Giganews

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GIGANEWS BLOG

How Does Heartbleed Affect Giganews Customers?

With the recent announcement of the Heartbleed Bug, many customers have asked if Giganews’ services were affected and whether customers need to take any action. Rest assured all Giganews services are currently safe from the Heartbleed Bug. VyprVPN and the Giganews website have not ever used SSL libraries vulnerable to the TLS heartbeat exploit. Golden Frog patched Dump Truck’s SSL libraries on April 8, 2014, and new SSL keys for the service were generated and deployed successfully. However, due to the nature of the bug, we still recommend all customers change their password, especially if you have used Dump Truck. Change your password »

Are Giganews Customers using VyprVPN Apps Safe from the Heartbleed Bug?

Golden Frog’s apps use OpenSSL 1.0.1e, which is vulnerable to the Heartbleed Bug, for OpenVPN connections. However, even though the apps use a vulnerable version of OpenSSL, customer information is not at risk. To be compromised, the apps would need to connect to servers that send malicious heartbeat packets. VyprVPN apps only connect to VyprVPN servers, which do not send malicious packets. Even if the VyprVPN apps were somehow tricked into establishing a connection with a malicious server, the apps do not possess any information they are not already sending to the server. There is nothing a malicious server could gather from the client that it wouldn’t receive anyway.

Golden Frog will be preparing updated versions of the apps that use non-vulnerable versions of OpenSSL, but at this time, Giganews customers are not at risk using the existing versions of the apps.

What is the Heartbleed Bug?

The Heartbleed Bug is a bug in OpenSSL’s implementation of the TLS heartbeat extension. When exploited, it allows an attacker access to the contents of the SSL server and client memory. This memory may include the SSL keys, the content of the data traversing the connection, and usernames and passwords transmitted or stored within the memory of the client and server. Because of the complete compromise of the SSL session and secret key data necessary to keep communications secure, this is considered an extremely critical bug. A full overview can be found at http://heartbleed.com/

What Action Do I Need to Take?

If you have used Dump Truck we highly recommend you change your password. To change your password visit this page: https://www.giganews.com/controlpanel/userpass.html

  • Log in to your Control Panel
  • Click Change Username / Password
  • Type your new password
  • Click the Change Username / Password button

At Giganews we take your privacy and security seriously. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact our 24x7x365 support team via email or live chat.

To stay up to date on Giganews, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

Updated on 04-10-2014

Dump Truck Private Sharing Now Available

Golden Frog just announced that Private Sharing is out of Beta and ready for all Giganews users with Dump Truck! Use the Dump Truck Web App to access Private Sharing and securely collaborate on files and folders with other Dump Truck users. Invite anyone to access shared folders and assign a permission level, with just their email address. When a privately shared file or folder is changed, added or deleted, the changes synchronize to all users who have joined the share.

Dump Truck Private Sharing Features

  • Easily invite anyone through the Dump Truck Web App to collaborate on folders
  • Set permission levels for users on shared folders
  • Read Only access supported. If you choose this option, users can view files but cannot modify them
  • Collaborate on files and folders and they update for all users
  • Move, rename and edit shared files and folders as if they were your own
  • Access shared files across all Dump Truck desktop, mobile and web applications

*Desktop App version 1.2.2 Update Required to Access Private Sharing

Although you can share folders via Private Sharing only through the Web App, you can access shared folders via the desktop and mobile apps. Privately shared files will be synced to your desktop using the Dump Truck desktop app. Golden Frog recently updated the Dump Truck Mac and Windows apps to version 1.2.2 to support Private Sharing. Update from within the app by clicking on “Update Available” in the main menu, or you can download the latest version for Mac or Windows.

The Dump Truck Mobile Apps do not need to be updated to access privately shared folders.

Dump Truck secure online storage is included FREE with every Giganews account. If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

To stay up to date on Giganews, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

VyprVPN for iOS is now optimized for the iPad

VyprVPN for iOS is now optimized for your iPad! Golden Frog developed the latest version with iPad design features in mind to give Giganews members the best experience possible when running VyprVPN on their iPad. VyprVPN for iOS will automatically detect if you are on an iPad and engage the new interactive Map View feature.

With Map View, you can easily browse Golden Frog’s global VPN server locations from the app default screen in both portrait and landscape view. You now have the ability to search for server locations by swiping directly on the interactive map. You can also select the location you would like to connect to and the app will automatically ping the server and display the ping time. Connect to any VyprVPN server location without ever leaving the home screen!

If you currently use VyprVPN for iOS, update your app to the latest version. If you don’t already have the app, you can download VyprVPN for iOS from the App Store.

If you don’t have VyprVPN and want protection for your internet connection while at home or on the go, upgrade to Diamond or Platinum get VyprVPN included for free! If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

To stay up to date on VyprVPN, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter,Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

Golden Frog Added a New VyprVPN Server Location in Mexico!

