GoTrusted Adds Servers in France

GoTrusted extended its European VPN service network to France with several servers that are now live. This increases bandwidth and availability to Southern Europe and the Middle East for Internet privacy and identity protection.

Existing customers can take advantage of the new server locations by just selecting the "EU" region from the GoTrusted software settings. The new servers will automatically be selected if they provide a bandwidth advantage for your current location and network load. Android, iPhone, and iPad users: Please log into your account on the GoTrusted website by clicking on 'Existing Users' for for the mobile instructions.

Enjoy!

Gamers Utilize VPN Services To Protect Them From Very Real Digital Villains

While finding a shield to protect you against your digital enemies may be a major advantage in computer games like Battlefield and Call Of Duty, this digital armor will do little to offer identity protection against the very real threats that exist whenever you play computer games on unencrypted wi-fi networks.

The Internet has combined with game manufacturers to create nearly endless 3D worlds that allow you and your friends to attack enemies, fortify warehouses, stockpile new ammunition to ward off avatar aggressors. But while you play over open wi-fi networks, you could be exposing yourself to another type of digital onslaught. From up to a block away, hackers can access any personal information you transmit over any wi-fi network, making private browsing and private gaming impossible.

Since many games require passwords to access game profiles and may sync to e-mail accounts, gamers afraid of broadcasting this information often utilize VPN services to send all personal information through an encrypted tunnel to a secured data server, no matter where you decide to join your game.

While a photon rifle, a double-barreled shotgun or an armored truck may protect you from most threats you experience while gaming, ensuring complete identity protection gives you the peace of mind to blow up, blast, bomb and defeat your enemies. But despite how frustrated you feel about your real-life digital adversaries, keep your aggression in the game, and your VPN shields at full strength.

Safely Surf The Coffee Shop This Winter

It is as natural to the barista as a frothy espresso: as the weather cools down, coffee sales heat up. According to a study from the Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, coffee sales peak during the winter holiday season, increasing by up to 30 percent. Bundled-up shoppers after the perfect gifts crowd coffee shops for a hot beverage before heading back into the elements.

But if you are doing your shopping online at one of these locations, make sure your body isn't the only thing protected against the cold world around you. Have proper identity protection as well.

Screen Protectors: When browsing in public locations, it is important that no one is looking over your shoulder. Like an ATM, your computer screen may contain important information like your address, bank account information or PIN codes that nearby sippers could steal. For truly private browsing and the most low-tech identity protection solution available, pick up a screen protector for your laptop. This opaque plastic cover makes your screen invisible to anyone who is not sitting directly in front of it. You can find them at any computer store or department store electronics department.

VPN Services: Identity thieves looking to snatch your financial information may not be sitting at the next table. They may be sitting on the next block. Hackers can infiltrate a public wi-fi network from over a block away, checking out where you have been online and even snatching parts of your online identity. A

VPN account funnels your information through a highly encrypted server from wherever you are so you never have to worry that someone else is looking over your shoulder.
Dummy E-Mail: As e-mail scammers have become more shrewd at tricking users into clicking on e-mail links and entering password information into e-mail replies, web security firms have created dummy e-mail accounts so you can send an e-mail as normal but all replies are returned to a dummy e-mail so none of your activity can be traced back to you. This way, you will never inadvertently give away information through e-mail.

Bundle up your computer this holiday so you can sip your coffee, shop the web and surf with confidence at home, at the mall and even at the coffee shop.

SEC Calls For Companies To Disclose Potential Hacker Infiltration

If there was any doubt that this is the year of the security breach, the SEC put those doubts to rest earlier this month, when they announced a decision to require publicly traded companies to disclose all security breaches and threats to identity protection . Calling to task the sheer volume of security breeches reported this year from such big names as Gucci and Sony, the SEC even requires companies to report when the "risk of potential incidents" becomes so high as to impact the bottom line.

Among the demands listed by the SEC in the official statement, the new regulation demands "discussion of aspects of the registrant's business or operations that give rise to material cybersecurity risks and the potential costs and consequences." The SEC demands descriptions of cyber incidents and potential security risks present in the company's IT framework. For example, companies not requiring work-from-home employees to use VPN services would have to alert shareholders through the SEC.

"For years, cyber risks and incidents material to investors have gone unreported in spite of existing legal obligations to disclose them," Sen. John Rockefeller IV, chairman of the Senate Commerce committee said. "Intellectual property worth billions of dollars has been stolen by cyber criminals, and investors have been kept completely in the dark."

High-profile breaches at companies like Gucci, Sony, Lockheed Martin, Yahoo, Google and Amazon have given rise to increased focus on private browsing and corporate VPN.

VPN Services Fight for Freedom of Information in Iran

The main thorn in the paw of many Iranian citizens is Iran's lack of basic freedoms like freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly. These repressive laws were put to the test in 2009 and 2010 as Iranian citizens used VPN services and identity protection software to amass protesters and broadcast their desire for freedom around the world.

But Iran's government has not gone without a fight and this week, took yet another step to reign in these freedoms. Iran's Telecommunication Minister Reza Taghipour announced Monday that the use of encrypted VPN accounts and other identity protection software to by-pass government imposed censorship filters was officially a crime and would be prosecuted by the law, German news agency Deutche Presse Agentur reported.

"Every country has its own rules for using the internet and we have our own," said Taghipour in a statement. "The use of VPN or other anti-filtering software is forbidden and considered as a crime."

This announcement seems to make millions of Iranians criminals as, according to studies done in the country by third-party sources, approximately 17 million Iranians access Facebook using a VPN, while another 5 million use the software to access other blocked information. Iran has had these rules in an official capacity for years but has been unsure how to enforce them. By attempting to track VPN service users online, the Iranian government believes it can stop protesters no longer willing to stand for these infringed freedoms.

'We have to and will take any necessary measure to confront this soft war,' the minister said, according to ISNA news agency.

Although the Iranian government cannot monitor encrypted VPN services, they plan on attempting to disrupt their use by the population. Technically this is difficult and imposing these laws previously have been spotty. For example, it is technically illegal to have a satellite dish in Iran to view TV programming from outside the country – but a look on the roofs of any major city will see satellite dishes in abundance.

Whatever steps Iran, or other governments may take to limit and censor the access to free information, VPN services will attempt to ensure these freedoms, which should be innate human rights, for oppressed people around the globe.

New Study Exposes Wi-Fi Security Trends

With convenient Wi-Fi hotspots popping up everywhere from Sears to Starbucks, there are very few places lacking in internet access these days. But according to a new study commissioned by the Wi-Fi Alliance, many users are not respecting the seriousness of Wi-Fi security and the lack of identity protection available. The Wi-Fi Alliance has sponsored numerous awareness campaigns to correct this laissez faire attitude toward private browsing. But according to their research, it has come to little avail.

Entitled "The Wi-Fi Security Barometer Survey," the study findings are based on 1,000 interviews fielded among nationally representative people, aged 18 or older. Wakefield Research conducted all interviews between August 12th and August 29th, 2011, using random-digit telephone dialing. The study found that, while many people knew of the inherent security risks involved with using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, only a fraction of them took the necessary steps—turning off automatic sharing on mobile devices, using a VPN service to shield their data—to protect themselves from intruders.

While close to 85 percent of the respondents knew that they should turn off automatic sharing on their Wi-Fi devices, only 62 percent of them had actually done so. And while most respondents knew that Wi-Fi networks left data open to snoops and spies online, only 18 percent of Wi-Fi hotspot users employed a VPN account to protect themselves.

Even when users are not in public, many are lax about web security. 86 percent said they had locked their Wi-Fi with some kind of password. But only 59 percent of the respondents had created passwords that met the basic requirements for length and strength. Through over 11,000 product certifications, the Wi-Fi Alliance has been working to get users to change their passwords, as they know how easy it can be to break into an unprotected network.

