No complicate configurations or setup needed, simple install the program and you're ready to go. You can choose to activate HotSpot Shield manually or automatically protect your connection whenever you are connected to an unknown network (e.g. wireless Hotspot).

The program integrates with popular browsers and adds a small indicator icon to the title bar which shows the status of your Internet connection (green = protected, red = unprotected).

Hotspot Shield works with wired and wireless network connections. You can use it to prevent identity theft when using public hotspots , to mask your real identity when accessing websites from your home computer, or to access website that are blocked in your (non-US) country.

The free version displays an ad banner on top of each web page you view. If you're using Hotspot Shield frequently, you may find the ads distracting and want to consider upgrading to the Elite version, which removes the ads and also offers some additional features.