Leading cyber security software provider, F-Secure, has announced a new feature for its virtual private network (VPN) software, FREEDOME, to tie in with ‘Freedom Day’ in the UK on 19th July — the significant or complete lifting of Coronavirus restrictions.
With the UK set to enjoy unrestricted life again, many won’t have safe internet access on their minds. But with many establishments now relying on phones for services such as ordering and payment, it’s crucial, now more than ever, that people ensure they’re safely using their devices to avoid becoming a victim of cyber crime.
FREEDOME’s new feature, which is available for iPhone and Android devices, automatically detects when a user’s device connects to a public WiFi network and launches the VPN to ensure an anonymous and safe browsing experience.
Public WiFi networks are now widely available and although undoubtedly convenient, can present serious security and privacy risks. A password-protected public network may appear secure however devices are actually at their most vulnerable when connected to one. Because data sent through public WiFi can be easily intercepted, Cyber criminals often target these hot spots to steal confidential information from unsuspecting users, such as passwords or credit card details, leaving them susceptible to identity theft and fraud.
VPNs such as FREEDOME use encryption to scramble user data and make it unreadable when it’s sent over a public network. Without a VPN, a user’s entire browsing history is not encrypted, including websites visited and passwords entered, leaving them vulnerable to having their personal information compromised.
“As restrictions are lifted in the UK, more people will be connecting to public networks. Whether they’re working from a coffee shop, killing time in an airport or ordering food via an app or website,” says Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure, “the last thing people want to worry about when they get their freedom back is cyber security, which is why we created this new feature. Our users can enjoy their newfound freedom with peace of mind that their data is protected.”
FREEDOME VPN gives people a hassle-free way to encrypt their communications over public Wi-Fi, change their virtual location to access location-based online services, and block malicious websites and online tracking attempts. Users can whitelist trusted networks, such as their home WiFi, to prevent FREEDOME from launching unnecessarily.
F-Secure is located in Finland, outside of the ‘14 Eyes’ intelligence community, which means F-Secure isn’t legally obligated to share user data with those countries’ authorities — offering better privacy than other VPN providers located in the US or UK, for example.
A number of FREEDOME packages are available; prices start from just £2.08/month to protect three devices for a year. Check F-Secure.com for further information.