pfSense VirtualBox is a popular open source firewall solution that provides users with a wide range of features and functionalities. However, after a pfSense download and despite its popularity, there are several drawbacks associated with using pfSense VirtualBox.

This article will discuss the potential risks and limitations of running the software in a virtualized environment, as well as propose alternative solutions for those who need similar functionalities.

pfSense VirtualBox Security Vulnerabilities

One of the major drawbacks of using pfSense VirtualBox is that it can be vulnerable to security threats. Since it is an open source platform, anyone can access the source code and modify it according to their needs.

This makes it easier for hackers to exploit any vulnerabilities in the system and gain access to sensitive data or networks. Additionally, since pfSense VirtualBox runs on top of a hypervisor such as VirtualBox, any security flaws in the underlying hypervisor can also affect the security of the entire system.

Network Performance Issues

Another issue with using pfSense VirtualBox is that it can lead to network performance issues due to its reliance on hardware resources such as CPU and RAM. Since these resources are shared among multiple applications running on the same machine, they can become overutilized which can lead to slowdowns in network performance.

Like the hypervisor security vulnerabilities mentioned above, any performance issues in the underlying hypervisor can also affect the overall performance of the system.

Software Compatibility Issues

Finally, another issue with using pfSense VirtualBox is that it may not be compatible with certain software applications due to its reliance on specific hardware components.

For example, some software applications may require specific hardware components such as graphics cards or sound cards which may not be available in a virtual environment running on top of a hypervisor such as VirtualBox. As a result, these applications may not be able to run properly when running on top of pfSense VirtualBox.

pfSense VirtualBox Alternative Solutions

For those who need similar functionalities provided by pfSense but without all the drawbacks mentioned above, there are several alternative solutions available such as dedicated hardware firewalls or cloud-based firewalls.

Dedicated hardware firewalls provide better security compared to virtualized pfSense instances.

This is because they do not rely on shared resources such as CPU and RAM which makes them less vulnerable to security threats and network performance issues caused by resource contention between multiple applications running on the same machine.

Additionally, dedicated bare metal hardware firewalls are usually more compatible with different types of software applications since they do not rely on specific hardware components like graphics cards or sound cards which may not be available in a virtual environment running on top of a hypervisor such as VirtualBox.

Finally, cloud-based firewalls provide better scalability compared to virtualized pfSense instances since they allow users to easily scale up their firewall infrastructure without having to invest in additional physical hardware components or manage complex configurations manually.

That being said, pfSense running on bare metal equipment is the NETPRAETOR preferred router and firewall solution for consumers and small businesses looking for robust enterprise quality at an affordable price.

Find out for yourself, check out my previous article on Protectli Vault Best pfSense Hardware? 

Whether you are looking to run pfSense as a dedicated appliance, or part of a virtual machine such as VirtualBox, you can obtain the latest pfSense download here.

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become increasingly important. With hackers and cybercriminals constantly on the prowl, it’s crucial to protect your online identity and personal information. One way to do this is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which can help keep your online activities private and secure. In this blog post, we’ll be examining one of the most popular VPN services on the market today and answer the question: Is ExpressVPN Good?

ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN service that has been around since 2009. It’s known for its fast connection speeds, strong encryption, and wide range of server locations. But is it actually good? The short answer is yes, ExpressVPN is a good VPN service. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features that make it stand out.

Fast Connection Speeds

One of the biggest advantages of using ExpressVPN is its fast connection speeds. This is especially important if you’re planning to use a VPN for streaming or downloading large files. ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and has servers in over 160 locations worldwide, which means you’re likely to find a server that’s close to you and offers fast speeds.

Strong Encryption

Another key feature of ExpressVPN is its strong encryption. The service uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is one of the most secure encryption methods available today. This means that your online activities are protected from prying eyes, whether you’re browsing the web, streaming videos, or downloading files.

Wide Range of Server Locations

ExpressVPN also offers a wide range of server locations, with servers in over 90 countries. This means you can easily access content that may be restricted in your region, such as streaming services or websites that are blocked by your government. The service also offers unlimited server switches, so you can easily switch between servers if you experience any issues.

ExpressVPN vs NordVPN

When it comes to VPN services, ExpressVPN is often compared to another popular service: NordVPN. Both services offer fast connection speeds, strong encryption, and a wide range of server locations. So, how do they compare?

One advantage of NordVPN is that it offers a larger number of server locations, with servers in over 190 countries. It also offers some unique features, such as the ability to use a double VPN, which adds an extra layer of security by routing your traffic through two servers instead of one.

However, ExpressVPN has a slightly simpler interface and offers faster connection speeds overall. It also has a stronger reputation for privacy and security, with a no-logging policy that has been independently audited.

Overall, both services are good options, but ExpressVPN may be the better choice if you’re looking for faster speeds and stronger privacy and security.

Is ExpressVPN Safe?

One of the most important questions to consider when choosing a VPN service is whether it’s safe to use. After all, you’re entrusting the service with your online activities and personal information.

ExpressVPN has a strong reputation for privacy and security. The service uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is virtually unbreakable, and offers a range of security protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP. It also has a no-logging policy, which means it doesn’t collect any data about your online activities.

In addition, ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction with no data retention laws. This means that even if the government or law enforcement agencies request data from the service, there’s very little they can actually obtain.

So Is ExpressVPN Good?

Overall, ExpressVPN is a good VPN service that offers fast connection speeds, strong encryption, and a wide range of server locations. While it may not have as many server locations as NordVPN, it’s still a strong contender in the VPN market. It’s also a safe and secure choice, with a strong reputation for privacy and security. If you’re looking for a reliable VPN service to help protect your online privacy and security, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering.

