Friday, March 8, 2013

IPVanish launced new Windows VPN client


We're excited to announce that IPVanish has launched a new version of its Windows VPN client.  V1.3.0.2 brings a completely new look and feel to the Windows software, and we think you'll enjoy the changes!  A couple bugs have also been fixed, including the support ticket creation window where the software would intermittently hang during ticket submission.

We've included a few screenshots of the new client, including the VPN connection preferences window.  Feel free to use them (or your own screenshots) as needed.

A free copy of the IPVanish VPN software, along with visual setup guides for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, etc., is available via www.ipvanish.com/vpn-setup.php.  If you haven't already, check it out and let us know what you think!  Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Are a team of US students the answer to our malware woes?

A crack team of US students are to look into an online security headache that has threatened over a hundred American businesses since 2006.
The team is led by Mississippi State University’s Wesley McGrew, and his computer science and engineering students specialise in malicious software. Part of their new curriculum requires them to study a recent report, published by American cyber-security firm Mandiant, that identifies a division of China's People's Liberation Army as the likely perpetrators of years of cyber espionage.
According to Mandiant, the IP addresses behind a slew of cyber attacks can be traced to a 'secret' department of the Chinese army named Unit 61398, located on the outskirts of Shanghai's financial district. They believe the unit has been in operation since 2006, affecting 141 businesses, mostly in America. Of course, the Chinese government has been quick to rebuke Mandiant’s claims, pointing out that “hacking attacks occur almost every day by using stolen IP addresses”.
Is there any truth to the ministry’s response? Possibly, although the sheer amount of activity in the area casts a shadow over their argument. The fact that the Chinese government takes a hard line on online activity, openly blocking many American organisations and businesses, and restricting internet freedom, hasn't exactly helped their cause. In recent years, many living in China have been forced to rely upon a VPN service to access the myriad of censored sites.
With each revelation of global cyber crime, businesses across the world are becoming increasingly anxious, and increasingly reliant on the use of services like a VPN to help protect them from threats. Unlike many, McGrew is rather excited by the news. He sees the report as a fantastic opportunity for this students to analyse malware and to develop the tools to potentially combat threats in the future.
"We have a room with highly motivated students absolutely looking to get into this field. [Studying reports like this] puts them in positions that the country is desperately trying to fill right now,” McGrew explains. Indeed, the university is also part of US Department of Defense's Information Assurance Scholarship Program that requires students to spend a year in government service for each year they receive financial assistance - the idea being to boost US expertise in an area that sorely needs it.

News Roundup: US hit with surveillance claims, Brits demanding privacy, and China fights back in hacking row

US playing dirty?
The US government has been accused of launching a large and sophisticated online surveillance program, further provoking disgruntled privacy advocates across the country. The accusations came after a new report revealed that the US had made a staggering 31,000 data requests from Google in 2012 alone, potentially invading the privacy of more than 84 citizens every single day - hardly the type of behaviour to be expected from the land of the free.
What’s more, the majority of the data requests were made without a warrant, with Google relenting on a significant number of occasions. In addition to revealing the extent of the government’s current efforts, the report also hinted that the program had the potential to harm freedom of speech, making the internet a much less desirable platform.

Britain demands privacy
A new survey has revealed that the majority of British people are understandably sensitive about their online privacy, with 71% agreeing that the EU is right to take action against Google for alleged breaches of data protection rules - a further 66% would welcome even stronger action.
Brits appear to be increasingly concerned about the information collection policies of companies such as Google, with online privacy becoming a major influence in their choice of online services. EU regulators are currently preparing to launch a wide-ranging investigation into data protection claims made against the search engine giant, after it made subtle but significant changes to its privacy policy last year.

China fights back
After weeks of scathing criticism in the media, the Chinese authorities have responded to accusations of state sponsored hacking with a few accusations of their own. According to the Chinese government, a number of their own websites have been experiencing a staggering 144,000 hacking attacks each and every month since the start of 2012, with the vast majority originating from the United States.
Chinese officials have also expressed their concern over US intentions to beef up their cyber-warfare operations, describing such programs as “unhelpful” to preventing future hacking - the diplomatic tension now increasingly resembling a playground fight.

