Today I was going to talk about about the importance of monitoring your information storage and user accounts, but Mr Putin’s government changed my mind, as they have compelled Apple to remove VPN apps from the Russian App Store. (Gatlan, 2024)
What is a VPN?
It stands for Virtual Private Network (VPN) and in reality it is your own verifiable, secure, private connection across the internet.
I describe the function and use of a VPN in this article – Use that VPN. The basic fact you need to know is that a VPN is a layer of security you add to your internet traffic to keep it secure and private from third parties. The most common time I use my VPN, is when I am working away from our secure home network, for instance connecting to the internet when at a hotel or coffee shop. Using my VPN means I know that no one can be snooping on what I am doing.
Working whilst away – the VPN is active, it is the yellow icon in the system tray.
Why doesn’t the Russian Government like them?
It is exactly for the reason stated above that all totalitarian governments do not like VPN apps – they cannot monitor what you are doing or what you are being exposed to on the internet. (VPNs are the reason any UK government trying to introduce restrictions on who can see what on the internet will fail, unless restrictions on our use of VPN apps and devices are also introduced – my “soapbox” bit!)
Why should you really like them?
You should use them as they give you a tunnel through the insecure internet, to whatever resources you or your team need to access to do your work. It makes them an ideal tool to add an extra layer of security to travelling or hybrid workers – especially when they are working on a shared home internet connection or an unverified public network.
Also…
Russia does not like them!
Next
A look at what is in your email.
Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles
References
Gatlan, Sergiu. 2024. “Russia forces Apple to remove dozens of VPN apps from App Store.” BleepingComputer, July 8. https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/technology/russia-forces-apple-to-remove-dozens-of-vpn-apps-from-app-store/.
Further Reading
Let’s Talk About Your VPN (pt.1)
NCSC warns of risks with App stores
Featured Photo by Andrew Neel
In text image by clivecatton.co.uk
