Secure iPhone Browsing
If you’re a security nut, browsing at a public hotspot can be like showering in a public bathroom. You might have no other option, depending on your circumstances, but you’re bound to feel a little creeped out and you’d probably rather have some flip flops on. Think of Hotspot Shield as flip-flops for your computer. And now for your iPhone, too.
AnchorFree’s Hotspot Shield for computers installs a client on your desktop or notebook that sets up a virtual private network, helping to ensure that you stay anonymous and secure while browsing. Hotspot Shield for iPhone employs the same concept, minus the client, allowing you to browse securely from your mobile device.
I’ve used Hotspot Shield with my MacBook before, and found little cause for complaint. There are some hiccups when streaming large media, and an ad is displayed at the top of your window, though Hotspot Shield itself is free.
Hotspot Shield for iPhone is also a free service, although it does require registering an account with AnchorFree. Registering is incredibly painless, however, you just click a button and receive your account name and password.
You also have to change your VPN settings on the iPhone. Make sure your Wi-Fi is off, and go to Settings > General > Network > VPN, and then click Add VPN Configuration. At this screen, you’ll have to enter the following information:
- Select the L2TP tab/pane (selected by default)
- Description: HotspotShield
- Server: 64.55.144.10
- Account: <your account name>
- RSA SecurID: OFF
- Password: <your password>
- Secret: password
- Send all traffic: ON
Save settings and turn Wi-Fi back on. According to AnchorFree, you may have to power cycle your device to get the settings to take effect if you experience connection errors.
Once set up, you will be shielded from prying eyes by a VPN connection between your device and the 3G or wireless network to which you are connected. AnchorFree claims that you are 100% secure behind Hotspot Shield, ensuring that no hackers can gain access to your emails, credit card or banking information, sensitive documents, or whatever else you may have stored on your device.
Hotspot Shield is clearly aimed at business users, but anyone who doesn’t relish the thought of strangers coveting their personal information will enjoy the peace of mind it brings.
Tweet This (1)
Andy on November 29th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Having problems setting this up. Cool app and have used it for a while on my Macbook Pro so would like to use it on my iphone too :-(
Keith on November 29th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Can’t get it to work even after powering down and powering back up. I guess I will have to go with a paid VPN service…argh!
VictorE on December 2nd, 2008 at 4:37 pm
i followed the instructions, but each time i try to connect i get this error message:
The IPSec Shared Secret is missing. Please verify your settings and try again.
i went back to the config and sure enough, the “secret” field is missing. anyone else have this problem?
Rohit mehra on December 2nd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Just can’t connect the error returned is “the server is not responding try another server ” as no other server is listed I just cannot connect evin after multiple reboots.
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Rohit mehra on December 2nd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
As for the ipsec secret missing error turn wifi off then del the current vnp settings and create new settings again save them and then restart wifi and try to connect should work
VictorE on December 2nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
rohit, thanks for your suggestion, however, after following your instructions, i am still getting the same error message. i did notice that after i created the vpn settings and went back into it, the “secret” field was blank.
i am having someone else try to create a vpn connection on her iphone and will update everyone with her results.
Stack on December 2nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
It’s not working. I tried to make it works at least six times, faithfully followin the instructions and NOTHING happens. The server is not responding. DO NOT LOSE YOUR TIME.
Ugo on December 5th, 2008 at 7:58 am
It worked for me after restarting the iPhone.
SoahmZ on January 2nd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Under secret, do we literally spell out ‘password’ or do we put our password in it?
tritonesub on April 19th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
same here, i followed instructions but it is NOT working.
Andrew on April 26th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
I agree – useless. It works ok on the desktop/laptop not on iPod touch 2d gen or iphone. I always get “the connection has failed. Please verify your settings and try again.” even after powering off and on my device and after following religiously their guidelines.
David on April 27th, 2009 at 8:25 am
Well i am trying it atm but…. so far nothing just says: The connection has failed. Please Verify your settings and try again.
So any idea what to do? rebooted like 5 times atm
Bob on April 28th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
This is also not workin for me. It initially worked but i now get connection failed.
Ross -
Michael on June 17th, 2009 at 11:53 am
The service is far from stable. Yesterday was a ‘no connection day’ however, this morning it connected on the first try, then off, later afternoon back on, etc.
the other issue is that it isnt effective at all on such sites as TV.COM (for the iphone). I still got the ‘your are not in the US message’
cybermacdonald on July 25th, 2009 at 11:04 am
i ‘ve also got the same problem from my iphone liked others ….what should i do ??? i’m here Shanghai !!!
พระเครื่อง on November 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
It’s very useful for me. Thank you.
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