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.