ExpressVPN Archives

AppWizard

May 9, 2026

America is about to get tougher on VPNs

Numerous countries have implemented restrictions on online access, requiring users to verify their identities to view adult content. In Utah, Bill S.B. 73 has taken effect to prevent children from using VPNs to bypass age verification for adult content. The bill prohibits commercial entities from facilitating or encouraging the use of VPNs to circumvent age verification requirements. It lacks clarity on what constitutes "material harmful to minors," leading to varied interpretations. The bill also states that individuals are considered to be accessing a website from Utah if they are physically located in the state, regardless of VPN use, which poses challenges for website operators in determining user locations.

Tech Optimizer

May 5, 2026

Intego ONE

Intego has released Intego ONE, a rebranded antivirus solution for Mac users that combines antivirus capabilities with a firewall. The product has received a 97.1% malware detection score in independent lab tests, although it lacks phishing protection, a feature offered by competitors like Norton and Bitdefender. Intego ONE has a tiered pricing structure, with the Essential tier costing .99 annually and providing antivirus and firewall protection, while the Advanced tier, which includes the SmartClean system cleanup tool, costs .99. The top-tier Complete subscription, which includes a VPN, is priced at .99 annually. Intego offers a 7-day free trial for potential customers. The software installation is straightforward, requiring Full Disk Access for optimal functionality. Intego's firewall is integrated into the main application for easier user interaction. The SmartClean feature aims to optimize system performance but may not justify its additional cost for all users. The VPN included in the Complete tier is user-friendly but may be priced higher than standalone options.

AppWizard

April 11, 2026

This Russian military intelligence group has been stealing people’s sensitive data, so you might want to connect your router through a VPN

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in the UK has reported that the Russian military intelligence group APT28 is exploiting vulnerabilities in routers to redirect internet traffic through malicious servers, siphoning off sensitive information from users. This includes login credentials, search histories, and private messages. APT28's servers function as anti-VPNs, designed to extract user data rather than protect it. The group appears to be gathering data for strategic objectives, particularly targeting businesses in sectors like manufacturing and military contracting, while also potentially weaponizing information from individuals to influence public opinion. The NCSC has issued guidance for businesses on online privacy, and recommends the use of VPNs as a protective measure for individuals, with NordVPN being highlighted as a top choice among various reliable options.

Tech Optimizer

April 6, 2026

Scammers Want Our Data, Yet CNET Finds Many of Us Aren’t Protecting Our Devices

- 78% of US adults currently own a personal laptop, with HP (32%) and Apple (26%) being the most popular brands. - 54% of laptop owners have encountered potential malware on their devices in the past year. - 88% of those who reported seeing potential malware took action, while 12% did not respond. - 68% of proactive laptop owners either deleted the suspicious file or closed the website or pop-up. - 37% of laptop owners received phishing emails in the past year. - Many modern devices come equipped with built-in antivirus solutions, such as Microsoft Defender for Windows 11 and XProtect for Mac users. - 60% of users who acted upon encountering potential malware manually deleted files or closed suspicious websites, while 35% initiated antivirus scans. - Antivirus software alone cannot safeguard against data breaches or identity theft; a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy involves various tools and practices. - Recommended tools for online security include Bitdefender for antivirus, Aura for identity theft protection, Bitwarden for password management, and ExpressVPN for VPN services.

Tech Optimizer

March 1, 2026

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs to offer a real antivirus solution

Users are increasingly focused on the effectiveness of their security software alongside the number of streaming services they use. Leading VPN providers are responding by offering comprehensive packages that combine VPN capabilities with antivirus features. Surfshark has introduced Surfshark One, which integrates its VPN service with proprietary antivirus software. This solution is designed to provide a comprehensive cybersecurity experience within a single application. To access the antivirus feature, users must subscribe to the Surfshark One plan, which offers quick and full scans, customizable scanning options, and scheduled scans. Detected threats are quarantined and deleted after 60 days. The antivirus includes Cloud Protect for continuous defense against malware, updating its database every three hours, and provides 24/7 malware protection. Surfshark One also includes additional tools such as Alternative ID for safeguarding user information, Surfshark Alert for notifications about compromised sensitive information, and Surfshark Search for ad-free browsing. Surfshark's VPN offers access to over 4,500 servers and supports unlimited devices. Surfshark One differs from other VPN packages by providing essential tools for post-compromise care and customizable security settings. Competitors like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer tiered pricing structures with advanced security features in higher-tier plans. To acquire Surfshark One, users can visit the Surfshark website and choose from various subscription plans. The cost difference between the Surfshark Starter plan and Surfshark One is minimal, with Surfshark One starting at .49 per month. Surfshark One+ includes additional features like personal data removal and identity theft coverage. Only a few providers currently offer both VPN and antivirus capabilities, including Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost.

