You've probably heard about VPNs. You may have already used one before to stream shows from a different geolocation or hide your ISP when you're using public internet in a coffee shop or airport lounge. But what do the initials "VPN" actually stand for, and what does it mean? VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network." A network is a group of connected devices, including computers, which can communicate, share resources, or transfer data. The internet is a network but so too is a home Wi-Fi setup linking your phone, computer, and doorbell. While many networks — including the internet itself — are public, private networks confine access to particular users or devices. The first private networks were used in business settings and used hardware like dedicated cables. VPNs are "virtual" because they create a simulated, software-based connection instead of a physical connection. A VPN, therefore, enables you to create a private connection over a public network hiding your IP address and making it appear that your online activity originates from the VPN server rather than your actual location. VPNs are not perfect. Whether a VPN will keep you safe will depend on two main factors: the level of security you need from it and the VPN service provider you use. VPNs shield your browsing activity from internet service providers (ISPs), but those same ISPs may simply block VPNs instead. Advertisers, web browsers, and operating systems are still finding ways to collect your data. If you're using a VPN in order to hide your activity from government surveillance and censorship, then the level of security you need is a lot greater than someone who just wants to avoid having their data sold to marketing companies. Several countries, including China, Russia, and Iran have banned the use of unauthorized VPNs and only allow Government-approved alternatives, which are subject to censorship or surveillance. In most cases, your ISP can see that you're using a VPN by monitoring how much data is being used. If you're in a country where using a VPN — regardless of what you're using it for — is illegal, then it may not be providing the safety you need. The level of safety you can expect also depends on the VPN provider that you use. By using a VPN, you are entrusting your security to a third party and relying on assurances that they won't log and resell your information. Some VPN providers — especially those offering a free connection — may be harvesting your data and selling it on. A VPN can provide a certain level of safety, but it won't protect you from malware, phishing attacks, or other forms of cybercrime. You need to be circumspect about what websites you engage with and avoid downloading files that might be malicious. A VPN does not make you completely anonymous . While it can hide your IP address and encrypt your searches, other factors like cookies and social media activity can still expose your identity. There are also tracking techniques — known as browser fingerprinting — that collect information about your device, browser settings, and configuration to create a unique user profile that can identify you even without cookies. VPNs are most effective when used in combination with other security practices, such as strong passwords, antivirus software, and safe browsing habits. You should ensure that your VPN includes a kill switch so that if the connection drops, the internet is automatically disabled. This stops your IP address and sensitive information from being exposed if there is an issue with the VPN. Tor is a free, decentralized network that routes internet traffic through multiple encrypted relays operated by volunteers. This provides anonymity by hiding your IP address and traffic patterns. It's often used for accessing the dark web or bypassing censorship. However, it is slower than VPN due to multiple relays and unsuitable for bandwidth-heavy activities like streaming. Mixnets are designed to obscure communication patterns by breaking down data into smaller packets, mixing them with other users' data, and routing them through multiple nodes. It works by shuffling and delaying messages, making it nearly impossible to link senders with receivers. You can also use a decentralized VPN (dVPN), which is similar to a traditional VPN but operates on a "peer-to-peer" network. Users share bandwidth and act as nodes in the system. Whatever method you use, remember that both the technology to secure data and the technology to intercept that data are evolving all the time. If your internet safety is paramount to you, you need to keep abreast of all the most recent developments.