The Wi-Fi alliance encourages folks interested in further securing their networks to visit www.wi-fi.org/security for more information, quizzes, setup directions, animations and studies to help users protect themselves and their internet activity.

Prepare For Midterms With VPN Services

From Cliff's Notes to study groups, college students have already begun preparing for midterm exams coming up this October. But before you get to the treats at Halloween, it might be wise to have a few midterm tricks up your sleeve that studying can't provide. This guide can show you how using a VPN service can increase your identity protection and your productivity through the difficult exam period.

Protect Your Projects: The modern university is a competitive place. After all, Facebook was famously created in a dorm room. If you are working on an A+ midterm presentation, chances are your classmates know something about it and are interested in having a peak at your work. And if you have worked on your college's unsecured wifi networks or studied from an off-campus hotspot, you may have given your competitors a front-row seat. With a VPN account, you can reroute all your personal web browsing data through an encrypted remote server and hide your IP address so your computer-savvy classmates can't get a behind-the-scenes look at your next great innovation.

Battle The Campus Firewall: Anyone who has ever tried to research a taboo subject like child pornography or serial killers knows that finding information can be tricky. That's because college campuses ardently protect themselves from lawsuits by ensuring that illegal material is never viewed or downloaded on their watch. The result is an over-restrictive firewall system that often blocks legitimate research sites that students need to complete classroom assignments. In order to study, research and reference certain websites on campus, students can use a VPN service. By rerouting all web search data, VPN users can circumvent university firewalls and search on campus unencumbered. It is cheaper than a mobile hotspot and more secure than any campus wifi network.

Make the more scholarly choice this midterm season by using a service that can make your studying and private browsing that much easier.

Protect Your Personal Info At Work

With hacking a prevalent problem at home and in the workplace, a recent study commissioned by IT firm Sailpoint set out to see just how dangerous the modern workplace is for personal data, private browsing and identity protection.

According to the survey, one in five Americans would ditch a company if it lost their data, and 10 percent would tell their friends and family to abandon that business. But even though people are worried about it happening to them, nearly the same number of Americans said they would steal data from their employer, given the chance. Even more outrageous, almost a quarter of British citizens surveyed said they would sell that info for profit! (Only 5 percent of Americans would – or at least admit it.)

These statistics underscore the need for security in the workplace. There are simple things workers can do to protect themselves.

Always Log Out: A workplace uses a lot of public terminals and company-owned computers. From an open Facebook account to an e-mail left up, co-workers can swipe critical information just by walking past your desk. Sales leads or sensitive financial info are just a glance away if you don't take the extra three seconds before lunch to log out.

Make Complex Passwords: If you cover your desk in Yankees gear or have a prized pup named Pepper, you don't want to use these obvious interests as passwords. Any curious co-worker could pop into your personal info. Use at least one number or symbol to throw off would-be intruders.

VPN Services: A VPN account, which transfers your computer transmissions to a remote server, is the safest way to use office wifi. Many offices have encrypted wifi. But if co-workers are already on the same network, they can see your information with the right mouse clicks. So ensure that you are truly browsing in private at work.

WiFi Security Tips Reports VPN Safest Surfing Tool

A report published by the LA Times this week makes a number of recommendations for how mobile tech users can protect against unwanted snooping. The most common entryway for any hacker, the report notes, is through public wifi at libraries, cafes and airports. But there are things you can do to protect yourself, from changing a few computer settings to running all your computer transmissions through a VPN service.

Secure Sockets Layer: This extra shield of security, design to encrypt sensitive data transmissions to keep others out, is too expensive for websites to have on all the time. But many of the top websites like Google, Facebook and Twitter allow you to turn these features on. For more info on how this is done, check out the article here.

Turn Off WiFi: Another setting change the report recommends is turning off your computer's wifi connection card before you leave the house. With wifi enabled, your computer will naturally search for open wifi connections along the way to the local café or library. These wifi networks may belong to homes or businesses without any type of security enabled, making your computer vulnerable to attack.

VPN Service: The most secure way to ensure private browsing is to log in using a VPN account, the report notes. Virtual Private Networks, or VPN's are remote servers that funnel all data that your computer transmits to the web to a server so it is guarded from hackers looking for info. Many of these services also hide your IP address so hackers can't tell where you are or what you are doing. The report notes that many companies allow access to a VPN, and some may require it. Interested workers should ask their IT department about protecting browsing in public spaces.

For more information, check out the full article at the link above.

Apple's FaceTime Encryption Raises Security Concerns For Video Chatters

When Apple introduced FaceTime—an iPhone-based video chat service—in June 2010, it wasn't long before people raised questions about security. After all, FaceTime only works over wifi and, while most wireless systems are properly encrypted, many are not. How would Apple ensure private browsing, VOIP calling and video chatting?

Apple has stated that a best practice for any WiFi use is to ensure that WiFi encryption is being used with the access point (preferably WPA2) – accordingly, if enabled, then FaceTime is secured using this encryption.. If your WiFi uses a different type of security—namely the much maligned WEP— or, as in the case with much of public WiFi, no security, your Facetime calls may be open to hacking or theft.

This issue was raised in two recent cases. Aldo Cortesi, a Kiwi security consultant famous for his work on the class-action lawsuit against gaming network OpenFeint earlier this year, released a report this week calling several of Apple's security protocols into question. His concerns stem from the way Apple devices access game and app servers. His report indicates that over 100 million users could be vulnerable to internet spies, and recommends some kind of identity protection.

Tech blog ZDNet also recently reported on a Health and Human Services update that requires all healthcare providers looking for government funds to be HIPAA compliant. In order to gain compliance, health care providers must update wifi security if they plan to use FaceTime. The HIPAA statute declares that, while WPA and WPA Personal may be acceptable depending on the circumstances, WEP security is not allowed.

These questions as to current security have caused some to seek alternate means around mobile device call security in general. Users can bypass these security concerns by imposing their own security measures. Commercially available methods, like VPN services, offer protection no matter what type of wifi security is being used. This offers a sigh of relief to business professionals and long-distance couples who would prefer to keep their video calls as private as possible.

Don't Get Spooked By Online Halloween Shopping

According to a report released by the National Retail Federation, not even the ghosts of recession's past can scare away Halloween's buying brilliance. After taking a dip in 2009, 2010 saw a return to full-fledged spooky spending, with shoppers plunking down $1.8 billion on candy, $1.6 billion on decorations and another $1.8 billion on costumes, both for their children and themselves. While Halloween is fast becoming a holiday favorite, online shopping for your favorite scary gags without identity protection could leave you in very real terror.

Busy online shopping days like Cyber Monday (the newly-minted web-based answer to America's busiest shopping day, Black Friday) attract online scammers, hackers and snoops looking to catch your credit card number or other online information over non-encrypted wi-fi networks. If you are buying candy, costumes or decorations on a non-protected network without the protection of a VPN account, you may be broadcasting your personal shopping info to every prying eye within a one-block radius.

Just like your favorite Halloween mask, VPN services hide your IP address and other pertinent details so you can browse in private. Behind this mask, all your web information is transmitted through a remote server so that it isn't open to the average person looking in, no matter what security is available on your network.

While most online shopping portals and e-commerce sites are encrypted for safe shopping, some can be easily manipulated. And with many scammers using phony e-mails to steal personal information, busy shoppers getting e-mails from Halloween retailers are at increased risk for identity theft and hacking. But with dummy e-mail addresses and other security measures, VPN customers are better protected, behind a scary mask of security.

Don't get spooked by online Halloween shopping this year. Just get a better mask and scare the snoopers right back.

