HMA

HMA is an acronym that may refer to several different things, depending on the context. The most widely recognized use is Hide My Ass!, a commercial virtual private network (VPN) service. Hide My Ass! provides encrypted connections and IP address masking to improve online privacy and security. The service operates a network of servers in multiple countries and offers apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, along with browser extensions. In 2016, the company was acquired by Avast Software and the branding was consolidated under the HMA label. Over the years, HMA has been the subject of debates about privacy practices and data-retention policies, and users are advised to review current terms of service and jurisdictional data handling.

In addition to the VPN usage, HMA serves as an acronym for various organizations, committees, or initiatives in different fields. As with many acronyms, the exact meaning of HMA should be inferred from the surrounding context to avoid confusion. The term can thus refer to entities in health care, education, technology, or other sectors, among potentially others. This breadth of meanings means that deciphering the intended reference relies on accompanying information such as the organization name, location, or activities. Overall, HMA illustrates how a single acronym can span distinct domains, making context essential for accurate identification.