Privacy basics

A CDN is a geographically distributed network of servers that work together to deliver internet content faster and more reliably.

Algeria bans Roblox in September 2025 due to child safety concerns, joining other nations. Find out why and how parents can keep kids safe online.

Media server, commercial streaming service, closed-source software. Plex is a lot of things, but is it legal? Is it safe? And is it free?

Is Pluto TV safe — and is it really a totally free streaming service? Here's what you need to know before you start streaming.

Free streaming platform Kanopy offers hundreds of films, documentaries, or more to public library members. But is it really free, and is it safe to use?

Does using a VPN slow down internet speeds? Is self-hosting your own VPN better for privacy? We clear up common VPN myths vs. reality.

tubi is a popular free, ad-supported video streaming service based in the US. But if it's free, is it safe? We take an in-depth look.

Your digital footprint is the trail of information you leave online. We discuss digital footprints and whether you should be worried about yours.

Chinese shopping platform AliExpress is undoubtedly cheap. But is it also safe and reliable, or you are likely to get scammed?

We look at what doxing is, who does it (and why), and at how to protect yourself from doxing .

In this article, we look at what firewalls do, how they work, what they are used for, and examine different types of firewall.

Mobile devices are now the primary way most people access the internet, so you should protect your online privacy with a mobile VPN app

A VPN helps expats watch their favorite sports teams online, do their online banking safely, and stay in touch with people back home.

Learn how to manage SafeSearch settings to create a safer browsing experience for you and your family.

We compared the privacy of four major Apple AirTag alternatives and offer tips to improve your privacy and security.

Learn about location services and how to protect your privacy by managing how location services work on your device and in your apps.

We look at the “Your connection is not private’ browser error, explain why it occurs, and suggest some ways to “fix” it.

How to delete your search history across platforms and devices — and why you might want to consider deleting your search history regularly.

Is Temu safe? Here’s what you need to know about this online retailer and your data.

We take an in-depth look at whether the wildly popular social media platform, TikTok, is safe to use.

A Spanish judge ordered ISPs in Spain to block access to Telegram, but this ruling was suspended the following Monday.

The team at Proton VPN gives its predictions for what you can expect to see as half the world casts votes in national elections in 2024.

A VPN keeps you private online but will slightly slow down your connection. We look at how you can improve your internet speeds when using a VPN. 

A keylogger is either a piece of software or a hardware device that records input from your device’s keyboard.

We discuss how to change the external and local IP addresses of your Windows device.

A kill switch is a security feature that protects your IP address in case you unexpectedly lose your connection to a VPN server.

A guest network lets you offer safe WiFi access for friends, office staff, customers, and iOT devices without compromising your own WiFi security.

In this article, we look at who can see your internet history when you use WiFi, what they can see, and why they might do this.

Tor Browser is a powerful privacy tool that lets you browse onion sites and protect your identity. Here’s how it works.

In this article, we look at what a MAC address is and whether it poses a risk to your privacy or security.

Cyberattacks target weak security systems and unsuspecting victims. Learn the main cyberattack types and how to protect yourself.

The Invisible Internet Project (I2P) is a decentralized anonymizing network built on similar principles to Tor.

We look at what cookies are and how they are used. Third-party cookies, in particular, can pose a threat to your online privacy.

We discuss why and how streaming services geoblock content. That is, restrict content based on your geographic location.

In this article, we discuss DNS — what it is, how it works, and how it impacts issues such as online privacy and censorship.

VPNs use encryption to create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic. Learn how VPN tunnels work and why you might want to use them.

A VPN takes over routing your internet connection to the websites you visit, so it can see what you do on the internet instead of your ISP.

We look at some of the free VPN options available and compare them to commercial VPN services such as Proton VPN.

In this article, we explain what third-party cookies are and how you can block them in your browser.

A VPN allows you to access Instagram, whether you live in a restrictive country or at work or school.

A VPN is an essential privacy tool but can’t stop all online threats. We explain how and when a VPN can help to protect you from hackers.

Find out how free VPNs make money: With most “free” VPNs you pay with your privacy or security, and the cost can be high.

A VPN protects you against many common privacy and security threats on the internet. We examine these threats in detail.

A VPN is vital for protecting your privacy and defeating censorship on your iPhone. We discuss why.

Securely watch your favorite streaming services from anywhere in the world and protect your privacy wherever you travel.

A VPN allows you to watch your favorite Netflix shows when traveling abroad.

We explain how to tell if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth and what you can do to prevent it.

Your IP address can be used to track you online. Here are 7 ways to change IP addresses, from switching networks to using Proton VPN.

Your Android phone is a powerful computer, permanently connected to the internet, so it is vital to use a VPN to protect your privacy.

Malware is any software designed to harm computers. Find out what malware is, how it works, and how to protect yourself against it.

Your IP address uniquely identifies your device or network on the internet. We explain everything you need to know IP addresses.

What is Incognito mode? How private browsing works, what it does and doesn’t do, and how to really browse the internet privately.

In this article we look at what bloatware is, whether it poses a security risk, and provide instructions for removing bloatware on your system.

An SSID is the name of a wireless network. Learn how SSIDs work and why you should review your WiFi security settings.

When governments censor the internet, having a reliable VPN at the ready will ensure you maintain access to crucial information.

Some VPN downloads put malware on your device or track your browsing activity. Here’s how to pick a service that’s safe to use.

Knowing the benefits of having a VPN on your smartphone in the US can be vital for your privacy. Our article goes over the types of data that can be collected through your phone, how parties in the US can access that data, and how a VPN protects you.

Learn how a VPN can increase your security and privacy online, no matter how you use the internet, and know its limitations.

Operating system updates keep your device secure and allow us to concentrate on improving our products. We discuss why.

We understand that choosing the correct VPN can be difficult. We discuss what criteria you should look for when selecting a free VPN.

Online gaming privacy matters. You may be at risk of in-game ransomware, phishing attacks, data breaches, and location tracking. Here’s how to stay safe.

Your Internet service provider (ISP) has access to all your online activity, and they have the right to sell this information. A VPN can help you protect your data.

Digital nomads face unique online security challenges. These tips can help keep you safe no matter where you work.

Most websites now use HTTPS to encrypt your connection and add an additional layer of protection to your data. But if you are on public WiFi, using HTTPS without a VPN means that some of your data will still be vulnerable.

For a VPN to reliably protect user data, it must not only use the most secure encryption and protocols but also shield itself with strong legal protections.

When it comes to protecting your privacy, free services have a poor track record, as most are subsidized by selling your data. The vast majority of free VPN services are unfortunately doing the same thing. Here's why Proton VPN's free VPN service is

October is National Cyber Security Awareness month. This year, join us in our new campaign to identify which data we hold most dear, all in the name of spreading privacy.

Public WiFi connections can put your device and personal data at risk to hackers. Here are some simple steps you can take to secure your connection and personal data.