Smart Steps to Ensure Identity Protection

Recent studies have revealed that an estimated 10 million people a year fall victim to identity theft in the United States alone. This number is staggering. Nearly 70% of victims of identity theft face difficulties with their credit reports as a result of the crime against them and have trouble re-establishing credit after years of hard work. The results of identity theft can linger on for quite some time, causing financial and emotional frustrations.

By taking informed steps towards protecting yourself from identity theft, you can be assured your sensitive information doesn’t fall into the hands of someone with malicious intentions. However, it’s an unfortunate fact that nearly 45% of victims knew the perpetrators. You can never be too sure where someone seeking to benefit at your cost might come from, that’s why it’s crucial that you are protected.

Private browsing has become a major topic over recent months. With some of the government’s major departments being hacked, it’s alarming to what lengths some individuals are willing to go for information. The same can be said for online hackers who seek to obtain private information from Wi-Fi users. If you are shopping or paying bills online, your private information can be accessed if you’re not browsing in private.

Keep your documents, such as passports and social security cards locked in a safe at home. Shred bills and other paper documents that might contain sensitive information before throwing it out. You never know who may be searching through your trash.

Don’t get hooked through phishing – Certain hacking organizations generate emails to look as if they’re from your bank or cell phone company. They ask for your social security number and other sensitive information, with which they can cause extensive damage with.

Identity theft can come from a number of angles, make sure that you are prepared to face an attack. Use a VPN service when using the Internet. Keep track of your personal documents. Keep watch over your identity.

VPN Service: The Perfect Back-To-School Tool

When shopping for back-to-school technology, most students think of a new laptop, an external hard drive or a tablet. But what about making sure your classmates are keeping their eyes on their own paper this fall? According to the Federal Bureau of Consumer Protection, students age 20-29 are most likely to be victims of identity theft, making identity protection a serious concern on college campuses.

Many students use VPN services to ensure their identity cannot be stolen online. By funneling all online information through a private, encrypted server, students can hide an IP address so cyber crooks never get an
accurate read on where you are, what you are doing or how much you are spending.

College students are perfect targets for identity thieves. They usually have a large amount of disposable income, furnished by mom and dad or student loans; they often spend large portions of the day online; and they are constantly passing personal info through school websites and campus Wi-Fi networks. In short, today's college campus makes private browsing nearly impossible, making students vulnerable to hacking, snooping and identity theft. But a VPN account allows students to browse anonymously from anywhere.

Your identity includes your name, address, phone number, email, social security number, mother’s maiden name, ATM pin, date of birth, and account numbers or usernames. Any combination of these can provide enough information for an identify thief to steal from you. By protecting these pieces of information, you can ensure that you will not become a victim.

The Bureau of Consumer Protection also recommends monitoring your credit score, shredding bills and offers that contain personal information, limiting credit card usage and leaving your social security cards at home. But for online activity, VPN services can protect your digital life as well.

Protecting Children Against Identity Theft In A Social Media World

You have taken strides to protect your children at school, at the supermarket and at the park. And by monitoring their Internet access, you have tried to protect them in cyberspace as well. But new reports show that, while identity protection software has never been more prevalent, identity theft is on the rise. And the thieves have a new target: children.

According to a new report from USA Today, the Federal Trade Commission has levied several large fines against companies targeting children. These companies track internet activity and distribute information, in violation of the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act, or COPPA. App maker W3 Innovations had to cough up $50,000 after they collected information on children and targeted products to kids younger than 13. Earlier this year the FTC wrested a record $3 million settlement from online game developer Playdom, now a division of Disney, for similar COPPA violations.

Child safety advocates have stressed the seriousness of these offenses, saying that childrens' new-found infatuation with online social networks and mobile devices have left them vulnerable to identity thieves and pedophiles.

Many households have attached further privacy measures on their home computers to protect these portals to their children. VPN services allow parents to filter all children's internet activities through an encrypted server so they can't be followed or tracked. Private information disappears every time your child logs off the computer, giving parents added peace of mind against this new breed of child predator.

VPN Services Find Censored Customers Abroad

While VPN services work wonders for businesses looking to protect proprietary information and college students working at coffeeshops, a VPN account protects more than just a few profit-loss statements or a class schedule. In some countries, it is the only shield you have against government scrutiny.

For years, oppressive governments in countries across the world have sought to control the flood of information to its citizens. But with the Internet's global reach, never has the want for informational freedom been greater. Recent demonstrations in Tunisia, Egypt, Lybia and Syria were convened using the Internet and social media. But with governments cracking down and seeking out activists online, the need to hide your IP address has never been greater. The web publication TheNextWeb.com reported that, in interviews with protestors, they claimed VPN's were a way of life now. One Bahraini activist, known on Twitter only as Abu Ahmed, said he takes many precautions like not tweeting until he is a safe distance from an event and obscuring faces in all photographs.

“It makes it harder to authorities to track small events and harder to identify me,” Ahmed said of his private browsing techniques. "Activists should also cover their online trail, use a program to hide your IP address and encrypt the data transferred."

In the September issue of the Atlantic, reporter James Fallows shows how the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt and Syria have put a scare into the Chinese government. A mildly oppressive government firewall called the Golden Shield has kept the flow of information out of China for years. But the government has turned a blind eye to businesses, students and other web warriors using proxy sites and VPN's.

Fear from these other nation uprisings has led to shake-ups in VPN usage, with customers still looking to circumvent the firewall and browse in private, but the government attempts to block these VPN channels. Now, VPN service providers are in private communications with customers, working to keep these channels running. The Atlantic believes the shake-up was simply a method to reassert power. But many VPN companies have vowed to keep improving services to nations like China, where private browsing is a luxury many are not afforded.

New Wi-Fi Threats Make VPN's Essential To Safe Surfing, Report Says

According to recent polls, over 83% of Americans own a cell phone or mobile device and, by 2015, are all expected to be connected to the Internet in one form or another. But with wireless companies scaling back smartphone plans—this month, both Sprint and AT&T announced data plans as low as $15 with drastically reduced wireless capabilities—the hunt for free Wi-Fi will gain millions of new hunters this year.

Sadly though, Wi-Fi security is still evolving, making identity protection and private browsing difficult.

A new report from Information Week magazine has shown a spotlight on some new dangers in the world of Wi-Fi that should draw concern from the mobile-connected community.
Snooping Software: Plugins and software platforms will continue to emerge, helping snoopers, spies and hackers glimpse private information. And as mobile networks have become more widespread, these platforms are even more lucrative for the opportunistic interloper. " It's trivially easy to snoop on unencrypted protocols and perform traffic analysis with Wireshark or a similar network protocol analyzer, or hijack browser sessions with a plug-in such as Firesheep," Information Week commentator Kurt Marko reported.

Man-In-The-Middle Attacks: VPN's can route your browser information through heavily encrypted channels to prevent attacks, thwarting Man-In-The-Middle hackers from rerouting all your browser information, lifting passwords and other sensitive information from public Wi-Fi networks. This is usually facilitated through wireless login Trojan pages, giving you no indication that you have been infiltrated.

While many tech-savvy individuals have taken to avoiding public networks to protect their information, this tactic may not work forever as mobile access becomes more central to our everyday communication. While many technology companies are now rolling out VPN plugins, 3rd party VPN services still hold the recommendation of tech professionals as they are constantly updated to protect against new and increasingly savvy snoopers.

