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VPN Authority https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/ VPN reviews, ratings and info for Australians. Mon, 15 May 2023 15:48:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Best VPN for Travel – A guide for Australians https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-for-travel-a-guide-for-australians/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-for-travel-a-guide-for-australians&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-for-travel-a-guide-for-australians https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-for-travel-a-guide-for-australians/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 15:32:39 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=726 Using a VPN for Travel: Protecting Your Privacy and Accessing Geo-Restricted Content If you’re planning on traveling overseas, you may be wondering if you need a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN offers benefits such as privacy protection, enhanced security, and the ability to access geo-restricted content, like region-specific Netflix shows and movies. Here’s what …

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Using a VPN for Travel: Protecting Your Privacy and Accessing Geo-Restricted Content

If you’re planning on traveling overseas, you may be wondering if you need a VPN (virtual private network). A VPN offers benefits such as privacy protection, enhanced security, and the ability to access geo-restricted content, like region-specific Netflix shows and movies. Here’s what you need to know when choosing and using a VPN for travel from Australia.

  1. Choosing a VPN When selecting a VPN for travel, consider the following factors:
  • Security: Look for a VPN that uses strong encryption and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities are protected.
  • Speed: To avoid a significant slowdown in your internet connection, opt for a VPN with fast speeds, especially if you plan to stream videos or use bandwidth-intensive applications.
  • Server locations: Ensure the VPN has servers in the countries you’ll be visiting. This allows you to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship while improving your connection speed.
  • Price: VPN services vary in price, so find one that fits your budget while still meeting your requirements.

Here are some recommended VPNs:

  • NordVPN: Popular and trusted, NordVPN offers strong security, fast speeds, and a vast network of servers in over 60 countries, including Australia.
  • ExpressVPN: Another well-known option, ExpressVPN offers similar features to NordVPN but at a slightly higher cost.
  • Surfshark: Ideal for budget-minded travelers, Surfshark provides strong security, fast speeds, and an affordable price.
  1. Benefits of Using a VPN for Travel Using a VPN while traveling from Australia offers several advantages:
  • Privacy: A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through servers in different locations, making it challenging for anyone to track your online activity or identify your real IP address.
  • Security: By encrypting your data, a VPN protects you from malware and other online threats, enhancing your overall security while using the internet.
  • Access to geo-restricted content: VPNs can change your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different country. This enables you to access geo-restricted content, including Netflix shows and movies limited to specific countries.
  • Bypassing censorship: VPNs encrypt your data and route it through servers in alternative locations, making it difficult for censors to block your access to certain websites or content.
  1. Tips for Using a VPN while Traveling To maximize the benefits of a VPN during your travels from Australia, keep these tips in mind:
  • Choose a VPN with a strong security reputation, ensuring it uses robust encryption and implements a no-logs policy.
  • Connect to a server in the country you’re visiting to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship effectively.
  • Test the VPN before your trip to ensure it functions properly and meets your expectations.
  • Use the VPN on all your devices to maintain privacy and security across different platforms.

In conclusion, using a VPN for travel is highly recommended. It protects your privacy, enhances security, and enables access to content while you’re online. By choosing the right VPN and following these tips, you can ensure a safe and secure travel experience.

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NordVPN vs ExpressVPN https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nordvpn-vs-expressvpn&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nordvpn-vs-expressvpn https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/nordvpn-vs-expressvpn/#respond Mon, 15 May 2023 15:23:25 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=722 NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is the Best VPN for Australians? If you are looking for a VPN service to protect your privacy and security online, you may be wondering which one is the best for Australians. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most popular VPN services on the market, and they both offer a …

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NordVPN vs ExpressVPN: Which is the Best VPN for Australians?

If you are looking for a VPN service to protect your privacy and security online, you may be wondering which one is the best for Australians. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most popular VPN services on the market, and they both offer a number of features that can be beneficial for Australian users.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features, including strong security, fast speeds, and a large network of servers. NordVPN has over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, including Australia. This means that you can connect to a server in Australia and access geo-restricted content from other countries. NordVPN also offers a number of security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another popular VPN service that offers a number of features that are beneficial for Australian users. ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including Australia. This means that you can connect to a server in Australia and access geo-restricted content from other countries. ExpressVPN also offers a number of security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

Comparison

So, which VPN service is the best for Australians? It really depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a VPN service with a large network of servers and strong security features, then NordVPN is a good option. If you are looking for a VPN service with a fast connection speed and a user-friendly interface, then ExpressVPN is a good option.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which VPN service is right for you is to try both of them out for free with their 30-day money-back guarantee. Please note that some conditions apply.

