Technology

How to make your VPN faster

Published

23 seconds ago

November 17, 2024

Many people turn to VPNs — virtual private networks — for added privacy and security online, only to find that their internet speeds suddenly slow to a crawl. But what exactly does a VPN do, and why might it cause this slowdown?

A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted pathway between your device and the internet, keeping your data private from hackers, advertisers and anyone else trying to monitor your activity. This encryption process also allows you to browse as if you’re in a different location, which can help access content that may be restricted where you are.

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Just ask Terry from Reno, who recently reached out with this frustration:

“My VPN slows down my phone to the point where I can’t open the apps! Help!”

You’re not alone, Terry. VPNs are fantastic tools for safeguarding data and unlocking restricted content, but that extra layer of protection and location masking can sometimes slow things down. The good news? There are several ways to keep your VPN running smoothly without sacrificing security. Let’s dive in.

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

Make sure it’s actually the VPN

Before we blame the VPN, let’s make sure it’s really the culprit. Here’s a quick test:

1. Disconnect from your VPN: Close your VPN application completely or turn off the VPN connection in your device settings.

2. Run a speed test at Speedtest.net and note the results: Click the “Go” button and wait for the test to complete. Write down your download and upload speeds, as well as the ping.

3. Connect to your VPN: Open your VPN application and connect to your preferred server. Wait until the connection is fully established.

4. Run the speed test again: Refresh the Speedtest.net page to ensure it detects your new location, then run the test again. Note down the new results.

If your VPN-connected speeds are less than about 60% of your normal speeds, then Houston, we have a VPN problem. If the difference is minimal, you may just need to optimize your base internet connection first.

A woman using a VPN on her cellphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Fixing VPN speed issues

When encountering slow speeds while using a VPN, it’s crucial to approach the problem systematically. Assuming the VPN is indeed the bottleneck in your connection, there are several steps you can employ to potentially boost your speeds and improve your overall experience.

1. Switch VPN servers

The physical distance between you and the VPN server location plays a significant role in connection speeds. Opting for a server closer to your geographical location can often result in a noticeable improvement. If you need to connect to a specific country for content access or other reasons, experiment with different cities within that country. Many VPN providers offer multiple server options in popular locations. Additionally, some VPNs display server load information, which can be incredibly useful. Connecting to a less crowded server typically yields faster speeds, as you’re sharing fewer resources with other users.

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Various server locations available on VPN. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

2. Tweak VPN settings

Adjusting your VPN settings can lead to performance enhancements. If your VPN service allows for customization, consider lowering the encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit AES. While 256-bit encryption is incredibly secure, it can sometimes impact speed. The 128-bit AES encryption is still considered very secure for most purposes and may offer a speed boost. Another setting to look for is the WireGuard protocol. If your VPN provider offers this newer protocol, enabling it could significantly improve your connection speed, as it’s designed to be both faster and more efficient than older protocols. For those using the OpenVPN protocol, switching from TCP to UDP can often result in faster speeds. However, approach these changes cautiously, especially if you’re not entirely sure about their implications. Avoid disabling critical security features in your quest for speed.

3. Change VPN protocols

Different protocols offer varying levels of speed and security. Generally, protocols like PPTP, L2TP and IKEv2 are known for their speed but may not provide the highest level of security. OpenVPN is often the default choice as it strikes a good balance between speed and security. If you decide to stick with OpenVPN, which is recommended for most users, try switching from TCP to UDP. This simple change can potentially provide a noticeable speed boost without compromising security.

4. Update your VPN app

Keeping your VPN application up to date is essential for ensuring optimal performance and security. VPN providers frequently release updates that not only enhance the overall functionality of their software but also address any bugs or vulnerabilities that may have been discovered. An outdated VPN app can lead to compatibility issues with your operating system, which can hinder performance and reduce connection speeds. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check for updates within your VPN app’s settings or visit the provider’s official website to download the latest version. Additionally, many VPN services offer an automatic update feature, which you should enable to ensure that you are always using the most current version of the software without having to remember to do it manually.

5. Close background apps and optimize your device

To improve your VPN speed, it is important to minimize the load on your device by closing unnecessary applications running in the background. Many applications consume bandwidth and processing power, which can significantly affect your VPN’s performance. For instance, streaming services, file-sharing programs or even software that automatically updates can slow down your connection. Before connecting to your VPN, take a moment to close these apps and consider disabling any auto-sync features temporarily. Also, restarting your device before initiating a VPN connection is also a good practice, as it clears temporary files and frees up memory, allowing for a smoother experience.

6. Consider a faster VPN service

If you have tried various troubleshooting methods and your current VPN service still fails to deliver satisfactory speeds, it may be time to explore other options. The market is filled with numerous VPN providers that emphasize speed and reliability, so conducting thorough research is essential. Look for services that boast a large network of servers strategically located around the world, as this can significantly enhance connection speeds. Many top-tier VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their performance without any financial risk. When evaluating potential new services, consider not only their speed but also their security features, privacy policies and customer support options. By making an informed choice, you can find a VPN that meets both your speed requirements and security needs effectively.