Congress Pushes Forward Private Browsing Legislation

Last week, Congress once again called for increased sanctions for Internet retailers and web hosts that don't allow browsers a way to opt out of advertisers tracking their movements online. With private browsing under scrutiny and legislators calling members of Amazon, Google, Apple and other top companies before its mighty panels, it further illustrates the need for VPN services.
A virtual privacy network allows you to run your browser activity through a private server so it cannot be read by outside interlopers. This means that, regardless of what network you are on, which website you visit or who is trying to track your data, you are invisible. With services like dummy e-mail accounts, free proxy sites and services to hide your IP, you won't have to wait for a congressional panel to protect your information.
"I want ordinary consumers to know what is being done with their personal information, and I want to give them the power to do something about it," Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller, D-W. Va., said at a recent hearing.
But while congresspeople beat their chests about a solution to the tracking and spying by advertisers, technology experts are skeptical. After all, companies that operate online rely on tracking to lead consumers to their products. It is a huge money-maker for them.
"Right now we have a lawful system for tracking all of our movements online," says Christopher Calabrese, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "And not only is it legal. It's the business model."
The Federal Trade Commission proposal is for the industry to develop a button or a list that allows consumers to opt out of this type of over-the-shoulder advertising. But while some companies like Microsoft and Mozilla have instituted Do-Not-Track features, a more industry-wide solution for truly private browsing is not on the horizon. For now, you are better off contacting GoTrusted.com for your own VPN account today!

Private Browsing in Public Networks

Whether you are doing business or shopping online, private browsing has become increasingly important for Internet users. While you are browsing online, your browser will record data which can later be used to improve your browsing experience. For example, your browser will record a history of the web pages you have visited, then later if you need help remembering a site you visited a while back it can assist you in finding that site. Though it seems helpful for your browser to track this information, often times you may have private information that you wouldn't want accessible to others using your computer. Enabling the 'Privacy' mode on modern browsers for Private Browsing will ensure that your web browsing activities won't leave a trace on your own computer for an unwanted viewer to access your information – but this does not actually make the website that you browse private to others on the same network, on public Wi-Fi, for example, or even over your own home ISP connection. To achieve this, you require an additional layer of security, a VPN service (virtual private networking) that will encrypt all the data your computer sends and receives over the local network.


Today there are many coffee shops and restaurants offering their customers free Wi-Fi, such as Starbucks or Panera Bread. Business men, college students and locals frequent these locations for meetings or just to relax. To have the assurance of private browsing and the knowledge that your private business or personal information cannot be attained by other users of that same network, use a reputable VPN service, like GoTrusted. With GoTrusted you can privately browse on public networks.

A (VPN) or virtual private network is a private network inside a public network, like the Internet, that is secure because of encryption and security procedures. GoTrusted's VPN services protect your proprietary information on unsecured networks, allowing you to use Wi-Fi networks in confidentiality. GoTrusted is the leading provider in Internet security, private browsing for individuals, small businesses and enterprises. They offer VPN for Mac as well as Windows. Along with ensuring that you are privately browsing while using the VPN, you can also hide an IP. Hiding your IP address allows you to surf online anonymously, assuring your privacy is protected.

Take Our VPN Services To School

As summer begins its slow descent into fall, college students get ready to head back into the world of academia for yet another semester. But while pens and calculators may be on the school supply list for the college bookstore, few students will come to school with a dedicated VPN service in tow. But while VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, may be known only to Computer Science majors, they can be invaluable to students across modern college campuses. Here are just a few ways a VPN account can improve your on-campus browsing experience.

Circumvent The Campus Firewall: Picture this: it is the night before your midterm report is due. You try to access a website looking for some additional context for a closing paragraph when you receive a big, blinking stop sign. For whatever reason, campus firewalls can impede your online research. Pages become blocked and harm your ability to research unfettered. VPN services can allow all of your transmitted information to go through a private server, circumventing campus website blockers. So your laptop can still access campus wi-fi without fearing the firewall.

E-mail With Confidence: Any large institution with unsecured wi-fi and large numbers of people can easily become the target of e-mail scams. Hackers have created fake Facebook accounts, fake CNN pages and several other links passed around in e-mails that, if clicked on, allow hackers access to important data that can be used against you. VPN services allow you to hide your IP address, create a dummy e-mail account and increase your identity protection against e-mail scams that, sadly, have become commonplace on college campuses.

Protect Your Proprietary Information: If the story of Facebook has taught us anything, its that college campuses are hotbeds of innovation and invention. Your business school presentation or marketing concept could have real-world potential. The last thing you want to do is risk your Fortune 500 future on an unsecured, public wi-fi network. VPN services ensure that you are browsing in private, so you are not giving away your best ideas to everyone in the student union.

Hide an IP or Lose Your Personal Information

While using a WiFi hotspot at your local coffee shop, restaurant or even hotel, you might be broadcasting your personal information to other users. It's crucial knowing how to hide an IP while surfing the Internet, or knowing which company to trust to do so for you. Social networks, email passwords, web addresses and other personal information can be seen accessed clearly when using WiFi connections. Not only can this information be seen by users at that specific location, but by others up to a mile away. More and more Internet users are making sure that they are private browsing.
 
Using a VPN service has become essential for business persons and your average Joe. A VPN service (Virtual Private Networking) protects your computer or mobile device by preventing hackers from scanning your system from the local WiFi connection you're using. It will also encrypt your traffic heading to your Internet connection, so you can be certain your traffic isn't being logged or scanned. VPN services allow you private browsing, identity protection, and assurance that you IP is hidden.
 
Looking for a VPN service that is easy to use with an accessible VPN account doesn't have to be difficult. GoTrusted.com can help you hide an IP and assure private browsing so your personal information is kept safe. By allowing you to bypass filters that would prevent your personal and business applications from freely accessing the Internet, secure tunnels allow you to pass firewalls and provides you with a secure Internet connection. GoTrusted's services provide their users with an easy to use service, allowing private browsing, hiding your true IP location and secures your sensitive information.

Protecting Your Proprietary Info When You Are Swimming With Sharks

Thousands of tech start-ups will attend conferences this year. From the TED Talks in California to BarCamp events around the country, technology entrepreneurship conferences help new tech-based start-ups get access to the investors, innovators and like-minded souls needed to get a burgeoning company off the ground. But while conferences are home to some of the best technology minds on the planet, it is also home to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, making it impossible to browse in private.

Internet security may not matter much to the average tourist trying to check their Facebook status, but to entrepreneurs sharing proprietary information about the hottest new technology idea, private browsing can mean the difference between your success and the success of the entrepreneur down the hall.

Don't take that chance. With VPN services from GoTrusted, you can protect your proprietary information on unsecured networks, allowing you to use Wi-Fi across the conference floor, in the event halls and during keynote addresses and panel discussions, without risking your precious company info. It is like entering a shark tank in a cage. You can see them but they can't see you.

Imagine being able to transmit information, e-mail private files to potential investors and update your website all while hiding your IP address and not risking your information to the other entrepreneurs around you.

While technology conferences may find you the investment and interest you need to make it big, it could also find you in a world of trouble if your private information is infiltrated. Don't let the sharks take a bite out of your big idea.

Google Android Reaches 500k Daily Activations

Andy Rubin, director of mobile platforms at Google and overseer of the Android mobile device operating system, used on smartphones and tablets, had a lot of phone calls to make this week. That's because the open source Android operating system is now reporting 500,000 activations per day. This is up from 400,000 just two months ago.

The company is even in talks to create a new device in the Samsung Nexus family of smartphones. But with Android rapidly expanding into the tablet market and allowing more and more applications, even encouraging user modifications to the OS, are Android users still able to browse in private and hide an IP address on public networks?

Tech researchers at security software firm Trend Micro Inc. have called the system's security into question. In a statement to Bloomberg News in January, Trend Micro chairman Steve Chang stated that "Android is open-source, which means the hacker can also understand the underlying architecture and source code.” This knowledge, he said, could enable certain types of viruses that would be impossible to achieve on the iPhone.

The Apple App Store has very stringent restrictions that Google has argued reduces the potential for innovation and forces app creators to hand over most of their profits to Apple. Currently, Android leads Apple in the smartphone and tablet market by a wide margin.

