Virtual Private Network - What Is It & Why Do You Need It?

In today’s era, Virtual Private Network, a.k.a VPN, is not an alien concept among internet users. With the rising data breaches, VPN users are also simultaneously increasing. If you go back a few years, you will be surprised to see that there were hardly any VPN users. People were not even familiar with this term. But today, with the rising cybersecurity concerns, it has grown in popularity and has become an integral part of the online world. Even regular internet users are now concerned about their privacy and are aware of the importance of maintaining anonymity on the world wide web. And without a doubt, VPN is one of the most promising ways of keeping yourself safe.    Now that people are familiar with this term, the next question that arises is what exactly VPN means and whether you should use one? How effective is the VPN, and what benefits does it offer? If you, too, are stuck with these questions, this article will help you find all the answers. So, scroll down and learn more about Virtual Private Networks.   Virtual Private Network: What Does It Mean?     VPN is short for “Virtual Private Network.” It is a service that allows people to surf, shop, and perform banking functions over the internet while keeping their online identity hidden. It encrypts the connection between the computing device and the host site to ensure complete protection, security, and freedom. This is done to prohibit hackers from snooping on users' activities. In the online world, it functions as a secret tunnel that ensures privacy and prevents them from being seen by anybody on the internet. If it is downloaded on your device, the data appears to be coming from a distant server, because of which nobody can see where you are and what you are doing. This makes it difficult or nearly impossible for them to steal the data, which is otherwise possible.    Why Should You Use A VPN?   When it comes to internet security, using a VPN is a no-brainer. If you are wondering whether you need a VPN or not, the answer is quite simple - YES. It’s always better to err on the side of caution. This is why using a Virtual Private Network is of great importance. However, if you are still not convinced, here are some benefits that make this service worthwhile. There are ample reasons why you should step up your privacy game with VPNs. Here’s a closer look at some of the reasons:   Safety And Security   The most significant reason why people use Virtual Private Network services is because of the safety feature. It provides end-to-end encryption when a person is accessing the internet for any purpose. This service eliminates the stress of hackers and cybercriminals spying or snooping into your data and provides a safer world online.    Avoid Geographical Restrictions   When we talk about the importance of VPN, we can’t miss the advantage of avoiding geographical restrictions. There are some internet or streaming services that place geographical limits on their content. Because of this, the user can’t get access to all the entertainment and information sources. But with the help of a Virtual Private Network, users can go beyond the restrictions and use the internet without any geo-restrictions.   Complete Anonymity   The next obvious reason why people opt to use a VPN service is to enjoy the internet in incognito mode. VPN respects users' privacy and helps them maintain their anonymity. Generally, the location, as well as the identity of a person, can be easily traced. But VPN services are a blessing in disguise to stop this and hide such details.    Security On Public Wi-Fi   The public network is a paradise for hackers, making it incredibly risky to connect your device to the internet when you are in a cafe, airport, hotel, and other public places. All the activities can be easily traced when connected to a public network, and hacking becomes much easier. However, in such scenarios, VPN acts as a safe and secure tunnel and hides every action you carry out while connected to public Wi-Fi.   Anonymous Downloading   In most countries, it’s illegal to download Torrents. And for doing so, the downloaders are traced and punished by the authorities. Hence, VPN understands the importance of privacy and anonymity even while downloading and uploading files. This is why a Virtual Private Network encrypts the traffic and reroutes IP addresses so that a person can download any file anonymously.    Bypass Censorship   Every government intends to protect the vital information and their citizens from the safety issues of the online world, and some go to great lengths to keep it under control. This is why in many countries, the internet is extremely censored because of which a person can’t access several websites or applications. However, VPN providers believe in unadulterated free speech, and hence, they help bypass censorship and other restrictions.    Other Benefits   There is a long list of reasons why an internet user opts for VPN services. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, a Virtual Private Network also helps in providing data privacy from hackers and government, gives access to companies' networks, allows the user to beat the price discrimination, prevents digital files from getting traced or hacked by third parties, and makes it easy to use the internet.    Disadvantages Of Using A Virtual Private Network     Like any other technology or service, there are some drawbacks of using a VPN too. While it appears to be perfect for safeguarding yourself on the world wide web, it also has some disadvantages that you must consider. Here is an overview of the negative sides of using a VPN service.   - It slows down the systems - Degrades the quality of network - VPN can’t block cookies - It does not provide all-round protection   Best VPN Providers Available Right Now   Now that you have decided to start using a Virtual Private Network, the next major question that needs to be answered is– which provider should you go for? There are several VPN services available in the market, and there is always some debate over the best one. However, to make it easier for you to choose a trustworthy provider, our experts have tested some of the superior VPN services. As a result of our testing, we have found our three best contenders who deserve the title of best VPN providers.   1. NordVPN 2. Private Internet Access 3. VyprVPN   In order to learn more about these VPN services and other providers, make sure you visit Home of Expert Advice. It is the one-stop solution for all your security needs.    Final Thoughts:   Whether you are using the internet for your personal or office usage, VPN is always important for protecting yourself from data breaches. Their objective is to provide the users with ultimate security and protection when using the internet. While it comes with some disadvantages, it is ideal for adding a layer of security and safeguarding yourself, your financial interests, personal information, as well as your reputation. Now that you understand what Virtual Private Network is, why you need it, which service you should go for, and more, it’s time to get your hands on one of them and provide yourself with a safe online environment.    Stay safe, stay happy!  

Best Places To Install Outdoor Home Security Camera

No matter where you live, your property's layout, or your budget, everyone deserves to be protected. And an outdoor home security camera is an excellent tool for gaining a sense of security. It provides extra eyes on the property and helps in preventing house break-ins. It adds layers of security for keeping your family and property secure from vandals and robbers. Although it is crucial to install, its effectiveness is influenced by the place you install it. The location of security cameras is critical in providing effective surveillance and optimal protection to all loved ones as well as the valuables. This is why our experts weigh in on the importance of choosing the right location for installing the camera.    After all the research that you have done for purchasing the best outdoor home security camera, it’s actually time to install it in your home. If you’re a bit overwhelmed about the placement of the camera, we’ve got you covered. Here we are going to share with you our knowledge. Read this article to know where you should mount your camera for maximum coverage and outstanding protection.    Best Places To Install Your Outdoor House Camera     Once you have decided to install an outdoor home security camera, the first question that pops into your mind would be about the placement of the camera. Well, the position of the camera plays a crucial role in deciding how secure your home is. However, there is no one-size-fits-all rule for the placement because of the difference in layout, budget, and home security priorities. But here we are with some places that are an absolute must for installing the camera.    1. Front Door   While most people think that attackers only enter through side doors, various studies have shown that 34% of burglars enter through the front door. It is also a place where package thieves are more prone to attack. This makes the front door the ideal place to install a camera. With the camera at your entrance, you can monitor everyone who enters and exits your house, right from your family members to babysitters to workers, delivery persons, and others. Furthermore, it is the simplest way of keeping an eye on someone who attempts to break into your home.    2. Ground-floor windows   Without a doubt, burglars can find easy ways to enter the house. While we think of complex theft patterns, we should not ignore the most common ones. One such way is through windows. This is why it is essential to have outdoor house cameras on the windows of the ground floor. Instead of installing multiple cameras, you can also install one covering all the windows.    3. Yard   If you have a front or a backyard, it becomes equally crucial to safeguard it with the camera to check on all the activities. It helps maintain a tab on anyone who is snooping at your property or trying to invade your privacy. There are many hiding places in the yard for thieves, especially if you have overgrown your landscape; adding a security shield with a camera becomes crucial. Other than this, having a camera in the yard will be useful in recording the actions of children, animals, and trespassers.   