The IT Nerd

Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become an essential digital tool for many internet users around the world who are concerned about their online privacy and security.

According to the latest update of the Global VPN Adoption Index by Atlas VPN, Virtual Private Network apps were downloaded 328 million times. Qatar stands at the top of the adoption index as nearly 70% of its population has downloaded a VPN app. Second on this list is the United Arab Emirates, followed by Singapore.

Qatar’s large VPN adoption can be attributed to its large population of immigrant workers, primarily from Southeast Asia and Africa, who account for nearly 80% of the country’s total population.

UAE has consistently ranked at the top for global VPN usage, and this year is no exception. Over 50% of Singapore’s population has downloaded a VPN app. Singapore’s internet landscape and technological culture have cultivated an environment ideal for the proliferation of VPN services.

Other Middle Eastern countries like Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Turkey are also among the top countries in VPN adoption.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on VPN adoption worldwide:

“VPN adoption continues to increase significantly worldwide, driven by citizens seeking safe alternatives to invasive online surveillance and heavy-handed censorship regimes imposed by governments. Countries with strict internet controls consistently see the highest VPN usage rates as users route connections through encrypted tunnels.”

VPN adoption changes in other countries

Complex factors around privacy attitudes, government oversight, access to restricted content, and technological readiness significantly reshape global VPN usage trends.

Netherlands VPN adoption has grown substantially in the past years. From nearly 10% in 2020 to 29% this year. It is the first time any European country has made our top 5 VPN usage rank.

France and Australia cracked the top 10 list for global VPN use this year, coming in 9th and 10th place, respectively. For the first time, we have added Iceland to our updated VPN Adoption Index. They came out strong right away, as 12.5% of Iceland’s population have downloaded a VPN app and placed 20th on our list.

Kenya, Japan, and South Africa are countries with the lowest VPN usage in the world. All of these countries have less than 2% adoption rate.

​​To see where your country ranks in terms of VPN adoption, please head over to our interactive VPN adoption page here.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/qatar-and-uae-stand-at-the-top-of-vpn-adoption

It’s no secret that internet and mobile plans do not come cheap these days. With data plans and texting fees, costs are adding up fast, even as Americans have come to rely more than ever on always being connected.

According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, Americans spend over $1.5K on internet and mobile plans yearly. Besides, they also spend $660 on streaming platforms and $962 on cable TV every year. The lifetime costs of these plans come around to $200K.

Americans spend $81 on internet plans every month, which accumulates to nearly $1K yearly. Considering that reliable Wi-Fi is practically a requirement for participating in modern work, life, and entertainment, this recurring cost is largely unavoidable for most families.

Mobile plans cost $66 monthly and almost $800 yearly for Americans. Mobile phone is now viewed just as much a necessity as home internet access, this recurring connectivity fee provides another drain on the average consumer’s finances.

Americans pay $55 monthly for streaming platforms, which adds up to $660 in a year. They are paying for three services at a time on average. Streaming carries a monthly cost in exchange for its many conveniences and hours of accessible content to stay caught up on your favorite series and movies.

On average, Americans spend $80 on cable TV monthly and $962 yearly. Some consumers cut the cord in favor of streaming-only entertainment. But for households still paying for cable, the service adds another recurring connectivity fee.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on how to save money:

“Downgrading internet speeds, minimizing unnecessary mobile data, strategically timing streaming subscriptions, and researching cable package options can lead to hundreds in annual savings. Cutting back on only what you do not absolutely require or value can quickly free up funding for other important areas of your budget.”

To read the full article, head over to:

https://atlasvpn.com/blog/americans-spend-over-1-5k-on-internet-and-mobile-plans-yearly

Scammers have become more sophisticated, and many crypto investors still lack understanding about securely storing and transferring digital assets.

According to the data analyzed by the Atlas VPN team, blockchain scam losses reached $610 million through the first three quarters of 2023. Throughout the whole of 2022, scammers got just half the amount of $300 million from blockchain projects.

Crypto scam activity in 2023 started slowly, with just $9 million stolen across 9 scams in the first quarter. It was just a small fraction of the $51 million stolen through 20 crypto scams in the first quarter of 2022.

