How do I set up VPN with Cogeco Security?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an extra way to keep you safe online by protecting your identity. When you use the Internet without a VPN, your IP address can be seen by the sites you visit. This is normally just used for info like your general location when suggesting a store to visit, but it can also be used by cybercriminals to compromise your information. With VPN enabled, your IP address is hidden so you can browse privately.

Good to know: VPN is only available with Cogeco Security+. Learn more about upgrading to Cogeco Security+.

See below for steps to enable VPN on different device types.

Enabling VPN on a computer

1. Open Cogeco Security.
2. Select the toggle button under Privacy VPN to enable VPN immediately, or select Privacy VPN to view more settings.
   
   
   • This will require admin access so you may be prompted to log in.
   • If you haven’t used VPN on this device yet, you’ll see Get started instead.
3. Choose a VPN location. By default, one close to you will be selected but you can also connect to other VPN locations around the world.
   

Enabling VPN on a mobile device

1. Open the Cogeco Security app.
2. Tap the toggle switch next to Privacy VPN to enable VPN immediately, or select Privacy VPN to view more settings.
   
   
   
3. Choose a VPN location. By default, one close to you will be selected but you can also connect to other VPN locations around the world.
   

Additional VPN settings

From the Privacy VPN home page, select Settings to view additional VPN options.

• Automatic VPN protection (computer or Android only) - Automatically enable VPN when your device is on.
• Tracking protection - Block advertisers from monitoring your online activity.
• Killswitch (computer or Android only) - Cut off Internet access automatically if the VPN connection is disrupted.
• Trusted networks - Allow access between devices on selected networks, even when Killswitch or Automatic WiFi protection are enabled.
• VPN Protocol - Select between VPN protocols. Available options will vary by device.
• Keep VPN ON when device is idle (iOS only)
• Automatic WiFi protection (mobile only) - Automatically enable VPN when connecting to a Wi-Fi network not marked as trusted.
• VPN bypass (Windows or Android only) - Allow selected apps to connect directly without VPN.
• Browsing protection (mobile only) - Blocks websites that are suspicious or known to be malicious.

Good to know: With VPN enabled, some location-based services won’t work. For example, certain channels can only be streamed on EPICO while you’re at home so they won’t be available with VPN enabled. Learn more about EPICO out-of-home streaming.