can you download systernals autoruns (it's a Microsoft program) & tell me what section (tab) it lists these programs in (this will help the developers learn why it isn't listed)
is it (as the name suggests) a anti-malware/security product? If so it may hide itself from startup profiling in order to protect itself from being attacked
I actually copied those entries from sysinternals but forgot to include the location, they're at:
HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services
It's a security product. Let me share: I've come to realize that the hotspots (places that offer free WiFi like McDonalds, Hotels, etc) I've had to use provide only UNSECURED connections, even those requiring a provided username/password. Hotspot Shield connects you through their US based VPN server for free from anywhere in the world (do use an adblocker and deselect all the crap you don't want when installing). It will slow things down but it encrypts everything you do online keeping you safe from those with a little know-how from stealing your credit card info, passwords, etc.
By default, Hotspot Shield selects the option, Show on restart. It starts with Windows in a Disconnect/OFF state placing a red icon in the systray with these two services started, openvpnas.exe and openvpntray.exe.
If I click the systray icon and select Connect/ON, it turns green and starts the third service, openvpn.exe (only it stops if I Disconnect/OFF).
If I deselect the option to Show on restart, it only starts the service, openvpnas.exe.
In all honesty, I just as well leave it as is since the systray icon acks as a reminder to use it when needed.
Hotspot is just somebody letting you use their internet via a wireless router as opposed to, what I hope you do at home, password protecting your wifi via a key or passcode. that key or passcode becomes the private handshake of encryption that most of these free hopspots aren't using.
I think I would be bothered by HSS inserting addverts into my browsing and a few of their terms of conditions leave me a bit sick.
On top of that they seem to be blocked by the MVPs Host file which is a BIG strike against them
I think you might be better off in purchasing something like the cisco valet or other home VPN solutions (I won't go as far as suggesting you build your own, though in time that's what I'm going to do) and connect to your home internet, which in the end would probably be safer and much more secure
MOstly, when I'm on an unencrypted connection, I don't use sites that need passwords (e.g. Banks, Amazon, eBay. sites like this forum are fine because someone gets my password & meh), else I sign into my work's vpn (see my answer for you above).
In theory, a Chinese wall serves to restrict information to those individuals or groups that need it to conduct their jobs. In practice, however, Chinese walls are far from infallible because they rely on the honor system: the information is only restricted by the discretion and meticulousness of the parties involved.
In practice I have a wired connection to my router and use https encryption for my Gmail,
but Google sees all and knows all,
and when I open emails from a local grocery shop with any upcoming bargains,
Google Calendar offers to remind me at the correct time of those bargains which also correspond to National Tesco Loyalty Card transactions.
With all due respect, what is the point of secured access if Google and perhaps your ISP can see and record for the authorities and advertisers the contents of your messages
fwiw, it appears that hotspot shield keeps some processes running even after you shut it off and exit from the little systray icon. Could that be why CCleaner doesn't wipe it completely, because the processes are active?
This is a picture of some of the processes that did not stop after I thought I had shut it down.
And boy howdy does the free version make popups (ad supported)
Selvan: If anyone knows of a better free solution to being safe while away from home on an unsecured WiFi Hotspot, please share.
Same here, always seeking a privater way. If that isn't a word it oughta be. :-)
edit: Well, phooey, there is one in process explorer that I forgot to underline, but its obvious, so I won't go back and redo the whole thing.
If just encrypting e-mail is all you're after, I use GPG4Win to encrypt any attahment. Even when home, I don't send anything sensitive via e-mail without first making it an attachment encrypted with GPG4Win. And if websites send me my username/passwords in plain view via e-mail, I immediately change it. E-Mail is generally not secure, as you mentioned yourself, your ISP, the detinations ISP, and all hands involved between the two, can easily see it.
I'm the proud owner of our online Family Tree, it's now nearing 900 individuals, and I make it loud and clear to all who collaborate with me to never send anything unless they also use GPG4Win. Sadly, if it's too confusing for them, I insist on snail mail instead. My Public Key can be found here: http://lastborns.tripod.com/
This whole topic of Unsecured Hotspots came about because I happened to take my laptop with me on a recent vacation. I never knew they were most all unsecured. I had to scramble for a solution just so I could check my non-https web based e-mail. And, it appears that OpenVPN is the best solution. Fortunately, it's offered as a free service but, like most all stuff I've used for free, it won't be long before the good ones will start charging. But, hopefully not.
Comodo jumped in and offered it's TrustConnect but it's a paid-for service that comes bundled with CIS Complete, I only use their free version.
