Why you need a VPN Chrome Extension

VPN Chrome Extension…why is there a need to invest into more technology like this?   Our friends over a TechWarn have sent us a wonderful article that might help you better understand the value of making  the commitment into a VPN Chrome Extension.  Take a minute to review and see if it fits with your needs.  Thanks J. Ferdie for sending it over…

 

 

Why You Need A VPN Chrome Extension

Compared to most browsers, Google Chrome stands tall above the rest regarding speed, interface, stability, optimization and other features. In a world where browsers are an integral part of our lives, choosing the most reliable browser is an advantage no one should pass up on. However, the fact that it is better than most of the other browser does not exempt its weaknesses, especially when it comes to data privacy and security.

 

Security weaknesses in Chrome

Google’s information collection

Google being one of the largest net companies in the world brings some reassurance in the quality of their products. However, that only means that any security weaknesses are intentional. Most features in Chrome may appear harmless, but they could have severe repercussions to your data security. Google insists on collecting more information than is necessary, through most of their services and features in Chrome. Seeing as the information collected by Google is accessible by third parties, the risk to your privacy and security increases significantly.

 

Flawed WebRTC protocol

An Israeli researcher exposed that malicious websites could use Chrome’s WebRTC protocols to spy on you. Typically, any browser that required access to your microphone and webcam would indicate so and provide a pop-up notification requesting your permission before executing the commands. However, a workaround in Chrome allows websites to spy on you secretly without so much as a notification. When contacted, Google claimed that this was not a valid security threat and showed no interest in providing a patch for the same.

 

Poor encryption

While most websites are quickly adapting SSL encryption, there are those that still haven’t encrypted their websites. SSL encryption, evident in sites with HTTPS instead of HTTP, proves that the data in the website is secure from an intercepted hack. An intercepted hack in this sense means that hackers can set up a relay between your server and the intended site through which they can access all your information. Alternatively, they could set up a mirror site, and use that to defraud unsuspecting site visitors after which they could collect your login information and use it at will.

 

Aren’t Chrome Security features enough?

While we rely on browsers for most of our net-related lifestyles, most people know close to nothing about their inner workings. As such, it is relatively impossible for most of us to make full use of the advanced security settings that may be available in Chrome. More elaborate security measures would require at least a basic understanding of programming, which most of us lack. To that effect, the majority of people rely on Chrome’s most publicized security feature – the Incognito Mode.

The selling point for Chrome’s Incognito Mode is that it stores no data. That means that any cookies, browsing history, pre-filled forms and all other browsing data are deleted the moment you close the Incognito window. This is a good countermeasure if your concern is someone going through your browser after you use it.

However, despite its usefulness, the Incognito Mode still doesn’t cover most of the security weaknesses in Chrome. For instance, your DNS server requests reveals your IP address, and could be used to identify you. Additionally, since the browsing data is not encrypted, system admins and ISPs could gain access to the data and use that to monitor your browsing habits. Even if you’re not worried about these seemingly distant third-parties (when you should), you would certainly be uncomfortable withyour boss looking at your browsing history. And guess what? Chrome Incognito Mode does not shield you from that either.

 

How ExpressVPN’s Chrome Extension patches the gaps

Having examined the vulnerabilities in Chrome and the weaknesses in its security, the best solution is theinstallation of ExpressVPN’s Chrome Extension. Of course, to understand why this is necessary and how effective a security measure this is, we must look at how well it provides data security and privacy.

 

 

HTTPS Everywhere

HTTPS Everywhere is a feature that ensures that you only connect to the most secure version of a website. The function protects you from sites that lack SSL encryption, which as explained protects your information, especially login credentials from hackers. Since Chrome doesn’t have a feature that guarantees that every site that you connect to is encrypted, ExpressVPN’s Chrome Extension is a very convenient solution to the problem.

 

Data Encryption

A major selling point of VPNs is their data encryption. Installing a VPN in your device guarantees that all network information is encrypted, which protects it from access by unauthorized parties such as system admins and ISPs. However, the data in a browser could still be intercepted, which is especially true for Chrome with its unnecessary information collection features. DNS records are directly linked to your IP address, which means that identifying your IP address is a significant security vulnerability. However, a VPN encrypts your information and assigns a different IP address to your device, which provides extra protection and privacy. Having the ExpressVPN extension installed guarantees that your browsing data is directly encrypted, protecting your identity online.

 

ExpressVPN’s Chrome Extension is an excellent security measure against hacking, browser fingerprinting, information collection, unsecured websites and scripts and a multitude of other browser security vulnerabilities. Aside from that, it has a smooth UI/UX, it is the fastest VPN, it is very stable and has round-the-clock customer support.

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