When browsing the internet there is no such thing as ‘too careful’ since there are many types of virtual danger lurking in the shadows. From cookies that track your location, to privacy and data exposures and not to forget those disturbing ads that follow you around; you definitely need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to get rid of these pesky problems. With a VPN you’ll not only be able to block those ads but your information and online actions will be much safer due to military-grade encryptions and powerful firewalls. Also, since a VPN protection allows you to virtually change your location, geo-tracking will be an almost impossible task.
Firefox has close to no flaws at all and keeps a clean track record in terms of security and privacy protection. This browser is currently one of the best choices with privacy in mind, even for mobile. The major contributor for this is the fact that, nowadays, Firefox is the only open source browser, which means anyone can crack it open and access its code. This is more useful than it may seem, since it means that the company behind Firefox (Mozilla, a non-profit organization that produces free software) cannot add anything to the browser without us, the users, finding out about it. So we never see hidden software features like those that might track us. Also, Firefox is constantly updated to fix any issues that may occur and the updates can be found online, divided by how serious they are.
But not everything is a bed of roses, though. In fact, according to its privacy policy, Firefox does collect information based on the features you use such as Firefox Sync that uses tabs, passwords and other information you provided to sync across devices. But, fortunately, all this data is encrypted. Personas and add-ons can also be collected but this is done on a very small scale.
The fact that Firefox enjoys solid security and privacy settings doesn’t mean you should put aside the use of a VPN. In fact, while combining the two, you can make yourself pretty much invisible, protecting your online travels even further. Activating a VPN on your desktop or in your browser (some providers feature specific browser extensions) allows you to not only access geo-blocked websites but also prevent annoying issues with cookies, ads and information theft. It also comes handy when you chain your own privacy and security settings. For example, you can decide to have the VPN firewall working instead of the Firefox’s default one, among other useful tricks. It is as simple as opening either the desktop app or the browser extension, choosing a server and connecting to it. If you’re using a full desktop client then your entire device will become anonymous, but if you use the second option it will only affect the browser you’re using.
Even though Firefox is a pretty safe browser for mobile, the truth is that you are more vulnerable using a smartphone or tablet, especially when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Doing so brings extra dangers, such as ad tracking, information and password theft. Although Firefox boasts the perks mentioned above, if you end up connecting to public Wi-Fi and you provide a password to access, let’s say, your bank account, it can put your personal information at risk and there’s nothing Firefox can do about it. So if you are forced to remotely access the internet, we recommend the use of a VPN then as well. Many VPN providers – if not all – support mobile devices, including operating systems such as Android, iOS and, in some cases, Windows Phone, with official apps that are usually similar to the desktop client. This means it’s easier to already know what to do: just pick a server and get yourself some protection.
There’s nothing more zen than the peace of mind that comes from safe and secure online activity, and that’s just what Berlin-based ZenMate aims to provide. But although its intention to befriend VPN beginners rather than experienced users may translate into fewer features, it also means that ZenMate is one of the most user-friendly VPN providers. It covers a vast range of platforms – including software for both computers and mobile devices – and boasts handy extensions for the most popular browsers, tailoring its feature set for each of them and further simplifying its use. However, if there’s one thing that should nudge you to consider ZenMate, it’s the special promotion Best Reviews readers can unlock to earn significant savings and help you reach that zen-like state.
Windscribe is a VPN service founded in Ontario, Canada, having launched its service in April of 2015. It provides you full access to those blocked websites you want to visit, but that you are unable to reach due to region blocks for your location. With Windscribe you can virtually travel with your anonymous IP from Hong Kong to the U.S. without leaving you house. All you need to do is download the app – whether you want it on your PC, Mac, smartphone or any other system (there is also a browser extension) – and then create an account. What makes Windscribe different is that there is no misleading information, making everything easy to use. Furthermore, it features an ad block and social network and website tracking preventions. With regards to the pricing, there is an option to create a free account, or you can go ahead and try a monthly or a yearly subscription of $7.50 per month at its lowest. You are eligible to request a refund up to 3 days after purchase, which makes it possible to try Windscribe Pro without any risk.
First of all, please do not feel intimidated: the perhaps vulgar name of the UK-based company is intended to be a pun. HMA VPN has a mascot in the form of a donkey, and thus this little wordplay is nothing to worry about. You should rather pay attention to the fact that HMA VPN is easily one of the best VPN companies today; they offer much more than a standard package. You are also welcome to try out the free web proxy, an anonymous e-mail service and an IP:Port premium service, which is essentially a more elaborate proxy product. On top of this, you also have VPN browser extensions for Chrome and Mozilla to use. HMA VPN does all this while still maintaining decent speeds and healthy prices. These are coupled with the fact that HMA VPN remains one of few providers who still enable access to Netflix. But the most impressive thing about this organization is the number of locations provided – it is unprecedented today.
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