Golden Frog launched a new server location in Mexico City, Mexico! The new server location is available to use with PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN and Chameleon.

How to Access the Mexico VyprVPN Server Location:

  • VyprVPN Desktop – If you use VyprVPN Desktop, the new server location will automatically be available when you choose your server location.
  • VyprVPN Mobile – To enable Mexico as an option using VyprVPN Mobile, simply log out of the app and log back in.
  • Manual Setup – If you manually set up VyprVPN on your operating system, you can update your VyprVPN hostname to: mx1.vpn.giganews.com

Golden Frog offers unlimited VPN server switching and never throttles your connection. They have over 200,000 IP addresses so server connections are always available.

You now have unlimited access to the following VPN server locations:

  • Asia – Hong Kong
  • Australia – Melbourne
  • Australia – Perth New!
  • Australia – Sydney
  • Austria – Vienna
  • Brazil – São Paulo New!
  • Belgium – Brussels
  • Canada – Toronto
  • Czech Republic – Prague
  • Denmark – Copenhagen
  • Europe – Luxembourg
  • Finland – Helsinki
  • France – Paris
  • Germany – Frankfurt
  • Iceland – Reykajvík
  • Indonesia – Jakarta
  • Ireland – Dublin
  • Italy – Rome
  • Japan – Tokyo
  • Lithuania – Vilnius
  • Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
  • Mexico – Mexico City New!
  • Netherlands – Amsterdam
  • New Zealand – Auckland
  • Norway – Oslo
  • Philippines – Manilla
  • Poland – Warsaw
  • Portugal – Lisbon
  • Romania – Bucharest
  • Russia – Moscow
  • Singapore – Singapore
  • South Korea – Seoul
  • Spain – Madrid
  • Sweden – Stockholm
  • Switzerland – Zurich
  • Thailand – Bangkok
  • Turkey – Istanbul
  • Vietnam – Hanoi
  • U.K. – London
  • U.S. – Austin
  • U.S. – Los Angeles
  • U.S. – Miami
  • U.S. – Washington, D.C.

If you don’t have VyprVPN, upgrade to a Giganews Diamond or Platinum account today and get VyprVPN free. If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

Protect your Internet connection while at home or on the go!

To stay up to date on VyprVPN, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

Opt-in for early access to new VyprVPN features before they’re released!

Want to try new VyprVPN features before they are released? Giganews members with VyprVPN can now opt-in to receive Beta app updates for VyprVPN for Windows and Mac. Be first to know when Golden Frog is working on something new for VyprVPN!

To begin receiving Beta updates, simply install version 2.3.1 or higher of VyprVPN for Windows or Mac. After updating VyprVPN, simply select the new feature under “Options/Preferences” to opt-in to receive Beta updates. With this feature enabled, you will get notifications whenever a new Beta version is available. Please test out the new features and then share your feedback!

If a Beta version isn’t working for you, simply uninstall the VyprVPN Beta version and re-install the current production release for VyprVPN for Windows or Mac.

By participating in the VyprVPN Beta, you can share your feedback earlier in the development process while getting early access to new features.

If you don’t have VyprVPN and want protection for your internet connection while at home or on the go, upgrade to Diamond or Platinum get VyprVPN included for free! If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

To stay up to date on VyprVPN, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

SXSW Take Back Your Internet Party Recap + Privacy Panel Video

We had a spirited discussion that covered the cultural, political and technological issues that affect online privacy. We co-sponsored a Take Back Your Internet Privacy Panel and Party with Golden Frog and Data Foundry on March 9th in Austin, Texas during SXSW. The event honored the global fight for online privacy and an uncensored Internet for all.

A big thank you to everyone that attended. We had a full house of people who clearly cared about these issues and engaged with the panelists making for an invigorating and lively debate.

The expert panel:

  • Kevin Bankston – Policy Director, New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute
  • Evan Greer – Campaign Manager, Fight for the Future
  • Representative Bryan Hughes – Texas House of Representatives, District 5
  • Ali Sternburg – Public Policy Counsel at CCIA
  • Ron Yokubaitis – Co-founder and Co-CEO of Golden Frog, Giganews, Data Foundry and Texas.net

The panel was moderated by Stacey Higginbotham, senior writer at GigaOm.

In addition to the people in the room, we had viewers from around the world who watched the panel LIVE on the Golden Frog website and sent questions via Twitter. We also want to thank our diverse panel of experts for a truly informative and rousing discussion.

PRIVACY PANEL VIDEO

If you didn’t catch the expert panel in person or online, you can now watch a recording on our YouTube channel:

Thanks again for making our annual celebration such a memorable one! Here are some photos from our “Take Back the Internet” Privacy Panel:

The Panel

The Turn Out

The Party

The Site

Golden Frog Added a New VyprVPN Server Location in Brazil!

