More Privacy
The best free VPN
You should really be paying for a VPN, but these free tiers and trials are solid for the short term.
![a close-up of a man holding an iphone displaying the expressvpn app in front of a window](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/01zKuFsGpY3BT0gmVGb4hu5/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1716498603.png)
![a close-up of a man holding an iphone displaying the expressvpn app in front of a window](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/01zKuFsGpY3BT0gmVGb4hu5/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1716498603.png)
The best VPN for iPhone: Which iOS VPN should you pick?
iPhone's don't have built-in VPNs, so you'll need to take matters into your own hands.
![the nordvpn iphone app](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/02jQicBT5YCWjryVAZN2pV4/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1716067998.png)
![the nordvpn iphone app](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/roundups/02jQicBT5YCWjryVAZN2pV4/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1716067998.png)
Wyze security camera breach impacted over 900 times more people than originally thought
It isn't the first time the company has shown users footage from strangers' cameras, either.
By Amanda Yeo
![A surveillance camera from smart home company Wyze isolated on white background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01CorMPPLryHX0QFWPyTZjO/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1708409486.jpg)
![A surveillance camera from smart home company Wyze isolated on white background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01CorMPPLryHX0QFWPyTZjO/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1708409486.jpg)
Wyze security camera owners report seeing stranger's feeds. It's happened before.
Wyze execs confirm a second instance of user feeds swapping.
![A Wyze camera in front of a white background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05bRGGJayK3EEWdSbvSCXMl/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1708181907.jpg)
![A Wyze camera in front of a white background.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05bRGGJayK3EEWdSbvSCXMl/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1708181907.jpg)
Encryption backdoors violate human rights, EU court rules
It found Russia's demand that Telegram hand over encryption keys breached users' right to privacy.
By Amanda Yeo
![Telegram logo displayed on a phone screen and binary code displayed on a laptop screen.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03qeo5KdLQLJ8ulg81oA2Wn/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1707971305.jpg)
![Telegram logo displayed on a phone screen and binary code displayed on a laptop screen.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03qeo5KdLQLJ8ulg81oA2Wn/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1707971305.jpg)
Google rolls out phishing and malware detection for Android users
Some Android users have spotted a "Safe Browsing" feature.
![user login info attached to a fishing hook](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02aOMwtPDHvMgPOfpXizxcr/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1707928262.jpg)
![user login info attached to a fishing hook](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/02aOMwtPDHvMgPOfpXizxcr/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1707928262.jpg)
Ring won't let cops publicly request footage without a warrant anymore
This doesn't mean Ring's cozy relationship with cops is over.
By Amanda Yeo
![Ring security cameras are displayed on a shelf at a Best Buy store.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01HLPPNdJw5o2WQ0vKkOfg2/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1706157154.jpg)
![Ring security cameras are displayed on a shelf at a Best Buy store.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01HLPPNdJw5o2WQ0vKkOfg2/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1706157154.jpg)
7 Slack privacy settings you should check right now
A little data hygiene goes a long way.
By Jack Morse
![An illustration of the Slack logo leaking a red liquid into a pool of liquid.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04VAmMr3aQqxq56yfDfFFYg/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1623386071.jpg)
![An illustration of the Slack logo leaking a red liquid into a pool of liquid.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04VAmMr3aQqxq56yfDfFFYg/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1623386071.jpg)
With Strava, no one runs alone anymore. That's the problem.
As it turns out, transforming personal workouts into performative acts for public validation is stressful.
![A person running in front of a Strava map with eyes watching them.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06xjKOFaSRqTscjIe8lCij4/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1704816454.jpg)
![A person running in front of a Strava map with eyes watching them.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06xjKOFaSRqTscjIe8lCij4/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1704816454.jpg)
Google just killed cookies for a fraction of users, but you can kill yours right now
Don't want to wait in line?
By Mike Pearl
![a literal cookie on a computer keyboard](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03ycXYuQI8mys5KdSTwYiue/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1704477221.jpg)
![a literal cookie on a computer keyboard](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03ycXYuQI8mys5KdSTwYiue/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1704477221.jpg)
Congress extends controversial government spy program for 2024
Civil liberties advocates fear continued threats to citizen privacy.
![An illustration of a man with a briefcase standing on top of a large eye.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/00dauTzPYJZ3rS7L3DHXIRR/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1703953535.png)
![An illustration of a man with a briefcase standing on top of a large eye.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/00dauTzPYJZ3rS7L3DHXIRR/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1703953535.png)
Teenage 'GTA 6' hacker sentenced to an indefinite hospital stay
He could spend the rest of his life in hospital.
By Tim Marcin
![gta 6 footage on computer screens](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05uzIyzWaStI55JGvHzDiAA/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1703350808.jpg)
![gta 6 footage on computer screens](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05uzIyzWaStI55JGvHzDiAA/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1703350808.jpg)
Chameleon Android malware can turn off fingerprint unlock to steal your pin
Be careful out there.
