How to Log into Your VPN Using iTransmission

Many of us rely on mobile devices for business and leisure, frequently logging into work networks and personal accounts from a smartphone, tablet or notebook. All of these devices have a tendency to connect to open wireless networks with little security, resulting in exposure to potential threats and data theft. A VPN is a crucial tool to protect your identity online, and here’s a quick tutorial to help you log into your VPN using the iTransmission app.

Use Your Strong Password

Every year, hackers steal millions of dollars from businesses and individual users alike by compromising weak passwords and stolen credit cards. A 2015 study from SplashData found that 46% of all password-protected accounts were at risk of being compromised, with the most commonly used passwords being:

• 123456
• abc
• qwerty
• password
• 123
• security
• 12345
• login
• 1111

While it’s commendable that users are taking a greater interest in security and are consequently using more complex passwords, this is often not good enough. Users need to treat their passwords as a security precaution and not use the same password for multiple accounts.

To protect your data online, you should use a strong password, which is a password that cannot be easily guessed by hackers. A strong password typically contains upper- and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols such as @#$%&*. The more complex the better, and ensure that the password is at least eight characters long.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a type of authentication used when a user logs into a website or account. Typically, two-factor authentication requires something unique that the user knows (the first factor) and also something that the user has (the second factor). The first factor could be a unique code that is sent to the user’s phone number or email address. The second factor could be a special code or a device such as a YubiKey.

One key security consideration when using two-factor authentication is that if the phone number or email address used to register for the account changes, the entire authentication process needs to be repeated. Because many online services require users to provide personal information, these services are prime targets for identity theft and hacks. Ensure that you update your phone number and email address when necessary so that you stay ahead of the hackers. You should also look into changing your passwords frequently.

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for your account and reduces the need for users to write down or memorize their passwords. However, not all two-factor authentication schemes are made equal, and you should use a reputable service that offers 256-bit encryption and a kill switch in case of a cyberattack.

Use A VPN

A VPN is a great way to protect your personal information online. A VPN gives you a dedicated IP address that is not tied to any device, allowing you to access your account from anywhere. A VPN also encrypts all your internet traffic, meaning that only the recipient of the data can read it. Last but not least, VPNs often allow you to select your location, creating a geographical area of privacy and security around the world.

VPNs are very easy to use. Once you have connected to the network, all your network traffic, including your personal data, stays secure. To log into your VPN, simply open the app and follow the onscreen instructions. You will not need to memorize any complex password, nor will you have to provide any further personal information.

VPNs are necessary for any business or individual that works in a regulated or secure environment. For example, healthcare professionals need to be able to access sensitive patient information online without fear of malware infections or losing any financial data. Students also need secure access to their school network and important documents, as do journalists and bloggers.

Secure Your Mobile Device

Just because you are not physically at your computer does not mean that your computer is secure. A mobile device such as a smartphone can be easily stolen and hacked, leaving you open to any number of cyberattacks. To secure your mobile device against malware and data theft, you should always keep your operating system updated and the security patch level high. Malware scanners such as McAfee LiveSafe are great for quickly identifying and removing malware from your mobile device (mobile PCs are a whole different ballgame though).

Users should also ensure that their wireless networks are protected by a password and that remote locks are enabled on their devices.

Wireless network protection means that unauthorized users (hackers) cannot access your network even if they are physically close to your computer (within the range of the wireless signal). When remote locks are enabled, your phone will ask for your permission before connecting to open wireless networks, protecting you from identity theft and data theft (read: scams).

These few tips on how to log into your VPN will help you quickly secure your personal information online. Two-factor authentication, using a VPN, and remote locking are all necessary for ensuring that your personal data is secure when accessing public Wi-Fi or open networks. When using public Wi-Fi, you should always remember that your security and privacy are at risk. Ensure that you are not leaking personal or financial information on any unsecure or public network.