Golden Frog launched their first South American VyprVPN server location in São Paulo, Brazil and it is now available for all protocols! The 2014 World Cup in Brazil kicks off June 12th and many of you may be traveling to see the games. Now you can secure your connection on unknown WiFi hotspots, access your favorite sites and maintain fast speeds, all by connecting to the new Brazil server location. During the most recent Winter Olympics games, many people traveled to Sochi, and were able to use VyprVPN to stay secure. Connect to Golden Frog’s new VyprVPN server in Brazil this June and stay safe during the World Cup!

How to Access the Brazil VyprVPN Server Location:

  • VyprVPN Desktop – If you use VyprVPN Desktop, the new server location will automatically be available when you choose your server location.
  • VyprVPN Mobile – To enable Brazil as an option using VyprVPN Mobile, simply log out of the app and log back in.
  • Manual Setup – If you manually set up VyprVPN on your operating system, you can update your VyprVPN hostname to: br1.vpn.giganews.com

Golden Frog offers unlimited VPN server switching and never throttles your connection. They have over 200,000 IP addresses so server connections are always available.

You now have unlimited access to the following VPN server locations:

  • Asia – Hong Kong
  • Australia – Melbourne New!
  • Australia – Perth New!
  • Australia – Sydney
  • Austria – Vienna
  • Brazil – São Paulo New!
  • Belgium – Brussels
  • Canada – Toronto
  • Czech Republic – Prague
  • Denmark – Copenhagen
  • Europe – Luxembourg
  • Finland – Helsinki
  • France – Paris
  • Germany – Frankfurt
  • Iceland – Reykajvík
  • Indonesia – Jakarta
  • Ireland – Dublin
  • Italy – Rome
  • Japan – Tokyo
  • Lithuania – Vilnius
  • Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
  • Netherlands – Amsterdam
  • New Zealand – Auckland
  • Norway – Oslo
  • Philippines – Manilla
  • Poland – Warsaw
  • Portugal – Lisbon
  • Romania – Bucharest
  • Russia – Moscow
  • Singapore – Singapore
  • South Korea – Seoul
  • Spain – Madrid
  • Sweden – Stockholm
  • Switzerland – Zurich
  • Thailand – Bangkok
  • Turkey – Istanbul
  • Vietnam – Hanoi
  • U.K. – London
  • U.S. – Austin
  • U.S. – Los Angeles
  • U.S. – Miami
  • U.S. – Washington, D.C.

If you don’t have VyprVPN, upgrade to a Giganews Diamond or Platinum account today and get VyprVPN free. If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

Protect your Internet connection while at home or on the go!

To stay up to date on VyprVPN, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.

Automatic Connect on Wi-Fi and Cellular networks now available!

Public Wi-Fi hotspots at coffee shops, airport and hotels have become increasingly insecure. Cellular networks also share similar security concerns. Even worse, cellular carriers are also leveraging Wi-Fi to carry smartphone traffic in order to alleviate cellular network traffic, compromising mobile communications. However, users are sometimes too busy or forget to turn on VyprVPN when accessing insecure Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Our partner Golden Frog wants to make it easier for users to protect themselves, so that’s why they added the automatic connect on unknown Wi-Fi and cellular settings into the 2.3 versions of the Android, Windows and Mac apps. Unfortunately, due to iOS restrictions, Golden Frog is not able to offer the automatic connect settings for the VyprVPN for iOS app at this time.

VyprVPN Automatic Connect options include:

  • Connect on Unknown Wi-Fi Networks – When a user connects to an unknown Wi-Fi network, VyprVPN will automatically connect and encrypt all Internet traffic. Users may also exclude specific, “known” networks they consider to be secure and don’t want VyprVPN to automatically connect.
  • Connect on Cellular – When a user is connected to a cellular network, VyprVPN will automatically connect.
  • Automatic Reconnect – Anytime VyprVPN is disconnected without the user manually choosing to do so, the app will attempt to reconnect.
  • Connect When App Starts – VyprVPN will automatically connect when a user opens the app
  • Connect When Device Starts – VyprVPN will automatically connect whenever the device is turned on

Please read the change logs for Windows, Mac, and Android for additional VyprVPN 2.3 updates.

How to Update to VyprVPN 2.3?

Existing users of VyprVPN for Windows and Mac will receive an update notification in the app from which they can install the update. Existing users of VyprVPN for Android can update via Google Play

If you don’t have VyprVPN and want protection for your internet connection while at home or on the go, upgrade to Diamond or Platinum get VyprVPN included for free! If you’re not already a Giganews member, we invite you to sign up for a 14-day free trial.

To stay up to date on VyprVPN, please subscribe to our blog and follow us on Giganews Facebook, Giganews Twitter, Giganews YouTube Channel, and Giganews Google+.