Here is a more detailed comparison of NordVPN and ExpressVPN:

FeatureNordVPNExpressVPN
PriceStarts at $11.95/monthStarts at $12.95/month
Number of servers5,500+3,000+
Number of server locations60+ countries94 countries
P2P supportYesYes
SpeedFastFast
SecurityStrongStrong
PrivacyExcellentExcellent
Logging policyNo logsNo logs
Customer support24/7 live chat and email support24/7 live chat and email support
Refund policy30-day money-back guarantee30-day money-back guarantee

Conclusion

Both NordVPN and ExpressVPN are excellent VPN services. They offer strong security, privacy, and speed. The main difference between the two services is the number of server locations. NordVPN has more server locations, while ExpressVPN has more server countries. This means that NordVPN may be a better choice for users who want to access geo-restricted content, while ExpressVPN may be a better choice for users who want to connect to servers in specific countries.

Ultimately, the best VPN service for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are unsure which service to choose, I recommend trying both NordVPN and ExpressVPN for free with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

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How to Fix Chatgpt Not Working with VPN https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/how-to-fix-chatgpt-not-working-with-vpn/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-fix-chatgpt-not-working-with-vpn&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-to-fix-chatgpt-not-working-with-vpn https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/how-to-fix-chatgpt-not-working-with-vpn/#respond Wed, 10 May 2023 15:45:38 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=734 ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot developed by OpenAI. It can be used to generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. However, some users have reported that ChatGPT does not work with VPNs. There are a few reasons why ChatGPT might not work …

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ChatGPT is a large language model chatbot developed by OpenAI. It can be used to generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way. However, some users have reported that ChatGPT does not work with VPNs.

There are a few reasons why ChatGPT might not work with a VPN. One reason is that VPNs can sometimes interfere with the connection between your computer and ChatGPT’s servers. Another reason is that some VPNs block certain websites and applications, including ChatGPT.

If you are having trouble using ChatGPT with a VPN, there are a few things you can try to fix the problem.

1. Try a different VPN. Not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs are more reliable than others and are less likely to interfere with your connection to ChatGPT. If you are using a free VPN, try switching to a paid VPN. Paid VPNs are typically more reliable and offer better security features.

2. Connect to a different server. Some VPNs have servers in different locations. If you are connecting to a server that is far away from ChatGPT’s servers, you may experience latency or other problems. Try connecting to a server that is closer to ChatGPT’s servers.

3. Disable your VPN. If you are still having trouble using ChatGPT with a VPN, try disabling your VPN altogether. This will allow you to connect to ChatGPT without any interference from your VPN.

If you have tried all of these steps and you are still having trouble using ChatGPT with a VPN, you may need to contact the VPN’s customer support for help.

Here are some additional tips for using ChatGPT with a VPN:

  • Make sure that your VPN is configured correctly. Some VPNs require you to enable certain features in order to use them with ChatGPT.
  • Try using a different browser. Some browsers are more compatible with VPNs than others.
  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This can sometimes help to resolve problems with ChatGPT.
  • Restart your computer. This can sometimes help to clear up any temporary problems that may be affecting your connection to ChatGPT.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you can use ChatGPT with a VPN without any problems.

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Best VPN Routers in Australia https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-routers-in-australia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-routers-in-australia&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-routers-in-australia https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-routers-in-australia/#respond Sun, 05 Apr 2020 04:26:00 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=661 A good Wi-Fi router provides excellent connectivity features and reliable internet capabilities over a range of devices, according to your preference. But, what is even better is a combination of a router and Virtual Private Networks. VPN services offer top-notch browsing security, and some industry-leading brands like Nord VPN and Express VPN serve millions of …

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A good Wi-Fi router provides excellent connectivity features and reliable internet capabilities over a range of devices, according to your preference. But, what is even better is a combination of a router and Virtual Private Networks. VPN services offer top-notch browsing security, and some industry-leading brands like Nord VPN and Express VPN serve millions of customers all over Australia and the world. VPN routers are routers that are compatible with VPN protocols. Additionally, you can install different VPN software onto them.

