Iβve been a loyal user of Norton 360 for years and deeply appreciate the security it brings to my devices. However, I wanted to share an idea that could enhance your VPN feature for users like us.
Currently, remembering to activate and deactivate the VPN can be tricky. A simple enhancement to the system tray iconβa visual indicator showing whether the VPN is on (e.g., a green or colored circle)βwould be incredibly helpful. Pairing this with the ability to toggle the VPN directly from the tray icon would streamline user experience without requiring full navigation through the app.
I believe this tweak could make Norton Secure VPN more accessible while encouraging users to fully utilize the protection it offers. Iβm sharing this idea because I care about Nortonβs continued success and the satisfaction of its user community.
Thank you for considering my suggestion, and I hope to see Norton continue to grow and improve its services.
Hi @LewStewal. It was wishful thinking.The best workaround I came up with is after turning on your VPN, minimize Norton to your taskbar. You canβt miss that, and itβll serve as a reminder to turn off your VPN when done with it.
That is sorta what I do, but I have my taskbar set to Hide, so itβs easy to forget and not turn it back on until Iβm finished surfing.
Sometimes I just leave the screen open and open the browser window on top of it, but then, once done banking I continue surfing and thatβs where it gets missed and not turned on again. Ugh, just a tunnel, please.
I switched over to Mozillaβs Firefox a couple of month ago and just today realized there are numerous free VPN extensions that allow website tunnels. Iβll check into those. Mozilla also has a VPN, but not with website tunnels.
Mozilla also has some type of DNS v. HTTPS settings that may help, but my understanding today isnβt up to snuff. Iβll get myself educated on all these soonest!
@LewStewal- To be honest, Iβve never heard of a website βtunnelβ.
Iβve been using Firefox for about 20 years. I also try not to use many extensions. About 5. I try to keep things simple.
Hello @LewStewal
Please share free VPN extension that allow βwebsite tunnelββ¦meaning, mask your real location on some websites and allow your real location on some websites.
I thought you wanted to exclude some websites here from VPN (split tunnel).
as test: installed TunnelBear extension with Firefox
Iβm not finding how to exclude website - allow my real location - other than turn TunnelBear extension off at the website and refresh page.
So you can find the Mozilla VPN here (edit: open in a new tab)
You can see they state βTurn off VPN for specific websitesβ so I misread/misunderstood it earlier when I said it couldnβt do that.
Then they repeat it in the βabout this extensionβ section:
-Website not working when VPN is on? With the extension, you can turn off protection for specific websites β while keeping it on for everything else.
Granted this extension is not free, but neither is Norton 360 VPN that doesnβt allow tunneling a site.
There are many, many VPNs out there, but I want a big name, well known provider that I can trust. Thatβs why Iβve been with Norton for so many years, but they arenβt delivering what I want.
AI Overview
Several VPN providers offer browser extensions for Chrome and other browsers, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PIA (Private Internet Access), and VeePN. These extensions allow you to manage your VPN connection directly within the browser, often offering features like IP leak protection, WebRTC blocking, and website safety warnings.
Hereβs a more detailed look at some popular options: NordVPN:
Provides a Chrome extension that offers features like IP leak protection and WebRTC blocking.
ExpressVPN:
Known for its speed and security, the ExpressVPN Chrome extension offers features like IP leak protection and location spoofing.
Surfshark:
Offers a budget-friendly option with an extension that includes IP leak protection, CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), and website safety warnings.
Proton VPN:
Provides a free VPN extension for Chrome, offering a convenient way to protect your privacy while browsing.
PIA (Private Internet Access):
Features a Chrome extension that offers protection from ads, trackers, and WebRTC leaks, as well as webcam and microphone access.
VeePN:
Offers a free VPN extension for Chrome that allows you to connect to proxy servers, mask your location, and encrypt your traffic.
Choosing the right VPN extension depends on your needs:
Security and privacy features: Look for features like IP leak protection, WebRTC blocking, and ad/malware blocking.
Speed and reliability: Consider the VPNβs server network and performance.
Cost and number of devices: Some VPNs offer free options, while others have different pricing plans based on the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.
User interface and ease of use: Consider how easy the extension is to install and use.
AI responses may include mistakes.
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AI Overview
A VPN extension only secures your browserβs traffic, while a full VPN app protects all internet traffic on your device. A VPN extension is essentially a proxy for your browser, whereas a full VPN app encrypts all your data, including that from other apps and your operating system.
Hereβs a more detailed breakdown:
VPN Extension:
Limited Scope:
Only encrypts and routes traffic within the web browser where itβs installed.
Browser-Specific:
Doesnβt protect your other apps, like streaming services or other browsers.
Potentially Less Secure:
May not offer the same level of encryption or security features as a full VPN app.
May be a Proxy:
Sometimes VPN browser extensions are simply proxies, which only change your IP address, not encrypt your traffic.
Full VPN App:
Device-Wide Protection:
Encrypts all internet traffic originating from your device, including browser, apps, and operating system.
Comprehensive Security:
Offers features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and multi-hop connections for enhanced privacy and security.
More Reliable:
Generally more stable and reliable than browser extensions.
Better for Security:
Provides a higher level of security and privacy compared to a browser extension.
In essence, if you need to protect all your online activity, a full VPN app is the better choice. If you only need basic protection for your browsing, a VPN extension might suffice, but itβs important to understand its limitations.
For example, if youβre using a streaming service or downloading torrents, a VPN extension wonβt protect that traffic, but a full VPN app will.
Hi @LewStewal. I really mean my question to you in a genuinely friendly way.
Are you going through all of this because you really want to keep your taskbar hidden, and my idea of minimizing Norton when your VPN is engaged as a reminder, and a fast way of turning it off wonβt work? If so, why donβt you just try it?
Thanks and absolutely in all friendliness, I do want to keep my taskbar hidden. Always have. Alway will. You are suggesting a work around, not the solution of tunnels. Iβve noted that I have simply left the app open to the VPN setting, which is more of an in your face reminder than minimizing to the task bar.
Should the computer work for me, or should I work for the computer?
Why do I want to remember click more buttons when Iβm finished banking? I want to set it and forget it. (remember the Showtime Rotisserie oven by Ron Popeil?)
I came here to tell Norton what I want in the VPN. If you want a work around, fine. I donβt. I want website tunnels. There are solutions for this available.
No need to reply further. Iβve stated my peace and donβt see any further need to discuss work arounds.
I just had a thought about why Norton does not offer any per website tunnelling. To provide that kind of feature, the VPN would have to log what site you are trying to access to compare to a list of websites to exclude from the VPN associated with your Account. Norton prides itself on total non logging for their VPN product. In fact they even pulled the VPN service from India when their privacy laws changed to insist VPN providers log user data for possible use by law enforcement.