In today’s digital age, protecting your privacy and cybersecurity is more important than ever. With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, it’s essential to take steps to ensure your online activities are secure and private. ExpressVPN provides a reliable solution by encrypting your internet traffic and safeguarding your online activities from being tracked or monitored by others.

ExpressVPN offers a fast, secure, and reliable connection that allows you to browse the web with confidence. It also provides access to geo-restricted content, so you can stay connected no matter where you are in the world. Plus, its military-grade encryption ensures that your data remains safe and secure at all times.

With ExpressVPN, you can enjoy unlimited bandwidth, unrestricted access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, as well as 24/7 customer support. Plus, its easy-to-use apps make it simple to get started right away.

The answer to the question is ExpressVPN good, is clear. NETPRAETOR gives ExpressVPN a thumbs up! Don’t wait any longer – protect yourself now!

Subscribe to ExpressVPN today for a fast, secure connection that will keep your data safe and private. Visit their website now for more information!

In today’s digital age, privacy has become a major concern for internet users. With so much personal information being shared online, it’s essential to take steps to protect your data from prying eyes. One of the best ways to do this is by using a privacy extension. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing Privacy Badger – a Chrome privacy extension that helps keep your data safe while you browse the web.

What is Privacy Badger?

Privacy Badger is a free, open-source privacy extension developed by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF). It’s available as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge and helps protect your privacy by blocking trackers that collect your data without your consent. Privacy Badger also offers several other features that help keep your data safe, including supercookie protection, fingerprinter protection, and more.

How Does It Work?

Privacy Badger uses machine learning to identify and block third-party trackers that collect your data without your permission. The extension automatically learns which sites are tracking you and blocks them from loading in your browser. Over time, it becomes more effective at blocking unwanted tracking, and you have the option to whitelist sites that you trust and want to allow tracking from.

It also protects against “supercookies,” which are cookies that are difficult to detect and delete. These cookies are used to persistently track your online activity across different websites. It also detects and blocks these cookies, making it more difficult for websites to track you across the web.

Finally, the Chrome privacy extension also protects against “fingerprinting.” Fingerprinting is a technique used by trackers to identify users based on unique characteristics of their device and browser settings. Privacy Badger detects and blocks fingerprinting scripts, making it more difficult for trackers to identify you.

Benefits of Using It

The Chrome privacy extension has several benefits for users concerned about online privacy. Here are just a few of the benefits of using Privacy Badger:

1. Blocks Unwanted Tracking: Privacy Badger blocks third-party trackers that collect your data without your permission, helping to keep your online activity private.
2. Protects Against Supercookies: Privacy Badger detects and blocks supercookies, which are difficult to detect and delete. This makes it more difficult for websites to track you across the web.
3. Fingerprinting Protection: Privacy Badger protects against fingerprinting, making it more difficult for trackers to identify you based on characteristics of your device and browser.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Privacy Badger is easy to use, with a simple interface that allows you to block and unblock sites as needed.
5. Open-Source and Free: Privacy Badger is open-source and free to use, making it accessible to everyone.

Using Privacy Badger – A Step-by-Step Guide

Using it is easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install and use the extension:

Step 1: Install Privacy Badger

Privacy Badger is available as a free download from the Chrome Web Store. Simply search for “Privacy Badger” and click “Add to Chrome” to install the extension.

Step 2: Navigate to a Website

Once you’ve installed Privacy Badger, navigate to a website. You’ll notice a small icon in your browser’s toolbar. Click on the icon to open Privacy Badger.

Step 3: Check for Trackers

Privacy Badger will automatically scan the website for trackers. You should see a list of trackers identified by Privacy Badger, along with a color-coded rating indicating the level of trustworthiness of each tracker.

Step 4: Block Trackers

To block a tracker, simply click on the slider next to the tracker’s name. The slider will turn red, indicating that the tracker has been blocked. You can also choose to unblock trackers as needed.

Step 5: Whitelist Sites

If you trust a site and want to allow tracking, you can whitelist it by clicking on the toggle switch next to the site’s name. This will allow the site to use cookies and other tracking mechanisms.

Privacy Badger – The Best Free Privacy Tracker

In today’s world, protecting your privacy online is more important than ever. With Privacy Badger, you can rest assured that your data is safe from unwanted trackers and other online privacy threats. By using this powerful extension, you can take control of your online privacy and enjoy a safer, more secure browsing experience. So why wait? Download Privacy Badger today and take the first step towards a safer, more private online experience.

Related article: AdGuard Adblocker: The Definitive Guide | NETPRAETOR

You may be familiar with the cybersecurity company McAfee as offering one of the major antivirus solutions. Recently they have expanded their offerings with McAfee Total Protection. If you are wondering what does McAfee Total Protection Include, you have come to the right place.

Comprehensive Internet Security:

• What it isn’t? A run-of-the-mill standalone anti-virus.

• What it is? In short, McAfee Total Protection is a comprehensive internet security software solution for many devices.

Antivirus:

• Schedule automatic scans
• Identify targeted files to delete malicious software
• Verify the security of your computer and other devices
• Choice between individual file scans or entire computer scans
• Delete malicious software and codes

McAfee Total Protection 2020 Antivirus = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-up

Password Manager:

McAfee Total Protection 2020 True Key Password Manager = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-up

Virtual Private Network (VPN):

McAfee Total Protection 2020 Safe Connect VPN = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-down

IV. Secure File Deletion:

McAfee Total Protection 2020 QuickClean Shredder = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-up

V. File Encryption:

McAfee Total Protection 2020 File Lock = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-up

Pricing:

What Does McAfee Total Protection Include?

McAfee Total Protection Overall Ranking = NETPRAETOR Thumbs-up