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8:34 am
August 5, 2010
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Noticed that Norton has recently released their Hotspot Privacy program, one that creates a VPN for you when using an unprotected WIFI link. Haven’t seen any significant reviews on it yet, so would be interested in your thoughts or general review.
It’s not inexpensive at $49.99 suggested for 5 PCs for 1 year. I also wonder if it slows things down for data and/or would cause any trouble getting logged on to the campground wifis (I find myself fighting a lot with them already as it is 
).
In general, sounds like a good idea/product though.
11:46 am
November 3, 2009
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As usual, it depends on how you use your computer.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, adds another layer of complexity to your connection. It creates a “tunnel” for your communications that is additionally encrypted and safe from prying eyes. It will slow your connection down some. If you are connecting to a corporate network for business communications, I recommend a VPN. That would usually be set up by the corporate IT department.
For me, and the kind of activity I use WiFi for, I don’t think it is necessary. I am confident that my financial, social, email, and banking information is adequately secure using https. I rarely worry about “snoopers” in a RV park WiFi environment. My own local WiFi hotspot is encrypted, too.
The Norton product only creates a tunnel between you and the Norton servers. Your information still needs to go outside to the public websites you visit in the normal way. Your communication is VPN secure on the local WiFi network only.
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