Remember, while these strategies can help optimize your VPN speed, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Your base internet speed, provided by your internet service provider (ISP), will always be the ultimate limiting factor. No VPN can make your connection faster than the maximum speed your ISP provides. However, by implementing these techniques, you can ensure that you’re getting the most out of your VPN connection and minimizing any unnecessary slowdowns.

A woman using a VPN on her tablet. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Find the perfect VPN

Regardless of whether you are new to VPNs or in need of a faster, more secure option, you’ll want to choose trusted VPN providers known for robust encryption and no-log policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost both your security and speed. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices

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Kurt’s key takeaways

VPNs are incredible privacy tools, but they shouldn’t cripple your internet experience. With a bit of tweaking, you should be able to find a sweet spot between speed and security. And Terry, I hope these tips help get your phone apps running smoothly again. Remember, a good VPN might slow things down a tad, but it shouldn’t make your device unusable. If nothing here helps, definitely reach out to your VPN’s support team or consider trying a different service.

What challenges have you faced when trying to balance VPN security with connection speed, and how did you overcome them? 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.

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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

The FTC says spam call complaints are way down since 2021

Published

7 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

The FTC says spam call complaints are way down since 2021

Complaints about unwanted telemarketing calls have dropped for the third straight year, the Federal Trade Commission announced yesterday. Reports of such calls have fallen by over 50 percent versus 2021, according to the FTC — a decline that could be thanks in no small part to stepped-up government efforts to fight irritating telemarketing and phone scams.

There were about 33,000 fewer unwanted call complaints during the 2024 fiscal year versus the year prior, writes the FTC. The drop affected all sorts of unwanted calls, although the agency writes that reports about debt reduction calls had jumped “more than 85 percent from last year.”

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Sam Levine said that while illegal calls are still “a scourge,” he credited “the FTC’s strategy to pursue upstream players and equip the agency to confront emerging threats” with the reduction in complaints.

Technology

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 makes hearing tests as easy as a few taps

Published

8 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 makes hearing tests as easy as a few taps

Millions of people are walking around with undetected hearing loss, but checking your hearing just got a whole lot easier thanks to the new hearing test feature in AirPods Pro 2.

No more booking appointments or visiting clinics. Now, you can take a scientifically validated hearing test right from your iPhone or iPad in the comfort of your own home.

Hearing aid feature using AirPods Pro 2. (Apple)

A convenient and accurate hearing test

It’s pretty slick how it works. The AirPods Pro 2 use their Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation and in-ear seal to create a controlled environment, kind of like a mini sound booth in your ears.

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Using pure‑tone audiometry built on advanced acoustic science, the test plays a series of tones that you respond to by tapping the screen. Helpful animations, tap‑back effects, and progress indicators guide you through the experience, which takes about five minutes. More than 150,000 real‑world audiograms and millions of simulations helped develop this hearing test that’s accurate, fast and easy. In about five minutes, you’ll have a personalized report on your hearing.

Test your hearing using AirPods Pro 2. (Apple)

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Steps to complete your Hearing test with AirPods Pro 2

You’ll want to find a quiet spot and follow these steps to take your hearing test. Note that this hearing test is intended for people 18 years and older.

Ensure your iPhone is running the latest software. Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then tap “Download and Install” if needed.
Next, make sure you are wearing your AirPods Pro 2.
On your iPhone, tap on Settings.
Next, click your AirPods Pro 2.
Then, select the Hearing Test option.
Now tap Get Started and follow the prompts, which include answering a few questions, confirming you are in a quiet location, and checking the fit of your AirPods Pro 2.
Follow the remaining prompts and tap Start Test. It should take about 5 minutes, and you can cancel it at any time.
The test will play unique tones at different volumes and frequencies, which, at times, you may not hear. Each tone will pulse three times.
Tap the screen when you hear a tone and wait until you hear another. The test will begin with your left ear and then proceed to the right.
After the hearing test is complete, you’ll get a checkmark and a message that your results have been saved.
Tap Show Results, and you can tap Show Details to review your results and any hearing assistance recommendations.
Tap done when you are finished.

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Hearing test using AirPods Pro 2. (Apple)

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Immediate insights into your hearing health

Once you’re done with your hearing test, you’ll receive immediate insights into your hearing health. Here’s how to access your hearing data, which will be saved in the Health app:

In the health app, tap on Browse in the bottom right-hand corner.
Tap hearing, and your most recent health results will appear near the top.
Tap Hearing Test Results to review your hearing assistance recommendations and all your results, which include a graph that shows the decibel loss for each ear, as well as averages if you’ve taken multiple tests.
You can tap Show More Data for additional information.
You can also tap Add Test in the upper-right corner of your screen if you’d like to upload data from another hearing test or audiogram, like one taken at a doctor’s office.
If you’d like to print or save results, scroll down, tap All Hearing Test Results, and then tap Export PDF.