If you are a browsing enthusiast, you probably use a VPN on your computer or your browser. The advantage with a VPN router is that it provides VPN features to all devices that connect to its network. A VPN router facilitates seamless browsing while ensuring a virtual lockdown to your home network; thus, preventing spyware, hackers, and third party services from collecting your browsing data and your personal information.

VPN routers provide a robust, consistent, and more secure browsing experience compared to ordinary WI-FI routers. There are numerous VPN routers available in Australia. Unfortunately, some of them do not perform according to expectations. The best VPN routers cater to their primary purpose of ultimate security. Consequently, they provide various other usability features that will eliminate any hurdles in your browsing experience. Some top-rated WI-FI routers that you can consider are;

1.) Sabai Technology VPN Routers: VPN routers from Sabai technology are designed with a user-friendly interface and all the features that you need in a VPN. They base their operating system on Tomato firmware, and their OS offers a range of features with regular updates. One development that you will enjoy with the Sabai OS is its gateway feature. This feature allows you to selectively route all the devices that connect to your WI-FI network. This means that you can determine whether to route the computer in your office room via VPN and route other connections like your children’s Ipads without encryption.

Sabai VPN routers feature a kill switch. A kill switch is a VPN feature that blocks all devices connected to a particular VPN connection in case there are issues with the VPN server or gateway. This feature prevents any IP leakages to ensure that you are always safe from external monitoring. Sabai also features a VPN accelerator that uses a mini PC connected to your router to facilitate encryption. The accelerator ensures that you browse at top speed despite the encryption and decryption modules. Sabai routers are easy to configure, they regularly update their security software, and their customer care support is reliable. You can contact them if you have any questions or issues.

2.) Flash VPN Routers – Flash routers is an American-based company that deals in a unique niche by selling pre-flashed routers with tomato and DD-WRT firmware. They work closely with some of the best VPN services, which means that regardless of the VPN service you choose, they will serve you efficiently. Flash routers also work with leading router manufacturers who have developed more than 15 different types of routers. Some models that you can find are Asus, Netgear, and Linksys, and they allow a variety, from low-end products like Linksys WRT1200, and robust models like ASUS RT-AC5300. Since Flash routers are pre-flashed, it voids the manufacturer’s warranty, but the company replaces this with their warranty. They also provide the Flash router VPN app for free, which is a plus. They have world-class customer care support staff who you can contact in case of any issues.

3.) Asus VPN Routers. Asus VPN routers come in a wide range from basic models to more sophisticated, high-end, and expensive models. The latest models from Asus can handle P encryption effectively. Recently, Asus released Asus RT-AC86U, which can operate at speeds above 150Mbps using open VPN. Setting up your VPN on Asus routers is a simple process, and they work with reliable VPN services in Australia like Surf-shark, Cyber Ghost, Nord VPN, and Express VPN. You can read our Nord VPN review, and Express VPN review for information about additional features that these services offer with Asus and other types of routers.

What you should consider when going for the best VPN router

When going for a router that will cater to your needs, first, you should consider its ease of use and how simple it is to install a particular VPN service onto it. Installing a VPN service to some routers is significantly complicated, and this might frustrate you if you do not have professional assistance. Secondly, take note of your router’s bandwidth. By channeling your internet connection through a single VPN output, you will be limiting your internet speed. Thus you should pay close attention to internet speed tests. Apart from the estimations on our VPN reviews, you can personally test VPN speed around your area because the rate may differ according to geographical locations.

Lately, several VPN service providers have started offering routers that are pre-configured with their VPN client services. Nord VPN is one such provider; you can read a review of Nord VPN for information on its features. The advantage with these types of routers is that you get a client-ready set up that is ready to work straight from the box. Nevertheless, you might have to obtain the package at a higher price, and they lack flexibility since you will be forced to depend on one service provider for all your VPN services.

Conclusion

VPN routers offer a one-time solution by connecting a VPN service to every device that you connect to the network. This includes devices that are not compatible with VPN, like game consoles and smart TVs. The type of VPN router that you choose to work with will significantly depend on your purpose for purchasing it, and the coverage that you need from it. For in-depth information about the best VPN services that you can use with your VPN router, feel free to go through our Express VPN review, and our Nord VPN review, and you might find a preferable choice.

