Do you really need a VPN for your smartphone?
<p>Virtual private networks (known in geek speak as VPNs) were first used to provide a secure connection for remote workers to corporate networks.</p>
<p>Now they're often used to access geo-blocked streaming services such as the US version of Netflix. A VPN provides an encrypted conduit to allow users to securely send/receive data.</p>
<p>Recently, they've being marketed toward smartphone users, with the main aim to protect people when using public wi-fi rather than geo-blocking.</p>
<p>But do you really need one? Well, that depends on how much you value your privacy and access to free internet.</p>
<p>Most public wi-fi networks are not encrypted which means others on the same network can eavesdrop on your web browsing.</p>
<p>Using the Wireshark utility at a hotel I recently stayed at, I was able to view the online activities of fellow guests also connected to the hotel's wi-fi.</p>
<p>Symantec has just released its VPN app, called Norton WiFi Privacy, which is available for both iOS and Android. It costs $49.95 a year.</p>
<p>According to Symantec's Australasian territory manager, Mark Gorrie, the app has advantages over offerings from lesser known competitors.</p>
<p>"Norton WiFi Privacy does not impose data limits or advertisements on users as a trade-off for services."</p>
<p>The app detects when your smartphone/tablet connects to an unsecured network, encrypting data and diverting it through a secure connection. </p>
<p>Anyone snooping should only see a stream of gibberish.</p>
<p>However, the app adds a small amount of delay into the mix. This was because I was connected to a range of Symantec VPN servers located around the world.</p>
<p>So is it worth the $49.95 a year?</p>
<p>If you use a mobile device for sensitive correspondence over public wi-fi a lot, it is probably a good idea. </p>