As Android is an open platform, there are very few restrictions on the applications available. Google has said it does place some restrictions, trying to at once remain open to new innovation and protect its users.

“On all computing devices, users necessarily entrust at least some of their information to the developer of the application they’re using,” Mountain View, California-based Google said in an e-mailed statement. “Android has taken steps to inform users of this trust relationship and to limit the amount of trust a user must grant to any given application developer.”

The larger Android becomes, the more GoTrusted can help offer its users peace of mind. By using GoTrusted features like free proxy sites, VPN services and dummy e-mail addresses, you can browse the web at public locations and reduce the chances that your identity information can be hijacked by malicious applications or OS vulnerabilities.

Franken, Congress Pursue Smartphone Privacy Legislation

Ever since it was revealed in April that mobile device applications and OS makers can monitor and store smartphone user tracking and location data, possibly compromising private browsing from a mobile phone, consumers have been clamoring for more privacy. The technology giants claim their recording of the data is completely innocuous, but customers do like to be in the driver's seat when privacy is concerned. In response, Sens. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) unveiled a bill Wednesday that would require communication tech firms, along with app developers, to obtain consent before collecting or sharing consumers' location data.

The bill would require firms to get customers' expressed consent before collecting location data from their smartphones or mobile devices. Any firm that obtains location data from more than 5,000 mobile devices must take reasonable steps towards identity protection, deleting data if requested by the customer.

There are instances where mobile phone OS providers kept geo-location data, regardless if users hide an IP address. In certain cases, OS and app providers did not ask users if they wished to opt out of this info storage. Several firms have since sworn that no customer information has been shared without consent. The Franken bill would make this pledge mandatory.

“Geolocation technology gives us incredible benefits, but the same information that allows emergency responders to locate us when we're in trouble is not necessarily information all of us want to share with the rest of the world,” Franken said in a statement. “This legislation would give people the right to know what geolocation data is being collected about them and ensure they give their consent before it’s shared with others."

With smartphones constantly searching for public Wi-Fi connections you can utilize on the go, your personal information can be easily pick-pocketed. In this age of constant info connection, many smartphone users have eased privacy concerns by using a VPN service to browse in private. GoTrusted.com has features that can lock up your smartphone info so you can browse anywhere without fear. Be sure to read the privacy policies of all apps you download..

Identity Theft On The Rise As Tech Giants Struggle To Prevent Crime

Almost 10 million Americans learned they were victims of identity fraud in 2008, up from 8.1 million victims in 2007. As casual Internet use has become even more common, research and security professionals estimate that information crimes have continued to increase, despite increased protection from viruses and hackers. Why is this identity protection failing?

There are three basic types of identity thieves: online crooks, online spies and a new breed of political criminal called Hacktivists. The popularity of online shopping, social media and overall increased browsing has made online crime more attractive and led identity thieves to get creative. A technique called phishing—which earlier this month was used to obtain thousands of prominent e-mail addresses, passwords and other sensitive information from government officials and CEOs through GMail, Yahoo Mail and Hotmail—uses real-looking e-mails to fool readers into clicking a link or entering a password to an untrustworthy source.

Revealing personal information on Facebook is a prominent example of what can go wrong when users neglect identity protection. Oftentimes, phishers will send a fake message from a user you are friends with, asking you to click a link. When you do, you are taken to what you think is Facebook to log in but you are actually turning your username and password over to identity thieves. This can be used for simple spying or, since many people use the same passwords for everything, even financial gain. Phishers also create e-mail forms that look like they are coming from your bank, asking you for account information and other sensitive information.

During the WikiLeaks scandal, the imprisonment of founder Julian Asange angered his ardent supporters, who supported the transparency the WikiLeaks document dumps represented. In protest, sites who blocked donations to Asange's legal defense—Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Amazon—were the victims of thousands of hack attacks that crippled servers and caused a small financial panic. These 'Hackivists' used information obtained through identity theft to break into these servers.

To avoid being a victim of identity theft, there are several things you can do. Hiding your IP address is a good start. Using a proxy server, you can confuse identity thieves into thinking you are at one IP address when in fact, your IP address is hidden in a virtual private network, or VPN. VPN services allow you to browse undetected, protect yourself from phishing and even give you a dummy e-mail address you can use for online websites you don't trust.

The best way to stack the deck against getting your personal information taken is by using identity protection software when using the Internet. Visit GoTrusted.com today to learn more about our online protection services.

Anthony Weiner And The Myth Of Online Privacy

In the wake of Congressman Anthony Weiner's resignation, details continue to surface about the seven-time congressman's online dalliances. But beyond the obvious moral implications of online flirtation and implied sexual contact as a newly married man, Weiner violated another cardinal rule of 21st century America: he assumed he could keep his private life private.

When conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart began accusing Anthony Weiner of sending illicit pictures of himself to female friends via social media, Weiner went on the defensive, accusing conservative journalists of running a smear campaign. But this is the 21st century, where nothing ever dies. Weiner made active use of Twitter and Facebook, assuming a level of private browsing that is just not there. And he is not alone.

According to a study from Seton Hall University Psychology professor Joseph J. Tucciarone Jr., embarrassment as it relates to online interactions is drastically reduced when compared with actual, face-to-face interactions. The study, which examined Internet and social media use by college students, found users more willing to take social risks and even embarrass themselves online. For shy or socially awkward people, this freedom can be a blessing. But for some, there is not a lot of thought put into who is examining your information online. Hackers, identity thieves and even potential employers look to social media as a means of discovery. And with Facebook and Twitter now connected through search engines like Bing and Yahoo, people are finding more about you than you realize.

Without hiding your IP address or other private information, hackers and interested parties can and will invade your privacy. Being careful with what you post online is a good first step but it cannot protect you from accidentally sharing public information like your e-mail address or home phone number. Tools like VPN services, free proxy sites and phony e-mails are just a few of the features GoTrusted.com can provide to you or your business so you are not sharing your info with everyone on the local network.

How a VPN Service Boosts Internet Security

The International Monetary Fund is in the headlines again, and this time it has nothing to do with Dominique Strauss-Kahn being accused of sexual assault. This time the IMF is dealing with an entirely new threat: computer hackers. According to reports, this "large and sophisticated" cyber-attack targeted the organization a few months ago because of the nature of the information in their computer systems: highly confidential data regarding global economies and finances. This story is relevant because it puts a spotlight on the changes in Internet security vulnerabilities that exist online. Computer hackers may be getting bolder in their attacks, but one thing remains the same: individuals who use a VPN service are generally safer.

As more personal information winds up on the Web, more hackers come together to attack and steal that data. Credit card numbers appear to be the hot-ticket item, as the April attacks on Sony and the more recent assault on Citibank indicate. As technology continues to evolve, hackers need to adjust to these changes. Kevin Mitnick, a former hacker and current information security consultant, warns in a recent NPR story that "anything is vulnerable to attack given enough time and resources."

According to Mitnick, there is hope. There are things that every Internet user can do to protect their personal information. He recommends using using a VPN service like GoTrusted's. Not only will a VPN account make your Internet use completely secure, but it turns public WiFi connections private for maximum safety. Even though the service will not prevent corporate breaches, it helps users protect their own personal computers from the same attacks.

Hide Your IP: If You Don't, No One Else Will

If you hide your IP address, you can prevent unauthorized usage of your account, but should you have to? When the Firesheep plug-in was recently created, the plug-in's ease of use and feature-set made it a very good tool for vulnerability testing by security professionals. Unfortunately, it also enabled novice users of the Firefox web browser to become amateur hackers in just a few minutes.