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Best VPN with Indian Servers – Youtube Premium Discount https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-with-indian-servers-youtube-premium-discount/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-with-indian-servers-youtube-premium-discount&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-vpn-with-indian-servers-youtube-premium-discount https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/best-vpn-with-indian-servers-youtube-premium-discount/#respond Sat, 04 Apr 2020 12:33:41 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=650 Connecting to an Indian VPN is not usually something that we get a lot of requests for….usually that is. Over the last few days, many of our readers have asked for the best VPN with reliable servers in India. Digging a bit deeper it seems like these readers are trying to get Youtube Premium at …

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Connecting to an Indian VPN is not usually something that we get a lot of requests for….usually that is. Over the last few days, many of our readers have asked for the best VPN with reliable servers in India. Digging a bit deeper it seems like these readers are trying to get Youtube Premium at a massive discount.

The normal subscription cost in Australia for Youtube Premium is A$14.99/month for a single account or $22.99/month on a family plan (up to 6 users). This is where this Indian Youtube Premium hack comes in. Youtube India’s premium plan is only INR ₹129/Month (~A$2.81/month) for a single plan or INR ₹189/Month (~A$4.12/month) for a family plan.

That is a huge saving and even greater when you consider the cost over a year.

Youtube AustraliaYoutube India*Savings
Single Plan$179.88$33.72$146.16
(saving of 81%)
Family Plan$275.88$49.44$226.44
(saving of 82%)
Savings in subscribing to a Youtube Premium plan in Australia vs Subscribing to a Youtube premium plan in India
*Exchange rate as of 3rd April 2020

The hard part: finding a reliable Indian VPN server

I’ll be honest, the first step in getting this discount is connecting to an Indian VPN server and this was a lot harden than I expected. Here at VPN Authority we do a range of speed tests, day in and day out. However, we rarely do any speed tests on Indian servers. We don’t actually get too many people wanting to connect to Indian servers and therein lies the problem. Quite likely due to the lack of demand, even the big name VPN’s seem to have limited capacity in India.

I’ve detailed my experience with NordVPN below:

NordVPN Indian Servers

On selecting “India” in the NordVPN desktop app you are presented with 2 options for regions: Chennai (India) or Mumbai (India).

NordVPN desktop app with India selected

I first selected Mumbai as the region and proceeded to connect to a server named India #46, with the VPN connected I proceeded to https://www.youtube.com/paid_memberships . The connection was extremely slow but did eventually load up Youtube, however there was 1 major issue. Youtube had me down as being in AE – Dubai.

Top left of Youtube with the “AE” besides the logo.

I tried this again with a few other servers in Mumbai with the same result and very low speeds. I decided to switch regions to “Chennai” and this is where I finally had some success. With a faster connection and the magic “IN” next to the logo I was ready to sign up.

After this initial hiccup the rest of the process was very smooth. As a previous Youtube Premium member the details of my past subscription showed up along with the INR price to renew.

WARNING: You may be breaching Google’s Terms of Service by signing up via this method. This is purely a guide in respect of finding reliable Indian VPN servers and we do not condone the use for circumventing Youtube local pricing.

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Free VPN’s – Can they be trusted? https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/free-vpns-can-they-be-trusted/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-vpns-can-they-be-trusted&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=free-vpns-can-they-be-trusted https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/free-vpns-can-they-be-trusted/#respond Thu, 02 Apr 2020 02:41:39 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=645 A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a network connection that allows you to establish a secure connection to another network over the internet by encrypting your connections. They do this by connecting your device to another server/ computer on the internet, thus allowing you to use its internet connection to browse the web. They are …

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A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a network connection that allows you to establish a secure connection to another network over the internet by encrypting your connections. They do this by connecting your device to another server/ computer on the internet, thus allowing you to use its internet connection to browse the web. They are usually used to access websites that are restricted in certain geographical regions and hide your browsing activity over public Wi-Fis.

