In this issue:

• Stay safe online with a VPN

• Fake sellers at Walmart

• Data breaches this week

Stay safe online with a VPN

Using a virtual private network (VPN) service has become one of the simplest ways to protect your online activity, especially when you are away from your home network. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel (see image below) between your device (phone or computer) and the internet, which prevents outside parties from seeing the sites you visit or collecting your data. It also shields you from common threats on public Wi-Fi such as snooping, data harvesting, and malicious hotspots that try to imitate legitimate networks.

I use a VPN every time I connect to any network that is not my trusted home Wi-Fi. This includes hotels, airports, coffee shops, conference centers, and even retail stores that offer free access. My personal choice is NordVPN, a well known provider with strong security controls and a large global server network. It is easy to turn on, works on both my phone and computer, and gives me peace of mind when I am working or browsing away from home.

Never use free VPNs. Many of these services earn money by collecting and selling user data which defeats the purpose of using a VPN in the first place. Some free VPNs are operated by companies in China or other regions with weak privacy protections and unclear ownership. That means your data could be monitored, logged, or transferred without any transparency. A trustworthy paid provider is essential if you want real security.

The benefits of a reputable VPN are clear. It keeps your login sessions private which lowers the risk of account takeovers on vulnerable networks. It also reduces certain targeted scams since criminals have less information about your location and device. VPNs are no longer just for frequent travelers or technical users. They are now a practical safety tool for anyone who moves between networks throughout the day.

There are tradeoffs. A VPN can occasionally cause problems in certain apps or websites. Some services block VPN traffic to prevent fraud. Others misread your location and show the wrong region or require extra verification. When that happens, I simply switch the VPN off, complete the task, and turn it back on when finished. This small inconvenience is worth the added protection.

A VPN is not a complete security solution, but it is a valuable layer that keeps your data private and makes you harder to target. If you have specific questions about a VPN service, please contact me and I'll try to help.

Fake sellers at Walmart

Walmart Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online shopping platforms in the country, but that rapid growth came with a hidden cost. A CNBC investigation revealed that the company’s previous seller approval process was too easy to bypass.

Fraudulent businesses were able to pose as real brands, list counterfeit products, and ship low quality or unsafe goods to customers. The report sparked concern among industry experts and shoppers alike, especially in high risk categories such as beauty, supplements, and personal care.

Since that investigation, Walmart has started tightening its rules. Sellers in sensitive categories must now prove that they are the actual brand owners or are authorized distributors.

Walmart is also removing questionable listings and suspending accounts that cannot show proper paperwork. Entire product categories have been cleaned out as the company works to build more trust.

This story caught my attention because I use Walmart Marketplace for research when I shop. I like to compare prices and see which brands are available, but I admit that I rarely click the buy button. I have had concerns for years that many of the sellers did not have strong reputations or clear sourcing information. When a deal looks too cheap or the seller name sounds unfamiliar, I back out. I know how often counterfeit items slip through weak verification systems, and I have always been cautious.

The recent changes give me some hope. The fact that Walmart is adding stricter documentation rules shows that the company is listening to consumers who want safer and more consistent experiences. While no marketplace can eliminate risk completely, this new level of oversight is a welcome step. I may still compare carefully, but I might finally feel comfortable buying on Walmart Marketplace more often.

Data breaches this week

Most of the time these will be companies that you don’t have any personal data with, but scan the names to make sure you aren’t affected.

• Marquis fintech firm: 788k individuals: Marquis Data Breach Impacts Over 780,000 People

Do you have an idea for a future newsletter? Please reply to this email and let me know.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,
Cassie Crossley
Founder, Cyber Safe Center
https://www.cybersafecenter.com