Norton has released Norton Hotspot Privacy, a new service that helps protect consumers using public Wi-Fi connections. Available in the U.S. and U.K. for Mac and PC, Norton Hotspot Privacy automatically creates a private connection – or virtual private network – and allows you to control what you share online, no matter where you connect to the Internet.
The convenience of using free or unsecured wifi comes with risks of exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals. Norton Hotspot Privacy is designed to enable users to become ‘invisible’ on the network and also encrypts their username, password and other confidential information they may be entering online. Consumers can sign into the Norton Hotspot Privacy Web portal, download the client and the VPN will automatically configure to create a private connection.
Hijacking or “sniffing” Wi-Fi is easier than ever. Using free, legal apps or hardware costing less than $100, hackers can gain access to online banking, email and social networking information transmitted via even password-protected Wi-Fi networks.
“Increasingly, public Wi-Fi is a part of everyday life, providing people with a convenient way to connect on the go,” said Dave Cole, vice president, product management, Consumer Business Unit, Symantec Corporation. “With Norton Hotspot Privacy, consumers are able to take advantage of the convenience of public Wi-Fi, with the confidence of knowing their information is secure and their online activities remain private.”
Norton Hotspot Privacy aims to empower people to confidently connect to public Wi-Fi networks while keeping their personal information secure by:
- Creating a secure, private connection that cannot be seen by eavesdropping software
- Making the user “invisible” on public networks, so no one can track or monitor their online activities
- Protecting the user’s entire Wi-Fi session when surfing the Web
- Encrypting the user’s connection, so usernames, passwords, credit card numbers and other confidential information remain safe
- Providing the user with unlimited bandwidth on up to five devices
In addition to Norton Hotspot Privacy, the Norton product portfolio includes Norton Internet Security and Norton 360.