4. Back & Side Doors   Most vandals and burglars look for out-of-sight doors to enter a house unnoticed. As per various studies, it is reported that approximately 22% of thefts or break-ins occur through the rear entrance. In order to have complete visibility of everyone who enters and departs the place, it becomes necessary to add outdoor home security cameras on the secondary door too. Any entry other than the main entrance often used should be protected with cameras.   5. Garage & Driveway   Garages and driveways are one of the weakest entry points, and hence, they are mostly used by thieves to sneak through to enter your home. So, make sure you get a camera installed pointing at your garage and/or driveway. This will not just help you keep a watchful eye on intruders but also on your vehicles and other equipment. With this, you can easily secure your valuables, monitor them, and ensure that no one tries to steal them or cause damage.     Places Where You Should Not Place An Outdoor Home Security Camera    While outdoor security cameras are valuable for monitoring the house, there are several locations where you should not place them. This is required both for legal and privacy purposes. You must keep in mind others' privacy while installing the camera. While you install the camera, make sure it won’t monitor the houses outside your property. You should be mindful of the privacy of others. For this, ensure that you won’t record anything without the knowledge and consent of others.    Things To Consider Before Mounting An Outdoor Home Security Camera   Now that you are aware of where to install your camera, it is vital to shed light on other factors that you must consider for a successful installation of a home security camera. When you are spending a lot of time and energy on setup, it is important to make it perfect. Consider these factors to do it right.    - Places with the highest risks of thefts - Wi-Fi connection strength - Weather conditions - Lighting - Privacy implications - Total numbers of cameras  - Priority of safeguarding your property    Summary – Where To Install Outdoor Home Security Camera   After testing so many cameras over the years and studying about them, our team of experts has selected these areas to place your outdoor home security camera. These are the places that are most likely to be attacked and require surveillance for beefing up the home protection. Remember, if you pick the wrong location, your outdoor house camera will be pointless.    General FAQs   Can an outdoor house camera be placed indoors? While you can install outdoor home security cameras indoors, too, they are usually not advised because they are too bulky. Outdoor cameras are more durable and bulky, making them unsuitable for indoor placing.    Is it important to hide an outdoor home security camera? Often, the installation of home security cameras outside the house scares away less-motivated intruders. This is why you are not required to cover or hide the camera. However, you should also not install it in the open as this might let the intruder cover their faces and tracks. All you need is to choose the right location for your camera.   

Alarm System 101: Time To Bring Smart Security Into Your Home

Having a home surveillance system installed as a security precaution can be a costly undertaking but not having one can cost you much more. In the past few years, burglaries have been on the rise, having major financial and emotional implications. Thus, having an alarm system installed in your home has become essential. High-quality mechanical protection is the first step towards holistic security for a property. It prioritizes not only home security but also the family and valuable belongings. Irrespective of the importance, many people ignore, neglect, or underestimate the need to implement suitable home security measures. An act of theft might cost a lot of money and emotional distress; hence, installing such a system will be a great decision.    Scroll down and learn more about the alarm system and get one installed today.   What is an alarm system?   An alarm system, also known as a burglar alarm system, is a control panel for setting up security. They are entryway sensors with built-in sirens that sound when someone tries to break in. These sirens are pretty loud and produce a sound all over the place that can easily scare away intruders. The system is mostly used in residential, commercial, industrial, and military properties with an aim to safeguard their property from burglary and other damage along with protecting oneself from intruders.     Components of an alarm system   To uplift the user experience, most home security companies offer their customers various package options containing different components. While the basic system has one sensor and alert device for detecting the trespasser and informing about the intrusion, the advanced system has different components. These components include:   - Control Panel: Often known as a “hub,” a control panel is the system’s brain. It receives sensor inputs, records arm/disarm state, and detects intruders. This is the component that establishes communication between the alarm and monitoring centers.  - Sensors: A sensor is a device that helps in detecting intruders. These sensors are placed on the protected area's perimeter for better monitoring. There are different types of sensors that come with the system. The common ones are door/window sensors, monitor sensors, and glass-break sensors.  - Alerting devices: This is one of the most essential components of the system as it signifies the presence of an alert sound. Such devices mainly include sirens, bells, flashing lights, etc., along with a warning about the intrusion and scaring off burglars.  - Home Security Cameras: An alarm system with the camera is an incredible combination that is beneficial in many ways. Apart from performing the function of an alert alarm, it captures the motion and offers the user a live recording.  - Keypads: Keypads are tiny devices that are wall-mounted and usually feature buttons, lights, and a multi-character display. To make the entire system less bulky, the new models have in-built keypads.   Importance Of Alarm System With Cameras      Protects Assets and Investments Spending some money on a sophisticated security system will help protect your belongings and valuables. It is the first line of defense that deter the burglars and inform the authorities about any crime.   Provides Peace Of Mind Peace of mind is one of the greatest benefits of an alarm security system. It relieves concern and tension to know that you, your family, and your house are protected. Knowing that your home and belongings are secure thanks to an alarm system is a huge relief.    Deter Criminal Activities To put it simply, having a security system installed has proved to deter perpetrators from doing criminal acts. It provides a safer space by increasing the chances of thieves being caught in unlawful activity. Beyond this, an alarm system with cameras decreases crimes even further.    Allows Remote Access To House The importance of alarm security systems is not just limited to offering protection; it also provides homeowners the ability to keep a check on their house and see what’s going on via smart devices. It facilitates the arming and disarming of the system and other management remotely.    Aid The Police The home security system is also helpful for the police in case of burglary or theft. When such an event occurs, these alarm systems with cameras capture the entire incident, which can be used to catch the culprit.    How Alarm System with Cameras Work   When learning about the alarm system, it is equally important to understand how it actually works. Knowing what action is likely to happen, what triggers the system, and how it works will add to your knowledge. The system works in three ways –   Detect: The new models have built-in keypads as the alarm system begins with detecting the motion. The activity is recognized with the help of a sensor. There are various types of sensors that are being placed throughout the premises so that all the motions can be detected and the right action can be taken on time.    Determine: Once the motion is sensed, it is transferred to the brain of the system, i.e., the control panel. All the information from detectors and sensors is being sent here to trigger the alarm countdown.    Deter: Finally, the system responds to the triggered alarm and activates the actual alarm, i.e., siren and/or strobe lights. If the abort code is not entered, the alarm will keep sounding to frighten the intruder and warn the homeowner about the activity.    Final Words: No one wants to put their property in jeopardy and their family in danger. Hence, they install the alarm system and add a layer of security to their place. It is no less than professional help that safeguards the assets, investments, and human beings from thieves. An alarm system with cameras is one of the most effective and the best ways to provide home protection. Even if it is a costly deal, it is a good investment worth the expense.   

Identity Theft Protection - How To Notice The Warning Signs

Crimes like identity theft occur when someone’s personal or professional information/data is obtained unlawfully, without their permission. Identity theft protection services and software are the only ultimate solution against them!    What identity thieves can do is use your personal information to do multiple things like apply for a credit card in your name, take a loan in your name, raid your bank account and empty every single thing, take health services or insurance claims in your name. They can even use your credit card and file fraudulent tax returns on your behalf.    Worse - They can quickly sell all of your information to someone else!    So, the ultimate step when it comes to protecting yourself is to learn how identity theft can occur and how identity theft protection happens. Taking steps can help limit your overall exposure to identity theft. There is, of course, no single way to prevent everything entirely. Still, you can make it extremely hard for criminals to gain access to your accounts, data, and information.   