Technology

Do you need a VPN at home? Here are 10 reasons you do

Published

3 months ago

December 21, 2024

Press Room

Do you need a VPN at home? Here are 10 reasons you do

Have you ever felt a little uneasy while browsing the internet, wondering who might be watching your online activities?

Well, let me introduce you to a handy tool that can put your mind at ease: the virtual private network, or VPN.

Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows or just exploring the web, a VPN can help ensure that your data stays secure and your privacy intact. So, let’s dive into why having a VPN at home is a smart move.

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A VPN on a laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is a VPN?

A virtual private network, or VPN, encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through a server in a different location than your own. VPNs make it appear that you are connecting to the internet from whichever location the server is hosted in rather than your actual location.

When you first connect to a network using a VPN, your device will establish a secure connection with the VPN server, and your device’s IP address will appear as the VPN server, meaning that only your internet service provider will see that you’re connecting to a VPN server. Normally, when you connect to a website, the website or any online services you visit can see your device’s technical information, including location-sensitive data such as IP addresses.

THE BEST VPNS FOR BROWSING THE WEB IN 2024

Why would you want a VPN at home?

While your home internet connection is more secure than a public Wi-Fi connection, VPNs still provide a greater sense of privacy and access to content that might be restricted due to location. Here are 10 reasons I have for getting a home VPN.

1. Secure communication

Online communication can be hit or miss when it comes to security. Some messaging services, such as Whatsapp, use end-to-end device encryption, which helps keep your messages secure, but other messaging services, such as Skype, don’t use end-to-end encryption. If you use a VPN with any communication apps, then all your connection and messaging data between your device and the VPN server is fully encrypted.

A VPN on a smartphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Access region-locked content

Online content and services like Netflix are restricted to specific geographic regions. This content can range from news websites to video streaming platforms and social media apps. Using a VPN at home can appear to be using the internet from another location, allowing you to access restricted services.

3. Avoid bandwidth throttling

Sometimes, an internet service provider (ISP) will slow down bandwidth or certain online activities. One of the most common reasons networks do this is to manage network congestion, especially during peak hours. You might notice that your home internet connection slows down at night, when everyone is home from work, or it might slow down when summer vacation starts. Using a VPN will prevent your service provider from identifying the type of web content you are accessing, making it impossible for your ISP to slow down your traffic.

4. Keep your Wi-Fi activity hidden

A VPN also keeps your internet activity private from Wi-Fi network admins, who, if technically skilled enough, can figure out which websites you’ve visited. If you’re worried about the Wi-Fi admin of your office, hotel, school or other public place having access to your browsing history, a VPN is the perfect solution for you. When it comes to your own home Wi-Fi network, a VPN will keep your browsing history private from other household members.

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5. Defend against cyberattacks

Hackers deploy large-scale cyberattacks to observe network activity and steal your information. These attacks are particularly prevalent on public Wi-Fi networks, which often have minimal security measures, but they can also target secured networks. Using a VPN can significantly enhance your security by providing encryption for your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and read your data. This encryption is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi, as it secures your information from potential eavesdroppers.

Additionally, a VPN masks your real IP address with that of the VPN server, helping to protect your identity online and making it harder for attackers to target you directly. However, it is essential to understand that while a VPN adds a layer of security, it is not a comprehensive solution against all cyber threats.

A VPN does not prevent malware infections or phishing attacks, so you must still employ strong antivirus software and exercise caution when clicking on links or downloading files. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

Furthermore, not all VPNs are created equal; some may have vulnerabilities or questionable privacy practices. It is crucial to choose a reputable provider that uses strong encryption and has a clear no-logging policy.

6. Fight against internet censorship

There’s a myriad of reasons, ranging from political to economic, that countries use to justify censoring certain apps and websites. It can be incredibly frustrating for citizens and anyone traveling to that country to lose access to email, social media, news websites and other tools that keep us connected to the world around us. I’ve used VPNs extensively while traveling to ensure that I can always view my most important websites, no matter where I actually am. As I’ve mentioned, a VPN can mask your IP address and make it appear as traffic from a different country, allowing you to bypass online geographic restrictions.