Commonly, websites will encrypt the password information, but not the cookie that you receive when you enter it. Once a hacker has discovered your password and ID they can also access the rest of your information for that website, since the cookie is not encrypted. The Firesheep plug-in allows you to capture the ID and password of anyone locally when using websites that are playing loose with their security measures and design. The only way to be certain that you are protecting your information (especially in public hotspots) is to hide your IP and encrypt your data by using a VPN service. That places most of the security responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the public. It would be rather like walking into a bank, depositing money, and then having them tell you, "Ok. Now go stand outside and guard the door."

Just like any tool, computers and the software on them can be used for both good and nefarious purposes. The newest tools can quickly reveal vulnerabilities in supposedly secure online websites that process your personal information. The nature of online security is that all vulnerabilities can never be found with certainty, which means that it's always a 'best practice' to encrypt your information and hide your IP.

VPN Service for Cars? The Future of the Car Industry

There are many advances being made in the car industry. Computer systems in cars are becoming more and more common as technology continues its upward trend. Sometimes this technology leads to positive things like rear view sensors, but all new things come with risk. In the future, a VPN service may be necessary to keep cars with internet connections from hackers.

Many cars have computer systems in place now. With satellites, remotely controlled engines and door locks, cars are becoming more and more connected. This connection to outside systems has the potential to make your vehicle vulnerable, however. Every system has cracks, and increasingly hackers have been able to find those cracks in the internet and exploit them. If your car is connected, that means that hackers could have access to it. A VPN service may be necessary to keep your car's internet connection secure.

Imagine that a thief hacks your car. Without making any noise that would arouse suspicion, they could unlock your door, turn on your engine and drive the car away. If they stole your car at night, they could be selling the car for parts by the time you find out it's gone. Cars may not have been targeted yet, but it's only a matter of time before someone figures out that they could make a lot of money hacking cars and has the knowledge to do it. Investing in a VPN service might be a way for the car industry or individual car owners to avoid theft and sabotage.

Cloud Computing Makes Private Browsing Services Even More Necessary

In today's high-tech world, cloud technology allows you to access information almost anywhere. However, if you haven't heard of private browsing, then you may be vulnerable to hackers and identity thieves.

With cloud computing becoming more and more popular, people have access to a great deal of information from multiple devices, using applications as opposed to software. As the ease of using these tools increases, so do the instances of information theft. When you log onto the Internet from a public location like a hotel or a café, your information is broadcast and is easy to find for someone with the knowledge to find it. VPN (Virtual Private Networking) will hide your IP address and encrypt traffic to protect your information.

Private browsing services allow a user to access information anywhere without letting anyone within a one mile radius know all of their private information. These systems also allow a user to access the web safely using multiple devices. Think of all the places that you use your cell phone. Imagine doing work on your laptop at a business conference or accessing the Internet through your tablet and finding out the hard way that someone stole your passwords and email information and now has access to your bank account.

Cloud technology is incredibly portable and convenient, and the more people that are aware of what they are transmitting while using it, the easier it will be to stop hackers. A private browsing system is a simple and easy way to use public Internet stress free.

Prevent Personal Data Thefts with a VPN Account

From April 16-17, Sony experienced the largest online security attack to date - 100 million users' personal information was stolen and 23,400 people had their credit card information exposed. In an attempt to minimize the impact of this security breach and restore consumer confidence, Sony is offering a free ID theft protection program to U.S. residents who had an active PlayStation Network or Qriocity account as of April 20.

The Sony incident brings to light a primary concern for everyone in the digital age - identity theft issues are a global problem that people need to acknowledge and plan for accordingly. A VPN service could not have prevented the breach that occurred at Sony; however, at GoTrusted we believe Internet users should prevent their own systems from being hacked by signing up for a VPN account. This Internet security solution gives users an extra measure of protection from identity theft and stolen credit card information during a time when consumers need it the most.

How does a VPN service prevent hackers from stealing your personal information? First of all, it makes all Internet use completely private and secure. This means that when you are using a public Wi-Fi connection, the other people on that network cannot access the data on your computer or mobile device. Hackers - like those who attacked Sony - hunt for security vulnerabilities such as unprotected Internet connections, but a VPN account with GoTrusted uses encryption and a firewall for maximum privacy to keep cybercriminals at bay.

How to Take Consumer Privacy Concerns into Your Own Hands

Senator Al Franken, a Minnesota Democrat, explained in front of Congress and representatives from Apple and Google that "consumers have a fundamental right to know what data is being collected about them. They have the right to decide whether they want to share that information, and with whom they want to share it and when."

As a company dedicated to protecting consumers' online privacy through our VPN service, we wholeheartedly agree with Franken.

Yesterday's congressional hearing is the result of widespread concern about location data and its threat to consumer privacy. Although companies such as Apple and Google have no overtly nefarious reasons for collecting data, location information does bring up questions about how consumer privacy is protected. Claims that collecting data through Wi-Fi hotspots and nearby wireless towers actually benefits customers – for example, it helps them find nearby businesses – may be valid. But customers likely want to decide how their information is revealed, and when.

There are ways that consumers can take matters into their own hands. For example: Users can opt out of location share on their mobile devices. According to Alan Davidson, Google's Director of Public Policy, users can turn off the location share option if they don't want the location services their devices provide.  In general, you should also use a VPN service.  Users who have a VPN account can protect their right to privacy by turning public Wi-Fi connections into secure hotspots. Furthermore, GoTrusted also uses strong encryption and hides users' IP addresses to obscure their location for additional security and privacy.

Canadian Pirate Party Promises VPN Service

Leading up to the Canadian elections, there was widespread concern that the Conservative Party would impose strict changes in the country’s Internet privacy laws. In response, Canada’s Pirate Party announced they would set up a VPN service so residents could buy an account to use the Internet freely and anonymously. Virtual private networks are used by individuals worldwide who live in counties that monitor their communication and censor their Internet usage, and now that the election results are in it appears as though Canada will be added to that list.

The recent victory of Stephen Harper’s Conservatives in the Canadian general election means that many changes are in store for the country – socially, politically, and economically. It is hard to predict when the newly elected Conservatives will propose their Internet privacy laws, but one thing is certain: a VPN service will be waiting in the wings. Pirate Party leader, Mikkel Paulson, explains that this service will give Canadians the protection they need against the Conservative’s Internet policies which include censorship and monitoring.

The Pirate Party is so committed to this cause that they plan on protecting Internet users elsewhere in the world, too. They say they will donate a free VPN account for every one they sell in Canada. Canadian residents and the Private Party will be glued to the news on the Internet as the changes brought on by the Conservative Party begin to unfold – whether they do so through a VPN service or not is to be determined.

How a VPN Service Calms Privacy Concerns

According to the recent survey "Mobile Privacy: A User’s Perspective" by TRUSTe and Harris Interactive, smartphone owners’ main concern about mobile applications is privacy. In fact, only 36% of respondents said they feel in control of their personal information when they use their smartphones. Many of the people surveyed said they do their best to stay protected by creating strong passwords and reading privacy policies, but these security solutions are not as effective as using a VPN service.

The Problem
Because smartphones are more sophisticated than ever, they are replacing the need for desktop and laptop computers. This means that consumers now carry around their personal data in their pockets. Smartphone users are aware these devices are a main source of sensitive information, which is why these privacy concerns exist. For some people, using a public WiFi connection or sharing information via apps is becoming more scary than convenient. Mobile privacy issues receive media attention, too, which fuels the public’s concerns about security.

The Solution
Smartphone users who want to feel more in control of their personal information should use a VPN service. GoTrusted secures applications with one click, making all Internet use completely private and secure. Not only does this service use strong encryption to encode personal information, but it turns public WiFi connections into secure hotspots. With GoTrusted, smartphone users know their privacy is always protected no matter where they connect. Ultimately, a VPN service is peace of mind the TRUSTe survey respondents need to calm their privacy concerns.