AppWizard

February 15, 2026

Why you need a VPN if you’re using ChatGPT or other AI chatbots

AI chatbots collect a significant amount of personal information, including email address, username, subscription plan, messages sent, responses generated, features used, timestamps, device/browser type, IP address, and any files or images shared. Although ChatGPT claims not to sell user data, the extensive data collected raises privacy concerns, especially in the event of a data breach. Users may not be fully aware of potential changes in data policies, which could allow for future selling or misuse of their data. To protect their data while using chatbots, individuals are advised to utilize a VPN service.

Tech Optimizer

December 7, 2025

9 Apps You Should Never Install On Windows 11

John McAfee's antivirus software struggles with poor performance and questionable business practices, relying on financial arrangements with manufacturers for its prevalence. Users often face persistent pop-ups for additional services, leading to high subscription costs without significant value. Norton, another antivirus solution, is criticized for slowing down system performance and not providing better protection than Windows Defender. ExpressVPN has shifted focus from privacy to marketing after its acquisition, raising concerns about user data security. Honey, a shopping extension, tracks personal data and may mislead users with affiliate links. CCleaner has become bloated since its acquisition by Avast and is no longer effective on Windows 11. WiFi speed booster software often fails to improve performance and may collect user data. Crypto mining software poses risks as many applications are malware. Razer Synapse often causes performance issues for gamers, while NVIDIA's application can negatively impact system performance and is not as beneficial as alternatives.

AppWizard

October 18, 2025

I highly recommend grabbing NordVPN at a massive 77% discount in one of 2025’s first Black Friday deals

NordVPN is offering a special discount during the holiday shopping season, with a two-year plan available at 77% off and a one-year plan at 60% off. The discounts vary by region, and upfront payment for the entire contract duration is required. NordVPN allows users to secure up to ten devices simultaneously and includes features like traffic filtering, support for popular streaming services, and robust encryption. Additionally, Nord's password manager, NordPass, is discounted by 56% for a two-year contract, with a single plan costing .69 or .29 per month. These offers are valid until December 10, 2025.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Here’s why VPN interest has surged 7,000% in 2025

Demand for VPN services is increasing significantly, with a projected surge expected by 2025. Recent research indicates a 7000% increase in VPN usage this year, driven by new laws and social media restrictions in various countries. Notable increases in VPN interest include: - Nepal: +2,892% (social media bans amid civil unrest) - United Kingdom: +1,987% (online age verification requirement) - United States: +827% (social media bans) - Iran: +707% (internet restrictions due to protests) - France: +570% (online age verification requirement) - Turkey: +188% (social media bans) - India: +72% (Pakistan content ban) In the U.S., interest rose due to a temporary TikTok ban in January 2025, with ongoing discussions about mandatory ID verification for adult content access in some states. Historically, VPNs have been essential for bypassing censorship and maintaining communication in conflict regions, as seen in Nepal and Iran.

AppWizard

September 11, 2025

These 20 free VPNs with 700 million downloads all have the same problem

Recent research has identified that 20 free VPN applications on Google Play share the same underlying code and a common vulnerability that compromises user data encryption. The study, conducted by researchers from Bowdoin College and Arizona State University, analyzed these apps, which have over 700 million downloads and generate revenue through ads while offering minimal value to users. Notable VPNs included in the study are Tetra VPN, VPN PotatoVPN, and VPN Proxy Master. These applications may mislead users into thinking they have diverse options, but they provide a uniform experience. Additionally, there are concerns about potential vulnerabilities that could expose private data and possible ties to China, a country known for weak privacy protections. The examined VPNs include Turbo VPN, VPN Monster, Snap VPN, and others. In contrast, established VPNs like Proton VPN and NordVPN are noted for their reliability and security.