchback. The company included 3M tape cable brackets to facilitate this step. I was quite pleased with the mounting brackets and the included accessories. Once I installed the second bracket onto the rear camera, I stuck the camera to the glass and attempted to hide the cable as much as possible. I liked the brackets and found that the combination of brackets and the ability to hide the cable in the trim led to a clean finish. The entire setup process took about fifteen minutes and, as noted above, required very little knowledge about technology or cars. The 3M tape will allow you to modify the vehicle without accessory tools, research, or know-how. When you turn your vehicle on, the camera will start recording. It will continue to record and will overwrite older saved files.

With both cameras installed, the tiny display will provide images of both cameras. You can press the okay button to cycle between front, rear, combo, and screen-off modes. However, the camera will continue to record separate files for each of the cameras for viewing at a later time, even when the small viewer screen is powered off. It is important to note that the device does not have a reserve battery and will not record if the connection to the car adapter is lost. Navigating through the setup screens, you can choose to leave the camera in Loop Recording mode, change to motion detection mode, or turn on the time-lapse mode (collects a picture every second at 30FPS). If you sense an emergency is about to happen, or you want to preserve a file from being overwritten, simply press the emergency button on the camera. The camera has a built-in G-sensor that will perform similarly if an accident occurs. If you wish to capture a quick snapshot, you can hold down the down arrow (next to the okay button) for 3 seconds. This will create another file type and list the captured photo in the photo folder on the micro SD card. Lastly, you can navigate to settings, and you can turn on/off audio recording mode as well. This may allow in-car audio to be captured. This could be used to voice details of hazards, vocalize license plate numbers, or capture a conversation (follow local laws).

Navigating through the various screens proved to be as easy as the setup process. The okay button served as the select option, the up/down arrows moved through the selections, and the emergency button served as a “back” button. Unfortunately, the camera did not have an in-motion warning/prevention to stop someone from playing with the buttons while driving, which would reduce distraction. At any point, press the up arrow to enter into the playlist. You can view photos/videos at any time on the included small screen. When needed, you can unplug the camera, slide the camera off of the bracket (leaving the bracket attached to the window), and then connect the dash camera to your computer with a USB-Mini-B data cable. If you do not have one of your own, you could use the one from the car, but you may have to spend more time re-tidying up the cables when reinstalled. You can then move the files to your computer or delete them from the card. Since the camera will continue to overwrite the data, you never have to worry about memory management or the need to wipe the card. If you have a separate card reader, you can leave the camera installed, remove the microSD card from the slot, insert it into your reader and transfer the files in that manner. Many of the same memory management options can be performed with the camera as well.

Summary:

Before you can adequately collect the data, the cameras must be installed. The included 3M tape created a fool-proof, quick, efficient way to ensure that step was as easy as possible. I liked the accessories, the instruction manual, the front/back design, and the technology. My only complaint was that the outer packaging could have used more technical/logistical information about the camera. Many will love that this device works without a companion App or the need for a modern smartphone. However, there may be some who dislike the need to remove the camera/card to offload the needed information. Perhaps others do not have a USB-A port or a spare USB-mini-B cable lying around. Regardless, Aukey provided a solid piece of tech that deserves at least 4.5/5 stars, if not closer to 4.7/5 stars. Currently on sale for under $80, the camera may be the early Christmas Present that you did not know that you needed.

Learn more about the Aukey Dual Dash Camera.
Follow AUKEY on Facebook and Twitter.

Great additions to existing security system.

For years, we’ve tried to ensure that our house is as secure as it can be. We’ve installed a variety of security cameras and found that the most stable and flexible system is the Arlo. We have several Arlo cameras across our property including their wired doorbell and Floodlight Camera. While the system is sometimes slow to connect live video feeds, it’s been consistently good with recording motion events and strong, secure hardware. So, when I was given the chance to add a second doorbell and the accompanying Chime 2 I jumped at the opportunity. 

