How to use a VPN to keep your network data safe
When you're on public (read that untrusted) networks it's possible for someone on the same network to capture and unwrap your network traffic and essentially "listen" to your network conversations. This could potentially expose data you're sending and receiving if your network data isn't encrypted in some fashion.
When you connect to sites such as Amazon.com or your web banking service your network traffic is usually encrypted to keep your data safe, but there are many instances when sites you're connecting to may be allowing that data to travel from your computer to their servers in the clear. On untrusted public networks this means it's possible for nefarious individuals using packet sniffing software, such as Wireshark, to look at your private data. To avoid this kind of exposure on public networks it's wise to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your data safe.
Typically, we think of VPNs in relation to securing corporate network data when employees are working remotely. You can also use a VPN to secure your network data on unsecured network connections until that data gets to place where you know it's safe. That's where apps such as Cloak come into play.
Last year, Dan Moren selected Cloak 2 as a staff pick for securing unsecured Internet connections on your iOS devices because it's easy to use and relatively inexpensive to maintain. (You can purchase anything from a 5GB per month plan for $3, a weekly pass with unlimited data for $4, to yearly passes for $100.) Now, in addition to securing your iOS devices, Cloak works on your Mac too. And all your devices can share whichever plan you choose to use.
Plus, you can try Cloak on for free for 30 days before you have to choose a plan.
Set up a Cloak account
Before you can begin using Cloak you need to create an account. To do that:
You don't need a credit card to begin using Cloak. It's free to try. You'll only need to add a credit card if you decide to continue using the service.
Next you need to set up the Cloak apps you want using Cloak's VPN service.
Setup Cloak for Mac
Cloak's Mac app is super simple to set up:
Once Cloak is installed and running it will automatically use VPN to secure networks with unsecure connections. You can change and manage the way the app behaves using Cloak's preferences.
The iOS app
Using Cloak on your iOS device is easy, but, although you have to install an app, it isn't as simple as downloading an app. In order to perform its magic, Cloak first needs to install a Configuration Profile to create the VPN connection you need to secure your network traffic on unsecure networks.
To install Cloak on your iOS device:
Once the Configuration Profile is installed you will have two VPN configurations available, one that you can turn on manually and the default VPN which is turned on automatically when an unsecure network connection is detected.
If you make any settings changes to Cloak you will be prompted to re-download and install the configuration profiles to update your settings.