7. Save money by avoiding geographic price changes

One of the best reasons to have a VPN at home is that it can help you save money and find better deals while online shopping. Some online retailers change their prices depending on users’ locations. However, when using a VPN while shopping for plane tickets, hotels or gifts, it’s possible to find cheaper prices just by changing your location.

8. Keep your online activity private from governments

It’s no longer the work of sci-fi. We do know that governments, nearly all of them, surveil their citizens. A VPN will add a layer of privacy, making it significantly more difficult for governments to detect your web traffic. Even if you feel that you have nothing to hide, online privacy is something you should feel free to exercise.

9. Hide your browsing history from your ISP

Much like governments, your ISP can surveil your online activity with ease. While most ISPs claim that they don’t sell your browsing data, they are often allowed through contracts with marketing agencies to give your data away for free to advertise to you. The simplest way to hide your online activity from your ISP is to use a VPN. When using a VPN, your ISP won’t be able to see which websites you visit or which apps you use.

Image of a Google search on a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW VPNS SHIELD YOUR IDENTITY AND SECURE YOUR FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS FROM THEFT

10. Experience speedy low-ping online gaming

While it may seem counterintuitive, a VPN can offer faster connection speeds for online gaming. It can also help prevent your ISP from throttling bandwidth directly from gaming servers. By changing your VPN’s location, you can connect to a server closer to your gaming server, which will give you better latency. This is also called ping, which determines how fast the server responds to your inputs.

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Tips for maximizing your VPN security

To fully leverage the benefits of your VPN and enhance your online security, consider these important tips that will help protect your personal information and ensure safe browsing.

1. Choose a reliable VPN: Select a reputable VPN service with strong encryption protocols. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

2. Always use VPN on public Wi-Fi: Never access financial accounts on public networks without activating your VPN first.

3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA.

4. Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords for each of your accounts and consider using a password manager. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

5. Regularly monitor your accounts: Check your retirement accounts frequently for any suspicious activity.

6. Keep software updated: Ensure your devices and apps are always up-to-date with the latest security patches.

7. Be cautious of phishing scams while using a VPN: Even with a VPN securing your connection, phishing scams remain a significant threat to your online safety. These scams often use deceptive emails or links to steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. To protect yourself, combine the use of a VPN with strong antivirus software that detects and blocks phishing attempts. Additionally, always scrutinize unsolicited emails, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and never provide personal information without verifying the source. For the best protection, check out my expert reviews of the top 2024 antivirus solutions for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. Together with a VPN, this approach helps keep your personal information and digital assets safe.

Kurt’s key takeaways

If you want to start taking your online privacy seriously, it’s worth getting a VPN. There are a wide range of options available. You can pick up a router with a VPN or install a software VPN on your devices. I prefer to have a VPN on my laptop and smartphone, and I especially find it useful when traveling internationally.

Do you have a reason for using a VPN we didn’t feature in the list? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Technology

Steam Deck OLED, ROG Ally, and more: all the news about the handheld PC gaming revolution

Published

7 hours ago

March 11, 2025

Press Room

Steam Deck OLED, ROG Ally, and more: all the news about the handheld PC gaming revolution

In July 2021, Valve revealed the Steam Deck, a Switch-like handheld device packed with features including a huge variety of control options, a 7-inch touchscreen, the ability to connect to external displays, and a quick suspend / resume feature. The device began shipping in February 2022, starting at $399.

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the Steam Deck and rivals, and you can read all of our coverage here.

Technology

Transferring data from old laptop to new one

Published

8 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Press Room

Transferring data from old laptop to new one

This is a great time of year to buy a new computer, especially if it’s been several years since your last upgrade. If you do buy a new laptop, you’ll probably want to transfer all of your data from your old laptop to the new one. Roger from Findlay, Ohio, emailed us asking for help with buying a new laptop and what software he can use to affordably move his data from his old laptop to his new one. Here’s what he is asking:

“I am a retired 75-year-old living on a fixed income. I only use my laptop for emails, banking, and the occasional solitaire game. I currently have a Lenovo Ideapad 110. I need to buy a new laptop. What laptop would be a good replacement for me, keeping in mind the cost and the limited usage I would need? What is the most cost-effective way to transfer my data to the new laptop? I have received prices from $100.00 to $200.00 just for the transfer from old to new. I could use some direction that will help me move forward.”

