FaceTime is Apple’s answer to Microsoft’s Skype and Google Hangouts. With FaceTime you can take part in video calls between various Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, provided they have a front-facing camera. In addition to that, FaceTime also works on computers running Mac OS X 10.6.6 and onwards. Because these are apps developed by Apple itself they are pretty safe on their own, especially since FaceTime has strong safety measures such as end-to-end encryption and more. However, some of the recent updates were full of bugs, creating opportunities for skillful attackers and forcing users to pay extra attention to where and when they use FaceTime. Fortunately, VPNs are still trustworthy and they can greatly help you enjoy your FaceTime by providing not only an extra layer of solid encryption, but a stable connection too.
Apple and security are two terms that will always bring up the infamous case where the FBI wanted to unlock a terrorist’s iPhone but was halted by Apple. If there’s something we can learn from that experience it is that Apple takes the privacy and security of its customers so seriously that not even they can look into their users’ data. Moreover, thanks to the fact that users are the ones holding the key in the form of a unique password, the company has no control over your device and data.
Apps having the blessing of Apple, including FaceTime, are not much different. By checking some of FaceTime’s security features it actually seems pretty safe: it sports a solid AES-256 end-to-end encryption, unbreakable to this day, and a two-step authentication requiring an SMS authentication code which prevents any attacker from breaking into your account. In other words, FaceTime is 100% safe from both the NSA and your ISP, as it is impossible to intercept and decrypt your FaceTime calls. Also, you’re invisible from the eyes of hackers and even those of Apple with the latter assuring that it will not sell any of your data to third-parties.
Regardless of the overall secure nature of FaceTime, even Apple admitted that some of the updates released over time have caused security issues due to a bug that could lead to man-in-the-middle attacks. It could even allow hackers to continue listening in on you even after the call ended. Interestingly, the buggy update was released right after the addition of the two-step authentication feature, which is still far from the more sophisticated secondary authentication tools, like fingerprint scanners. The latter factor is crucial, since the issue with the bug was solved by Apple shortly after its detection, but the company still hasn’t updated its two-step verification process.
In addition to the above problems, we also have to count the issue with the iCloud services. Although this flaw only affects iMessages, some of your messages might be compromised if you enable iCloud backups and your device chooses to send an update to the backup service while you’re connected to an unsafe public Wi-Fi network. This is especially dangerous, since the attacker can guess your AppleID password, and do whatever he wants with the snatched data.
Although FaceTime is quite a global app, there are still some countries where you can’t access this VoIP service, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and, quite unsurprisingly, China, where even FaceTime Audio is blocked. This is why applying VPNs, the true masters at unblocking content, apps and the like is a must, since they allow visiting other countries’ stores in search of the best apps. All you need to do is connect to a VPN server located in a country where FaceTime is not blocked, and you’ll be able to enjoy the VoIP service at its fullest while also being protected by military-grade encryptions.
Now that you know the biggest weaknesses of FaceTime, it’s time to see some of the best VPN providers that can provide access to this VoIP service via the strongest encryptions.
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
VyprVPN, provided by Swiss-based Golden Frog, is one of the longest standing VPN services in the world. They own and manage both their server and their client software under one roof, without outsourcing anything to third party companies. Thanks to this, they not only guarantee unlimited bandwidth and stellar server uptime, but it has also allowed Golden Frog to come up with a set of innovative features. VyprVPN users have access to a unique network protocol called Chameleon, which scrambles metadata allowing you to bypass restrictions. Those who regularly run into unwanted malware sites, could prevent malicious redirections with the built-in VyprDNS feature and you can even manage your own VPN network via VyprVPN Cloud. The fast and secure routing is made complete with a large group of possible server locations, counting more than 70 countries and 200,000 IP addresses. VyprVPN is available for every major home device, smartphone and operating system. The subscription cost starts from $5 per month, but you can give it a go for free thanks to the 3-day trial.
Established in 2011, CactusVPN is a well-rounded service that focuses on improving online browsing privacy and security. The small yet successful Moldovan VPN provider offers access to 36 servers across 22 countries and places emphasis on maintaining user anonymity at all costs. CactusVPN adheres to a strict privacy policy and so will never hold onto user data.
Although Netflix is unstable with the service and no gaming servers are available, the provider does offer cutting-edge apps for multiple platforms – and all at an affordable price. Each plan includes all possible features, and the company’s free trial also provides an expansive taster of everything the service has to offer.
Plus, there are numerous intriguing features, such as several European servers that allow P2P, the choice of seven VPN protocols, and a free proxy. Such advanced security features help put CactusVPN at the frontline of the industry and prove that even small packages can be mighty.
If you are not familiar with VPNs, let us tell you that it’s really easy and useful to combine the powers of this kind of service not only with FaceTime but with many other apps too. And all you need to do is to launch the VPN app on your iPhone/iPad before you use FaceTime. After launching the app, you need to choose what country you want to connect to and, if necessary, the protocol you want to use on your connection. Then just keep the VPN app running in the background, launch FaceTime or any other app, and voilà: not only will your devices appear to be in a different country (and therefore free to access the desired content) but you’re protected by the VPN’s encryption too. And since using the VPN impacts your entire device, you will remain protected even if the encryption from the service fails you.
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