 Initially, they were used by business networks to securely connect them over the internet and enable connections across different office locations. Currently, most of the existing operating systems have support for integrated VPNs. In a nutshell, VPNs are used to:

  1. Gain some level of anonymity online by masking your actual GPS location.
  2. Protect the user from snooping on untrustworthy Wi-Fi hotspot connections.
  3. Bypass geographic restrictions on websites and streaming content.
  4. Accessing business and home networks while traveling. This is mostly achieved by the use of RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol).
  5. Obtaining access to the entire internet by bypassing censorship of firewalls as it is the case in The Peoples Republic of China.

VPNs are of two types; free VPNs and paid VPNs.

 Providing most, if not all, these service advantages, including managing a global network server, creating customer/ user’s applications, and support can prove to be very costly. For this reason, most operating and running reliable and efficient VPNs are the paid ones. However, as paid VPN services generate their income from user subscription fees, free VPN providers have other means on how somehow to make income from the use of their networks. The most alarming issue about open VPN networks is that some providers maliciously compromise user security and privacy for monetary gain by the use of hidden tools and tricks.

This generally creates the assumption that limited free VPNs are a lot much safer than the other types of free VPNs as they limit data instead of offering a free product, whereas many of the paid networks provide adblockers, malware protection, and unlimited bandwidth for their users at a small fee.

Some free VPNs track and gather the online activity of their users. This data is later availed to online marketing platforms and advertisers to help them make more precise target ads. Whereas some VPNs deny that they share or sell your data, others admit to it in their privacy policies of which most users don’t fully read through.

Most free VPNs such as Betternet and Hotspot Shield’s free app bombard their users with a lot of ads, which can prove to be very annoying as they slow down the internet speed. They use ads as a means of creating a revenue platform for their provides since the services they offer are free.

Some of these Virtual Private Networks slow down the speeds of their free users to encourage them to upgrade to their paid platforms. Other networks like VPN Hola allow their paid users to use the processing power of the devices of their free customers, thus selling off your bandwidth for profits.

Despite the many flaws, for occasional light use, the safest limited free VPNs do work well. Some of these light tasks may include; access to geo-blocked sites at home while on the road, security, and privacy when on public Wi-Fi, among others. They are known to offer the same security features for free users as they do with paid ones but with slower speeds and limited bandwidth.

Top-rated paid VPNs also do offer free monthly trials and guarantees for money-back on the cancellation of the subscription within a given period. This is a great way to enjoy all the benefits of a paid VPN all in one without incurring any cost.

Fortunately, you don’t need to take the unnecessary risk by using a free VPN. The best providers give fantastic value, with subscription plans for as little as $2 or less per month. By investing a few dollars each month, you avoid the dangers we’ve listed above and enjoyed the many benefits of a premium VPN such as:

  • No restrictions on internet use.
  • Capability of bypassing restrictions and firewalls of significant streaming sites.
  • Most use military state of the art security feature to protect their users.
  • They protect their users from ISP throttling by masking your online activity and location.
  • Most allow access to an unlimited number of devices.

All in all, premium VPNs give you the option to try out their services for a limited amount of time with limited bandwidth. It is generally safe to use free services from VPN providers that provide paid services after a limited amount of time. However, such services will be slow and unreliable; thus, it is still better to go with a paid one who has their processes and systems audited.

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VPN Use in Australia skyrockets as a result of COVID-19 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/vpn-use-in-australia-skyrockets-as-a-result-of-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vpn-use-in-australia-skyrockets-as-a-result-of-covid-19&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vpn-use-in-australia-skyrockets-as-a-result-of-covid-19 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/vpn-use-in-australia-skyrockets-as-a-result-of-covid-19/#respond Sat, 28 Mar 2020 13:32:30 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=639 2020 is a year that is going to be remembered as the year that the world almost came to a grinding halt. With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China we have come face to face with how our world can change in a blink of an eye. Gone are the memories of SARS and …

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2020 is a year that is going to be remembered as the year that the world almost came to a grinding halt. With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China we have come face to face with how our world can change in a blink of an eye.

Gone are the memories of SARS and MERS as we start to come to terms with what the novel Coronavirus has done to the world as we know it. The words “lockdown” have been scaring the world all over and it has made us change the way we interact with each other. The impact of the health crisis the world is facing right now has been felt in all business sectors and has forced us to change the way business is done for the foreseeable future.

