A VPN is a Virtual Private Network, a small application that you download to your desktop or mobile device to protect your data and privacy when browsing the web. It is easy to download, install, and connect to your VPN, before you browse, email, or check private accounts online.
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.
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.**
†Safe Web is available in the Standard and Plus plans.
Wi-Fi Guard VPN is only available in the Plus plan.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.