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- Meshnet Feature for Personal Encrypted Networks: NordVPN offers a unique feature called Meshnet, which allows users to connect their devices directly and securely over the internet. This means you can create your own private, encrypted network for activities like gaming, file sharing, or remote access to your home devices from anywhere in the world.
- RAM-Only Servers for Enhanced Security: Unlike many VPN providers, NordVPN uses RAM-only (diskless) servers. Since these servers run entirely on volatile memory, all data is wiped with every reboot. This ensures that no user data is stored long-term, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing overall security.
- Servers in a Former Military Bunker: Some of NordVPN's servers are housed in a former military bunker located deep underground. This unique location provides an extra layer of physical security against natural disasters and unauthorized access, ensuring that the servers are protected in all circumstances.
- NordLynx Protocol with Double NAT Technology: NordVPN developed its own VPN protocol called NordLynx, built around the ultra-fast WireGuard protocol. What sets NordLynx apart is its implementation of a double Network Address Translation (NAT) system, which enhances user privacy without sacrificing speed. This innovative approach solves the potential privacy issues inherent in the standard WireGuard protocol.
- Dark Web Monitor Feature: NordVPN includes a feature known as Dark Web Monitor. This tool actively scans dark web sites and forums for credentials associated with your email address. If it detects that your information has been compromised or appears in any data breaches, it promptly alerts you so you can take necessary actions to protect your accounts.
I was fascinated to read today that over $1 billion (USD) in payments were made on Venmo in January 2016. What is Venmo, you might ask? Essentially it is a mobile app (on both iOS and Android) that provides an easy payment system, in many ways like a “digital wallet” where you can securely reach in and pull out some cash to give to someone… along with a “social” component, of course. A Venmo help page gives a sense of what it can do—and also notes that using the service for payments is free for users for payments using bank accounts.
Owned by PayPal, I found this November 2014 article in BusinessWeek a good summary of how the service originated and what it offered at that time. Buzzfeed reports that $7.5 billion USD was transferred using Venmo in all of 2015.
The mobile payments space is a busy place these days, with Facebook entering the game as well as Square Cash, Apple Pay, M-Pesa and many others. I am intrigued by services such as these that the Internet’s infrastructure has enabled… it will be curious to see where this all goes. Regardless, $1 billion USD in transactions during a single month is a remarkable milestone. Congrats to the Venmo team and all the users!
What do you think? Do you use Venmo? Other mobile payment apps and systems? Where do you see this space going?