Many of us have used VPNs in the past yet, back then it was more of a luxury than a necessity, however in the last few weeks it has become the only way to conduct your business in order to stay safe and Corona free. We here at vpnauthority.com.au have seen a marked increase in the use of VPN access from businesses all across Australia.

Remote Year Ahead

The effect of the COVID-19 crisis has not only confined people to their homes but has also made people start to rely on technology to create continuity in all business affairs. With so many companies electing to maintain the social distance rule in the corporate environment, the use of VPN software has shot through the roof.

At the time of writing, Australia has recorded 3600 confirmed cases of the virus and there is no end in sight with severe measures not being ruled out if the tide does not turn soon. It is this growing wave of confirmed cases that has the business world reaching for tech to sustain their revenue.

In the last few weeks, we have seen a massive upturn in page view on our review pages for VPN in Australia. That is huge even with the current situation taken into account but yet it is telling as to how people are reacting. With business still going forward the use of VPN applications has become vital as we just cannot afford to be out and about in a time like this. Many small businesses seem to be looking for off the shelf VPN solutions.

How VPNs help in this Crisis time?

VPN software is by far the best way to isolate yourself in your home (office) and still be able to access your corporate network. Even if we consider the recent regulatory updates in Australia (Assistance and Access Bill 2018) that might have caused some to be hesitant about using a VPN application, we now know that we just don’t have any other choice.

VPN use has gone sky high in recent weeks, and users are making full use of the technology to keep up in the corporate world. Despite the supposed legal grey areas, there has been sharp increase in VPN sales across the country. VPN Authority has already belayed the fears of legality when it comes to using a VPN in Australia and the security features are well known so there is no problem there.

Here is the real news though, with your VPN you cannot only do all the work that you need to do from home but you can also access various entertainment outlets like Netflix as well as other streaming outlets without the geographic limitation that are often in place.

Yet the major feature of using a VPN application is that you can be working safely in the comfort of your home, keeping yourself and your family safe during this trying time.

So if you are looking for VPN software there are many vendors that have excellent VPN software and some of them even offer you a trial period of up to 7 days. It is a buyers’ market for sure and you will surley find one that suits your need perfectly.

Another reason for VPN ownership is that during this time you might discussing crucial deals on the phone and VoIP even Skype as you cannot meet in person, and with the security that a VPN application offers you, you won’t have to be concerned that your conversation will not be hijacked by any corporate spies, sure it’s unlikely but remembers, we all thought that there won’t be anything to top the likes of SARS when the dust settled.

You need it

VPN applications also give you the protection from invasive spyware and such when you are accessing public networks if you might be away from the office of your home WIFI network. Most VPNs pretty much do the same thing and you do get some free applications, however the choice to buy or use a free version is a choice that should be informed by the reasons behind needing a VPN. The more crucial you need is the more we would suggest that you choose a paid VPN as your payment gets you more in terms of infrastructure and development. Sometimes more is really more especially if you pay for more.

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Are VPNs legal in Australia? https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/are-vpns-legal-in-australia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=are-vpns-legal-in-australia&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=are-vpns-legal-in-australia https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/are-vpns-legal-in-australia/#respond Wed, 29 May 2019 08:34:14 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=576 Are VPNs legal in Australia? Yes, they are. There’s no specific legislation in place that bans the use of VPNs within the country. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN doesn’t grant legal immunity. Any activity that is considered illegal without a VPN remains illegal when utilizing one, such as copyright infringement through …

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Are VPNs legal in Australia? Yes, they are. There’s no specific legislation in place that bans the use of VPNs within the country. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN doesn’t grant legal immunity. Any activity that is considered illegal without a VPN remains illegal when utilizing one, such as copyright infringement through accessing overseas streaming services. Additionally, keep in mind that legislation around this topic is continually evolving.

Furthermore, some Australian government departments even advocate for the use of VPNs, particularly for business applications. They offer comprehensive guidelines on how to use VPNs in a business setting in a legally compliant manner. This support underscores the accepted and legitimate role VPNs can play in enhancing online security and privacy.

However, while VPN use is legal, it is not beyond scrutiny. The Assistance and Access Bill of 2018 has implications for the general landscape of online privacy in Australia. This legislation requires technology and telecommunications providers to create a “back-door” to their services, effectively allowing government agencies access to encrypted communications. This stipulation raises concerns about the potential weakening of encryption standards and the associated risks of becoming a global weak point in terms of data security.

