We have a look at
a cloud based tunneling protection service, in this weeks' app of the week
Let's face it; the internet is a pretty
hazardous place to visit. Invisible threats, viruses, malware, ad-ware... the
list goes on and on, it's a wonder the globally connected world hasn't already
collapsed under the combined weight of so-called artificial bodily
enhancements, and pharmaceutical aids. Having a reputable and hardworking
anti-virus and security center goes a long way at keeping these virtual threats
at bay, but the actual connection to the internet itself also needs to be
filtered and encrypted for 100% security peace of mind.
Just click Enable to enjoy the privilege of a US based IP address
This is where Spotflux comes in to play.
It's a worldwide service that, when installed and activated, will route all
your incoming and outgoing internet traffic through a secure and encrypted
cloud connection, where viruses, annoying adverts, malware and such are
monitored and removed before they even get a whiff of your PC. In fact, we may
be so bold as to say that Spotflux could very well be the ultimate in private,
ad-free browsing.
Normally, the installation of such an
application would be something of a strenuous affair; however the Spotflux
setup couldn't be simpler. First, pay a visit to the Spotflux site and download
the latest version for either Windows or Mac: bit.ly/K6ZFXE. Run the
executable, accept the default installation locations, click yes, or OK, for
permission to install the driver for the virtual Spotflux network device, and
that's about it. After the installation you'll be presented with a Spotflux
splash screen, where you'll see the current status for Spotflux. Click on
Enable and after a few brief seconds the Spotflux status will change to enabled
and all internet traffic will, from that point on, be routed through the secure
service.
Most of the time, using some kind of
internet traffic routing, or modifier requires a somewhat more arcane knowledge
of IP addressing, routing protocols and so on, but Spotflux has managed to
provide an all-in-one service uses some tunneling technologies that are very
similar to VPN, although Spotflux refuse point blank that they are just a VPN
service. By connecting to the Spotflux cloud you are effectively going through
their 'purification filters', to remove the unwanted elements of the web, and
thankfully, without too much of a negative impact on your core broadband
speeds.
However, it should be noted that even
though, by using Spotflux, your internet connection is now encrypted, filtered
and secure, this is by no means a good excuse to uninstall and chuck out your
anti-virus or other forms of protection. Spotflux is a great filter, but there
are new viruses, malware and whatever else being created all the time, so
please doesn’t lull you into a false sense of security. It's also worth
mentioning that being encrypted doesn't give you an automatic license to start
downloading illegal and copyrighted material. Spotflux states that they do not log
web surfing activities, but they will comply with the legal authorities should
they be requested to.
Interestingly, a bonus side effect to using
Spotflux, for us users in the UK, is that the service routes through a New York
server, hence giving you an American IP address that's visible to the world.
Now, we here at Micro Mart don't condone the use of un-licensed internet
activities, but with a US IP, we here in the UK can now enjoy the delights of
Hulu, and other US only catch-up TV stations. Naughty or just is a loop hole?
Spotflux is well worth trying out, and can
help filter wasteful and unwanted traffic. It's currently available for Windows
and Mac, with a mobile app and Linux version up the sleeve of the developer.
Spotflux can protect you from many a nasty online
·
An Encrypted and Secure Connection
Whether is at home, travelling, or on a
public WiFi. Spotflux encrypts and secures your connection and protects your
privacy white browsing.
·
Malware and Virus Protection
Spotflux continuously scans and protects
your connection for inbound threets such as malware and viruses.
·
Open and Unrestricted Access
Spotflux doesn't believe in limiting or
blocking access to content Access is always open and unrestricted while
connected to Spotflux
·
A Private, Ad-free Browsing Experience
Enjoy clean ad-free browsing without
tracking or targeted advertisements Spotflux saves bandwidth, hides I your IP
address, and 1 keeps your location private.
