Introduction Hidemyass App Store
Hide My Ass! (HMA!) Is a UK-based company, with Its claim to fame being its number of subscribers — it has over 400 million, today. This provider has seen its share of controversy with regards. It made upgrades to it service in the hopes of redeeming itself and winning back the loyalty of its readers. Hidemyass App Store
We took it For a test run to find out if it is well worth and how much it’s improved the money.
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What Is a VPN?
It generates an encrypted tunnel to when you activate a VPN Guard your data as it passes from the computer to a host controlled by the VPN. From there, your data exits onto the open internet. It is a simple concept, but one with tremendous impacts for safety and your privacy.
It prevents anyone lurking on your local Community from observation or intercepting your activity. While the airport or coffee shop Wi-Fi system appears safe (it may even be password-protected) it’s not reallysecure unless you are using a VPN. For another thing, a VPN can prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from collecting information about your online activities so it can sell anonymized user information to the highest bidder.
A VPN makes it more Challenging to correlate your Online activities together with your own identity. Because your visitors is exiting in the VPN firm’s server, you seem to have its IP address, effectively concealing your true location. It also compels even the most determined attacker to test and sort through all the traffic from different users on the same VPN server to find what they are after. For all these reasons, and more, you need a VPN in your life.
Note that your visitors is only encrypted by a VPN till it exits through the VPN server. Provided that the website you’re accessing uses HTTPS, your data must be protected all the way. Also, while VPNs can provide a modicum of anonymity, a tool such as the Tor network is far better at hiding your identity.
VPNs have long been used by journalists and political activists To bypass censorship in countries with repressive internet policies. They’re also handy if you are looking to circumvent geographic restrictions on streaming content. A VPN can spoof your current place, giving you access to restricted content like BBC streaming or MLB TV. Many VPNs don’t enjoy these actions (which may be in violation of terms of support or even local laws) and content providers like Netflix are breaking down on users that spoof their place and the VPN providers they use to do it.
There is a Fantastic chance That you might not have ever laid hands on a VPN before. Don’t worry if that’s true! We’ve got a whole feature on how best to prepare and use a VPN. Hidemyass App Store
VPN Protocols
There are several techniques. My Preferred method employs the OpenVPN protocol, which is famous for its speed and reliability. Additionally, it is open minded, and consequently has been chosen over for possible vulnerabilities by anyone with the interest to do so.
Hide My Ass uses OpenVPN on Windows, using an older version That supports L2TP, and PPTP, also. There are also two distinct versions of the macOS app that, taken together, support IPSec (IKEv1 and v2), L2TP, and PPTP. Note that these old versions of the program have been phased out from the developer. The iOS version uses just IPSec, and the Android program uses only OpenVPN.
That’s a Small hodgepodge, and I am frustrated that Hide My Ass does not provide OpenVPN on all platforms. Nevertheless, some of the matter is with the programs. Apple requires programmers to jump through extra hoops if they wish to include OpenVPN within an app, but a lot of them are starting to move in this way. I’d like to see Hide My Ass do exactly the same, across the board.
Your Privacy With Hide My Ass
With any security product, you want to be sure that the Company behind it’s going to be working in your best interests. This is particularly true for VPNs, which are supposed to increase privacy and safety. If a VPN business is simply as nosey as your ISP, there is not much point in using it.
While I examine VPNs, ” I read the company’s privacy policy And speak with agents to be able to better understand how your data is stored and used. In the instance of Hide My Ass, the company ought to be commended on its clear privacy policy. It states that Hide My Ass logs your own username, the timestamp of connection and disconnection, the amount of data transmitted, your actual IP address, and the IP address of the host you linked to. This is not radically different from what is offered by other providers. In fact, it’s very similar to Golden Frog VyprVPN’s policy.
What is notable is that Hide My Ass Will store this data for two to three months, while VyprVPN stores it for only 30 days. Other services hold even less information, or they dispose of it immediately. Hide My Ass says it retains this data for this particular time period so as to improve performance, prevent fraud, and stop bad guys from using the VPN to send spam. The organization, especially, also lists document sharing as one of the illegal actions it requires this information to stop, despite the firm being fine by means of BitTorrent on certain servers.
It might be possible that this advice could be used To correlate an individual’s identity to particular activity online, but it would probably be very difficult. In spite of this information, an audience would have to know which VPN server to watch then compare this activity from Hide My Ass’s logs, and have the ability to parse out the target’s traffic from everybody else using the exact same server.
The Hide My privacy policy also clearly states that it Doesn’t monitor or store the actual content of your online activity. So, the service is not looking at your websites or the files that you’re downloading. That’s great, and just what you wish to hear from a VPN company.
