Hotspot Shield permits you to create a virtual private network (VPN) so you can browse the web anonymously and safely.Each and every time you access the net you expose yourself to multiple vulnerabilities. One of those is passing non-encrypted passwords through an unsecured network. For example, let's say you go to the local sandwich shop for lunch that has public wi-fi. These networks are rarely secure and are accessed by everyone in the area. Furthermore, email passwords are not encrypted. So a hacker could easily connect to that wi-fi and use packet sniffing software that can grab you email address., password and whatever else you just typed - right out of the air. Hotspot Shield creates an encrypted tunnel that prevents would-be hackers from viewing data like your email, messages, credit card numbers, etc. protecting your data and your privacy.