To answer this question, I’ll explain how to buy a new laptop and transfer your data. I’ll also include links to a few affordable laptops that can handle your daily emails and web surfing. Please keep reading to see our favorite laptops and software for data transfers.

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A laptop and external storage devices on a desk (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The best laptops to buy in 2025

Laptops for everyone and at all price points

Images of various laptops (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The first thing I recommend doing is looking at Kurt’s picks for the best laptops you can buy right now. You can read the article in detail here. If you’re in search of a laptop that can handle daily tasks such as browsing and emailing, check out these options from Acer, Lenovo and Asus.

Each laptop has enough processing power to make everything feel snappy, but none are ideal for a heavy workload. If you are just looking for something to check your email with and play the occasional game of Solitaire, the Acer Aspire 3 is your most affordable option. If you want something with 2-in-1 touchscreen functionality, then I would recommend the Lenovo Yoga 9i. The ASUS Zenbook 14 is a miniature powerhouse and a great option for anyone who wants to push a lightweight, portable laptop for content creation. Be sure to check out Kurt’s picks for the best laptops for 2025.

BEST ACCESSORIES TO GET FOR YOUR LAPTOP

How to transfer data from one device to another

Using external storage devices

A person holding a USB flash drive (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

There are two different ways you can use an external storage device to transfer your old data to your new computer. Here they are:

USB flash drive: Copy the files you want to transfer to a USB flash drive, then plug it into the new computer and copy the files over. Be aware that many flash drive storage spaces tend to be on the smaller side. This won’t be a problem if you are just transferring documents and emails to a new laptop, but if you have a lot of media files (photographs, videos, etc.), then you might be better suited with an external hard drive. Follow these steps:

For Windows

Plug the USB flash drive into an available USB port on your current computer
Wait for your computer to recognize the device
Open File Explorer on your computer
Locate the files you want to transfer and select them
Right-click on the selected files and choose Copy or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+C
Navigate to your USB flash drive in File Explorer
Right-click on an empty space and select Paste or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+V
Wait for the transfer to complete.
Safely eject the USB flash drive by right-clicking on its icon and selecting Eject
Plug the USB flash drive into the new computer and repeat steps 3-8 to copy files to the new device.

For Mac

Insert the USB flash drive into an available USB port
Wait for your Mac to recognize it (it should appear in Finder)
Open a Finder window and locate the files you want to transfer
Drag the selected files to the USB drive listed in the sidebar or right-click and choose Copy, then navigate to the USB drive, right-click and select Paste
Wait for the transfer to complete
Eject the USB drive by right-clicking its icon and selecting Eject before removing it

External hard drive: Similar to a USB flash drive, but with more storage capacity. External hard drives come as either portable Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) or Solid State Drives (SSDs). Portable SSDs tend to have higher capacity and are faster than HDDs, but cost more. If you need to transfer a lot of media files, in particular videos and photographs, I recommend choosing a portable SSD. Follow these steps:

For Windows

Connect the external hard drive (HDD or SSD) to your current computer’s USB port
Wait for the computer to recognize the device
Open File Explorer on your computer
Locate the files you want to transfer and select them
Right-click on the selected files and choose Copy or use Ctrl+C
Navigate to your external hard drive in File Explorer
Right-click on an empty space and select Paste or use Ctrl+V
Wait for the transfer to complete. This may take longer for large files or numerous files
Safely eject the external hard drive by right-clicking on its icon and selecting Eject
Connect the external hard drive to the new computer and repeat steps 3-8 to copy files to the new device

For Mac

Connect the external hard drive (HDD or SSD) to your Mac’s USB port
Wait for your Mac to recognize the device (it should appear in Finder)
Open a Finder window on your Mac
Locate the files you want to transfer and select them
Drag the selected files to the external hard drive listed in the Finder sidebar or right-click and choose Copy, then navigate to the external drive, right-click and select Paste
Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcuts Command-C to copy and Command-V to paste the files
Wait for the transfer to complete. This may take longer for large files or numerous files
Safely eject the external hard drive by right-clicking its icon in Finder and selecting Eject
Connect the external hard drive to the new Mac and repeat steps 3-7 to copy files to the new device

BEST ANTIVIRUS FOR MAC, PC, IPHONES AND ANDROIDS – CYBERGUY PICKS

Using cloud storage

Transferring data from an old laptop to a new one with cloud storage makes the process easy, but it’s also largely dependent on how much data you are transferring and how fast your internet speed is. Transferring data with a physical drive is always faster, but if you have a speedy internet connection and don’t want to buy additional accessories, then transferring via cloud storage is an excellent way to bring your new data over to a new computer.