Further problems foreseen for Oracle’s Java



It’s been something of a bad start to the year for Oracle and it doesn’t look likely that it’ll be getting any better any time soon.  Security firm FireEye has uncovered yet another zero-day exploit affecting Oracle’s Java software adding to a long list of flaws that have already been discovered.
Researchers from FireEye say that the vulnerability has already been used to ‘attack multiple customers’ and can be exploited in browsers that have Java v1.6 Update 41 or Java v1.7 Update 15 installed – the latest, supposedly patched, versions of the plug-in.  FireEye warns that this newest flaw is being used to install a remote-access Trojan called McRat and says that it’s a different exploit to the one that caused major security breaches at Facebook, Apple and Twitter recently. McRat is a Windows Trojan and so, although it’s unclear so far whether the flaw affects only Windows or whether computers that run on Linux and Mac OS X are also susceptible, the ‘in the wild’ attacks are only specifically targeting Windows users.
Java’s last update was applied on 19th February and despite being a scheduled release that only targeted 5 security flaws, it followed an emergency update that patched 50 vulnerabilities.  The bad news for everyone that applied these updates hoping that their worries would disappear is that security researchers from Kaspersky Lab last week claimed that the exploit worked in the most recent update of Java (Update 15) but appeared to fail in older ones – such as Update 10.  The only positive news that FireEye is able to offer is that the exploit doesn’t seem to be very reliable as it tries to overwrite large chunks of memory and often ends up causing a Java Virtual Machine crash.
In case you're reading this now on a Java-enabled browser, the current advice is to uninstall or disable Java or set your security settings to ‘High’ when you need to use it. If you’re concerned about online security more generally, then investing in a VPN service will give you an extra level of protection. If your VPN is enabled while you browse the internet, your system is less likely to be exploited by hackers.

Online security firm accused of threatening its own users’ privacy



China is rarely thought of as a bastion of online security, but its private sector’s reputation took yet another hit this week after it was revealed that Qihoo 360 Technology, the country’s largest internet security service provider, had been accused of stealing the personal data of its vast customer base.
The National Business Daily, a Chinese newspaper, alleged that personal information of 400 million online users had been illegally obtained, using a complex and secretive browser tracking system. The software, the paper claimed, transmits users' online viewing habits to the company’s cloud storage servers - not exactly the type of behaviour that you expect from an internet security firm.
As if that wasn't enough, the company has also been accused of attacking its rivals by using software updates to uninstall their software from its user’s systems. In a possible tit-for-tat response, Apple Inc has already removed all of the company’s App Store applications and suspended its developer privileges. Qihoo, of course, denies that Apple's app removal is related to privacy issues.
The company built its impressive customer base by offering free online security services to privacy conscious Chinese web users, who often find themselves fighting a losing battle against their snooping state. Customers have understandably reacted with outrage on hearing the news, with one individual complaining that he was unable to use any other browser after installing the free Qihoo 360 option. Such tactics are perhaps unsurprising given that Qihoo is currently embroiled in high-profile bickering with rival firms.
The company has attempted to brush off the allegations, claiming that they are based on the accounts of “anonymous industry insiders” and blaming rumour-mongering by competitors. They have also offered the somewhat dubious explanation that the data was being harvested to aid in its anti-virus efforts for the benefit of its users.
If you’re concerned about the questionable practices of online security agencies, try using a reliable VPN service to give your system an added layer of protection. Using a VPN service makes it more difficult for would-be data thieves to access your private information and helping to ease your online privacy worries.

Indonesia VPN - The Best Indonesian VPN

Web has been one of the best inclusions of the modern era. Through personal usage in order to company objective, this particular service provides huge contribution. Apart from, most of the industries that have been altered using the Internet service are getting more faster compared to before. Consequently, individuals are being more benefited as it has the ability to work faster and effective way compared to any other sources. Nevertheless, the web service has additionally been the factor in the entertainment field as there are newer additions related to the actual online amusement present in order to provide much more options for customers in whose would rather spend time for using the web service. However, it really is regrettable that, customers obtaining compromised when using the Web service as well as lost their useful personal info.

Apart from, there are several cases of cyber crimes have also surfaced because there are many business companies together with users happen to be wronged by individuals online frauds while dealing with the web connection. Nevertheless, presently there internet censoring is also getting well known in most around the globe because there are some countries that have implemented this insurance policy to be able to restrict users from being able to access into some unwanted web sites. All of these particular countries have set the blocking system to be able to track down user’s presence in the cyber room. The main focus from the respective government bodies from those specific government authorities is to prevent users from accessing into any of the undesirable websites that may contain illegal stuffs like pornographic material and controversial politics as well as religious issues. Therefore, users from individuals particular countries are not having the ability to search on the internet service based on their own wish due to the blockage system through the particular government bodies. So, users are now being restricted from accessing in many of the well-liked social networking websites like Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. Besides, customers are being prohibited by using most of the popular internet programs like Skype, Windows live messenger as well as Google. It is really disappointing with regard to customers as they are not permitted to convey their independence while using the Internet service.

