How to have secure, unrestricted internet access abroad

Having spent time in China, I can tell you that being unprepared for intermittent internet access was rather frustrating. Although China is undoubtedly among the world’s most censored countries when it comes to internet access, there are a number of others where it is complicated also. Apart from restricted internet access, online security is a huge issue. If like me, you require reliable secure internet access, without restrictions, then prepare yourself by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as the aptly-named HideMyAss!. This is a life-saver if you are one of the many people who need secure internet when travelling.

Secure internet access when travelling

When you travel and use the internet, without a VPN, you are frequently taking a security risk with your data.  Internet access in hotels, airports, restaurants and other pubic places often means that you’re using semi-public or pubic WiFi. The reality of this is that anyone else on that network, which is often hundreds to thousands of people, could grab your data. Credit card numbers, usernames, passwords and any other identifying information can be grabbed on these networks if the websites you are visiting are not properly secured. These days with so many scams, this is not a risk you want to take.

A virtual private network (VPN) adds a layer of protection against this, with only one click. It’s extremely inexpensive and easy to use. It’s such a super solution to internet access when abroad.

It’s like having your own PO box on the internet

Basically using a VPN is like you have your own PO box online. It’s an address that makes it tougher to trace it back to you. So what happens when you logon to the virtual private network is that you get a real IP address, but it is owned by the provider of the service – instead of being where you are, on your machine, you appear to be where the server is, using their machine. Your data is secured to help prevent hackers and snoopers from intercepting your activity or tracing your online activity to your real IP address.

Governments, banks, law firms and a number of other businesses use this important privacy tool to protect important confidential data. Your data is of just as much importance to you, so having your own private PO box online, is a wonderful way to have peace of mind.

Choose your geo-location

Not only does a virtual private network (VPN) protect your data, but it also means that you can choose your geo-location. So if you are travelling somewhere that has internet restrictions, you only have to choose another location to overcome this.

Even in a non-restricted country, you can surf your favourite English websites, visiting them just as if you were back home, which I frequently do when abroad. I can stream my favourite programmes seamlessly. I just love this aspect of using a VPN – I don’t need to feel like I’m out of touch with issues and programmes that really matter to me when I travel.

HideMyAss! currently have 940+ VPN servers, across 190+ countries, situated in 350+ locations, with a grand total of 120000+ IP addresses.

Use on any device

HideMyAss! works on any device, including games consoles and internet-enabled TVs. They even allow you to use it on two devices at the same time. So no matter where you are and what device it suits you to use, they’ve got you covered.

Feel secure abroad

Apart from the convenience of being able to access internet regardless of where you are, just as if you were at home, the peace of mind that HideMyAss! gives is second to none. If you’ve ever been unlucky enough to lose your passport while on holiday, imagine trying to untangle yourself from a hack in a foreign land. With HideMyAss! you don’t need to worry about this ever again.

Pricing

Prices start from £3.99 per month if you sign up for a full year. If you don’t think you’ll need it for the entire year, you can get six months for just £4.99 a month. Alternatively, if you’re just going on one or two trips over a month, at a cost of £6.99 you can cover yourself for those 30 days. HideMyAss! also offers you the chance to test drive their VPN system for 7-days for free.

And with a new, easy-to-use version of the service recently launched, whether you are a regular business traveller, an adventurous travel blogger, someone who travels when they can on holiday, or you travel as part of enjoying your retirement, everyone can feel more secure with HideMyAss! It’s definitely a no-brainer!

Images: Shutterstock

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by HideMyAss!.