By Tim Marcin
![a finger over a fingerpint unlock on a screen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05nEnwVlIOFTKLYy8i0YXAI/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1703344946.jpg)
![a finger over a fingerpint unlock on a screen](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05nEnwVlIOFTKLYy8i0YXAI/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1703344946.jpg)
Google and Apple are closer to making AirTags stalker free
Teamwork makes the dream work.
![Originally designed as a solution for the absent-minded, the AirTag digital tracking button is also sometimes employed for a more sinister function, with manufacturer Apple now finding itself the subject of of anger -- and lawsuits -- from Americans who have been harassed with the help of a product from the brand.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/064DYVnXaTHsJx2481ZGghE/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1703269234.jpg)
![Originally designed as a solution for the absent-minded, the AirTag digital tracking button is also sometimes employed for a more sinister function, with manufacturer Apple now finding itself the subject of of anger -- and lawsuits -- from Americans who have been harassed with the help of a product from the brand.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/064DYVnXaTHsJx2481ZGghE/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1703269234.jpg)
Your devices might actually be listening: Ad company claims to use 'active listening' tool
Reviving the conspiracy that our phones have ears.
![An illustration of a smart TV reflecting back the image of two viewers, with several eyes watching them.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01v2lJqwCUgN2qS1Hyc1fVy/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1702665302.jpg)
![An illustration of a smart TV reflecting back the image of two viewers, with several eyes watching them.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01v2lJqwCUgN2qS1Hyc1fVy/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1702665302.jpg)
New Google policy addresses fears of law enforcement using location data to prosecute individuals
Privacy watchdogs and organizers say it's a monumental step in blocking geofence warrants.
![Google Maps logo displayed on a phone held in front of a Google logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07HgzLIr5tVZpubjsVpRR33/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1702657818.jpg)
![Google Maps logo displayed on a phone held in front of a Google logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/07HgzLIr5tVZpubjsVpRR33/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1702657818.jpg)
Worst passwords of 2023 include some familiar favorites. See the list.
With this list, hacking doesn't seem that hard.
![the word password written on the palm of a man's hand](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/016g6Og34LluzeFhqySfMHU/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1700239789.jpg)
![the word password written on the palm of a man's hand](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/016g6Og34LluzeFhqySfMHU/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1700239789.jpg)
Here's how to get alerts when your personal info shows up in Google Search
Google's Results About You feature flags when your phone number, email, or address appears in search and helps you remove it.
![The Google homepage.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06LG09vqMcxe4IL1mNRTmWa/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1698604786.jpg)
![The Google homepage.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06LG09vqMcxe4IL1mNRTmWa/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1698604786.jpg)
Google Chrome may be getting a new privacy feature
Your web searches would be routed through a Google-owned server — though that brings problems of its own.
![A padlock appears next to the Google Chrome logo. Online data protection/breach concept. Internet privacy issues.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01mG40taQ51CVDWnYdRTCob/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1698091281.jpg)
![A padlock appears next to the Google Chrome logo. Online data protection/breach concept. Internet privacy issues.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/01mG40taQ51CVDWnYdRTCob/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1698091281.jpg)
Instagram: You can now block it from tracking your web activity
Meta is giving you more control over your privacy
![Instagram crossed out](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05TzELDImOyXKC0BqPjqR1T/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1697737663.jpg)
![Instagram crossed out](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/05TzELDImOyXKC0BqPjqR1T/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1697737663.jpg)
23andMe may have suffered yet another breach – your data is in jeopardy
23andMe hacker leaks more user records. The company is investigating the breach.
By Tim Marcin
![23andme logo on a background and on a phone](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/016PGtgwtnIBdtgimsLWBt9/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1697730546.jpg)
![23andme logo on a background and on a phone](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/016PGtgwtnIBdtgimsLWBt9/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1697730546.jpg)
You can now log into Amazon without a password. But there's a weird quirk.
Passkey support, but not for everything.
![An unlocked padlock on Amazon mobile app](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03Fhwzer02dMzauEHjtt9Cj/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1697651103.jpg)
![An unlocked padlock on Amazon mobile app](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/03Fhwzer02dMzauEHjtt9Cj/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1697651103.jpg)
Meta's AI messages on Instagram don't seem to be encrypted
A heads-up before you bare your soul to an AI persona.
![Meta's collection of AI personas in a horizontal row of smartphones](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KdhbUrc4zrUQ7PD8eaJmH/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1697310783.jpg)
![Meta's collection of AI personas in a horizontal row of smartphones](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/06KdhbUrc4zrUQ7PD8eaJmH/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1697310783.jpg)
23andMe confirms stolen user data
However, the company claims there wasn't a data breach.
![A phone displaying the The 23andMe logo in front of a larger 23andMe logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04uCfEp4G9XAED8Mjqe2VFV/hero-image.fill.size_220x133.v1696701691.jpg)
![A phone displaying the The 23andMe logo in front of a larger 23andMe logo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/helios-i.mashable.com/imagery/articles/04uCfEp4G9XAED8Mjqe2VFV/hero-image.fill.size_220x220.v1696701691.jpg)