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Secretary General of Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud Foundation Prince Faisal bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz stressed that the World Arabic Language Day celebration, organized by the foundation in collaboration with UNESCO and Saudi Arabia's Permanent Delegation to the organization, and held in Paris last Wednesday, provided a prominent platform to emphasize the significance of the Arabic language and its vital role in shaping the cultural and civilizational identity of Arab and Islamic nations. He mentioned that it was a remarkable opportunity to explore the challenges faced by the language in the digital era, as well as ways to promote it through AI and innovation. He also praised UNESCO's role and its great interest in the Arabic language, as well as the organization’s continuous efforts to support events that highlight the Arabic language as a global human heritage. He also acknowledged the efforts of Saudi Arabia's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO for its active and distinguished role in holding the celebration, and for its diligent work in promoting the Kingdom's position as a hub for the Arabic language regionally and internationally. Prince Faisal noted that the foundation's support for this celebration aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030, which places special emphasis on the Arabic language as a tool for global communication and a source of creativity and innovation. He also highlighted the foundation's commitment to fostering collaboration with both international and local institutions to promote the Arabic language, utilizing avenues such as scientific research, technological initiatives, and cultural and educational activities.None
RALEIGH, N.C. — Martin Necas scored on the power play with 2:07 remaining as the Carolina Hurricanes rallied past the Dallas Stars 6-4 on Monday night behind a five-goal third period. Shayne Gostisbehere, Brent Burns and Sebastian Aho also scored in the third for Carolina before Andrei Svechnikov added an empty-netter with 15 seconds left. Spencer Martin, in just his fourth start of the season, made 15 saves as Carolina notched its eighth straight win at home. Tyler Seguin, Thomas Harley, Mason Marchment and Miro Heiskanen had goals for Dallas. The Hurricanes led 4-3 after Gostisbehere converted the team’s first power-play chance at 8:09 of the third. Heiskanen tied it with 5:14 left, setting the stage for a wild finish. Seguin scored just 18 seconds into the game, converting off a giveaway in the Carolina zone. Seth Jarvis, back after missing seven games with an upper-body injury, pulled the Hurricanes even at 6:36 of the first with a short-handed goal. Carolina Hurricanes' Andrei Svechnikov (37) watches as the puck goes wide of Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) with Miro Heiskanen (4) nearby during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker Takeaways Stars: While Dallas boasts one of the NHL’s top penalty-kill units, they failed to come through twice in the third period while squandering a two-goal cushion. Hurricanes: Injuries to Frederik Andersen (knee surgery) and Pyotr Kochetkov (concussion protocol) have raised concerns about Carolina’s goalie depth. With two more opponents on the docket this week in the Rangers and Panthers, that area will continue to be tested. Key moment The Hurricanes came out with renewed energy in the third. Aho’s goal 1:10 into the period sparked life into a team that had struggled to beat goalie Jake Oettinger early on. Key stat The Stars fell to 7-2 on the season when leading after one period. Carolina Hurricanes' Seth Jarvis (24) chases the puck past Dallas Stars' Esa Lindell (23) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Credit: AP/Karl B DeBlaker Up next The Stars conclude a three-game road trip on Wednesday against Chicago, while the Hurricanes host the Rangers.
Western Digital CEO David Goeckeler Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry AssociationCrowdStrike: Fiscal Q3 Earnings SnapshotRussia’s steady gains along much of the Ukraine war’s battlefront have fueled doubts among Ukrainians that their military will ever reclaim significant swaths of lost territory. And as pressure grows to reach a negotiated settlement, they are increasingly resigned that any peace deal will entail giving up much if not all of the land Russia now occupies. According to a Gallup poll published this week, 52% now say Ukraine should be willing to give up territory to end the war. Still, many remain adamant that what is at stake is not just some eastern provinces bordering Russia, but Ukraine’s existence as an independent nation. And the notion remains strong that Ukraine’s acquiescence to Russia on the territorial issue would send a devastating signal around the world that force prevails over the rule of law. “It sounds very good if it could end the war, but the truth is that if you give Russia one meter of territory, they will see that as weakness, and they will not stop until they take everything,” says Yevhen, an engineering student at Mykolaiv’s Black Sea National University. “We Ukrainians know this,” he adds, “but it’s something the world must understand as well.” Standing on the shrapnel-pocked steps of Mykolaiv’s Black Sea National University, second-year engineering student Yevhen ponders the seductive appeal of the formula “land for peace” for ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. And then, like many of his fellow Ukrainians, he firmly rejects the idea. “It sounds very good if it could end the war, but the truth is that if you give Russia one meter of territory, they will see that as weakness, and they will not stop until they take everything,” says Yevhen, who asked that his last name be withheld. “We Ukrainians know this,” adds the student, whose city was blasted and bombed – but never occupied – following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “But it’s something the world must understand as well.” For months Russia has advanced – slowly and at great cost, to be sure – along much of the war’s battlefront. That has fueled doubts that Ukraine’s military will ever reclaim significant swaths of lost territory. Moreover, Russia’s steady gains have fed resignation that any peace deal will entail giving up much if not all of the 20% of Ukrainian territory Russia now occupies. The impending return of former President Donald Trump to the White House is only the latest element in mounting pressure on Ukraine to reach a negotiated settlement with