However, you do have to put up with an ad banner at the top of your browser although you can close it. Hotspot Shield generally works very well. This is particularly useful for video sites such as Hulu or restricted videos on YouTube. The major reason why users are flocking to Hotspot Shield though is because it allows you to view sites in the USA that are usually restricted to outside users. The VPN is encrypted with 128 bit SSL encryption so that you can surf safely without worrying about others intercepting your data. A green and red shield in your system tray indicates when Hotspot Shield is and is not connected. To secure your internet connection, Hotspot Shield creates a Virtual Private Network (a secure connection, usually abbreviated to VPN) between your computer and the Hotspot Shield developer's website, Anchorfree, based in the USA.Įverything is done in an extra tab open in your browser so there's no need to configure anything. Hotspot Shield for Mac is a free program that allows you not only to secure your connection while surfing the net, but also to access sites not normally available outside of the USA such as Pandora and Hulu.