11 Must-Do Security Steps Before Heading Out on Your Next Vacation – CNET

Your vacation is coming up, and you already have a hundred things to do. Good news — today’s smart devices and home security make it easier than ever to prep your home for a trip and check on it while you’re away. Video doorbells can watch for packages, home security cameras can send alerts about human figures, even smart lights can help out, all without relying on neighbors you may not know well.

VPNs Aren’t Bulletproof: 7 Common Misunderstandings About VPN Security

First, both the website and your ISP probably know that you’re using a VPN, and they also know the time and session length of your visit. Second, your actual activity on those sites can easily reveal your identity, since there are cookies on your local system, and if you log in to any accounts then obviously the target site knows who you are.