Russia. Last week German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the war, the first conversation between the two in nearly two years. The German government said Mr. Scholz expressed full support for Ukraine. Even so, the outreach was panned by some NATO members and widely interpreted as another sign of fading Western interest in sustaining Ukraine’s military effort – and growing interest in a negotiated settlement. Even President Joe Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied missiles to strike deeper inside Russia is seen by many analysts as an effort to position Ukraine better for the negotiations Mr. Trump is expected to push for, rather than to boost Ukraine’s ability to win the war. Signs of escalation before any negotiations continued Thursday, as Ukraine said Russia had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile armed with conventional warheads at the central city of Dnipro. Russia refused comment, and U.S. officials reportedly said it was more likely an intermediate range ballistic missile. On Wednesday, President Biden authorized supplying Ukraine with antipersonnel mines to thwart Russia’s ground assault. As Russia’s full-scale invasion – what Ukrainians now call “the big war” – reaches 1,000 days, signs are growing that more Ukrainians are shifting in favor of entering negotiations with Russia. Moreover, a growing number appear to have resigned themselves to the once-taboo prospect of ceding territory to reach a deal. A Gallup poll of Ukrainians published this week finds that more than half want to see negotiations start as soon as possible – up from about one-quarter a year ago. And the same proportion, 52%, says the country should be willing to give up territory to end the war. That view is echoed by Black Sea student Yevhen’s friend Andrii, who says Ukraine’s priority now must be ending the loss of life. “There are two sides to this question of giving up land for peace,” he says. “I understand that for some people, giving up land would be dishonoring the soldiers and others who died defending Ukrainian territory,” says the engineering student. “But if by giving up land for peace you save Ukrainian lives, that view has value, too.” Yet even as more war-weary Ukrainians appear ready to accept ceding territory, many remain adamant that what is at stake is not just some eastern provinces bordering Russia, but Ukraine’s existence as an independent nation. Indeed, the notion remains strong that Ukraine’s acquiescence to Russia on the territorial issue would send a devastating signal around the world that force prevails over the rule of law. For many Ukrainians, their country’s long history with the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and now Mr. Putin’s Russia, offers proof that no deal involving Russian-occupied territory will satisfy Mr. Putin’s real goal: reconstituting the former USSR. “With this war, we are talking about two very different things, either an independent Ukraine that sets its own course and decides its own future, or Ukraine as part of Russia,” says Anastasiia Khmel, dean of the faculty of political sciences at Black Sea National University. As a result, “We have come to the conclusion that part of our territory would not be enough, [that] just the occupied lands would never guarantee peace,” she says. Explaining why “land for peace” is a “false promise,” Professor Khmel says Russia’s real goal – as she says Mr. Putin has made clear – is complete domination of Ukraine. And that, she adds, means more than just territorial control, but “repression of Ukrainian identity and Ukrainian culture as it has occurred throughout the past 300 years” of Russian imperialism. Others agree that ceding land would mean much more than a smaller Ukraine. “In Russia they don’t have a normal conception of national borders; they are thinking in terms of what were the borders of the Soviet Union,” says Mykhailo Ziatin, a Mykolaiv poet and mathematician who has joined a nearby military unit to help repel the invading forces. “That means Russia is not a normal entity you can negotiate with, but an aggressor who would see a land deal as a step and not an end.” And there is another dimension to the land issue that Ukraine is confronting, not just for itself, Mr. Ziatin says. “We Ukrainians don’t want to give up the lands we are responsible for to evil; we are taking a stand that force is not right,” he says. “That is a conviction that should matter to our Western neighbors and to the world.” For the Western democracies that support Ukraine, Mr. Ziatin says, the question is “Are you OK with rewarding the monster who wishes to make our democracy impossible; do we really want to give up anything to that beast?” That Ukrainians do not trust Mr. Putin to abide by any settlement for very long is hardly news, given how he has been seizing Ukrainian territory since 2014. More surprising perhaps is their deep mistrust of any “security guarantees” they anticipate Ukraine’s Western partners would offer as part of a “land for peace” deal. “We already learned the hard way that any deal based on vague security assurances comes with no means to enforce it, and that is the definition of a bad deal,” says Yevhen Hlibovytsky, director of Frontier Institute, a Kyiv think tank. “If Russia is rewarded now for its bad behavior, why should it not return to that bad behavior in the future?” As many Ukrainians are wont to do, Mr. Hlibovytsky refers to the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, under which a newly independent Ukraine gave up the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal in exchange for assurances from world powers, including Russia, that the “inviolability” of its borders would be respected. The Budapest Memorandum “obviously didn’t work,” Mr. Hlibovytsky notes, leading him to foresee dire global consequences if Ukraine is forced into another accord now. “If Ukraine has to cede territory in exchange for another set of vague security assurances,” he says, “that’s an invitation to broader nuclear proliferation around the globe.” Mr. Hlibovytsky says average Ukrainians carry in their hearts the same basic convictions about the rules for achieving international peace. “People on the street will tell you the same thing, just with more four-letter words than a smooth-talking academic uses,” he says. “They sense that Ukraine is something like a test for what rules and order govern the world going forward.” “If the West is not committed to what it has said are its own standards and values,” he adds, “then they feel they have been fooled, and Ukraine is being betrayed.”
