If you're like me, and you prefer to check/comment while slurping some coffee at Starbucks in their open WiFi, you probably never thought of security. You should.
In fact, a lot can happen in open Wireless, so I was looking for a free VPN to tunnel my personal traffic through.
Anyways, ended up with PrivateTunnel which comes with a free 2 GB traffic and a referral program (+2GB per friend) to earn some extra.
If you're only surfing and using it with your mobile, the free plan is more than enough, at least for me.
In case you intend to use it more frequently, $30/Year payable in Bitcoin is very inexpensive in my opinion.
Tip: it's best to use Switzerland as routing!
Only thing I'm missing is a Linux client to be honest, but it's possible by following this tutorial.
Do you care for your security in the open? Can you recommend a VPN service?
I dont really like the way how they advertise their product. openvpn is great but the last time i checked the website it was a bit misleading. when you tried to download the openvpn software they quite persistently tried to sell you their product. which is also bad for every other vpn provider out there (that is using ovpn).
also not sure about using a vpn that is run by a us corporation. but thats your choice i guess.
i'd like to leave here the recommendation for a service where i know the owners: https://traceless.me (this is not a referal link ;))
which i endorse - cause the whole service is not built for the sole purpose of having a business but with the main focus on actual privacy for the customer.
thanks for the great write up.
in this usecase - surfing in starbucks - it doesn't really matter where the company is set, in my opinion.
I'll check out traceless!
true, except you are using nsavpn.com haha :) you never know who is running these services. and while the party may not right away steal your data they can still mess around with the content of your internet activity (depending on a variety of factors though)
while this is true, it's one company compared to x wifi threats. that's the point :) kinda like SSL
which basically means. you put everything into one hand rather than being exposed partially to multiple entities... :')
the free version is very limited, especially for mobile users... :(
why? i think you get 5GB of traffic and 3 or 4 different protocols to choose from and 2 different locations.
no custom app, that's a must.
why? you seem like a smart guy. setting it up with the android,ios and even winphone internals takes you about a minute. settings -> network/vpn -> choose the protocol of your choice, enter user pass, there you go.
Here is the most comprehensive and up to date VPN comparison table I have found and use for my decisions:
https://thatoneprivacysite.net/vpn-comparison-chart/
My favorites are AirVPN, CryptoStorm, Mullvad, BlackVPN
Airvpn, yes its good i think
Mullvad is my favorite by far. Overall, I think it's the best major VPN service out there.
Great advice ash, most people don't think twice about the risks of open wireless. Btw, I'm writing this from my local coffee shop on open wireless!
I'll look at Private Tunnel as I'm primarily on mobile.
hehe, great to hear!
As one of those 'not thinking twice' people for a big part, what risk is there in using the carrier network of the phones? Open wireless seems to obviously have potential as honeypots, but how about the 3G/4G/ whathaveyou?
I'm curious, why Switzerland?
I'm personally using https://hide.me .. just because i love their logo :D
they look super expensive...
privateinterneteaccess charge $40 for a year, the one in my post $30. hideme 11 per month :D
Excellent advice, I have a vpn on both my iPhone and iPad; I'm not paranoid about security, I'd like to think I'm just aware!! Thanks for sharing.
thanks for your feedback! :)
i am happy VPN FREE
Guess what? We don't have free wifi in our state!
I have always thought about this when accessing public wifi
Good advice@ash, I really never thought of that. Thanks for sharing!
I dont Trust free servies like this. Its like a honeypot for users that want to hide something.
it's only 2GB free, which is nothing if you plan to use it seriously
Everything is awesome with PrivateTunnel.. free 2 GB traffic and a referral program that's too awesome..
Thanks for sharing..