Just because you are doing something anonymously on the internet doesn’t mean your information is private and vice versa. While the terms ‘privacy’ and ‘anonymity’ are often used interchangeably when discussing online security, they are completely different concepts and should be treated as such. In this blog post, we will explore the distinction between the two, and discuss which one is more important.


Anonymity safeguards your identity

Anonymity can be defined as the state of being unidentified. In the online world, it refers to keeping your identity separate from your actions while accessing the internet so that nobody knows who you are even if they can potentially see your web activity. 

For example, you may use a pseudonym to create a social media account or post content anonymously on an online forum. While other users will likely not be able to discover your identity, they will have access to the information you share online.


Who needs online anonymity?

Online anonymity can be crucial for activists, whistleblowers, and victims of abuse.


How to achieve online anonymity?

Let’s look at some ways you can achieve anonymity in the digital world.

  1. Use a VPN: A VPN like PureVPN does more than hiding your IP address, it also protects your browsing history and encrypts your communication..
  2. Use a temporary email address: Creating a disposable email address for a social media platform or online forum can also help you maintain your anonymity for online security. 
  3. Use an encrypted browser: Instead of using a regular browser, opt for a secure browser to shield your online activity from prying eyes.


Privacy safeguards your information

You likely don’t want scammers to gain access to your sensitive information when you access the banking app on your smartphone or purchase something through an online retailer. This is where online privacy comes into play. It refers to keeping your data and actions confidential without hiding your identity. 

Online privacy is a fundamental human right as it keeps your personal data safe from misuse. The most common privacy issues on social media include identity theft, surveillance, and location tracking. However, with the right tools, you can strengthen your digital security without falling victim to a hacker.


Who needs online privacy?

In today’s digital world, every individual needs online privacy. After all, who would want others to see what website they visit or which posts they make on the internet. 


How to achieve online privacy?

Here are some of the most effective tips for increasing your online privacy:

  1. Social privacy settings: One of the most common ways scammers gain access to your personal information is through social media. Customizing your privacy settings can give you complete control over who can see your posts.  
  1. Create strong passwords: It may be tempting to use the same passwords for multiple social media accounts, but it is not a good practice and can potentially put your privacy at risk. Creating unique passwords can help improve your digital lifestyle.
  1. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication has become essential for online security. It protects your social media accounts by asking for an authentication code or biometric verification instead of relying solely on password.


Which one is more important in today’s online world?

Anonymity and privacy are among the most crucial aspects of digital security. Nevertheless, if we are to compare the two, online privacy should be your top priority when accessing the internet. Everyone should be able to control who can view their full name, email address, phone number, banking details, and other personal information.

Meanwhile, anonymity can be just as important, especially if you have to share sensitive material or information online. However, it may not be as useful on a day-to-day basis as privacy.


Conclusion

Since social media tracking and data breaches have made online security a top concern, confusing the concepts of anonymity and privacy can put your digital lifestyle at risk. 

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Planning the most-awaited vacation break soon but are having cyberattack nightmares? Or want to explore new destinations, yet the personal data breach headlines keep spreading like wildfire in your mind at all times? We all love to travel with our best buddies – mobile phones – and a couple of other smart devices that let us enjoy every moment.

Unfortunately, these need to be recharged at the end of the day and that’s when we love taking advantage of free public charging ports, right? After all, no matter how extravagant a mobile phone we own on this planet – one thing is for sure – we need those cables to recharge it. Sad to say, but it happens too often that we are stuck somewhere with a dying smartphone battery and don’t think twice before plugging our phones into free public USB charging stations.

Read on as we uncover how these handy powering ports at hotel lobbies, airports, cafés and libraries become the number one silent cyberattackers. Along with how you can avoid falling prey to it. 


Dilemma behind juice jacking

Phishing and malware attacks have never been easier than before – all it takes is a charging station with power connectivity and a cable. Many times, we juice up our devices at free USB charging stations, making us a victim of “juice jacking”. Nowadays, it’s become the most common cyber theft tactic to steal personal data and passwords through malicious malware. Hackers and other bad actors can easily exploit confidential information or track your keystrokes- raising concerns for online privacy and digital security, especially for content creators, tech junkies and business travelers. 

That’s not all, even the FBI has published numerous warnings regarding juice jacking, recommending the public to stay safe. 


Juice jacking made it into the wild

Juice jacking, a type of cyberattack, uses power data cables at USB charging ports to deliver unauthorized access to cyber criminals, allowing them to leverage illegitimate entry into your personal and private data. 

Once your smart device is plugged-in and establishes a connection, hackers either secretly copy sensitive information or install malware. Juice jacking attacks could range from the simplest form of picture extraction to an invasive injection of malicious codes to extort financial value.

Generally, there are two types of digital security risks associated with Juice jacking:


Data breaches

Whenever we plug our smart devices into charging ports, it’s really hard to be sure that those cables haven’t been compromised. Apart from this, it has the potential to silently insert malignant software that infects your smart devices. As a result, hackers and cybercriminals gain access to the private and sensitive data saved in your mobile phones, enabling them to steal it.