Google Drive: Upload your files from your old computer to Google Drive, then download them to your new computer.
Dropbox: Similar to Google Drive but with different features and storage options.

Get a deeper dive into my top recommended cloud services here.

A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Using network transfer

If you have tried using cloud storage to transfer your data but found it too slow, you can utilize a network transfer with an Ethernet cable or over Wi-Fi to make the process go faster.

Ethernet Cable: Connect both computers to the same network using an Ethernet cable, enable file sharing and transfer the files directly.

Wi-Fi: Ensure both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network, enable file sharing and transfer the files wirelessly.

BEST POWER STRIPS AND SURGE PROTECTORS 2025

Using third-party software

There’s a wide range of third-party software you can also use to transfer your data. We prefer EaseUS Todo PCTrans, which you can learn more about below:

EaseUS Todo PCTrans (PC) – This powerful data migration software simplifies transferring files, applications and user settings between computers on the same network. It offers a streamlined way to move your data without the hassle of manual transfers. Learn more about it here.

Migration Assistant (Mac) – Built into macOS, Migration Assistant allows you to easily transfer files, settings and applications from one Mac to another or from a Time Machine backup. This free tool ensures a smooth transition when setting up a new Mac. Learn more about it here.

If you are looking for an in-depth guide on the different ways to transfer data to a new laptop, see my in-depth guide here.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET

Essential steps to take when you get a new laptop or desktop

Buying a new computer is exciting, but beyond transferring your data, there are several important steps to ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance. Here’s what I recommend:

Transfer your data – Move your files, applications and settings from your old device.
Install your preferred browser – Get your favorite web browser set up for seamless browsing. See my picks here.
Set up your operating system – Configure Windows or macOS to match your preferences.
Register your hardware and software – Activate warranties and ensure your software is properly licensed.

For a step-by-step guide on everything to do when setting up a new computer, check out these tips: Setting up a new PC | Setting up a new Mac.

And once you’ve got your new computer up and running, don’t forget to securely dispose of your old device to protect your data. Learn how to do that here.

BEST DESKTOP COMPUTERS FOR 2025

Kurt’s key takeaways

Buying a new computer is an exciting time, but there are a lot of different ways to set up your new computer and make it truly yours. We have several guides on everything you need to do with a new Windows computer or a new Mac, and you can always reach out to us via email if you have more questions.

What is your biggest concern when it comes to upgrading your technology? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Follow Kurt on his social channels:

Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

New from Kurt:

Technology

The Tesla protests are getting bigger — and rowdier

Published

19 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Press Room

The Tesla protests are getting bigger — and rowdier

This weekend, protests escalated at Tesla showrooms across the nation. Hundreds of people gathered to boycott Elon Musk and his involvement in the Trump administration as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is overseeing a massively disruptive effort to fire thousands of federal workers to slash government spending.

Most of these protests are associated with the Tesla Takedown movement that first emerged in February. It encourages supporters to “sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines” as part of efforts to “stop Musk.” But momentum has ramped up significantly in the past week, leading to bigger turnouts and some arrests.

Though most of these protests have been peaceful, there have been separate reports of vandalism and arson directed at Tesla. Last week, Tesla charging stations in Boston were set ablaze, while dozens of vehicles were torched at a dealership in France. Gunshots shattered windows and damaged cars at a Tesla showroom in Oregon, and a Boston man was arrested for slapping stickers of Musk making a Nazi-like salute on Tesla vehicles. And Colorado authorities arrested a woman accused of tossing Molotov cocktails at Tesla cars parked at a dealership and allegedly spray-painting an expletive at the entrance.

Here’s a rundown of the biggest protests that happened this weekend.

Five protestors were arrested during a Tesla Takedown protest in Manhattan.