Islamabad: The United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries have imposed an indefinite ban on granting visas to people from at least 30 different cities of Pakistan, following an alarming rise in number of cases where Pakistani nationals have been caught begging or being involved in smuggling, drug trafficking, human trafficking and other criminal offences abroad. Gulf countries and cities, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, remain as the most preferred destinations for millions of Pakistani travellers and job seekers. However, following the ban and increasing visa rejections, the already dented image of Pakistani passport – ranked fourth worst in the world for the third consecutive year – will suffer further irreparable damage. The UAE has also made it mandatory for visa applicants from Pakistan to submit a police character certificate. A prominent Pakistani YouTuber also acknowledged the difficulties being faced by travellers from the country after the Gulf countries stopped granting visas to Pakistani nationals. “Saudi Arabia and Dubai were popular destinations but have now stopped giving visas. I too had to face a great difficulty when I wanted to go for the IIFA Awards. In fact, Saudi Arabia has given a warning to Pakistan with regard to the increasing number of cases of beggars being caught,” admitted noted podcaster Nadir Ali in his latest interview with a businessman who owns a large travel company in Karachi. Over the years, Pakistan has maintained unrelenting consistency in sending questionable travellers abroad – those who end up staying illegally in foreign countries by becoming asylum seekers, illegal drug traffickers, beggars and human traffickers. “Since last year, we have witnessed hundreds of cases where labour visas, visit visas and even tourist visas have been declined for Pakistanis by the Gulf countries. The number of rejections is especially high for those people who do not hail from major cities of the country,” Muddasar Mir, Managing Director of Vinci Tours and Travels in Islamabad, told IANS. “There are many reasons behind Gulf countries rejecting Pakistani visa applications. The major one is of beggars and drug smugglers, who have been caught after arriving in the Gulf countries on either visit or job visas. Several Pakistanis have also been caught transporting drugs to the Gulf countries. Recruiting companies, especially those involved in sending labourers to the Gulf countries, are also using fake documents and experience letters. They bribe agencies and manage to get through,” he added. Several companies in the Gulf have complained to their recruiters in Pakistan that the workforce being transported fails to meet even the basic requirements of the specified job descriptions, leading to serious issues. “Companies in the Gulf do not want to hire any labourer or technician from Pakistan now because they know that the workforce from Pakistan will turn out to be incompetent. They have found a better option to hire people from countries like India, Bangladesh and Indonesia who are easier to manage,” says Mir. Statistics reveal that over 800,000 Pakistanis apply for visas to Gulf and Middle Eastern countries every year in pursuit of work, job opportunities and use their destination as a stepping stone towards travelling to western and European nations. In the past, over 4000 Pakistani beggars have been arrested in Saudi Arabia, especially from Mecca and Madina where they were caught begging during Umrah and Haj processions. Many Pakistanis have also been caught carrying illegal drugs and for their involvement in illegal activities. This has ultimately resulted in severe restrictions and bans being imposed by many countries on Pakistani passports and the country’s citizens, leading to rejections of visas for thousands of travellers.
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