They could also capitalize on it by using a crawler program, allowing them to search for financial and personally identifiable information. Can you even think of a time when a perpetrator has access to all your financial accounts?


Installing spyware

Another way through which hackers access phone data is through cloning malware, allowing them to gather sensitive information such as social security numbers, pictures, GPS location, social media credentials and so much more.

The common types of phishing and malware attacks used by cybercriminals in disrupting digital security include heavy usage of cryptominers, Trojans, ransomware and spyware. All of them have the power to freeze your mobile while extracting confidential information or demanding financial payment before restoring your phone. 


Countermeasures to avoid juice jacking

Wondering if there is a way to protect oneself and not fall prey to it? Well, good news, there are simple tips that could safeguard you in the long run.

Plan ahead: The most obvious way to protect oneself is to avoid public charging ports at all costs. Make it a habit to charge your mobile phones, laptops, power banks and other devices in your car, at work or at home. Ultimately, it will reduce instances of a battery dying while traveling. 

Carry a charger or power bank: Always bring your own “juice” by packing an extra battery in the form of an external charging device in your bag to keep off those malicious public power charging stations.

Opt for wall sockets: The best part is that there are no data transfers between your device and a regular wall AC outlet. So, at desperate times, always carry the correct adapter before leaving for your trip. 


Conclusion

Juice jacking might not appear to be a major form of phishing and malware attacks, but it’s always a good idea to understand risks and alternatives before giving your battery a boost at free public charging stations.

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Happy April Fool’s Day, internet friends! As a VPN company, we thought we’d celebrate the occasion by sharing some of the most ridiculous, unbelievable, and downright hilarious online security myths out there.


Myth #1: VPNs are for spies and criminals.

Believe it or not, some people still think that VPNs are only used by spies and criminals. While it’s true that VPNs can be used to hide your online activity, the reality is that they’re also used by millions of law-abiding citizens around the world who value their online privacy.


Myth #2: VPNs are illegal.

Nope! VPNs are perfectly legal in most countries. In fact, many businesses use VPNs to secure their online communications and protect their sensitive data from cyber attacks.


Myth #3: VPNs slow down your internet connection.

While it’s true that some VPNs can slow down your internet connection, the best VPNs actually improve your online speed and performance by reducing lag and buffering.


Myth #4: VPNs can protect you from everything.

As much as we’d love to say that VPNs can protect you from everything, the truth is that they’re not a magic bullet. While VPNs can certainly help protect your online privacy and security, they can’t protect you from every type of cyber threat out there.


Myth #5: VPNs can teleport you to another country.

We wish! While VPNs can make it appear as if you’re browsing from another country, they can’t actually teleport you there. If only we had that technology!


So, there you have it – some of the most ridiculous online security myths out there. As a VPN company, we’re here to help you stay safe and secure online, no matter what day of the year it is. Happy April Fool’s Day, and stay safe out there!


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This Valentine’s Day, share your sensitive dealings, not your feelings

Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a day of love and letting yourself be vulnerable, even in the Information Age, where we’re so eager to share every detail of our personal lives with the world.

We post intimate details about our relationships on social media, we share our most private thoughts and photos, and we send sweet nothings via email and messaging apps.

This Valentine’s Day, PureSquare presents you all the ways you can, like love, be oblivious about the very real cyber dangers that exist. 


What’s mine, is yours. And yours. And yours, too


Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air! It’s the perfect time to express your feelings to that special someone. And what better way to do that than by sharing all your personal information with them?

Yes, you heard that right. This Valentine’s Day, don’t just give your heart away; give away your social security number, and credit card details too! After all, nothing says “I love you” quite like exposing your personally identifiable information to identity theft and online fraud.

An open letter. Very, very open

But why stop there? Why bother getting to know someone slowly and steadily? Take your oversharing to the next level by giving someone you’ve just met access to your email and text messages. They’ll appreciate being able to read all your correspondence, and you’ll feel closer than ever before.

Who needs privacy when you have love? And if you really want to show your vulnerability, why not share your deepest, darkest secrets with your new acquaintance? Like your passwords. After all, nothing says ‘trust’ like password swapping with a complete stranger! In fact, write it down on a post-it note and stick it on their forehead so it’s always with them. 

The only virus I’ve caught is the love bug


Speaking of the power of love, don’t bother with antivirus software, your love will protect your computer from all the malware and viruses out there.

I clicked a link and I liked it


Of course, we can’t forget about the romantic aspect of Valentine’s Day. And what’s more romantic than a surprise malware attack on your computer or phone? So go ahead and click on that suspicious-looking link in the email from your secret admirer. It’s not like your personal data is important or anything.

In all seriousness, though, Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and affection. But it’s also important to remember the importance of cybersecurity and keeping your personal information safe. So enjoy the day with your loved ones, but don’t forget to protect yourself online.

Happy Valentine’s Day from PureSquare!

Note: This blog is a work of satire  

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