AIRPODS PRO 2 VS. A CUTTING-EDGE HEARING AID: WHICH ONE OFFERS BETTER SOUND?

Hearing test results using AirPods Pro 2. (Apple)

Transforming AirPods into clinical-grade hearing aids

If the test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, you will be prompted to enable the new hearing aid feature. This Hearing Aid mode is pretty groundbreaking. It essentially turns your AirPods Pro 2 into a clinical-grade hearing aid. Using Apple’s H2 chip and advanced computational audio technology, it enhances sound clarity in real time. Let’s learn how to set up hearing assistance and turn on the hearing aid feature.

While wearing your AirPods Pro 2, tap Hearing Assistance in your AirPods settings on your iPhone.
You can start a new hearing test from here or select results from a test you’ve already taken.
We’ll tap Use a Prior Test Result.
Answer the questions on the Provide Some Details screen.
Scroll down and tap Next.
Now, select a compatible Hearing Test result.
Then, tap Next, and the results and recommendations from your selected test will appear.
If your test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, tap Set up Hearing Aid and follow the prompts.
When Hearing Aid is ready, tap Turn On Hearing Aid and tap Done.

Once the Hearing Aid feature is on, it’s saved to your AirPods Pro 2, so make sure that you don’t share your AirPods with anyone. Also, keep in mind that it might take some time to get used to the adjustments based on your personalized hearing profile. You can make additional changes in Control Center at any time. Here’s how:

Tap Hearing Assistance in your AirPods settings again and customize your Hearing Assistance settings.
If you tap Adjustments, you’ll find options and sliders to help you further adjust the Hearing Aid feature.
Plus, Media Assist is on by default, which automatically improves the clarity of music, phone calls and FaceTime calls.

Advanced hearing protection

The new Hearing Protection feature is designed to safeguard your ears from loud noises in daily life. It actively adjusts to sudden loud sounds, protecting your hearing in noisy environments like concerts or even during your daily commute. What’s really cool is how Apple has packaged all of this — hearing test, hearing aid, and noise protection — into one seamless experience.

Advanced hearing protection with AirPods Pro. (Apple)

Beyond AirPods: Professional-grade hearing solutions

Now, if the test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, as we mentioned, you’ll be able to use the AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. However, if you have more severe hearing loss, you may need a product which is much better for the hearing-impaired.

Kurt’s key takeaways

This Apple update to the AirPods Pro 2 is a pretty big deal in the world of hearing health. By making these tools so accessible, Apple’s potentially changing the game for millions of people who might have otherwise ignored their hearing health. It’s exciting to think about how this could lead to more people taking care of their ears and catching hearing issues early on.

What barriers have you encountered in addressing your hearing health, and how do you think innovations like these could help overcome them? 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

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Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:

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Technology

Here’s some cool stuff you can do with Bluesky

Published

15 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

Here’s some cool stuff you can do with Bluesky

So, you’ve finally decided to give Bluesky a shot. The social network has come a long way since the early bare-bones days of invite-only signups and recently grew past the 15 million user mark. Along the way, it’s gathered a lot of familiar posting platform features, like direct messages, pinned posts, and the ability to post videos up to 60 seconds in length.

But there’s a lot more to it than that, and I’m not only talking about lore. (Yes, Bluesky has lore, and that’s probably the most classic Twitter thing about it.) It’s also got a number of features and settings you won’t find on X or Threads, like the ability to choose your own algorithm or moderation tools. These serve not just as a fast lane to getting the platform to feel lively but can also create the feeling that you, the user, are in control of your experience.

Here’s a primer on getting up to speed on Bluesky.

Some basics

Bluesky’s Following feed is a simple chronological feed of posts from people you follow. But you can also customize whether it shows replies, reposts, quote posts, and / or samples from your custom feeds — setting all of these to “off” means your Following feed will only display posts from people you follow. You’ll find these options in Settings > Following Feed Preferences.

The platform also lets you decide how you’d like to see reply threads by going to Settings > Thread Preferences. Here, you can sort by oldest, newest, most-liked replies, or have them randomly sorted. (Bluesky also calls this “Poster’s Roulette.”) There’s an option to prioritize people you follow in a reply thread as well as an experimental Threaded Mode option for showing replies as Reddit-like nested threads.

Custom algorithmic feeds

Bluesky’s custom algorithmic feeds are a great way to get started without following anyone at all.

Screenshot: Bluesky

While Bluesky offers two algorithmic feeds to start — “Discover” and “Popular With Friends” — things start to get a lot more fun when you get into custom feeds. Bluesky itself has made some, but most of the custom feeds are user-created.