Before, some VPN companies monetized consumers by Injecting ads in their web traffic. Hide My Ass states that it doesn’t do that, and goes much further. A business representative explained to me the firm does not gain from user data in any way.
The actual place of a VPN company also issues, as it Can inform what protections are afforded to clients. Hide My Ass has its company headquarters in London, and operates under the jurisdiction of England and Wales. The UK at does have data retention legislation. That is not perfect. Other VPN services function in countries without mandatory data retention laws, or in ones which have privacy protections for customers. Hidemyass App Store
I do not believe it is possible to make a decision Concerning the benefits of a business based solely on its location. It is important to comprehend that the policies and laws at work in a company with this kind of intimate access. I encourage readers choose a VPN service, and to think about this advice.
Programs and Server Places
A key differentiator between VPN providers is the number of Servers and their distribution. Lots of servers means you’re more likely to find. For its part, Hide My Ass has an extremely commendable servers at its disposal. Nevertheless, TorGuard VPN, Private Internet Access, and NordVPN have over 3,000 servers. Those are my benchmarks for robustness from the VPN server category.
Geographic distribution of these servers is quite important. Lots of locations means more to choose from for spoofing purposes, but also ensures that no matter where you travel there will likely be a local server for the performance. Hide My Ass has a very impressive 286 server places across some 220 countries. It’s easily the list among the VPN services I’ve reviewed.
The list of server locations that were accessible Provided by Hide My Ass is particularly noteworthy since it covers places often ignored by VPN companies. It’s, as an example, numerous server places . It maintains servers in China, Russia, and Turkey, that have internet policies that are repressive.
Some consumers May Be concerned about a company’s Usage of servers. These are servers which make a single physical server operate as many servers. Virtual servers can also be configured to behave as if they are in one country when they are really in another, which is an issue if you are concerned about where your information is traveling.
I was told by A company representative that a 225 of the 286 server places provided by Hide My Ass are all servers. Only 61 of the host locations are hardware, and 450 of Hide My Ass’s 876 servers are virtual. That is far beyond other providers. NordVPN TunnelBear, IPVanish, and TorGuard only use infrastructure.
A business representative explained that majority of the Firm’s physical server infrastructure is located in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Miami, New York, Prague, Seattle, and Singapore. This doesn’t quite jibe with what Hide My Ass lists on its own site. I’d like to see future versions of Hide My Ass be clearer about when you’re connected to a virtual host.
Installation and interface
Obtaining Started with Hide My Ass! Is super easy and the updated programs are extremely user-friendly. You’ll be given a license key, As soon as you register for your account. It is possible to use your own credentials (username and password) to log into almost any program. With the aim of this review, we have tested out the Windows client and the iOS program. Hidemyass App Store
Desktop
Once you’ve Established the client and logged in, you will be greeted with the Success! screen. Click Got It! To access the app’s screen. Here you have Freedom Mode: Instant Mode, Location Mode, and three options for modes.
In Instant Mode, you can click on the arrow And you’re going to be connected to the fastest server for your existing location.
In Location manner, you can choose which You link to. Click Change Location to see your options. There is. All will show you an alphabetized state listing. Clicking the arrow to the left of each nation name will show you locations within this nation.
Speedy Access shows you a list Connected to, in addition to some recommended choices. Streaming will provide you a selection of two servers acceptable for unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, one in the united states and one in the united kingdom.
Peer to Peer shows You permit filesharing. Finally, there’s the Favorites choice; to mark a server as a popular, you can click on the heart .
Going back To the main screen, the one other option here’s Freedom Mode, that is aimed at users who wish to bypass censorship. This mode will link you to a host in the closest state that is regarded as free of censorship.
You can Access the Settings by clicking the menu icon at the top left-hand corner of the main display and choosing Preferences. Here, you will find three tabs: General and Kill Switch. From the Generalscreen, you can change your startup options, such as starting when your computer turn on or when the program launches.
You also Have a Private Privacy section home one alternative that relates to Quick Access in Location Mode. Then you can uncheck the box, if you want to hide your history.
Next, We have the Network Security screen in which you may select settings for wifi protection that is automatic. You can also turn on the IP shuffle feature which makes it more difficult for someone to detect your location by periodically changing your IP address. An additional option in this display allows you to utilize TCP using OpenVPN. This is only recommended if UDP is blocked or throttled. TCP is more secure, but UDP is generally faster.
The Tab is the Kill tab, so that it works for all applications where you can toggle on this feature. You choose whether to use it to those and can add single software.
This Is a fairly robust app and it’s definitely both visually pleasing and easy-to-use.
Mobile
Many Suppliers will have a mobile app that is unrecognizable compared to the desktop version. However, HMA! Has streamlined its product, and the iOS app looks almost like the Windows version.
As Soon as You’re Logged in, you’ll get to the main display, which is basically exactly like the screen in the desktop program. Here you can Pick from Freedom Mode, Location Mode, or Immediate Mode.
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The Only real difference is that when you select Location Mode, your choices are presented in another method. You’ve got three tabs: Nations, Cities, and Favorites, but missing are the extra options found from the such as Streaming, Peer to Peer, and Quick Access.
To Get into the streaming servers in the program, you’ll have to go to the Cities listing and find the Liberty Island server under US, New York. The UK Town server can also be found on this list for access to UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Moving on, The settings to the program can be accessed by clicking on the menu icon at the upper left-hand corner of the screen and selecting Settings. There you’ve got two choices: Connection Rules and Private solitude.
In The Connection Rules section, you can adjust wifi security preferences and decide whether to auto reconnect when wifi or mobile connections are disrupted.
The Personal privacy department has 1 option: Share usage data with third parties for analytics, which will be your consent to”enable app and apparatus use information to be shared with third parties for analytics.” Bear in mind this is enabled by default so it may be one of the first things you wish to flip off.
Overall, This is a slick and intuitive program, but many users may be missing extra features such as a kill button and the option to switch protocols.
Servers and performance
The Hide My Ass! Network includes more than 850 servers covering more than 190 nations. A number of them are virtual servers, but a consumer support representative was not able to inform us how many. Hidemyass App Store
As we Discussed previously, HMA presents several choices for choosing the ideal server, such as distinct modes and the ability to mark servers as favorites. Servers that allow P2P are indicated with a P2P emblem.
We analyzed Servers for functionality in also the UK and the usa in terms of streaming, surfing, and downloading. Besides there being an obvious lag in page loading times when attached with a UK server when browsing, there were no problems. This is not unusual for distant remote servers (the evaluations were completed in Toronto, Canada), but might be frustrating, particularly for users who have already slow internet speeds.
We didn’t See any lag or streaming while streaming 1080p using any of the test servers and were able to play online games with no issues.
HideMyAss! and Netflix
Hide My Ass! unblocks Netflix! But do not expect to link to any Waiter and go. When we tested random servers with US Netflix with the client, we had no chance. However, if you choose the Streaming option from the dropdown within Location Mode, then you’ll see two options: a US host (USA, New York, Liberty Island) and a UK server (UK, Donkey Town). Note that in the mobile program, you will need to find these.
Connecting Server gave us access with no issue to Netflix. Linking to the UK one enabled entry to UK Netflix as well as BBC iPlayer. Many providers only concentrate on supplying US Netflix accessibility, so it is refreshing to see one that strives to provide access to the UK library too. What is more, BBC iPlayer is seriously cracking down on VPN use, so the ability to unblock this service is a nice perk.
If you’re On the lookout for Amazon Prime Video, you may have to go elsewhere. HMA! Is having trouble unblocking this service at this time and a customer care representative advised us that there isn’t any estimated timeframe for when it may be functioning again.
HideMyAss! in China?
Hide My Ass! Does not work reliably in China. It used to, but HMA! Answers in service forums have indicated that the support doesn’t longer function for some users. You can try your luck, but you’d best look elsewhere, if you want a reliable China VPN.
HideMyAss! Speed test functionality
For any VPN That can be used with our test methods, ongoing speed tests that were designed to be as empirical as you can are conduct by us. We utilize a test server to connect to VPN servers in Australia, the UK, the Usa, Hong Kong, and Germany. For every place, we download a test file (50MB in size) from a US server. This is done four times per day. The typical download speed for every test is recorded along with the aggregate data is displayed.
You can view From the Simple chart below how HMA! Compares to another VPN services we’ve been testing. It’s close to the front of the pack when it comes to download speeds while it doesn’t have the fastest rates.
You can see that the spread in results isn’t as tight as a number of the additional evaluation VPNs by clicking on the Detailed tab. This means when it comes to speeds that you may observe some inconsistency.
It is Important to note that these tests are not definitive and may function as an overall indication of the functionality you may see. The internet’s volatility adds a substantial factor of randomness. What is more, you see perhaps smaller or larger discrepancies, and more wait times with a slow connection. Hidemyass App Store
Customer service
For those who need Any help whilst establishing or using the support, HMA! Has a couple of options for you. Clicking the Help tab you’ll find a Getting Started section and also a Knowledge Base. These each house articles related to setting up queries. So before seeking other alternatives, that you might choose to explore both there is some crossover.
In addition, You’ll locate. This is segregated into different topics; while others are active, some appear to be out of date. Under that, there are some general FAQs.
If you do not Discover what you’re looking for, or you just need a reply, you can click on the live chat button. The service is prompt and educated, and agents were able to quickly resolve most problems we encountered. At one point, a representative advised he would escalate the issue because an email request and was not able to answer some security questions. This has been responded to in under 2 weeks that’s very fast for an email response.
Security and privacy
Hide My Ass! Is based. The UK is also a Five Eyes (and Fourteen Eyes) country, so it’s part of an alliance that enables monitoring by outside governments. Plus, it’s home to the Snooper’s Charter which imposes regulations.
For many VPNs, data retention legislation in their home country are not really a problem. This is because they function using a real policy where they do not keep any connection or visitors logs. They can’t be tied to an individual user if they do keep link logs.
Regrettably, HMA! Isn’t one of these VPNs and contains a privacy policy which most users will find off-putting. For one, while you can expect that your IP address will be logged, together with timestamps and the amount of data used. This is a large no-no for VPNs in general. Though an IP address isn’t universally regarded as information that is personally identifiable, the fact is that this information can and has been used to trace the action of individuals. IP addresses have been used to help find and convict offenders. While we certainly do not condone criminal actions, we’re pro-privacy, also it doesn’t cut. Hidemyass App Store
Moreover, Hide My Ass! Telephones the VPN IP address Connected into a session. This is the IP address when you visit it that a website operator can see and document. Since the real and VPN IP addresses are logged, involving the VPN and finish website logs, it might be possible to piece together each of an individual’s internet activity. You might have seen news of a 2011 FBI situation involving HMA! Where it handed over logs that were used to track a hacker down. Certainly, this is a marker for privacy.
1 way to Make this less of an issue and to confuse matters a bit would be to take advantage of this IP address shuffle attribute. When enabled in the Network Security screen of the desktop program, this periodically switches outside your IP address for a different one. It would not make you untraceable but may put in a layer of obfuscation.
Privacy Issues on the security front, Hide My Ass! Fares fairly well. It utilizes. This is in combination with 4096-bit RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy. It employs exactly the protocol over UDP by default, but you can change to TCP within the desktop client. PPTP, L2TP, IPSec are available, depending on what app you’re using.
The desktop versions boast a kill switch which can be tailored To work for particular apps. The connection will be killed by A kill button if the VPN connection drop for some reason. This attribute is not available from the mobile programs
A live chat Customer service representative advised us that there’s no DNS leak protection. However, another company representative assured us that there is actually DNS and IPv6 leak security, but no WebRTC leak protection. When we analyzed the support for escapes, we did not observe any DNS leak problems other than leaks. HMA! Whereas ones would be preferable from a privacy standpoint, does use public DNS servers.
One handy Feature that Hide My Ass! Provides is automatic wifi security, which is customized in the in the Network Security part of their or the mobile app’s Connection Rules tab settings.
Features and pricing
Hide My Ass! Offers one merchandise with prices varying depending on the length of term you register for. It is definitely not one of the cheapest services available. A 12-month planwill put you back $6.99 per month, which can be greater than the average price for a similar duration. What’s more, a lot of VPN suppliers that are top will supply an plan; for instance, a two- or three-year term with discounts. Hidemyass App Store
If You are not ready to sign up just yet, HMA! Does offer a six-month plan for $7.99 a month or you can cover a monthly basis for $11.99 a month. These rates are a little above average if you compare to competitors.
Payment Choices include UnionPay, PayPal, and major credit cards. Regrettably bitcoin along with other cryptocurrencies are payment procedures. There’s a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can have your payment refunded, if you’re not entirely satisfied with the support.
So what do You get for the money? Hide My Ass! Has a network of over 850 servers in over 180 nations. Some are devoted to accessing streaming websites and specific servers permit P2P filesharing (read: torrenting). All plans come with unlimited bandwidth and you can join up to five devices concurrently. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN may be configured with Linux and some routers. Pre-configured routers are available as an alternate.
From a Security standpoint, HMA! Offers perfect forward secrecy, strong encryption , automatic wifi security, along with the desktop apps come with a kill switch. However, the logging coverage issues that plagued the service in the past stay, so privacy remains a problem.
Conclusion
For the most part, HMA! Offers a great service. It has infinite bandwidth, fast speeds, and a network of servers. It is in a position to unblock streaming services like Netflix UK, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer. Plus, it gives customer care , powerful security, and intuitive apps.
On the Surface, it feels like HMA! Would be a fantastic alternative for torrenters, without a information Caps and a few servers acceptable for P2P. The problems with the privacy Coverage are a concern for those seeking to torrent, in addition to any other privacy-conscious users. This is the only for this Provider, but it is a large one. Other concerns include the inability to operate Reliably in the price tag and China. Hidemyass App Store
Click here to sign up for Hide My Ass! Today!