The Government and Internet Privacy: Is Canada the next China?

Canada was recently called into an election, which means any pending bills are dead on paper. The winning party can decide to reintroduce legislation from parliament’s last session – or not. One such piece of legislation is a bill which grants Canada’s federal police force permission to demand a person’s Internet activity – including emails and instant messages – without a court order. If this bill is passed, Canadians will face unprecedented privacy concerns. The short-term solution? A VPN service for your computer and/or mobile device.

As technology evolves and the Internet continues to change the way we communicate, governments all over the world are faced with the difficult task of regulating online activity without overstepping the boundaries of their constitutions. When it comes to digital issues, governments need to find a balance between protecting citizens and preserving their rights to privacy.

One of the concerns of this bill is the potential for abuse. If the federal police force can access an individual’s Internet activity without a court order then who is preventing this law from being abused? Without some form of oversight, Canadians will have to live in fear that their privacy could be violated at any given time. So, if the constitution isn’t enough to uphold their privacy, Canadian citizens will have to look elsewhere.

A VPN service makes all Internet use completely private and secure. Canadians who value privacy should consider using this Internet security solution if they aren’t already. Only time will tell who wins the election and whether or not this legislation will be supported by the winning party. No matter where you live in the world: instead of waiting for the government to determine Internet privacy laws, be proactive with a VPN service for your private browsing needs.

New Study Shows Majority of Men Want Private Browsing

According to a recent online poll in the U.K., more men welcome private browsing than women. More than half of the men polled said they have enabled a private browsing feature so their partner could not see their browsing history. The results of this poll might have British women asking what their husbands are hiding, but it has us asking "why are only 52% of men enabling private browsing"? Everyone should use a VPN service on their computers for privacy and security purposes.

Of the men and women who responded to the poll, 62% of them said the reason they like private browsing is because this feature makes them feel safer when purchasing things online. It’s true – if you make online payments or use your credit card to shop online without a VPN service then you are vulnerable to hackers who can easily steal your information. These software packages are especially important for people who connect to public WiFi on their computers or mobile devices.

Another reason why poll respondents said they like private browsing is because they can shop online without their families knowing what they bought. Online shopping is a modern convenience that many people take advantage of, especially during the holidays. However, the element of surprise can be easily spoiled if family members simply check the browsing history to see which websites were recently visited on that computer. The use of the private browsing feature of a web browser helps protect against this, but the addition of a VPN service ensures that the purchase is truly anonymous.

eHow Recommends GoTrusted’s VPN Service

Administrators on college campuses all over the country use proxy firewalls to censor which websites students can visit while they are connected to the school’s network. The problem with this is that students end up being restricted from some useful resources on the Internet, which contradicts the philosophy that universities are places to share ideas, promote independence, and prepare students to enter the workforce. According to eHow.com, GoTrusted’s VPN service is one way that students can bypass proxy walls so their Internet use is not monitored or restricted.

The eHow article gives three suggestions for bypassing proxy firewalls, including downloading and installing a free VPN service. It is important for you to understand why these programs are “free,” and how they could end up costing you in the long run. In reality, the company wants to use you to sell advertisements, make a commission from tracking your online buying habits, or steal your personal information by installing malware on your computer. As you can see, choosing a free VPN service is a risky decision to say the least.

On the other hand, there is no question where a VPN service generates its profit if they charge a low monthly fee. This allows the company to focus on providing a reliable service as opposed to co-opting users’ personal information in order to make money. In short, a small monthly investment in a dependable VPN service is the best way for students to protect their personal identities and use the Internet freely throughout their college careers and well into their future. 

Is Your Browser’s "Private Browsing" Really Private?

Modern web browsers include "private browsing" features that allow you to erase your URL history with the click of a button. However, you need to know that using this feature does not create total anonymity while you perform online searches. Many of the sites you visit capture your personal information through your computer’s IP address, which means that your browsing isn’t very "private" at all.


In order to grasp the scope of this security and privacy issue, it is important to understand how much of your personal information websites can access simply by tracking your IP address. The way that it works is this – in order for computers to communicate with each other, they need to know where the computer on the other end is located so they know where to send the reply. Your IP address serves as a locator in order for successful communication. This means that based on your IP address, it is possible to track your general geographical location. Scary, right?


A VPN service makes all Internet use completely private and secure because it hides your IP address. This type of program blocks online activity from being linked to an IP address for the ultimate private browsing experience. Always remember that the private browsing features on web browsers only erase information from the computer you are using, they do not make your browsing private to the websites that you're actually browsing - nor your ISP which sees these websites being browsed as well.


You probably don’t want your personal information freely available to any website you visit, so it is important to use a VPN service in addition to your browser’s private browsing feature. Protecting your privacy is a crucial part of surfing the Web anonymously and ultimately with a sense of peace of mind.

The Cost of Using a Free VPN Service

If you are looking for a VPN service, you will find that there are many different options available online. Like most people, you might be tempted to go with a "free" VPN software program. However, it is probably best to listen to that voice in the back of your head reminding you that "nothing in life is free." What is the cost of using one of these programs? Here are a few common complaints from people who have made this mistake.


Free VPN services support themselves by running advertisements within the web pages that are being viewed. In some cases, these ads appear in a banner across the top of the browser 24/7. The goal of this adware is to generate revenue to make up for the fact that there is no monthly subscription. For many people, these advertisements are extremely annoying and in some cases offensive. Sometimes adware contains viruses, which is one of the risks of installing a free VPN service.


The connection speed of many of these free services is slow because they are used by so many people. Unless you do the majority of your searching late at night then this can be a nuisance. Many of us turn to the Internet for fast, up-to-the-minute news and information, and a slow connection speed defeats this purpose and wastes people’s valuable time.


The concept of a free VPN account is great, but that does not mean they are practical. Many of them impose restrictions on users that are inconvenient and sometimes dangerous. As it turns out, the true cost of these programs is your valuable time and peace of mind. When it comes to free private browsing services, you need to ask yourself if the price of these problems is really worth it.


A more practical private browsing solution is a paid service. There are reliable VPN service options at competitive prices that will allow you to search quickly and without interruptions. In a world where "time is money," this choice is less costly than a free VPN connection.

VPN Service Unblocks Social Networking Sites

Internet censorship is a hot topic in many countries all over the world. The evolution of the Internet and new technologies are helping people connect and share information in unprecedented ways. Now, more people have access to the Internet than ever before, and this upsets governments that want to regulate what their citizens read and write. One of the benefits of a VPN service is that it has the ability to unblock websites that are geographically restricted.

Social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn bring people together. As they continue to gain popularity, they seem to shrink the world. These sites help people find old friends and family members, grow their businesses, and connect people with similar interests including social, political, and economic ideas. Some countries view the power of the Internet as a threat, and they have taken action by limiting access to certain websites or even blocking them altogether. For example, Google recently accused China of blocking Gmail accounts in an attempt to thwart the communication of human rights activists.

The use of a VPN service for private browsing gives people in countries with strict censorship the ability to use the Internet freely. This hotly contested debate about the freedom of speech versus protecting privacy rights will not end anytime soon. In fact, it will probably get more heated as social networking sites continue to grow. A reliable VPN service unblocks Internet that is geographically restricted, allowing users to surf the Web anonymously and with total freedom.

GoTrusted Releases New Software for PC and Mac

We have a new software version available for both PC (v2303) and Mac (v2214).  Just click on 'Existing Users' on the top of our website to try it (exit/quit the current version first).

There's now an easy to use region drop-down in the Settings window to access servers in various locals.  Fixes for connection issues with certain regions have been implemented.  Also, a disconnect issue with lower quality ISPs has been addressed.

As always, if you have any issues, GoTrusted's support page is there for questions.

