Articles
Educational articles to deepen your understanding of internet privacy and security. We explain the technologies and concepts behind each feature of Check-san.
What Is an IP Address? How It Works and How to Check Yours
Learn the basics of IP addresses, the differences between IPv4 and IPv6, public vs. private IPs, and what information can be derived from your IP address.
What Is a VPN? How It Works, Benefits, and How to Choose One
A comprehensive guide to VPN technology, including how it works, the benefits of using one, types of protocols, and how to choose a trustworthy VPN service.
What Is a DNS Leak? Risks and Prevention When Using a VPN
Understand how DNS leaks occur, the risks of DNS query exposure when using a VPN, detection methods, and practical countermeasures.
Browser Fingerprinting: How Tracking Works and How to Defend Against It
Learn how browser fingerprinting tracks users, what information is collected, the risks of uniqueness, and effective defense strategies.
HTTP Security Headers: 5 Essential Headers to Protect Your Website
An introduction to important HTTP security headers including Content-Security-Policy, Strict-Transport-Security, X-Frame-Options, and more.
Public Wi-Fi Risks: 7 Ways to Stay Safe on Free Networks
Learn about the dangers lurking in free Wi-Fi at cafes and airports, and practical measures to protect yourself from man-in-the-middle attacks and eavesdropping.
Cookies and Tracking: How Your Online Behavior Is Being Monitored
Understand the differences between first-party and third-party cookies, how ad tracking works, and how to manage your cookies effectively.
WebRTC Leaks: How Your IP Address Gets Exposed Even with a VPN
Learn how WebRTC technology can leak your IP address, the risks when using a VPN, and browser-specific countermeasures.
IPv6 Basics: A Beginner's Guide to the Next-Generation Internet Protocol
An accessible introduction to IPv6 address structure, notation, coexistence with IPv4, and privacy implications.
What Is Tor Browser? How Anonymous Communication Works
Learn how the Tor network enables anonymous communication, how to use Tor Browser, and its advantages, disadvantages, and caveats.
How HTTPS and TLS Work: The Encryption Behind Secure Communication
Understand how HTTPS and TLS encrypt your communication, the role of certificates, TLS version differences, and how to verify a secure connection.
Password Security: How to Create Strong Passwords and Manage Them
Learn what makes a strong password, how to use password managers, how to check for breaches, and common mistakes to avoid.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): The Best Defense for Your Accounts
Understand how 2FA works, the different types (SMS, TOTP, FIDO2), how to set it up, and why passwords alone aren't enough.
5 Privacy-Focused Search Engines: Alternatives to Google
Compare privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Brave Search that don't track your search history.
What Is Do Not Track (DNT)? How to Set It Up and Its Real Effectiveness
Learn about the Do Not Track browser setting, how to enable it in each browser, its limitations, and alternative privacy measures.
What Is GeoIP? How Location Is Determined from Your IP Address
Understand how GeoIP databases work, the accuracy and limitations of IP-based geolocation, privacy implications, and how to hide your location.
What Is a Proxy Server? Types, How It Works, and How It Differs from a VPN
Learn about proxy server types (HTTP, SOCKS, transparent), how they work, the differences from VPNs, and their pros and cons.
Email Security Basics: How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
Learn how to identify phishing emails, understand email encryption, and follow practical tips for safe email usage.
What Is Social Engineering? Cyber Attacks That Exploit Human Psychology
Understand common social engineering tactics, real-world examples, and practical measures to avoid being deceived.
Internet Safety for Kids: 7 Things Every Parent Should Know
A guide for parents on the risks children face online and practical steps to keep them safe on the internet.
What to Do After a Data Breach: A Step-by-Step Response Guide
Learn the concrete steps to take when your personal information is compromised and how to minimize the damage from a data breach.
IoT Device Security: Keeping Your Smart Home Safe
Understand the security risks of smart speakers, cameras, and other IoT devices, and learn how to protect your home network.
Ransomware Protection Guide: Defending Against Extortion Attacks
A comprehensive guide to understanding ransomware, its infection vectors, prevention strategies, and what to do if you get infected.
Smartphone Privacy Settings: 8 Often-Overlooked Items
Discover the personal information your smartphone may be leaking and the essential privacy settings to check on iOS and Android.
What Is Zero Trust Security: The 'Never Trust' Approach
Learn how zero trust differs from traditional perimeter security, its core principles, and how to apply zero trust thinking in your daily life.
The Dark Web Explained: How It Works, Risks, and What You Should Know
Understand the technical workings of the dark web, the risks it poses, and how to check if your information has been exposed.
Ad Tracking Protection: How to Stop Being Followed Online
Understand how cookies and pixel tracking work, and learn effective methods to block behavioral tracking by advertisers.
Cloud Storage Security: How to Keep Your Data Safe in the Cloud
Weigh the convenience and risks of cloud storage, and learn practical measures like encryption and access control to use it safely.
Choosing a Secure Messaging App: End-to-End Encryption Basics
Compare the security of popular messaging apps, understand end-to-end encryption, and learn how to choose a safe communication tool.
Your Digital Footprint: Managing the Traces You Leave Online
Learn about the digital footprint accumulated through your online activities and practical ways to monitor and manage your traces.
VPN Protocol Comparison: WireGuard vs OpenVPN vs IPsec
Compare the mechanisms, speed, and security of major VPN protocols to find the best option for your needs.
How to Spot Phishing: A Practical Checklist to Avoid Scams
Learn the latest phishing tactics and specific checkpoints to identify fake websites and fraudulent emails.
Global Privacy Laws: Comparing GDPR, CCPA, and Japan's APPI
An overview of major privacy regulations worldwide and the rights they grant to individuals regarding their personal data.
Firewall Basics: Your First Line of Network Defense
Understand how firewalls work, the different types available, and practical network defense strategies for home users.
Metadata and Privacy: The Hidden Data That Reveals Your Information
Discover how metadata in photos, emails, and documents can expose personal information, and learn how to remove it.
Safe Online Shopping: 7 Tips to Avoid Scam Sites
Learn the risks of online shopping, how to identify fraudulent websites, and practical steps to shop safely.
Social Media Privacy Settings: Managing Your Public Profile
Review and optimize privacy settings on major social media platforms to properly control what information you share.
Device Encryption Basics: Protecting Data on Your PC and Smartphone
Understand why device encryption matters and how to enable it on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
API Security Basics: Protecting the Backend of Web Services
Learn how APIs can be exploited and the fundamental security measures like authentication, authorization, and rate limiting.
Supply Chain Attacks: The New Threat Exploiting Trust
Understand how software supply chain attacks work, real-world examples, and defense strategies for individuals and organizations.