As it relates to VPNs, most reputable providers adhere to a strict no-logging policy, which means that they do not store user data. This policy significantly reduces the risk of data being handed over to government agencies, even if requested. For instance, NordVPN’s No-Logging Policy has been audited and verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Zurich, Switzerland.

It’s also worth mentioning that many VPN providers are based in countries with stringent privacy laws, offering them a degree of protection from such requests. Even though the Assistance and Access Bill could technically extend to foreign companies with Australian subsidiaries, it’s unclear how this would play out, as we are not aware of any major VPN provider with operations in Australia.

In conclusion, while the legality of VPN use in Australia is clear, the landscape is dynamic due to evolving legislation and considerations around online privacy and security. At present, Australians can legally use VPNs, provided they are used for legal activities. As always, users should stay informed about changes in the legal landscape to ensure ongoing compliance.

Disclaimer: This article should not be interpreted as legal advice. It is always recommended to consult with a legal professional for advice related to specific circumstances.

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NordVPN ends 7-day free trial citing scammer abuse https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/nordvpn-trial/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nordvpn-trial&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nordvpn-trial https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/nordvpn-trial/#respond Thu, 23 May 2019 04:50:19 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=567 NordVPN ends 7 day free trial but keeps 30 day risk free money back guarantee.

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22 May 2019

One of our top rated VPN providers for Australians, NordVPN has terminated their offer of a free 7-day trial. They have cited extensive abuse by scammers which has put severely high loads on NordVPN’s infrastructure. These high loads were presumably affecting services of paying NordVPN customers. This puts NordVPN in line with other major VPN providers who also do not offer a free trial period.

We have previously always recommended making use of NordVPN’s trial period before signing up to ensure that:

  1. Your devices are all compatible with NordVPN’s service
  2. The speeds you are getting from your connection point in Australia are acceptable and;
  3. You are able to access all relevant services that you wish to access via the VPN, this may be torrents, NetFlix or just keeping your IP hidden when using insecure connections.

What about the NordVPN 30-Day Risk Free Money Back Guarantee?

Most consumers take money back guarantees with a grain of salt as it is not uncommon for service providers to make the process quite cumbersome and long-winded. In Australia, we have strong consumer laws to protect us against scrupulous businesses however these do not apply when dealing with businesses domiciled elsewhere. As they say, ‘caveat emptor’ – let the buyer beware.

We are happy to say that we give the tick of approval to NordVPN’s money back guarantee as a genuine guarantee. NordVPN will first try to troubleshoot any issue you have however if you are not 100% satisfied they will refund your money. There are a few things to look out for, however:

  • You must submit a refund request within 30 days of purchase
  • If you have purchased a subscription through iTunes/App Store NordVPN will not be able to directly provide you with a refund. You will have to contact the iTunes store support for a refund and there are no guarantees on a refund being provided.
  • If you have used a prepaid card or gift card you will not be eligible to get a refund under the guarantee
  • NordVPN will not refund any subscriptions that have been purchased from resellers of their service.
  • If you paid using cryptocurrency you will be subject to fluctuations in the value of the cryptocurrency. NordVPN will refund the US dollar value at the rate of exchange at the time of refund

In most cases as long as you have purchased your subscription directly from NordVPN and contact their customer support within 30 days you will receive your money back. NordVPN refunds the entire amount, not a pro-rata amount.

Summary

Despite the 7-day free trial ending, we feel you are adequately protected by the 30-day money back guarantee. Due to the exceptions listed above, we strongly recommend that to you purchase your subscription directly from the NordVPN website if you think you may need to avail of the guarantee. You are also more likely to get the best deal through their website such as their current up to 75% OFF deal.

Read our full NordVPN Review for Australians

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VPN Unlimited Review Australia https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/vpn-unlimited-review-australia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vpn-unlimited-review-australia&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=vpn-unlimited-review-australia https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/vpn-unlimited-review-australia/#respond Sun, 05 May 2019 14:58:45 +0000 https://www.vpnauthority.com.au/?p=543 General Overview VPN Unlimited is based in New York and owned by a company called KeepSolid. It is your run of the mill VPN service at first glance and appears to be part of a larger suite of security-centric software. That said it still is a standalone service. So, how does VPN Unlimited measure up …

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General Overview

VPN Unlimited is based in New York and owned by a company called KeepSolid. It is your run of the mill VPN service at first glance and appears to be part of a larger suite of security-centric software. That said it still is a standalone service. So, how does VPN Unlimited measure up against other competing services? Should Australians use it? We answer these and other questions in this review.

