Protecting your privacy with a VPN

Although you may feel like what you do on the internet is private, by now we know that this is just not the case. VPNs help to hide your browsing information and prevent insecure websites and internet service providers (ISPs) from collecting and storing your information. An example of how your browsing information is collected and used is when you come across ads that are tailored to your search history. One of the ways you can protect your privacy is with a VPN service.

What is a VPN?


Using a VPN is one way you can protect your privacy online and keep your information protected from hackers, internet service providers, and other 3rd parties.

A VPN allows user to securely browse and access personal data through public networks. Much like a firewall protects the data on your computer, a VPN protects your activity by encrypting (or scrambling) your data when you connect to the internet from a remote or public location. A VPN allows you to mask your location, IP address, and online activity from cybercriminals.

Benefits of a VPN

Some of the most important benefits of a VPN are increased security on public connections and increased protection of your private information. A VPN can help keep your sensitive personal information including financial data, passwords, and browsing history hidden from both hackers and websites. When you use a VPN, your data is effectively scrambled and hidden to anyone outside your VPN tunnel, thus making your private information difficult to collect. This not only helps to make it difficult for cybercriminals to read your data, but also keeps companies from trying to share your browsing habits and information with 3rd parties.

What VPN Solutions Does McAfee Offer?

At McAfee, there are three separate VPN solutions that you can select from. McAfee® Safe Connect is an extensive VPN product that's able to provide protection for as many as five devices at the same time. This particular VPN product is available for Android, PC, iPhone, and iPad devices. Plans can be selected on a monthly or yearly basis.

For a more comprehensive solution, McAfee® LiveSafe and McAfee® Total Protection are robust security suites designed to prevent, detect, and remove viruses. Both subscriptions include VPN access.**

McAfee Safe Connect VPN

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi and open networks with bank-grade encryption and private browsing to protect your online activities and data from cyber criminals. Browse securely with VPN software protection to keep your data safe. Features include private internet access and data security.

Buy McAfee Safe Connect today.

McAfee Total Protection

Defend yourself and the entire family against the latest virus, malware, ransomware and spyware threats while staying on top of your privacy and identity with our VPN and ID theft protection.** McAfee Total Protection is easy to use, works for Mac, PC, Android and iOS mobile devices. Purchase our award-winning antivirus software now.

Buy McAfee Total Protection today.

McAfee LiveSafe

Defend against the latest viruses, ransomware, malware and spyware with our 2020 internet security. McAfee LiveSafe™ is a premium antivirus solution for your computers, mobile devices, and tablets—all in one easy-to-use subscription.

Buy McAfee LiveSafe today.

†Safe Web is available in the Standard and Plus plans.
Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available in the Plus plan.

VPN for Phones

In today's world, protecting your smartphone is just as important as protecting your laptop or desktop computer. Most individuals who own a smartphone are constantly using it to connect to the internet, log in to social media accounts, exchange data, and read emails. With technological advancements, it's relatively easy for someone to actually intercept the internet traffic on your smartphone, which may give them the ability to obtain your social media account information, credit card data, browsing history, and other confidential information that's important to you.

If you want to protect your smartphone and the data that it contains, it's essential that you have protection for the phone via a VPN, which is particularly important when you're using a public Wi-Fi network that's otherwise unsecured. The lack of encryption on these open networks makes it easy for cybercriminals to intercept your data.

McAfee VPN Solutions for Phones

There are a variety of solutions that are available when you want to bolster the security of your mobile devices. The most complete security option available through McAfee is McAfee Mobile Security, which is available for iOS and Android devices. This particular mobile security solution includes numerous features that assist with the enhancement of your phone's security, anti-theft protection, privacy, and performance.

You could also select the McAfee Safe Connect product, which allows you to set up a full VPN directly from your phone. This VPN will allow you to access public and shared networks without you needing to worry about keeping your data safe and protected.

McAfee Mobile Security for Android

McAfee Mobile Security protects your Android devices and personal data from cyberthreats, unsecured networks and malicious apps. Includes Safe web browsing†, free award-winning security scan and Wi-Fi privacy protection (VPN)† available with upgrade.

Buy McAfee Mobile Security for Android today.

McAfee Mobile Security for iPhone and iPad

McAfee Mobile Security for iOS helps you locate your lost device on a map even on low battery, backup and restore your contacts and protect your photos and videos in a mobile vault safe from prying eyes. Includes Safe web browsing†, free secure media vault and Wi-Fi privacy protection (VPN)† available with upgrade.

Buy McAfee Mobile Security for iPhone and iPad today.

McAfee Safe Connect VPN

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi and open networks with bank-grade encryption and private browsing to protect your online activities and data from cyber criminals. Browse securely with VPN software protection to keep your data safe. Features include private internet access and data security.

Buy McAfee Safe Connect today.

Download VPN for Phone

If you want to download a VPN to your smartphone, you can do so from the Google Play store and the App Store, which are available for Android and Apple devices respectively. For the more comprehensive solution, it's recommended that you download McAfee Mobile Security, which will allow you to use the VPN while also being able to protect your data and prevent intrusions from various cyber threats. If you decide to go with McAfee Safe Connect, you'll be provided with a great solution if you're solely looking for a VPN and don't require additional security for your phone.

