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Why you should be using a VPN to safeguard your stock trading activities

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Why you should be using a VPN to safeguard your stock trading activities

Online stock trading has become increasingly popular. 

However, with this convenience comes the need for heightened security measures to protect your sensitive financial information and trading activities. The financial sector is a prime target for cybercriminals, and stock trading platforms are no exception. 

One powerful tool that every trader should consider is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Let’s dive into why using a VPN is crucial for safeguarding your stock trading endeavors.

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A stressed stock trader. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It acts as a shield, routing your internet traffic through a remote server owned by the VPN provider. This not only hides your IP address but also encrypts your data, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities or access your personal information. In essence, a VPN enhances your online privacy and security, making it an invaluable asset for anyone engaged in online trading.

Securing your connection

When you’re trading stocks online, you’re transmitting highly sensitive data across the internet. This includes your personal information, account details, and trading strategies. A VPN encrypts all of this data, making it virtually impossible for hackers or other malicious actors to intercept and decipher.

However, it’s important to note that while VPNs do improve security, they are not a complete solution. VPNs primarily protect data in transit but cannot prevent all types of cyber threats. For example, they don’t protect against phishing attacks, malware already on your device or vulnerabilities on the websites you’re accessing.

For optimal security when trading stocks online, a VPN should be part of a broader cybersecurity strategy. This strategy should include using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software updated and being vigilant against phishing attempts with strong antivirus software

Additionally, it’s crucial to use reputable trading platforms with their own robust security measures.

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

Preventing man-in-the-middle attacks

Without a VPN, your data travels in a relatively straight line from your device to your trading platform’s servers. This creates opportunities for cybercriminals to intercept your information through what’s known as a “man-in-the-middle” attack. A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data, significantly reducing this risk.

Protection on public Wi-Fi

Many traders like to stay active on the go, which often means using public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are notoriously insecure and are prime hunting grounds for cyber criminals. A VPN adds a crucial layer of security when you’re trading from a café, airport or hotel.

A stock trader working on his computer. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

TOP 6 HIDDEN WAYS A VPN CAN SAVE YOU MONEY NOW

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Maintaining anonymity

While anonymity might not seem crucial for stock trading, it can be more important than you think. In fact, maintaining a level of privacy in your trading activities can offer several significant advantages and protections. When your trading activities are visible, you become a potential target for scammers and fraudsters. These bad actors may use information about your trading habits to craft convincing phishing emails or social engineering attacks. By maintaining anonymity through a VPN, you reduce your visibility to these potential threats.

A stock trader on her cellphone. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CAN I USE MULTIPLE VPNS ON MY DEVICES AT THE SAME TIME?

Hiding your IP address

Your IP address can reveal a lot about you, including your approximate location. By masking your IP address, a VPN helps prevent others from tracking your trading activities or using your location information for targeted attacks. However, It’s important to note that while VPNs can mask your IP address, they do not make you completely anonymous online. Other tracking methods, such as cookies and browser fingerprinting, can still identify users.

Avoiding targeted ads

Without a VPN, your internet service provider (ISP) can see your online activities, including your interest in stock trading. This information can be sold to advertisers, leading to an influx of targeted ads that might influence your trading decisions. A VPN keeps your browsing history private from your ISP.

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A stock trader working on multiple devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Avoiding throttling

Some internet service providers may throttle connections to certain websites, including trading platforms, especially during high-traffic periods. A VPN can help you avoid this throttling, ensuring consistent, high-speed access to your trading accounts.

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However, a potential drawback of using a VPN is that it can introduce latency due to the encryption process and routing through remote servers, which might affect high-frequency trading where speed is crucial.

Bypassing geo-restrictions

Some trading platforms or financial news sites may be restricted in certain countries. A VPN allows you to bypass these geo-restrictions, ensuring you always have access to the tools and information you need. However, the use of VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions may violate terms of service or local laws in some jurisdictions. It’s important to check the legality of using VPNs for trading in your specific region.

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A stock trader working on multiple devices. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Securing financial transactions

When you’re moving money in and out of your trading account, a VPN adds an extra layer of security to these transactions. This is particularly important if you’re dealing with large sums.

Preventing account takeovers

Cybercriminals often attempt to gain unauthorized access to trading accounts. By encrypting your login credentials and other sensitive data, a VPN makes it much harder for these bad actors to compromise your account.

A stock trader working on a laptop. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Choosing the right VPN for trading

Not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to stock trading. Here are some factors to consider:

Speed and reliability: Look for a VPN that offers high-speed connections and minimal downtime. In the fast-paced world of stock trading, even a few seconds of delay can make a significant difference.

Strong encryption: Ensure your chosen VPN uses robust encryption protocols like AES-256. This military-grade encryption is currently considered unbreakable.

No-logs policy: Choose a VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t keep records of your online activities, adding an extra layer of privacy.

Kill switch feature: A kill switch automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data is never exposed.

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FOR BEST VPN SOFTWARE, SEE MY EXPERT REVIEW OF THE BEST VPNS FOR BROWSING THE WEB PRIVATELY ON YOUR WINDOWS, MAC, ANDROID & IOS DEVICES

Best practices for Using a VPN while trading

Even with a VPN, it’s important to follow some best practices:

1. Always connect to your VPN before logging into your trading account.

2. Use a different VPN server for each trading session to further enhance your privacy.

3. Regularly update your VPN software to ensure you have the latest security features.

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4. Don’t forget about other cybersecurity measures like using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on your trading accounts.

Kurt’s key takeaways

While a VPN isn’t a silver bullet for all cybersecurity concerns, it’s an essential tool for anyone serious about protecting their online trading activities. By encrypting your data, maintaining your anonymity and ensuring reliable access to trading platforms, a VPN can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on what really matters — making smart investment decisions.

Have you ever experienced any security breaches or scams while trading online, and how might a VPN have changed that experience? 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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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

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OpenAI keeps shuffling its executives in bid to win AI agent battle

OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.

In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”

To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.

It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.

In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.

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Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

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Is that traffic ticket text a scam or real?

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:

“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”

If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.

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  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US

This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What the traffic ticket scam text looks like

At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.

The biggest red flags in this message

Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.

9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU

1) The phone number makes no sense

The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.

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2) No name, just “Dear Driver”

Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.

3) The link isn’t a real DMV website

The message includes this link:

ca.mnvtl.life/dmv

That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.

4) Urgency and threats

The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.

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FBI WARNS OF DANGEROUS NEW ‘SMISHING’ SCAM TARGETING YOUR PHONE

5) Asking you to reply to proceed

The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.

6) Generic language and odd phrasing

Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.

7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you

The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.

INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU

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Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What this means for you

Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data.  State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.

Why these scams keep working

These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.

Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams

Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:

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1) Do not click the link

If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.

2) Use strong antivirus software

If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com

3) Verify directly with the DMV

Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.

4) Check the sender carefully

Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.

5) Ignore generic greetings

Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.

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6) Consider a data removal service

Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

7) Block and report the number

On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.

8) Turn on spam filtering

Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.

Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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  • For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
  • Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join. 

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

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Honda’s hybrid future starts with new Accord and RDX prototypes

Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.

In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.

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