Hotspot Shield

For those who love to surf on public wireless networks but have privacy (and security) concerns, you may want to check out Hotspot Shield from AnchorFree. It is a free ad-supported utility. As described on their website -

"Public networks (both wired and wireless) are great. After all, what would life be without connecting while at airports, hotels and coffee shops? However, the danger to your personal data exists even if you connect to a fee based open network. Your passwords, credit card numbers, and any data you send can be seen and associated with you personally. Standard antivirus software won't protect you as this threat is on the network, not your laptop or iPhone.

That's why AnchorFree is pleased to offer Hotspot Shield. Our application keeps your Internet connection secure and anonymous on public networks. 100% Security Through a VPN.

Hotspot Shield creates a virtual private network (VPN) between your laptop or iPhone and our Internet gateway. This impenetrable tunnel prevents snoopers and hackers from viewing your email, instant messages, credit card information or anything else you send over the network. Hotspot Shield security application is free to download, employs the latest VPN technology, and is easy to install and use..."

Hotspot Shield runs on:

* Windows Vista
* Windows XP
* Windows 2000
* Mac OS X (10.5 Leopard)
* Mac OS X (10.4 Tiger)

AnchorFree website here.