VPN for Android

McAfee® Mobile Security

McAfee® MobileSafe Connect

VPN for iPhone and iPad

McAfee® Mobile Security

McAfee® MobileSafe Connect

Do I need a VPN?

 

If you like to take your laptop or mobile device to the library or cafe, you probably connect through public Wi-Fi. The problem is that many free, public Wi-Fi networks are not secured. This means that a hacker could easily intercept the information you send over the public network, including your passwords and banking information. But, if you use a personal VPN, you can connect securely any time you are away from home.

Do I need a VPN while traveling?

 

Traveling often means being surrounded by (and connecting to) unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. This vulnerability makes it especially important to have a smart security solution in place for all your devices. If you tend to spend a lot of time browsing or doing work from your device while you travel, make sure to download security applications (including a VPN) that protect your devices.

If you’re traveling to cities where pickpocketing is common (or if you’re merely forgetful), many of the security apps also offer anti-theft protection. This feature allows the user to back up, lock, and wipe the device remotely just in case your phone gets swiped.

Is using a VPN safe?

When you browse the internet, there is always some amount of risk attached to your actions. For instance, using a public Wi-Fi means that it is just as easy for any other individual to use the same network as you, making it easy for hackers to see all your online activity. For example, if you log into your bank account or social media platforms such as Twitter of Facebook, your account information including password could be obtained.

A VPN is highly beneficial when browsing the internet because it's able to mask your current location as well as your online activity. It does this through an encrypted link between your device and an outside network, also known as a VPN tunnel. The VPN tunnel allows for data to transfer securely from one network to another. It ensures that the data you generate while using the Internet will be encrypted, helping the VPN to keep your data confidential as it travels through a public network.

Keep in mind, however, that a VPN doesn't ensure complete online safety. For example, your data and devices can still be compromised if you click on a suspicious email or malicious website while connected to a VPN. We recommend pairing Internet best practices with a comprehensive antivirus software such as McAfee Total Protection or a robust guide like McAfee® WebAdvisor web protection which can help guide you away from dangerous websites on search results and social media pages, as well as block downloads that might contain viruses.

How do I choose a VPN provider? 

When selecting a VPN provider, think about the following criteria:  

  • Ease of use—You want secure technology, without having to be a tech whiz to use it. That’s why you should look for a product that is easy to implement, like the McAfee®  Safe Connect VPN app, which allows you to easily and securely connect, ensuring that your passwords and data stay private when using public networks. 

  • Robust security—Look for a VPN with a bank-grade encryption. This way the bad guys can’t read or access the data you send through the network.

  • Access to virtual locations—This feature helps you gain even more anonymity online by using a VPN server that shows a different location than your point of access. For example, you may be getting online in the United States, but your VPN server may show you are connected in France.  

VPN Locations Available

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a VPN service is accessibility to certain server locations. The location that you choose depends entirely on your needs. For instance, one location may be able to provide you with better internet speeds than another location, which makes for a stress-free user experience. On the other hand, choosing another location may allow you to access geo-restricted content like local news.

The location that you select can also play a part in being able to browse the internet securely. When you want to have the ideal browsing experience, the exact server location that you choose can make a difference in how satisfied you are with the overall experience. By choosing a McAfee VPN, you will have the ability to choose an IP address in nearly two dozen different countries.

  • Australia

  • Brazil

  • Canada

  • Denmark 

  • Finland

  • France

  • Germany

  • India

  • Ireland

  • Italy

  • Japan 

  • Mexico

  • Netherlands

  • New Zealand

  • Norway 

  • Romania

  • Singapore

  • Spain

  • Sweden 

  • Switzerland

  • United Kingdom

  • United States

How else can I protect myself from hackers?

Using a VPN is a great start, but it isn’t the only way to protect yourself from hackers online. Try these top tips to help keep your data and devices secure:

  • Pick password-protected Wi-Fi. When connecting to Wi-Fi, choose networks that have WPA or WP2 passwords for protected access. If the network doesn’t require a password, the connection could be open to hackers and other threats.

  • Look for the lock icon. Make sure that the web pages you visit are “HTTPS” encrypted whenever possible and contain a lock icon in the address bar. Do this by looking at the beginning of the URL you are accessing – if the URL starts with “HTTP”, log out – particularly if you’re doing something sensitive.

  • Watch for warning signs. SSL and TLS warnings are the messages that pop up in your browser when you come across an insecure connection – and it’s likely that you’ve clicked through the notification without a second thought. Take a moment to think about what you’re agreeing to before moving past the notifications next time because it could mean you’re putting your devices and data in danger.

  • Don’t set it and forget it. Don’t set your device to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks, especially public ones. Rather, make sure your laptops, tablets or smartphones will “forget” certain networks when you disconnect, and that they’ll only reconnect when you choose to do so manually. 

By following these top tips, and using a trusted VPN provider, you’ll be well on your way to securing your data and devices from hackers, ISPs and other 3rd parties looking to profit from your lack of privacy.