In the second quarter of 2023, scammers made off with $239 million in losses across 28 scams. That is three times as much as the $80 million stolen in Q2 2022. The third quarter of 2023 recorded staggering losses of $360 million, eclipsing total losses for all of 2022.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on crypto scams:

“Lack of consumer confidence and security around crypto remains a major roadblock to wider participation. Lawmakers need to take responsibility to better prevent frauds like elaborate fake investment schemes. More consumer education is equally essential so potential cryptocurrency buyers or traders understand where threats exist.”

Top scams of the year

Many of the biggest crypto scams in 2023 involved fake investment programs that promised people big returns.

The JPEX scam stole over $190 million of investors’ money. The alleged fraud surrounding the Hong Kong cryptocurrency exchange platform has erupted as one of the largest crypto scams worldwide in 2023.

South Korean company, “Blockchain for Dog Nose Wrinkles” scammed people out of $127 million. The business marketed a blockchain app to identify dogs through their nasal folds, promising up to 150% returns in 100 days, however it was a typical Ponzi scheme.

Legal authorities in India have successfully busted a $120 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme The Solar Techno Alliance. Fraudulent investment scheme called CoinDeal cost $45 million to investors all around the world. Founders of Fintoch, another Ponzi project, were able to steal over $31 million of user funds.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/crypto-scam-losses-doubled-in-2023-compared-to-last-year

A new study reveals some unexpected health benefits of internet usage, especially for older adult populations.

According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, internet users aged 50 and older have a 33% lower risk of death than non-users. Engaging with new social connections and maintaining existing ones through the internet reduces social isolation and depressive symptoms, thereby decreasing the risks of death.

Additionally, older adults who use the internet have a 19% lower risk of a stroke than those who do not. Internet use among individuals aged 50 and above is also associated with a 17% lower risk of diabetes.

Utilizing web resources on maintaining diet, activity, and routine health screenings allows users to better monitor and safeguard their health.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on internet usage for older adults:

“Increasing internet access for older adults appears as a promising approach to reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality mediated by relieving depressive symptoms. But societies must ensure underprivileged older citizens share the connectivity perks while remaining aware of risks such as internet addiction.”

Results vary by region

While the internet use strongly protects the over-50 population, the degree of risk reduction differs across the four regions analyzed.

Older adults who use the internet in China are 30% less likely to get diabetes or have a stroke than non-users. In addition, they have a 44% lower risk of mortality.

Mexicans aged 50 and above who use the internet have an 8% lower risk of diabetes, 1% lower odds of stroke, and a 9% lower risk of death.

Internet users in the US have a 42% lower risk of death than non-users. Besides that, they also have a 13% lower odds of diabetes and a 16% lower risk of stroke. On the other hand, Europeans who use the internet have a 40% lower risk of mortality, 25% lower odds of stroke, and 14% lower risk of diabetes.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/internet-use-lowers-death-risk-in-adults-aged-50-and-above

To prepare for the busiest online shopping season of the year, it is important to understand how your data is being used on popular apps.

According to the research by the Atlas VPN team, eBay and Amazon Shopping collect the most user data out of the analyzed Android apps. eBay gathers 28 data points, while Amazon collects 25 data points spanning 11 data types, including personal, financial, and location data.

The “buy now, pay later” app Afterpay occupies the third spot, collecting 22 data points across 7 data types. Notably, Afterpay is the only app found not only to collect but also to share in-app messages, emails, SMS messages, and credit scores with third parties.

Home improvement retailer Lowe’s, health retailer iHerb, and secondhand marketplace Vinted each collect 21 data points. Similarly, home improvement giant Home Depot and Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba.com both gather 20 data points across 9 data types.

Out of all 60 apps analyzed, the Kohl’s app, belonging to the department store retail chain, stands out for not collecting any data on users.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on shopping app data collection:

“In today’s digital age, your personal information is being extensively collected by apps and shared with countless firms. This holiday season, approach all apps aware your data is being collected. Take the time to carefully read privacy policies, be mindful of the permissions you grant, and prioritize safe shopping practices to safeguard your personal information.”

