When you’re connected to a random free Wi-Fi or in an internet cafe at a dubious location, it’s probably not the best time to log in and use your internet banking or download important personal documents.
At times though, you may not have any option but to use a connection with unknown security. If you really have to transmit sensitive things over an untrusted network, OPSWAT’s free Secure Virtual Desktop may be just what you need. This program doesn’t require any installation at all, so you can use it when on a computer with a non administrator account.

It’s as simple as just downloading this program and running it. It begins with an optional check for any malware that may be currently active on the computer, then it switches into a secure version of the windows desktop. The regular desktop is still available, you can even switch back and forth between both desktops anytime you want.

Whenever you’re using this secure desktop, the only browser that is allowed to run is Internet Explorer, which will always run in private browsing mode. Also, anything that you save locally when using the secure desktop will disappear when the session is over. PrintScreen and any other kind of printing isn’t permitted. It also blocks access to removable and network drives. Programs running on the main desktop can’t interact with secured apps, and it also prevents copy/paste between the secure and regular desktops.

The program clearly shows you when you are in secure mode by changing the desktop background. Also all icons disappear and a small floating window with a shield icon lets you know that you’re in secure mode. It also has a simple button that lets you switch between secure and regular desktops.

Another feature is that, while not being a real VPN (Virtual private Network) tool, during a secure session it still masks your IP address.

The downside of all this is that the program only lets you use it for five minutes at a time. Although there is paid versions available, five minutes may be all you need for an emergency situation.

Find out further info or download it at SecureVirtualDesktop.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 19th, 2012 at 1:02 pm and is filed under Main. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.