These feeds are powerful, making it easy to find people who share your interests, see only certain types of content, or sort through your own posts. Want a feed of cat pictures? You got it. Interested in seeing which of your posts has done the best? You’ll want the “My Bangers” feed.

To check out the custom feeds:

Tap the three lines icon in the upper left to summon the sidebar.
In the sidebar, select Feeds.
Search for a feed or scroll through them to pick the ones you like.
Click or tap on individual feeds to preview them.
To follow a feed from the Feeds page, click on the individual feed, select the three dots in the upper corner, and then select Save to my feeds. It will now appear at the top of your Feeds list.
To follow a feed from Bluesky’s homescreen, tap Pin to Home at the top. Now, it will appear as a tab at the top of that screen.

Starter Packs

Oh look, a Verge Starter Pack.

Screenshot: The Verge staff Starter Pack

Another easy way to find Bluesky accounts to follow is Starter Packs. These are prepackaged lists of accounts, often chosen around a theme. Bluesky’s team has made some of these, but there are also thousands of user-made lists containing accounts that often post about specific topics or are part of certain groups. (The Verge even has one; you can find it right here.)

Bluesky hasn’t made Starter Packs searchable yet, so the only way you’ll find them is by searching outside of the platform (I like this directory), spotting them when they’re posted by other users, or having them sent to you. Once you find a Starter Pack you like, just click the Follow all button at the top of the screen to, you know, follow all of them, or select the Follow button by individual accounts if you’re feeling choosy.

And if you want to create your own Starter Pack, it isn’t difficult: Bluesky has directions right here.

Custom domains

I finally figured out what to do with that domain name I bought last year.

Screenshot: Bluesky

Like Mastodon, Bluesky is a federated platform, except it uses AT Protocol instead of ActivityPub. As such, you can pick your own domain name suffix for your handle. You’ll need to either own that domain or get it from another service, such as Threads. A word of warning, though: once you’ve done this, your handle / domain name combo is now free for someone else to take. (Bluesky says that “any tags or mentions with your old handle will still point to your account,” though.)

Use the “Change my handle” feature to switch to a custom domain.

Screenshot: Bluesky

To switch to a custom domain:

Select Settings > Change Handle.
Choose I have my own domain.
Enter your domain, and select Copy Domain Value, which copies the string of text at the end of the record.
Navigate to your domain registrar (the company you bought the domain from) and find an option labeled Manage DNS or similar.

Here’s what adding a new record would look like in GoDaddy’s DNS management screen.

Screenshot: GoDaddy DNS management

Add a TXT record and enter the record information you gathered from Bluesky. Note: this process differs between domain name providers, so you may need to look up instructions, such as the ones I’ve linked here for popular registrars GoDaddy and Squarespace.
Once you’ve saved the record, wait a few minutes, go back to Bluesky, and select Verify DNS Record. A green banner in the Change Handle box will appear to let you know you succeeded.

Pinned posts

Like X and Threads, you can pin posts to the top of your account. Here’s how:

Navigate to the post you want to pin.
Select the three dots beneath the post.
Select Pin to your profile.

Labelers

The Bears still suck.

Screenshot: Bluesky NFL Team Labeler

Bluesky’s moderation is buttressed by Labelers, which are third-party services that can tag accounts or content, either for informational purposes or for moderation. The tags are wide-ranging and can be used to hide things like posts with GIFs, crypto scammer accounts, brand accounts, or phobia triggers.

It goes far beyond that, though. Some use it as a convenient way to display or view pronouns, find fans of their favorite sports teams, and even play text-based games through Labelers like this TTRPG one. Each one differs in its use and usually offers instructions for using it. Also, Bluesky doesn’t currently have a built-in way to find Labelers, but there are lists and tools for that.

To use a Labeler once you’ve found one you like:

Navigate to its Bluesky page.
Select Subscribe to Labeler.

If it has a list of labels to customize, pick an option for each:
Off: to keep the label off.
Show badge: to see the label when applied to content or accounts.
Hide: to hide content or accounts with that label.

If you decide you want to change those selections later, you can do so by going to Settings > Moderation and selecting the Labeler from the Advanced section.

App Passwords

The App Passwords screen in Bluesky.

Screenshot: Bluesky

Bluesky lets you create passwords for other apps to use. This is helpful if you like to use apps — like third-party client Graysky — that take advantage of the Bluesky API but don’t want to give them your permanent password. Here’s how you can do that.

Navigate to Settings > App Passwords (Under Advanced).
Select Add App Password.
Enter a name for the password or use the one Bluesky generates.
If you want to let the app use direct messaging, tick the Allow access to your direct messages box. Note: you can’t change this option later; you can only delete the password and create a new one for that app.
Select Create App Password.