What are the warning signs of identity theft?   Do you know that identity theft can be noticed only if we are a little careful! Identity thieves can not just draw your bank accounts or rack up your credit card charges; they can get medical treatments in your name. They can use a victim’s health insurance to get benefits. They can even steal your tax refund if you or someone you know is eligible.    And of course, we have already told you the worst - They can easily sell your information and personal data for a small amount of money to criminals! Fortunately, there are a few warning signs of identity theft. You only have to notice them! Noticing these signs in the right place, right time can help you protect yourself as well as your loved ones!    Identity Theft Protection - Warning Signs 1. Noticing any unfamiliar bank withdrawals or credit card/debit card charges  2. Not getting the bills you expect in regular mail  3. Finding any unknown or “fishy” accounts on your credit reports  4. Getting any unrecognized medical bills 5. Getting your claims rejected because the benefits reach their limit on any unfamiliar services  6. Getting a health plan rejected because of inaccurate records and data  7. Filing unexpected IRS notices for online account creation, access, or disabled 8. Discovering your IRS records with income from an unfamiliar employer 9. Getting notified about a data breach  10. Getting a suspicious call from debt collectors    Children Can Be A Victim Too Parents might not realize it, but children can also be victims of identity theft. Identity thieves can use a child’s Social Security Number to get a new line of credit, apply for benefits from the Government and other agencies, rent a living space, and so much more!    This theft might not even be discovered for multiple years until the child grows up and becomes an adult. It often comes to light when they are trying to access credit for the first time in their lives.    Warning signs your child is a victim  You child will require supervision and identity theft protection if: 1. Getting a credit card or loan offer in your child’s name  2. Getting an IRS notice in your child’s name for any outstanding tax dues 3. Getting debt collection services’ calls stating your child’s name  4. Getting any bill for a product or service in the name of your child, something that you or your child’s guardian did not purchase  5. Getting any benefits from the Government declined under the Social Security Number of your child.   Identity Theft Protection - What to do if you are a victim?    As soon as you notice something suspicious, you should jump to take action! Addressing it at the earliest signs of seeing is extremely important in such cases! Once identity thieves know they can easily get away with what they have done, they start to increase their fraudulent activities. This makes it difficult for authorities to recover such criminals.    Here are some steps that one should take immediately to invest in the right identity theft protection services as soon as you think you are a victim.   1. Start reviewing your credit reports, regardless of the kind of fraud that occurs. Take some extra time to review all your credit reports and ensure everything is accurate! If you are able to find something on your credit report that is unfamiliar to you, start addressing it immediately.  2. File identity reports as and when required. If you think you have the confirmation for your identity to be stolen, take steps to correct it and report it to authorities. You should be reporting to the Federal Trade Commission and the police authorities. You can also reach out to your creditors and explain the situation to find a solution.  3. Place fraudulent activity alerts or security freeze immediately. Both steps can prevent future fraudulent activities from occurring. Fraud alerts can notify prospective credits about the fact that you may have been a victim of fraud. They always encourage people to come and talk to them in cases of emergency, at a number you will provide them with to verify your identity. A security freeze will stop others from viewing your credit reports to start with! This prevents others from opening credit accounts in your name. Another option is to lock your credit files fully with appropriate identity theft protection services.  4. Start to dispute any inaccurate information you come across about you in your credit reports. If you think there is fraudulent data on your credit report(s), ensure you are filing for a dispute with the necessary authorities and the Credit Bureau. Disputes can take approximately 30 days to be resolved. The fraudulent information shall be removed when the Credit Bureau confirms your claim.    Protect your loved ones from identity theft   There are multiple steps that one can take to protect themselves as well as their loved ones from identity theft and fraud! Get access to the best identity theft protection services in 2022. Home of Expert Advice helps you learn about different kinds of identity thefts and ways to safeguard your happiness! 