ARLO CHIME 2

The Chime 2 is an accessory that you can add to an existing Arlo system with a doorbell. This device provides a notification system and it’s intended to broaden the reach of your standard doorbell sound. The Arlo Wired Doorbell connects to your existing home doorbell chime. The idea is that when someone presses the Arlo Doorbell button, you will be notified not only on your phone but also audibly by your home’s chime. The Chime 2 gives you the option to add a second chime alert somewhere else in your home that may be the standard chime doesn’t reach. In our case, the doorbell chime is approximately 50 years old and it’s a little slow to react sometimes. So, we placed Chime 2 in our living room. This room is located at the back of our house and by placing the Chime 2 there, we are able to hear it in our master bedroom as well. 

The Chime 2 plugs directly into a wall outlet for a wire-free installation. It works with Arlo Doorbells, floodlights, and cameras (excluding Go). To get started with it, you first need to download the Arlo app if you haven’t already and then follow the directions that are provided. This is probably one of the easier Arlo devices to add to the system. Before you plug it into the wall, you will go to the app and select Add New Device. You will be provided a list of Arlo devices to choose from and you will want to select Doorbells & Chimes. The app will then ask you to scan the QR Code on Chime 2. Once you do, you can plug it into the wall and the app will detect it as soon as it powers up. 

The app will ensure the Chime 2 is connected to your network and that the Chime 2 is programmed accordingly. You will be given the option to pair the Chime 2 with certain Arlo devices on your network. We selected our Wired Doorbell since it’s connected to our front door. Within just a few seconds the Chime 2 was connected and working with our Doorbell. This is a very easy accessory to set up and it even has a built-in siren if you want to use it as a deterrent against unwanted intruders. The only thing included in the box with the Chime 2 is a quick start guide and the only thing the guide tells you to do is to download the app and follow its directions. I really love the ease of use and practicality that this accessory brings to the Arlo system. 

ARLO ESSENTIAL WIRELESS VIDEO DOORBELL

This is very similar to the Wired Video Doorbell that we reviewed last year. The hardware is practically the same with the exception of the wired components. What’s interesting with the Wireless Doorbell is that you have the option to connect it to a wired mechanism in your home, but you don’t have to. The doorbell comes with a wire extension in the box. In addition to the wire extension, the doorbell also comes with a wall-mount screw kit, a charging cable, a rechargeable battery, a flat mounting plate, an angled mounting plate, a security latch pin, and a quick start guide. The camera is designed to give the user HD video with HDR and a wide view with a 180º viewing angle. The doorbell connects directly to WiFi and it even works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Arlo Smart Hub is compatible with Apple HomeKit and even though you don’t need a hub for the doorbell, you end up having more flexibility with your options when you connect it to a hub. At least, that’s what we’ve found. With Arlo Secure, you have the option to receive smart alerts with object detection and you have a video history, too. 

The first step in the installation process for the doorbell is to charge the battery. The instructions suggest making sure the battery is charged to 100% before setting up the doorbell in the app. Once it’s charged, you place it in the back of the doorbell to power it on. You will want to wait to replace the backplate until you have it mounted, but the set-up with the app can happen before that step. In fact, the app walks you through the set-up process and that is the instruction it gives you. Connection to the app is pretty simple. A QR code is displayed on the screen of your phone and the camera on the doorbell scans it. That’s how the system and the doorbell talk to each other and connect. This connection process takes roughly 5 minutes depending on your WiFi connection. Once it’s done, you can mount the doorbell. 

We decided that the wireless doorbell should be on our back patio. We have a sliding glass door out there and on more than one occasion, one of us has locked the other outside by mistake. So, this doorbell was intended to have two purposes. First, we wanted a way to contact someone inside in the event that we get locked out and the second is in case we have an uninvited guest outside, we can capture them on video. We were able to mount the doorbell with little problem and because we have a mesh WiFi system in our house with a satellite in our living room, we didn’t have any connection problems either. 

CONCLUSION

The Arlo system is indeed a worthy investment for any home. It’s very easy to start with a basic element, like the Wireless Doorbell, and then work your way up to multiple devices like the wireless cameras and the Chime 2. We’ve had very few issues with the system as a whole and feel it’s a great option for home or small business security. The Arlo Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and the Chime 2 are great additions to our existing system. 

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