I’m as concerned about Internet security as the next person. Probably more than the next person, considering many of the “next persons” I know use their dog’s name as their sole Internet password. OK, that’s a bit of a joke. Or is it?
In any event, using a virtual private network, or VPN, is a helpful way to protect yourself online, especially (but not only) in those situations where you are bouncing onto free WIFI, such as at your local coffee shop. I researched premium VPNs, that is, those that cost some money rather than are free. There are free resources out there, but paying a modest amount, in my experience, means in many instances that you get some support in case you run into problems.
I researched online paid VPNs and came across GhostPath, which receives pretty high marks. So I decided to give the service (monthly at $10) a try. After receiving prompt, courteous and helpful tech support, I’m pretty convinced. I’ll probably be moving to their yearly account to enjoy comparative savings.
So I thought I’d share what I learned with GhostPath’s support help about
How to Set up your Android device to use GhostPath VPN
- Subscribe to the GhostPath service (FYI: Your GhostPath username will not be the same as your email address!)
- Download and install the OpenVPN app from the Google Play store.
- On your phone or tablet, visit the https://ghostpath.com/servers page and download the OpenVPN file for the server you want to use. It will end in .ovpn.
- Open the OpenVPN app on your Android device
- Menu | Import
- Import Profile from SD card (this is where you pick the .ovpn file you downloaded, which corresponds to a GhostPath server)
- Connect
- Select Certificate | Continue
Note that this worked for me using a Moto X device running Android 4.4.2 and a Nexus 7 running Android 4.4.3.
And that’s it. Up and running securely in just a few minutes. And a benefit? Watching the World Cup live becomes a heck of a lot easier.
Do you have a different or easier way to connect to a reliable VPN on your Android device? Leave a comment below.
And as we mentioned passwords and security, here’s some information on recent Internet security issues, and some tips on good Internet password practices.
Image source: Capitol Theatre, 17 November 1944 by Sam Hood, from State Library of New South Sales in Flickr Commons