Image: Getty Images

More than 350 protestors showed up outside the Tesla showroom in Manhattan’s West Village neighborhood on Saturday, chanting things like, “Nobody voted for Elon Musk” and “Oligarchs out, democracy in,” according to reports from Vanity Fair and The New York Times. Another protestor held up a sign saying, “Send Musk to Mars Now!!” This protest coincided with the International Women’s Day march, making it even bigger.

A heavy police presence was in the area, as shown in a TikTok with officers surrounding a Tesla Cybertruck parked on the side of the road. Five protestors were arrested for disorderly conduct, while another was apprehended for resisting arrest, obstruction, and violation of local law, New York Daily News reports.

This follows the arrest of nine people during a Tesla Takedown protest in Manhattan the previous week.

Demonstrators performed in front of the Tesla dealership in Boston.

Image: Boston Globe via Getty Images

Around 300 demonstrators rallied outside a Tesla showroom on Boston’s Boylston Street, as reported by local news station WCVB. The group also staged a flash mob in front of the dealership, according to The Boston Globe.

“We are not condoning property damage for sure, but Elon should keep in mind that if he wants to attack the basic rights, the basic well-being of regular people, he shouldn’t be surprised when some people decide to be more direct about it,” Shua Sanchez, a rally organizer, told WCVB.

No arrests were made during the protest.

Hundreds of protestors stood outside the Streeterville Tesla showroom on Saturday, which was joined by marchers from the Women’s Day march, Block Club Chicago and the Chicago Tribune report. Protestors held similar signs, like “Launch Musk to Mars” and “Democracy Dies with DOGE.”

Protestors outside a Tesla dealership in Chicago.

Image: Anadolu via Getty Images

Meanwhile, protestors at the Tesla showroom in Chicago’s Orland Park clashed with supporters of the MAGA movement, according to the Chicago Tribune. There were no reports of arrests at either demonstration.

There were also dozens of Tesla Takedown protestors at Musk’s Delray Beach dealership, with demonstrators holding signs like “Fight fascism,” “Democracy is not a business plan,” and “No one voted for Elon Musk!!” CBS 12 reports.

“We’re here today rallying against Elon and what he’s done,” one protestor, Jeff Finkelstein, told CBS 12. “Ever since Trump’s been in it’s been more about Musk than Trump and we’re just showing our frustration.”

On the West Coast, hundreds of protestors stood in front of Tesla’s Old Pasadena dealership. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) made an appearance during the event, where she criticized Musk’s DOGE initiative and President Donald Trump.

Protestors gather outside Tesla’s Pasadena dealership.

Image: AFP via Getty Images

“He [Trump] said that firing American federal workers would be making America better,” Chu said, according to Pasadena Now. “No. Instead, he has fired thousands of workers from the National Weather Service, which we rely on to tell us if there’s a dangerous weather event.”

This is the second weekend in a row that demonstrators gathered outside the Pasadena dealership.

Tesla protests are even popping up outside of the US, with dozens of people in Lisbon, Portugal, holding signs that said “Boycott Tesla” outside a Tesla dealership, Reuters reports. This demonstration occurred on Sunday, just before what could be the country’s third parliamentary election in three years.

Demonstrators hold signs at Tesla’s dealership in Lisbon.

Image: AFP via Getty Images

As noted by Reuters, the protestors raised concerns about Musk’s promotion of right-wing politics in Europe. One protestor told the outlet that Musk “may not be able to have enough influence in the next election in Portugal but with the amount of money he has, step by step, he can do that.”

How has this affected Tesla?

Even before the protests started, Tesla’s sales dropped year over year for the first time. Some drivers have also decided to trade in or sell their Teslas to avoid embarrassment, with one owner telling The New York Times she was called a “Nazi.” Tesla’s stock price has also plummeted more than 50 percent from its record high in December, Forbes reports, while Musk’s net worth sunk from $464 billion in December to $330 billion.

In response to the protests, Musk accused billionaires George Soros, Reid Hoffman, and others of funding the protests through the Democratic fundraising platform ActBlue. However, as noted by Forbes, ActBlue “does not fund groups, but instead is a platform through which donors can give money to campaigns or organizations.”