Internet censoring within Indonesia:
Indonesia is one of those Parts of asia in which the Internet censorship has been applied to prevent any sort of unwanted occurrence. This particular nation is actually strict concerning the religious issue; therefore, doesn't prefer to face any sort of incidence that may produce difficult situation for that federal government. Nevertheless, the federal government has applied the web censoring policy to be able to restrict customers through looking to get entry into the illegal stuff that contains website. The government is really concerned about the actual political and religious matters. Consequently, users within Indonesia aren't being able to create an access in many well-liked websites due to the restriction plan. Apart from the Internet censorship issue, customers in Indonesia will also be facing the issue of ease of access in many well-liked web sites which are accessible while having the particular IP handles. Live flow websites like Hulu, Netflix, The planet pandora, and BBC iPlayer aren't obtainable while remaining in Indonesia. To get entry, customers from Indonesia will have to get the Internet protocol handles from individuals particular countries, and it'll not be possible whilst remaining in their very own country.

Do you know the options available with regard to users within Indonesia to be able to bypass the Internet censorship?
There are not many fruitful choices present for users in Indonesia by which they can easily avoid all of the Web restrictions. Sources like the actual IP address hiding tools, DNS altering tools, as well as internet proxy machines are not good enough to provide a secure condition through which customers within Indonesia can get anywhere in the actual cyber space without being notified and obstructed by the particular government bodies from the federal government. Generally, these types of sources have easily discovered by using the latest edition associated with web applications. Most of the sources are not functionally strong in order to avoid all the firewall methods which have been applied through the particular government of Indonesia. Consequently, it is better using the VPN service since it can offer all the amenities that may require when using the Internet service in Indonesia. This excellent function has the ability to supply all the features associated with the Internet service to make a secure situation for users in Indonesia.

What are the perfect options available of a VPN service for that users within Indonesia?
VPN connection is the perfect option for several reasons whilst remaining in Indonesia. This excellent function can supply not only the ease of access option, but additionally the online security as well as privacy service for users within Indonesia. This essentially produces some IP handles in the specific areas, and this will definitely help while attempting to avoid all the firewall software systems from the network. Via acquiring the various nations Internet protocol addresses, no network managers are now being in a position to detect the real details from the users within Indonesia; therefore, users possess gotten the chance of browsing anyplace to the cyber space with out getting blocked. Using the online security function, users can effortlessly browse via using the openly positioned Internet services without having to be concerned of getting hacked by individuals online ripoffs like hackers as well as spammers. Apart from, VPN IP additionally has an privacy function by which customers in Indonesia can hideout their own real IP addresses, and none of the government bodies combined with the 3rd party sources are being able to detect the actual online presence of customers within the cyber world. Consequently, customers are now being in a position to protect their own personal directories while surfing randomly within the cyber space. However, VPN setup also supplies a secured file encryption system by which all the information can move by using a VPN tunneling system.

Best VPN makers in Indonesia:
If you reside in Indonesia and prefer to obtain a VPN service, there are numerous possibilities in order to choose the best feasible option. You will find both free and paid Indonesia VPN service companies readily available for users. Regrettably, the majority of the free VPN service providers are not capable of serving the top quality security service with regard to users within Indonesia. Moreover, these services can not offer an complete anonymity feature because it is one of the essential elements for customers while surfing in to those random websites. Consequently, it is important with regard to users in Indonesia to select a paid VPN service supplier. Most of the top charted Indonesia VPN service providers can offer the best the majority of online security and privateness service. Apart from, these services can guarantee the guaranteed situation for users whenever they browse into those restricted websites. Furthermore, these types of service supplier companies do offer different pricing packages with inexpensive rates to be able to provide more flexibility with regard to customers within Indonesia. Consequently, customers will need to check some important functions from individuals accessible service companies in order to make sure which would be the greatest. You should check whether users preferred VPN service is able to assistance all of the process systems such as PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, as well as SSL. Apart from, the VPN service usually supplies assistance for various kinds of well-liked products like the actual personal computer as well as laptop, smart phones like Android, iPhone, and iPad touch. Apart from, users should also understand if the VPN service works with all the os's like Windows, Macintosh OS X, and Linux. Moreover, you should know if the service supplier can offer the greatest customer helping system along with the good link speed. In order to know all these features, users within Indonesia will need to request the actual trial services to be able to have a perfect choice.

