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Privacy
Browsing Cache Chrome Cookies Privacy

Why Clearing Cache and Cookies Matters for Safe Browsing

 


It seems to be a minor step, clearing your cache and cookies, but it is really a big factor in improving online safety and making your browsing easier. While these tools are intended to make navigation on the web faster and easier, they can sometimes create problems. Let's break this down into simple terms to help you understand why refreshing your browser is a good idea.

What are cache and cookies?

Cache: Think of the cache as your browser's short-term memory. When you visit a website, your browser saves parts of it—like images, fonts, and scripts—so the site loads faster the next time. For example, if you shop online more often, product images or banners might pop out quickly because they have been stored in your cache. This feature improves your surfing speed and reduces internet usage.

Cookies: Cookies are tiny text files that are stored on your browser. They help the websites remember things about you, such as your login details or preferences. For instance, they can keep you logged in to your email or remember items in your shopping cart. There are two main types of cookies:  

  • First-party cookies: Created by the website you're visiting to improve your experience.
  • Third-party cookies: From other websites, usually advertisers, and will be tracking your activities across various different sites.

Why Cache and Cookies Can Be Slippery

Cache Risks: The cache does help speed up things. Sometimes, however, it creates problems. The files in the cache may get outdated or corrupt and hence load a website wrongly. Web hackers can exploit the cached data by "web cache poisoning" which makes the user download bad content.

Cookie Risks: Cookies can be misused too. If someone steals your cookies, they could access your accounts without needing your password. Third-party cookies are particularly invasive, as they track your online behavior to create detailed profiles for targeted advertising.  

Why Clear Cache and Cookies?  

1. Fix Website Problems: Clearing the cache deletes outdated files, helping websites function smoothly.  

2. Protect Your Privacy: Removing cookies stops advertisers from tracking you and reduces the risk of hackers accessing your accounts.  

3. Secure Common Devices: If you’re using a public or shared computer, clearing cookies ensures your data isn’t accessible to the next user.  

How to Clear Cache and Cookies  

 Here is a quick tutorial for Google Chrome.

1. Open the browser and click on the three dots in the top-right corner.  

2. Go to Settings and select Privacy and Security.  

3. Click Clear Browsing Data.  

4. Check the boxes for "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files."  

5. Select a time range (e.g., last hour or all time) and click Clear Data.

Clearing your cache and cookies is essentially the refresh button for your browser. It helps resolve problems, increases security, and guarantees a smoother, safer browsing experience. Regularly doing this simple task can make all the difference to your online privacy and functionality.


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servers
Browsing Cybersecurity encrypted VPN server Internet Speed IP Address Privacy server security servers

VPN Server Switching: Benefits and Best Practices for Privacy and Speed

 

A VPN enhances online privacy by encrypting internet traffic and masking IP addresses. However, how often should you switch servers? The answer depends on your goals and usage patterns, as server hopping offers benefits but is not always necessary.

How VPN Servers Work

A VPN server acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, creating an encrypted tunnel for your data. This ensures that your online activity remains private and your information is protected from hackers, ISPs, and other snoopers. The VPN server assigns a new IP address to mask your location and identity.

When to Switch VPN Servers

Switching servers can sometimes boost privacy in specific situations, such as for users facing surveillance or censorship. For most users, however, keeping the VPN connected to a single server is sufficient to maintain privacy. Regularly switching servers can disrupt your browsing experience without significantly enhancing security.

1. Bypassing Geographic Restrictions

One of the primary reasons for server switching is to bypass geographic restrictions. Many streaming platforms and websites restrict content based on location, but connecting to a server in a different country can help access otherwise unavailable material. This is particularly useful for travelers or those in regions with heavy internet censorship.

2. Specialized Servers for Specific Tasks

Some VPNs offer specialized servers for tasks like streaming, torrenting, or gaming. While these servers are optimized for specific activities, switching back to a general server after completing the task can provide a better overall experience for everyday browsing.

3. Improving Connection Speed and Stability

Server performance can vary based on factors like server load and proximity to your physical location. If a server is overcrowded or located far away, switching to a closer or less busy one can improve connection speed and stability. This is especially helpful for users seeking faster downloads or uninterrupted streaming.

4. Saving Money While Shopping

Server hopping can also help save money when shopping online. Many websites adjust prices based on the user’s location. By connecting to servers in different regions, you may find lower prices on flights, hotels, or products. Experimenting with various locations can help uncover better deals.

5. Resolving Access Issues

Access issues can arise when certain VPN IP addresses are flagged or blacklisted due to misuse by other users. In such cases, switching to a different server can resolve the problem. Some VPNs also offer dedicated IP addresses for an additional fee, reducing the risk of being blocked.

When Not to Switch Servers

Despite these advantages, most users don’t need to switch servers frequently. A consistent connection to a single server already provides privacy and security benefits. Unless you’re trying to bypass geo-restrictions, troubleshoot access issues, or improve connection speed, sticking to one server is generally sufficient.

Conclusion

Ultimately, server hopping is a useful feature for those with specific needs but isn’t essential for everyday VPN use. By understanding how and when to switch servers, you can make the most of your VPN experience while maintaining privacy and performance.

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Web
Browsing CAPTCHA Internet Lumma Stealer malware Web

Lumma Stealer Uses Fake CAPTCHA Pages to Distribute Malware

Lumma Stealer Uses Fake CAPTCHA Pages to Distribute Malware

Cyber security professionals are warning about a new cyber-attack vector: Lumma Stealer malware that uses fake CAPTCHA tests to spread malware on Windows devices. Users are advised to maintain caution when filling out a CAPTCHA challenge. 

“We have identified more active malicious sites spreading the Lumma Stealer. It's important to note that while this technique is currently being used to distribute Lumma Stealer, it could potentially be leveraged to deliver any type of malicious malware to unsuspecting users,” say experts from Cloud SEK.

How does CAPTCHA work?

A CAPTCHA traditionally works as a security checkpoint, making sure that online activities are started by humans and not automated bots. However, hackers are misusing the CAPTCHA for malicious gains, creating a fake CAPTCHA challenge. When a user completes it, the CAPTCHA deploys a series of malicious commands.

The fake CAPTCHA tests ask request users to press a sequence that many users think is harmless. But, doing so starts the download and activation of a Power Shell script that installs the Lumma Stealer malware.

Cybersecurity experts from Palo Alto Networks believe Lumma Stealer is an information-stealing malware used for stealing data- passwords, cookies, and cryptocurrency wallet credentials. If the malware is present on a compromised device, it exposes users to major risks of financial fraud, cyberattacks, and identity theft.

The malicious CAPTCHA has massive scale distribution, experts at Hudson Rock noticed that if a user visits compromised websites, it automatically copies the malicious script to a user's clipboard. This can increase the chances of automatic triggering of an attack.

Additionally, experts have noticed an increase in this kind of attack, meaning cybercriminals are improving and implementing their attack tactics. These fake CAPTCHA tests can be spread via phishing emails and messages, which makes them a threat.

Users can follow these steps to minimize the risks of fake CAPTCHA threats

Check URLs: Make sure the site is authentic before interacting with any CAPTCHA.

Keep systems updated: Updated OS, browsers, and antivirus software can increase your security.

Stay cautious with CAPTCHA: Stay safe from any CAPTCHA test that requests any action beyond selecting images and text input.

Follow safe browsing hygiene: Do not click links or attachments from unknown messages or emails.

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