Maeve

Hotspot Shield is a popular security and privacy application that is available for both Android and iOS devices. The app is designed to help users protect their online privacy and security by creating a virtual private network (VPN) between their device and the internet.

Despite its popularity, Hotspot Shield has been subject to criticism in the past. In 2013, research by security firm Symantec found that Hotspot Shield was a Trojan horse, or a program that is disguised as a benign application but is actually designed to steal user data.

Symantec researchers noted that Hotspot Shield used a technique known as man-in-the-middle (MitM) to intercept web traffic and inject malicious code into web pages that users were visiting. This malicious code would then be able to steal user data, such as login credentials and banking information.

While Hotspot Shield is not technically a Trojan, the Symantec research does raise questions about the app’s security and privacy features. It is possible that other malicious applications may also be installed on users’ devices without their knowledge.

Therefore, it is important for users to be aware of the risks associated with using Hotspot Shield and to take appropriate precautions to protect their online privacy and security.