VPN Service for Smartphones

When smartphones were first introduced, consumers loved the idea of being able to connect to the Internet from anywhere. These advanced cellular devices are like handheld computers that allow users to check their email, surf the web, and perform other functions that were only possible through a personal computer. It is important for users to protect the information they store and transmit on their smartphones with a VPN service the same way they do on their PCs.

Because so many of us use smartphones for our personal and professional lives, it is important to learn the dangers of connecting to the Internet in public places. When people use local networks – whether in a coffee shop, an airport, or any other place with an unsecured network – they are at risk for identity theft by hackers up to a mile around them. Banking information, emails, social networking information, and passwords are all being broadcast through these Internet connections unless users protect themselves with a VPN service. Smarphones have now reached the level of mini laptop computers, holding and transmitting all sorts of identity and sensitive information, and they should be protected as you would a laptop. Out of the need for convenience, your smartphone can sometimes automatically use the nearest public WiFi link for 'higher speed' if it has a similar name to a previously connected hotspot, but this almost guarantees sensitive information leakage... is anyone listening?

Smartphones are incredibly convenient, except when they are the cause of identity theft. Victims have to change their banking and credit card information, worry about what information has been hijacked, and spend countless hours recovering any financial losses as a result of the fraud. The only way to use one of these cellular devices in confidence and with peace of mind is by using a reliable VPN service. They hide your IP to make sure that all sensitive information is kept private no matter where or when you are accessing the Internet.

Is it Safe to Use Your Credit Card without a VPN Service?

How many purchases, subscriptions and other types of payments do you make online these days? Do you frequently use your computer or mobile device to surf the Web and make online purchases? With the advent of public WiFi, you may do so at your local coffee shop, airport, library, hotel, etc. Did you know that you are leaving yourself susceptible to hackers intercepting your credit card information? Hackers will monitor these types public WiFi connections you are using and can easily capture your information. Scary has easy it can be for them, but with a VPN service.

A Virtual Private Network protects your computer and mobile device from other users who use public WiFi connections to attack and scan your information. In addition, a VPN service encrypts your traffic destined for the Internet, so you can rest assured your traffic isn't being scanned by anyone within the mile radius you are broadcasting to. You can begin safely surfing the Internet and using your credit card securely within minutes of signing up for a VPN service.

The service is easy to use and easy to understand. After you're connected to the service, a status will indicate that your computer or mobile device traffic is being encrypted as it leaves your system. Once that traffic reaches our safe 'launching point' to the Internet backbone at our secure site, the information is decrypted and sent on its way. The system works with virtually all applications and is done without interrupting your session or work at hand.

For about the cost of the gourmet latte at your favorite coffee shop, you can use your credit card on your computer or mobile device without anxiety... for a whole month. Isn't it worth it?

A VPN Service is a Must for Business Travelers

Are you a business traveler? If you are like most, then you are likely hoping on every Wi-Fi connection you can find between stops to stay in touch. What many do not realize is that they are putting their personal and company data at risk while they are at it.

Wi-Fi hotspots are really convenient and often leveraged by business travelers who seek to get work done on the road or while en route. Unfortunately, the hotspots are not entirely secure. When using paid or free hotspots, you are susceptible to hackers who are privy to private information such as your email address, IM messages, Web searches, and other data sent or received using the wireless network. Some of the cleaver hackers will even create imposter WiFi hotspot's network; you think you are logging onto the airport or hotel's Wi-Fi but you are really sending information to a hacker's computer.

In effort to be productive, leaking company data could be the most unproductive thing to happen to your business if it falls into the wrong hands. Fortunately, by simply using a VPN service you can work seamlessly without any risks. A VPN service enables you to securely use Wi-Fi hotspots in airports, cafes, hotels, etc. Even if you fall prey to a hacker's wily ways, they would receive encrypted and undecipherable code rather than your private information.

The VPN service is easy to use and easy to understand. After you're connected to our service, you will receive an alert that your traffic is encrypted as it leaves your system. Your traffic reaches the 'safe point' on our secured site, and then is decrypted and sent to its destination. This is all performed without a nuisance or disturbance in your work; and, works well with most any mobile and computer applications.

Private Browsing for the cost of that Latte

What could be better with your mocha chino, or other favorite coffee beverage, than free Wi-Fi? Just about any coffee house you enter these days offers open access for you to enjoy with your laptop or mobile device. However, you, in turn, may be offering all of your activity and personal data to the whole neighborhood.

Just as technology has made it easy for the masses to use computers and get online, it has become quite easy for people with little technical skill to use hacker tools to intercept your information. The signal you are using in the café is not only accessible to others in the building, but is broadcast to up to a 1 mile radius.

No wonder identity theft is at an all-time high huh? The good news is, you can easily secure yourself with our VPN Service and it will only cost you about as much as your favorite gourmet coffee drink for the month. You can even start with a 7 day free trial.

Enjoy that latte and secure private browsing with a GoTrusted VPN account!

Why Use Private Browsing?

Everyone has heard horror stories of online identity theft. People who access their banking and other personal information through their computers and mobile devices are easy targets for hackers. In the event that you are a victim of this type of crime, there are a few steps to follow as soon as you suspect that your private information is stolen:

• Notify a major consumer reporting company. This will prevent your credit score from taking a major hit as a result of the fraudulent credit card use. It takes a long time to recover from a poor credit rating, so it is important to put an alert on your credit report as soon as possible.
• Put a "hold" on any accounts that have been affected. You can eventually close these credit card and checking accounts.
• File a police report. This is very important for getting any money back or information changed that was stolen online.
• Invest in an Internet security service. This keeps all of your information from being logged or scanned from the local network that you're using. Sensitive materials will not be exposed because the browsing will be private.

There is one sure 'best practice' to stay protected from this – by using a trusted Internet security service. A VPN service will provide you from more than just the ability to hide your IP. It will bring users peace of mind, and people who go online for any aspect of their personal or professional lives can rest assured that their private information will stay private from hackers and snoopers where you connect. In a world where the Internet is an ever-growing part of our everyday life, it is essential to safeguard yourself from the dangers of Internet hackers with private browsing.

Safer Internet Day 2011

This past week was the celebration of Safer Internet Day, now recognized in 65 countries. There were over 500 events organized this year to help people to recognize the risks that exist online for them, their families and how to be safe.

With kids getting online at younger and younger ages and having easier access with mobile devices, this type of education is crucial for parents. There are obviously many aspects of being safe online, from your passwords to avoiding cyber-bullying. Much of the focus tends to be on what your kids may be watching online, however another thing we need to keep in mind is who is watching them. Using public WiFi, all of your kids online activity, such as Facebook posts and who their friends are, is out in the open to be seen. Much can be discerned from the IP address your child is using, including where they go to school and live.

The headlines we see every day often report about predators going after children. People with these intentions will use any means necessary to target their victims and a child’s Internet activity could make it easier for them.

You can rest assured this risk will be eliminated if your child is connecting with a GoTrusted VPN Account. Our simple to use service will block their IP and encrypt any information they are posting.

China: Facebook's undiscovered country

There's a good article on accessing Facebook when it's blocked in China from CNN.  We're mentioned as one of the options, in addition to a web proxy service.  There are important differences between a VPN service like GoTrusted and a simple web proxy...

- Web proxies will be slower

- They may not fully support all web content - some web pages may not load or work properly. This isn't an issue with a full VPN like GoTrusted.

- Simple web proxies do not proxy other applications, just your web browser.  GoTrusted will encrypt/proxy all applications automatically like Email, Instant Messaging, Video... pretty much anything that uses the Internet on your computer.

- Simple web proxies will not encrypt your data as a full VPN can - so what you browsing is still in the clear for your ISP or other users 'tapping' in to your connection.


China: Facebook's undiscovered country
http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/01/17/how-facebook-can-conquer-china/