As you may know, anytime you connect to a wireless network, you run the risk of someone “sniffing” your network traffic. Depending on what you are doing on the network such as sending emails or sensitive information (which you really shouldn’t do on a public wireless network anyway), there is the possibility someone could intercept the data. To help protect yourself, check out Hotspot Shield.
From their web site:
Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop or iPhone and our Internet gateway. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers and hackers from viewing your email, instant messages, credit card information or anything else you send over the network. Hotspot Shield security application is free to download, employs the latest VPN technology, and is easy to install and use.
The only thing I would be wary of in using this program is you might be subject to having some ads displayed while using it. Their Terms of Service clearly outlines this.
Regardless, the absolute safest thing to do is to avoid working with any sensitive information over the Internet while on a public network.
Like what you read?
If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:
