Background Hidemyass For Pc Free
Hide My Ass! (HMA!) Is a company, with Its claim to fame has been its huge number of readers — it’s over 400 million today. This provider has seen its fair share of controversy with regards to user privacy. It recently made upgrades in the hopes of winning back the loyalty of its readers and redeeming itself support to it. Hidemyass For Pc Free
We took it To get a test run to see how much it’s improved and whether it is well worth the money.
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What’s a VPN?
It generates an encrypted tunnel to, when you activate a VPN Guard your data as it moves from your computer to a host. From there, your info releases onto the net that is open. It’s a very simple concept, but one with tremendous impacts for your privacy and security.
It prevents anybody lurking Network from monitoring or intercepting your action. While the airport or coffee shop Wi-Fi system looks safe (it may even be password-protected) it is not reallysafe unless you’re using a VPN. For another thing, a VPN may prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from collecting information about your online activities so that it could sell anonymized user information to the highest bidder.
A VPN makes it more difficult to correlate your Activities with your identity. Since your visitors is exiting from the VPN company’s server, you appear to have its own IP address, effectively concealing your true location. Additionally, it forces even the most determined attacker to try to sort through all of the visitors from other users on the same VPN server to find what they are after. For all these reasons, and much more, you want a VPN in your lifetime.
Note that your traffic is only encrypted by a VPN until it exits via the VPN server. Provided that the site you’re accessing uses HTTPS, your data should be secure all the way and its travel. Also, while VPNs can offer a modicum of anonymity, a tool such as the Tor network is much better at hiding your identity.
Journalists and activists have long used vPNs To bypass censorship in countries with repressive internet policies. They are also useful if you are looking to circumvent geographic restrictions on streaming content. A VPN can spoof your current place, giving you access to geographically restricted content such as BBC streaming or MLB TV. Many VPNs do not appreciate these actions (which might be in violation of terms of support or even local laws) and content providers like Netflix are breaking down on users that snore their location and the VPN services they utilize to do it.
There’s a Fantastic opportunity Which you might have never laid hands on a VPN before. Don’t worry if that’s true! We have got an entire feature on the best way best to prepare and use a VPN. Hidemyass For Pc Free
VPN Protocols
There are many techniques. My Preferred method uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is known for its speed and reliability. Additionally, it is open-source, and therefore has been picked over for possible vulnerabilities by anyone with the interest to do so.
Hide My Ass utilizes OpenVPN on Windows, using an older variant Of the program that supports PPTP, and L2TP, too. There are also two distinct versions of the macOS app which, taken together, support IPSec (IKEv1 and v2), L2TP, and PPTP. Be aware that these older versions of this app have been phased out by the developer. The iOS variant uses just IPSec, along with the Android program uses only OpenVPN.
That is a Small hodgepodge, and I am frustrated that Hide My Ass doesn’t offer OpenVPN on all platforms. Nevertheless, a number of the issue is with the programs. Apple requires programmers to jump through additional hoops if they want to include OpenVPN within an app, but many are beginning to move in that way. I would like to see Hide My Ass do the same, across the board.
Your Privacy With Hide My Ass
With any security item, you want to Be Certain that the Business behind it will be operating on your best interests. This is particularly true for VPNs, which are supposed to improve privacy and safety. If a VPN business is just as nosey as your ISP, there’s not much point in using it.
While I review VPNs, ” I browse the company’s privacy policy And talk with agents to be able to better understand how your information is stored and used. In the case of Hide My Ass, the corporation ought to be commended on its clear privacy policy. It says 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 isn’t radically different from what’s provided by other services. In reality, it’s very similar to Golden Frog VyprVPN’s policy.
What is notable is that Hide My Ass Will store this information for two to three weeks, while VyprVPN stores it for just 30 days. Other providers hold less info, or else they dispose of it immediately. Hide My Ass says it keeps this data for this particular period of time so as to enhance 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 illicit activities it takes this information to prevent, regardless of the firm being fine with the use of BitTorrent on some servers.
It May be possible that this information could be used To correlate a user’s identity to particular activity on the internet, but it would likely be very difficult. In spite of this information, an audience would need to know which VPN server to watch and 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 Ass privacy policy also clearly states that it Does not track 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 is great, and just what you wish to hear from a VPN company.
In the past, some VPN companies monetized users by Injecting ads in their web traffic. Hide My Ass says it doesn’t do this, and goes even further. A business representative explained to me that the firm does not profit from user data at all.
The actual location of a VPN company also matters, as it Can notify what protections are given to customers. Hide My Ass gets its own business headquarters in London, and operates under the legal jurisdiction of England and Wales. The UK at large does have compulsory data retention legislation. That is not perfect. Many VPN providers function in countries without data retention legislation, or in ones that have privacy protections for customers. Hidemyass For Pc Free
I don’t believe It’s likely to make a decision Concerning the advantages of a company based on its place. It is important to comprehend policies and the laws at work in a company with such intimate access. I encourage readers to think about this information, and pick a VPN service.
Servers and Server Locations
A Vital differentiator between VPN providers is the number of Available servers and their distribution. Lots of servers means you’re more likely to find a server that is not bogged down with other users. For its part, Hide My Ass has an extremely commendable 876 servers in its disposal. That said, NordVPN, Personal online Access, and TorGuard VPN have well over 3,000 servers apiece. Those are my benchmarks for robustness from the VPN server category.
Geographic distribution of these servers is very important. Lots of locations means more to pick from for spoofing purposes, but also ensures that no matter where you travel there will likely be a server for the performance. Hide My Ass has an extremely impressive server locations across some 220 countries. It is easily the record among the VPN providers I have reviewed.
The list of server locations that were accessible Provided by Hide My Ass is particularly noteworthy since it covers regions often ignored by other VPN companies. It’s, for example, server places that are numerous throughout the continent of Africa–a rarity among VPN businesses. Additionally, it maintains servers in China, Russia, and Turkey, which have net policies that are repressive.
Some consumers May Be concerned about a company’s Use of servers. All these are servers that make a single physical server effectively function as servers. Virtual servers may also be configured to behave as if they are in 1 state when they’re really in a different, which is a problem if you’re worried about where your data is traveling.
I was told by A company representative that a complete 225 of the 286 server locations provided by Hide My Ass are virtual servers. Only 61 of the host locations are hardware, and 450 of Hide My Ass’s 876 servers are all virtual. That is far beyond other providers. NordVPN TunnelBear, IPVanish, and TorGuard use physical infrastructure to get their server locations.
A business representative explained to me 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 love to see future versions of Hide My Ass be clearer about when you’re connected to a virtual host.
Setup and interface
Getting Started with Hide My Ass! Is super easy and the upgraded apps are very user-friendly. You’ll be given a license key, once you register for your own account. It is possible to use this or your credentials (username and password) to log into any program. For the purpose of this review, we have tested the Windows client and the iOS app. Hidemyass For Pc Free
Desktop
Once you’ve Logged in and Established the , you’ll be greeted with the Success! screen. Click Got It! To get the screen of the program. Here you have three options for modes: Location Mode, Instant Mode, and Freedom Mode.
In Instant Mode, you can click on the arrow And you’ll be linked to the server for your location.
In Location mode, you can choose which Server you connect to. Click on Change Location to see your alternatives. There is. We all will show you an state list. Clicking the arrow will show you special locations within this country.
Quick Access shows you a list of servers you’ve Recently connected to, as well as some recommended choices. Streaming will provide you a choice of two servers acceptable for unblocking popular streaming services such as Netflix, one in the united states and one in the UK.
Peer to Peer shows You permit filesharing. There’s the Favorites choice; to indicate a server the center can click .
Going back To the main screen, the one alternative here’s Freedom Mode, that is aimed at users who want to bypass censorship. This mode will link you to a host in the nearest country that is regarded as free of censorship.
You can Get into the Settings by clicking the menu icon in the upper left corner of the main display and choosing Preferences. Here, you will find three tabs: General and Kill Switch. In the Generalscreen, you may change your startup options, such as beginning when your pc turn on or when the app starts.
You also Have. If you want to hide your recent history, then you can uncheck the box.
Next, We’ve got the Network Security screen in which you can choose settings for wifi protection that is automatic. You can also turn on the IP shuffle feature which makes it more difficult for somebody to find your location by periodically changing your IP address. One option in this display lets you use TCP with OpenVPN. This is only recommended if UDP is blocked or throttled. TCP is more secure, but UDP is typically faster.
The Tab will be the Kill Switch tab, where you are able to toggle on this feature so that it works for all applications. You could add single software and decide whether or not to apply it to those.
This Is a program and it both visually.
Mobile
Many Providers will have a mobile program that is unrecognizable compared to the desktop version. However, HMA! Has streamlined its product, and the iOS app looks nearly identical to the Windows version.
As Soon as You’re Logged in, you’ll get to the display, which is the same as the screen in the program. Here you can Pick from Location Mode Instant Mode, or Freedom Mode.
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The Only real difference is that if you select Location Mode, your options are presented in another manner. You’ve got three tabs: Nations, Cities, and Favorites, but missing are the additional options found in the desktop client, such as Streaming, Peer to Peer, and speedy Access.
To Access the streaming servers from the program, you will need to go to the Cities list and find the Liberty Island server under US, New York. Even the UK, Donkey Town server may be found on this list for access to UK Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Moving on, The settings for the app can be accessed by clicking on the menu icon and select Settings. There you have two choices: Link Rules and solitude.
In The Connection Rules section, you can adjust wifi security settings and decide whether to auto reconnect when wifi or cellular connections are disrupted.
The solitude department has 1 option: Share usage data with third parties for analytics, which will be your consent to”allow app and device usage information to be shared with third parties for analytics.” Keep in mind that this is permitted by default so that it may be one of the things you want to turn off.
Overall, This is a sleek and intuitive app, but many users might be missing additional features such as a kill button and also the option to change protocols.
Servers and performance
The Hide My Ass! Network includes more than 850 servers. A number of these are virtual servers, but a customer service representative was not able to tell us just how many. Hidemyass For Pc Free
As we Discussed earlier, HMA offers many choices for choosing the ideal server, including distinct styles and the ability to indicate servers as favorites. Are marked using a P2P symbol.
We tested Servers for functionality in the US and also the UK in terms of surfing, browsing, and downloading. When browsing, there were no significant issues, aside from there being a noticeable lag in page load times when connected with a UK server. This is not uncommon for distant remote servers (the tests were completed in Toronto, Canada), but might be bothersome, particularly for users who have slow net rates.
We didn’t See any lag or streaming whilst streaming 1080p with any of those test servers and could play online games without any issues.
HideMyAss! and Netflix
Hide My Ass! unblocks Netflix! But don’t expect to link to some Server and proceed. When we tested servers that are random with US Netflix with the client, we had no chance whatsoever. But if you select the Streaming option in the dropdown within Location Mode, then you’ll see two choices: a US host (USA, New York, Liberty Island) along with a UK server (UK, Donkey Town). Be aware that in the mobile program, you will have to find these inside the Cities listing in Location Mode.
Connecting Server gave us access without difficulty. Connecting to the UK one allowed entry to UK Netflix as well as BBC iPlayer. Many suppliers only concentrate on providing US Netflix access, so it’s refreshing to see one that strives to give entry to the UK library also. What is more, BBC iPlayer is seriously cracking down on VPN use, so the capability to unblock this service is a nice perk.
If you’re You might have to go everywhere. HMA! Is having trouble unblocking this service at a customer care representative and this time advised us that there isn’t any estimated time for when it might be functioning.
HideMyAss! in China?
Hide My Ass! Does not work reliably in China. It used to, but recent HMA! Answers in support forums have indicated that the service will function for some users. If you need a reliable China VPN, you’d best look elsewhere, although you can try your luck.
HideMyAss! Speed test functionality
For any VPN That is compatible with our test procedures, we conduct ongoing speed tests that have been designed to be as empirical as you can. We use a Canadian test server to connect to VPN servers in Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, the Usa, and Germany. For every location, we download an evaluation file (50MB in size) in the US server. This is done four times per day. The average download rate for each test is recorded and the data is displayed.
You can see From the easy chart below how HMA! Compares to another VPN services we’ve been testing. When it comes to download rates, while it doesn’t have the fastest rates, it’s close to the front of the package.
You can see that the spread in results isn’t as tight as a number of the test VPNs, by clicking the comprehensive tab. This usually means you might observe some inconsistency when it comes to speeds.
It is Important to note that these tests aren’t definitive and may only function as a general indication of the performance you might see. The inherent volatility of the internet adds a substantial factor of randomness. What’s more, you will probably see longer wait times using a slow connection, and possibly smaller or bigger discrepancies. Hidemyass For Pc Free
Customer service
For those who Want Any help while establishing or using the service, HMA! Includes a couple of alternatives for you. Clicking the Help tab on the Site, you’ll find a Getting Started section along with also a Knowledge Base. These each home posts associated with setting up, troubleshooting, and general questions. There is some crossover so before searching for other alternatives, that you may choose to explore both.
In addition, You’ll locate a Community button which contributes to a discussion section. This is segregated into different topics; some appear to be out of date, while some are active. Below that, there are some general FAQs.
If you do not Discover what you’re searching for, or you just need a quick reply, you can click on the live chat button in the base right-hand corner of this display. The service is educated and prompt, and representatives were able to solve most issues we encountered. At one stage, a representative advised he would escalate the problem because an email request and was not able to answer some security questions. This has been responded to in under two weeks that’s very quick for an email response.
Safety and privacy
Hide My Ass! Is based in the united kingdom, which means it is subject to data retention laws. The UK is also a Five Eyes (and Fourteen Eyes) country, which means it is part of an alliance which enables monitoring by external authorities. Additionally, it’s home to the Snooper’s Charter which imposes regulations British ISPs that greatly impact user privacy.
For many VPNs, data retention legislation in their home country aren’t really a problem. That is because they operate using a real policy where no link or traffic logs are kept by them. They can’t be tied to a single user even if they do keep connection logs.
Regrettably, HMA! Is not among these VPNs and has 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 the number of information and timestamps used. This is a for VPNs in general. The fact is that this information can and has been used to trace the action of people, Though an IP address isn’t universally considered to be information. IP addresses are used in countless cases to help find and convict criminals. We’re pro-privacy while we don’t condone activities, also it doesn’t cut. Hidemyass For Pc Free
Moreover, Hide My Ass! Logs the VPN IP address Attached to a session. This is the IP address that a site operator can see and document when you visit it. It might technically be possible to piece together each of an individual’s internet activity Considering both the actual and VPN IP addresses are logged, between the finish and VPN site logs. You might have seen news of a 2011 FBI case involving HMA! In which it handed over logs which were utilized to track down a hacker that is LulzSec. This is a black mark for privacy.
1 way to Make this less of a problem and to confuse things a bit is to take advantage of the IP address shuffle attribute. When enabled in the Network Security screen of the desktop app, this occasionally switches outside your IP address to get another one. It wouldn’t make you untraceable but could add a layer of obfuscation.
Privacy Issues aside, on the security front, Hide My Ass! Fares pretty well. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered military-grade. This is in combination with RSA keys and perfect forward secrecy. It employs the OpenVPN protocol over UDP by default, but you can switch to TCP inside the desktop client. PPTP, L2TP, IPSec are also available, depending on what program you’re using.
The versions boast a kill switch which can be tailored To work for apps. The online connection will be killed by A kill button should the VPN link drop for a certain reason. This feature isn’t available from the mobile programs
A live chat Customer service representative advised us that there’s no DNS leak security. But another firm representative assured us that there is actually DNS and IPv6 leak security, but no WebRTC escape protection. Indeed, when the support was analyzed by us for leaks, we didn’t see any DNS leak problems other than WebRTC leaks. HMA! Whereas ones would be preferable from a privacy standpoint, does use DNS servers that are public.
One handy Feature that Hide My Ass! Provides is wifi security, which can be customized at the in the Network Security section of the or the app’s Connection Rules tab configurations.
Features and pricing
Hide My Ass! Provides one product with prices varying depending on the amount of term you sign up for. It is definitely not among the least expensive services available. A 12-month planwill put you back $6.99 a month, which can be higher than the normal price for a similar duration. What’s more, a lot of VPN suppliers that are top will supply a protracted plan; for example, a two- or – term with steeper discounts. Hidemyass For Pc Free
If You’re not prepared to sign up to get a one-year term yet, HMA! Does offer a six-month plan for $7.99 a month or you can pay on a monthly basis for $11.99 a month. These rates are a bit above average when you compare to competitors.
Payment Options include PayPal major credit cards, and UnionPay. Unfortunately, for more users, other along with bitcoin cryptocurrencies are not viable payment procedures. There is a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ll have your payment refunded if you are not 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 countries. Some are dedicated to accessing streaming sites and certain servers permit P2P filesharing (read: torrenting). All plans come with unlimited bandwidth and you can join up to five devices. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The VPN may be manually configured using a few routers and Linux. Pre-configured routers are available as an alternate.
From a Security perspective, HMA! Offers automatic wifi protection, perfect forward secrecy, encryption, and the programs come with a kill button. On the other hand, the logging policy issues that plagued the ceremony remain, so privacy is a problem.
Summary
For the most part, HMA! Offers a service that is great. It’s a network of servers, unlimited bandwidth, and speeds. It’s able to unblock popular streaming services such as Netflix UK, Netflix US, and BBC iPlayer. Plus, it offers strong security intuitive programs, and superb customer support.
On the Surface, it seems like HMA! Would be a fantastic option for torrenters, with no data Caps and a few servers. The issues with the privacy Policy are a concern for those seeking to torrent, in addition to any other privacy-conscious users. This is the only major turn-off for this Provider, but it is a large one. Other concerns include the inability to operate Reliably in also the hefty price tag along with China. Hidemyass For Pc Free
Click here to sign up for Hide My Ass! Today!