3 out of 4 apps share your data

The privacy issues with Android shopping apps extend far beyond data collection.

Out of the 60 analyzed apps, 75% share your data with third parties. Not all collected and shared data types pose a serious threat to your privacy.

Nevertheless, 58% of shopping apps were found to share personal information with third parties, such as your name, email address, phone number, or even your home address.

More than a third (37%) of apps also reveal financial information to third parties, including payment information and purchase history. Additionally, 28% of shopping apps share precise or approximate location.

Even photos and videos are exchanged with third parties by 18% of the apps. Some apps (7%) go as far as to share in-app and SMS messages or emails.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/ebay-and-amazon-collect-the-most-user-data-among-android-shopping-apps

Atlas VPN, has just introduced a dedicated VPN app for Apple TV. 

The development follows Apple’s rollout of tvOS 17 this September, which introduced VPN support, making Atlas VPN one of the pioneering providers to release a native app for the smart TV platform.

With the dedicated app, users can easily install and set up Atlas VPN on their Apple TVs in a few simple steps, eliminating the need for the manual VPN router setup that is often necessary with many other VPN services.

The Atlas VPN Apple TV service comes with solid encryption and features advanced protection SafeSwap servers unique to the VPN provider. SafeSwap allows users to have many rotating IP addresses without having to switch between different VPN servers. 

Apart from robust security features, the service is also equipped with video-optimized servers and 10Gbps servers designed to provide lightning-fast speeds, even during peak usage. 

The Atlas VPN app for Apple TV is already available on the Apple TV App Store. To get the app, users can search for “Atlas VPN” and follow a quick setup process.

Apple TV is the newest addition to Atlas VPN’s list of supported platforms, joining Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

According to data presented by the Atlas VPN team, targeted individuals were the most common victims of social engineering attacks throughout the latter part of 2022 and the initial half of 2023.  

During the observed period, around 31% of all social engineering attacks were aimed at targeted individuals, with the public administration sector following second at 18% of incidents.

The numbers are based on the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) Threat Landscape report, October 2023 edition. ENISA observed approximately 2,800 cybersecurity incidents in the European Union and beyond throughout the study period. 

The “all” category encompasses cybersecurity events that have a global effect across markets  was the third-most (7.97%) targeted sector in social engineering attacks. It reinforces the notion that cyber threats transcend the boundaries of specific industries or sectors.

The banking and finance sector (5.49%) follows closely, while the postal and courier sector (5.22%) rounds out the top five social engineering victims. The disparage in share percentages between first place and others is a testament to how threat actors view targetting individuals as the most profitable attack vector.

Digital infrastructure (4.4%), digital service providers (4.12%), as well as media and entertainment (3.3%) were also some of the most-targeted sectors in social engineering attacks, among others.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/targeted-individuals-%E2%80%94-most-likely-victims-of-social-engineering-attacks-in-2023

The internet has become such an integral part of our daily lives that we often do not even think about how much we rely on it.

According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, a day without internet in the world would cost $43 billion. The United States and China almost make up half of the sum together, accumulating $21 billion.

The United States, one of the most connected countries regarding internet usage, would face huge losses of around $11 billion for a single day without online access. An outage would bring many economic activities in the US to a standstill.

China is estimated to lose nearly $10 billion, though this figure may underestimate the true cost. With China’s heavy reliance on manufacturing and exporting goods globally, an internet outage would significantly slow cross-border trade.

The United Kingdom, with its robust e-commerce and financial services sectors, would lose approximately $3 billion. Japan is predicted to suffer around $2.7 billion in damage, given the vital role that advanced telecommunications and internet technology play in its economy.

Losing the internet would severely inhibit Germany’s production and business operations, potentially costing $1.5 billion based on its GDP share and the high level of internet dependence across its industrial sectors.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on the internet’s impact on our society:

“We often don’t appreciate the backbone role the internet now plays. An outage would bring activities to a standstill and underscore how much our economic functions depend on stable online access. Access to the internet should be a basic human right, and should not be restricted by governments or providers.”

