Response to research showing over 80% of people across the UK believe their personal data is unsafe when using the internet, particularly on their mobile phones
F-Secure has partnered with Airangel Limited, a market leading WiFi provider in the UK, to eliminate snooping, block harmful web links and improve the privacy and safety of thousands of WiFi hotspot users across the UK. Users of Airangel’s WiFi hotspots are taken to a landing page that will allow them to protect their online privacy with F-Secure security solutions.
Airangel – the company behind public WiFi networks at leading hotel groups, outdoor leisure and high profile retailers – partnered with F-Secure following the launch of F-Secure Freedome, a VPN app which prevents data leakage through encrypting the communication from mobile devices.
Public and guest WiFi use in the UK is becoming ever more common, especially the use of f ree public hotspots. This, at a time when online privacy is also a growing concern. Britons want to be able to use the Internet safely with the peace of mind that their every move is not being tracked or snooped upon by marketers, hackers and government agencies.
F-Secure Freedome is a security and online privacy app to protect mobile devices, especially when using public WiFi. The simple and intuitive app includes a VPN, anti-virus, anti-tracking and anti-phishing. Using an Airangel-powered connection, customers will still enjoy the fast, uninterrupted Internet browsing access they are familiar with, along with the option of added protection.
A recent study* commissioned by F-Secure found that 92 per cent of UK consumers believe they have the right to expect privacy online (whether this be through government snooping, ad marketing or criminals stealing personal information) though shockingly, over 80 per cent stated that they do not believe their data is secure online – even more so when browsing the web on mobile technology.
Allen Scott, managing director of F-Secure UK and Ireland explained, “WiFi is now ubiquitous. It’s one of the most marvellous and useful technologies we have at our disposal. However, its commonality can foster misplaced feelings of familiarity and safety among users. It’s fine to use an unsecure connection to check the latest football results, but once you open up social networking apps or send communications, encryption is vital.”
Dean Wilkinson, CEO at Airangel added, “Airangel has been providing creative guest and public WiFi solutions for 12 years and now manages more than 35 million connections each year for hotels, retailers, corporates, leisure parks and events. We had a strong interest in collaborating with F-Secure due to our similarities in offering market-leading and effective services to fast-growing businesses within the UK. We want our customers to have a great, but secure, WiFi experience and this partnership will ensure that.”