How To Position Your Home Security Doorbell Camera- A Quick Guide

For your home security doorbell camera to function effectively, it must be positioned in a proper manner. However, what this means is that it is going to differ for each household and each family, depending on one’s preferences and the layout of the home. It will also depend somewhat on the kind of video doorbell camera you own.    Getting that right placement, as well as the angle, is an important factor for ensuring a home security doorbell camera works effectively!   Various home security companies recommend placing your video doorbell cameras at least 48 inches above the ground. The doorbell should be mounted flat against the frame of your door or a wall. However, there are multiple other factors and installation kits involved to adjust the vertical as well as the horizontal angles. Getting them right is one thing that you need to tackle!    Whether you are a new doorbell camera owner or are moving to a new place, you should know the necessary details to place and mount it right! You should also know the steps and the tools required to install!    Home Security Doorbell Camera - Positioning    There are multiple factors involved when it comes to positioning your home security doorbell cameras. They are -    1. Power source  2. Angle  3. Height    Power source  The primary factor you need to get right is placing your doorbell cameras as per the power source. However, we often forget that if the power source is not placed properly, your cameras will not be in the correct location.    - If your doorbell camera is a model where it requires hard-wiring with your pre-existing home doorbell wires, you get limited options when it comes to its placement.  - If you require more flexibility in terms of placement, you should consider getting a battery-operated doorbell camera. This equipment can be installed anywhere around your door frame or the side of your walls.  - If you own a doorbell camera with a peephole, ensure it is battery-operated. This way, you can install them on your door’s pre-existing peephole. You will get all the flexibility you need in terms of positioning.  - Doorbell camera equipment powered with the help of an ethernet cable from your already installed internet router. You can easily place this equipment around your home’s pre-existing doorbell. You can also cut a small hole in your wall or your door frame and feed the ethernet cable through the same. This way, you can install the home security camera where it can be connected to the cable.    Height Home security cameras and doorbells work best when they are mounted at the height of at least 48 inches above the ground. Place your doorbell camera at this height, either on your outer wall or the door frame.    If you place your video doorbell cameras at a height below this or below one’s eye level, the motion sensors do not function as expected. They are often unable to detect movement towards or away from your door. Motion sensors can easily detect motion at least five feet away and as much as 30 feet away. This way, your camera also gets a good range of motion, i.e., 160 degrees horizontally.    Your doorbell camera gets a larger field of view, vertically, against motion sensors. You get the opportunity to see others’ faces as and when they approach your door through the camera.    Angle  Usually, doorbell cameras come with two different kinds of installation kits that can help you place your equipment at the right angles!    - Wedge kits offer you the ability to angle your camera above or below, 5-15 degrees.  - Corner kits offer you the ability to adjust your doorbell cameras at a horizontal angle, 5-55 degrees.    Usual cameras come with any of these two installation kits. Some might even come with both. However, if your video doorbell cameras do not come with any installation kits, ensure you get to choose kits that are fully compatible with your equipment.    Installation kits are extremely helpful in cases where you are investing in hard-wired equipment. These kits, when combined with this kind of equipment, offer people better flexibility to position their doorbell camera at the best possible angle and position. For instance, if your doorbell is placed higher than four feet above the ground, you can use wedge kits to angle them down a little. This helps you avoid any unwanted motion alerts constantly.    Finding the best placement for your doorbell camera    You should not be extremely afraid when it comes to being creative while installing your doorbell camera. You can test out multiple angles and placement positions until you figure out the best one for you and your home. The perfect position will ultimately optimize the performance and functionality of your home security doorbell camera.    There are a few limitations to the flexible installation equipment since some devices can’t be mounted horizontally. Some doorbell cameras do not come with screen rotation features. The videos and images from such devices would be sideways. This also means that motion detection will not work efficiently.    How to Mount Your Video Doorbell Camera    You can easily mount your video doorbell camera on your own with the help of an installation kit provided with your equipment. If not provided, you can get it as an add-on with your device.    One can easily mount their doorbell cameras using the directions present with the kit. Usually, the process stands similar for most devices, but it could vary, depending on the version or type of device you buy and install.    Conclusion: To summarize, the best way to position your home security doorbell camera is at least four feet above the ground. If you are trying to install hard-wired doorbell equipment, your mounting options seem to be limited, especially in terms of height. However, you can easily adjust the angles and overall position of your hard-wired device with the help of an installation kit provided along.    Keep following the Home of Expert Advice blog for more suggestions, information, tips, and hacks on everything home security!