Hotpot Shield VPN: browse the web anonymously with app

Seasoned Internet users are likely aware a virtual private network, or VPN, provides a safer way to browse the web because it conceals your online identity. VPN software encrypts your online sessions so they’re private and confidential.

With more than 120 million downloads, one of the most popular solutions for computers, Hotspot Shield VPN from AnchorFree, is also available for Apple’s iOS devices.

Before we get into our review of this app installed on an iPad mini, remember that browsing without a VPN means search engines, Internet service providers (ISPs), and website owners can know where you’re located geographically because of your computer’s unique IP address. VPNs are also ideal for public hotspots.

VPNs were once used mainly by businesses, but now they’re appealing to consumers who want to keep Internet use — web surfing, online shopping, filling out forms, downloading files — well, invisible.

Just because you want to spend time online anonymously doesn’t mean you’re a cybercriminal or have something to hide. Not only do regular folks want privacy, but remaining anonymous can also protect yourself from malicious types out to steal your identity for financial gain — from spammers and scammers alike. Without a VPN, your personal info and passwords can be seen and stolen.

On a related note, some people use a VPN to access sites or services restricted to other countries, such as the BBC iPlayer (for UK residents only) or if a Canadian wants to access Hulu or Pandora (for the U.S. market). Of if you want to keep accessing your local content when traveling around the world.

Another benefit: VPNs can compress your data, so you’ll use up less data when you surf.

Installing Hotspot Shield VPN was pretty straightforward. After you download the app you need to register for a new account or sign into your exiting account. You get a week to try the service for free. After that, it’s $0.99 per month or $11.99 a year. College students get free services for a year with a valid .edu or .ac.uk email address. Be aware you must also accept additional software to download to your iDevice – it’s a Hotspot Shield Elite root certificate added to the list of trusted certificates on your iPad or iPhone.

I did have one issue when signing up for an account, initially. After typing in my email address, a message said “Protection expired!” – even though I hadn’t tried it yet — and it gave me options to pay for the service. At least a rep for AnchorFree was able to remedy the issue quickly.

Once you’re logged in and using the app, a small “VPN” logo will appear in the top left of your iOS screen, beside the Wi-Fi strength. Now you can launch Safari or another browser and start surfing anonymously. Or try an online-connected app. You might, however, be blocked from some sites or email (such as Gmail), evident by a message like this one: “Someone tried to use an application to sign into your Google Account. We prevented the sign-in attempt in case this was a hijacker trying to access your account. Please review the details of the sign-in attempt” (followed by the AnchorFree IP address).

A recent Hotspot Shield VPN update added faster speeds – still slower than no VPN, though – plus there’s new features like a revamped interface that lets you see time protected, where it looks like you’re connected from (choose your country), data compression preferences, and more. You can enable this app to always be on or manually turn it on and off with a swipe inside the app, if you prefer (also, in Settings, you’ll see a VPN toggle right below Bluetooth and Wi-Fi).

Aside from the initial snafu where the app thought I already used up the 7-day trial, Hotspot Shield VPN seems to deliver on its promise to protect your identity while spending time online via your iPad and iPhone.