Most people don’t think twice about using security software on their desktop computers. Whether it’s installing anti-virus or turning on a firewall, we take steps to protect our most precious files.
The question is why we don’t do the same on our mobile devices, especially now that there are fresh reports of hackers finding ways to take advantage of people on public Wi-Fi networks. That means that when you’re trying to do some online shopping while drinking your afternoon coffee, you might be exposing your data to the guy at the table next to you.
Our phones just as much security scrutiny as a our desktops. After all, we use phones for emailing, collaborating, and even banking. But when dealing with threats like the one mentioned above, few people know how to even begin protecting their device.
One of the quickest solutions is to use a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. A VPN encrypts the data you transmit by passing it through a separate server. This protects your data not only from Wi-Fi hackers, but also from the prying eyes of the ISP of any network you connect your phone to.
We’ve tried a number of VPNs, some paid and some free. Overall, we’re most impressed with is ExpressVPN. It includes support for phones running Windows 10 and Windows 8, desktops, and other devices you might have. Best of all, you can connect multiple devices at the same time on one subscription.
One of the other handy things about ExpressVPN it provides server locations in over 80 countries. If you connect to one of their foreign servers, you’ll suddenly have a foreign IP address, allowing you to access content that might be blocked in your current location.
However, the biggest argument for ExpressVPN–especially when compared with the competition–is its service. They provide 24/7 live chat support, meaning any time you have issues connecting, an actual person can help solve your problems.
It’s not a hard sell. Knowing what we know about mobile hacking, having a VPN switched on gives immense peace of mind. And given how easy it is to use, it’s likely that VPNs will become as commonplace as cell phone covers or screen guards. You might as well ride the wave with ExpressVPN.