Best VPN For India

Internet has showed enormous options in most feasible sector. It's currently transformed the idea of business as well as entertainment significantly. These days, it is becoming feasible to work faster than prior to in case of business or other functions which can be IP connected with the Internet service. In the entertainment sector, the web has demonstrated an excellent guarantee because there are unique additions have come up to make the whole online outing more fun as well as memorable for users. Through chatting to video clip conversation, and listening to online music to watch movies, everything is being feasible because of the addition of the Internet service. Nevertheless, it is really unfortunate that, this particular service isn't being able to make use of through an incredible number of users in some specific nations world wide because of a few limitation guidelines that have been set in purchase to avoid any kind of awkward circumstances. However, the Internet censorship has be a substantial issue as the number of applying countries gets elevated rapidly. For this reason limitation plan over the Internet utilization, users aren't being able to use the Internet service based on their own may. Besides, customers aren't obtaining the chance of accessing many popular websites round the cyber world due to those lawful responsibilities that have been started by the respective government authorities of those particular nations. Nevertheless, the effect is actually huge because users are getting extremely let down on which is happening with them. It's not correct to assist a condition that can 't be imposed in to those individuals as they possess the right to do anything inside a free world.
Internet usage policy in India:
India is one of the largest and populated countries around the world. This particular country has turn out to be one of the innovators amongst all due to their healthy financial sector along with powerful infrastructure in various sectors. Technologies in this nation has been a substantial factor as it has already turn out to be one from the main causes of attaining a strong economic history. This particular nation has an encouraging future in the technology 3g dependent industries since the government along with other organizations has been using the effort for the success. Nevertheless, the web service is also the same as it has got an incredible number of users. Here, users perform would rather make use of this amazing service in most possible way. Users in India perform prefer to use the Internet service in every possible way like the mobile phones or even the personal laptop or computer. However, there isn't any Web censoring problem that provides in the country. Therefore, the number of Internet user is increasing at a significant price. Customers do would rather use all the popular internet applications together with social networking web sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace. Concerning the Web utilization, the respective government nevertheless doesn't enforce any kind of restriction for its users, and it is truly assisting customers from being able to access anywhere in the actual cyber space without obtaining any sort of congestion. This is really assisting this particular nation in most field that is connected with the web service. In addition to the Internet censorship problem, there is one other issue which presents for customers within India. The problem is the online security system because there are a large number of customers which are obtaining victimized of the cyber criminal offense by those online ripoffs. Users tend to be damaged of utilizing the web service these days. The majority of customers just use the anti-virus to be able to protect themselves from cyber-terrorist and spammers. Regrettably, these types of services are not good enough to supply sufficient online security for users when using the Internet service.

How do customers in India obtain online security service?
There are lots of options have already been tried out through the users within India to be able to sort out all issues associated with the web service. Regrettably, resources like IP address hiding tools, internet proxy servers as well as DNS altering tools are not effective enough to provide sufficient online security and private service for customers within India. The majority of the cases, these services aren't functionally able enough to supply all of the essential functions that require when using the Web connection through those openly positioned Wi-Fi hotspots. Besides, the particular government bodies from the network system are being in a position to detect these services after becoming introduced inside the network. Consequently, it's not dependable these services if customers prefer to secure their personal databases. To be able to acquire all the protective features when using the Internet connection, users within India ought to use the virtual server service. This excellent feature is able to supply all of the important functions that could require whilst browsing through random websites into the cyber space.

What are the prominent features of the paid VPN service that may help users within India?
Users within India can definitely use the VPN service since it can help them in several methods while using the Web connection. One of the very significant features of the VPN service is that, this can supply adequate ease of access in most from the accessible websites round the cyber space without getting obstructed by the respective government bodies. Besides, VPN server has the ability to create IP address of various countries exactly where it's got the servers. Therefore, customers can certainly choose the IP address whenever they approach therefore. Apart from the accessibility service, vnc server has also the ability to supply the top class performance in case of online private and protection service. Users will get an privacy functions when using the server VPN service and it'll assist every time they may surf to the cyber world. Being unknown users, no one can identify the online existence anywhere to the cyber globe. Therefore, users in India can protect their personal info through individuals online ripoffs for example cyber-terrorist as well as spammers when using the Internet.

Therefore, it will likely be fruitful in the event that customers within India can choose from those top charted India setup VPN service providers. All these best charted India VPN service companies can provide the top quality performance in the event of online security and ease of access. Apart from, these types of services usually offer with different types of pricing deals in order to make it more versatile for the clients whenever they will decide to acquire one. Therefore, users within India will have to examine all the accessible features of individuals respective VPN service providers to become certain on which would be the greatest one for them. Besides, customers ought to know whether their own preferred VPN service can support all of the accessible protocol systems together with devices as it is vital that you get yourself a flexible service. Moreover, customers should know whether or not this has a customer friendly helping system so as provide all the facilitates associated with the Internet service.

Do you know the highly regarded VPN connection services in India?
There are numerous types of India VPN setup available for customers within India. It is particularly essential with regard to customers to choose the service that's been set up around the world because of its excellent overall performance. To really make it feasible, users in India can certainly check out this selective listing of top 5 VPN service providers for getting all sorts associated with facilities associated with the Internet service.