Special Features

VPN Unlimited has a few excellent features which are worth considering when in the market for VPN software. We will take a look at a few of these features which we think will be of interest to everyone.

Netflix and Hulu Streaming: Now even though VPN Unlimited does not guarantee Hulu and Netflix streaming across all its servers we found that all servers support it. In addition to streaming Netflix and Hulu successfully, we were able to stream other services like BBC iPlayer.

A large selection of Client Apps: VPN Unlimited has apps for Linux, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. There are also extensions for FireFox and Chrome. What’s great is the fact that these apps offer a relatively consistent experience across all platforms.

Great Customer Service: You would think that customer service should be a given, but it is unfortunate that many services don’t provide a great experience especially to customers in Australia. VPN Unlimited is different with their excellent customer service which in our experience responds within minutes. While there is no live chat feature, the quality of their ticket and email support is the best in the business. A test ticket we submitted was answered within 10 minutes which is pretty impressive. Though it still does not beat having live chat.

Privacy & Anonymity

VPN Unlimited makes sure that all traffic to and from you, the VPN server and the internet is encrypted using Advanced Encryption Standard or AES. Now for those who don’t know this is the same type of encryption used by various federal agencies when transmitting sensitive information making it the most secure type of encryption in existence today.

Sure many VPN providers already use AES-256 to encrypt data, but there is a reason why we have mentioned this as a possible pro of the service.

The extension we eluded to above was the KeepSolid Wise extension used for the OpenVPN tunneling protocol. The extension makes it near impossible to detect a user. Think of it as a cloak of invisibility.

If you happen to live in a country with an oppressive regime, where your every chat, email and online transaction is monitored this extension will help you bypass it. In Australia, your data is collected by the government and shared with other governments. Being part of the Five Eyes means that Australians can benefit from KeepSolid Wise and slip through the net making their connection to the VPN look like millions of others.

Last but certainly not least is their Kill Switch feature which will cut off data transmission in the event your internet connection is unstable with prevents data leaks.


VPN Unlimited’s Speed and Performance

In terms of connection speed, our tests show that VPN Unlimited is slow compared to the competition. It throttled our internet connection by as much as 23% at least when connecting to servers within Australia. The connection was even slower when we connected to servers in the US (30%) and Asia (40%). That said with 400+ locations in 52 countries you are bound to find a server which works for you but be prepared because it could be slower than you expect.

Ease of use (Desktop and Mobile)

All version of the VPN Unlimited’s client software work the same and are consequently easy to use. When you first launch the software, it is possible to start browsing the internet anonymously with the click of a button. The sidebar allows you to find what you want within minutes.

Despite what many advanced users may think about their simplistic interface for many people it will be welcome. The dashboard makes finding and connecting to a server in any part of the world requiring only a few clicks.

VPN Unlimited’s Servers and Locations in Australia

VPN Unlimited has servers in 400+ locations in 52 countries. While there are a couple of servers in Australia, there is no official figure for the numbers.

Customer Support

VPN Unlimited has excellent customer support. However, their support is limited to just the email/ticket system. Not having live chat like the competition means you can’t chat with a support agent in real time. That said most if not all of our questions were answered within an average span of 10 minutes.

Value for money

Perhaps there is a lot of value for money with the company’s Infinity plan for $149.99. The plan signs you up for an entire lifetime of VPN use without having to pay anything else. So, if you plan on using a VPN for the next couple of years, are on a budget and don’t care if the service logs your internet use then it is very good value for money.

Further value is added with the 7-day money back guarantee. So, you can try out the service and if it’s not something you like ask for your money back.

Our Verdict

Don’t get us wrong VPN Unlimited is a pretty decent service, but we wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. In particular, if you want a VPN that has a zero-logging policy, then this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for something cheap, yet good enough to bypass some government level snooping then it would be a good choice. The only drawback would still be its slow speeds.

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