To read the full article, head over to:

https://atlasvpn.com/blog/a-day-without-the-internet-in-the-world-would-cost-43-billion

According to data presented by the Atlas VPN team based on TikTok’s Community Guideline Enforcement report, TikTok removed 106,476,032 videos for violations in Q2 2023.

The platform also wiped a total of 107,917,818 accounts in Q2 2023. Notably, most removed accounts belonged to users under 13, in line with the minimum age requirements to create an account on the platform. 

A rise in removals comes amidst concerns over TikTok’s ability to protect its users from harmful content and exploitation. The Data Protection Commission recently found that in the latter half of 2020, TikTok’s default settings did not do enough to protect children’s accounts, resulting in a €345 million fine. 

The results of Q2 2O23 show a noticeable 19% uptick from the previous quarter (91,003,510 videos removed) and a 26% increase compared to Q4 2022 (85,860,819 videos removed). 

An increase in removals could be connected with several revisions to TikTok’s community guideline policy since April 2023, following discussions that the platform should be banned in the United States for national security. Subsequent updates to the policy were released in May and August. 

Mature themes — biggest offender

Of all the nearly 107 million videos removed in Q2 2023, almost 39.1% contained sensitive and mature themes, such as nudity and body exposure or graphic images. Thankfully, moderators deleted around 83.1% of all these videos before they had a single view.

Regulated goods and commercial activities were the second-largest deletion category, comprising 28% of all removals. This ranges from consuming and promoting drugs, alcohol, and tobacco to conducting scams or fraud.

Safety and civility violations — such as bullying, hate speech, and youth exploitation — round out the top three, equal to 14.5% of all cases. This is closely followed by the mental and behavioral health category, which was the main reason for removal 10.1% of the time.

Privacy and security were slightly less common, with content featuring personal information warranting removal in only 7.1% of all cases. The remaining 1.2% was covered by integrity and authenticity violations, such as spreading misinformation or paid political content. 

While TikTok has taken steps to address safety concerns, there is a need for more substantial and consistent efforts to ensure a safe environment for its vast user base. The ongoing issues with content removal and user protection indicate that the platform may need to invest more in proactive measures to address these critical safety issues effectively.

To read the full article, head over to: https://atlasvpn.com/blog/tiktok-removed-nearly-107-million-videos-in-q2-2023

Healthcare companies are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated hacking efforts, insider threats, and basic security flaws despite the highly confidential nature of patient data.

According to the data presented by the Atlas VPN team, 87 million patients in the United States had their information breached in 2023. That is more than twice as much as last year when 37 million people had their data exposed.

In 2022, over 37 million patients in the U.S. had their personal information exposed by healthcare organizations. However, breaches have skyrocketed this year. Just in the first half of 2023, hackers stole the data of over 41 million people. The third quarter marked an even greater cause for alarm, with 45 million more patients impacted. 

Overall, there have already been 480 reported data breaches across the healthcare sector in the first three quarters of 2023 alone. This compares to only 373 total breaches during the entirety of 2022, highlighting the alarming acceleration in attacks. 

The largest data incident so far was the HCA Healthcare breach, which impacted 11 million people.

Cybersecurity writer at Atlas VPN, Vilius Kardelis, shares his thoughts on data breaches in healthcare organizations:

“The sensitive nature of medical records makes them highly desirable targets for criminals, thus demanding the strongest security standards. Patients deserve to know their most personal information is safe, and providers must ensure that confidence. Healthcare has to view data protection as being just as critical as patient care.”

Most vulnerable states

While healthcare data breaches impact patients nationwide, analysis shows certain states have been affected more than others.

California tops the list with 43 healthcare organizations afflicted by data breaches so far this year. The state’s massive population and concentration of healthcare providers likely make California a prime target.

New York comes in second, with 42 healthcare data breaches reported. Texas is third, with 38 healthcare entities experiencing breaches. Other states near the top include Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, with 31 and 30 breaches, respectively.

Interestingly, Vermont remains the only state with no reported healthcare breaches in 2023.

To read the full article, head over to:

https://atlasvpn.com/blog/patient-data-breaches-doubled-reaching-87m-in-2023