A method of operation for managing network security features is disclosed. A communication device such as a mobile telephone or a modem can establish a position as a communications intermediary supporting communications between a first communication device such as a personal computer and a third communication device such as a server. The intermediary can detect a security feature between these “end devices”, and disable security features on intermediate segments of the end-to-end communication link. The end-to-end communication may utilize a virtual private network as a security feature and other security features on the intermediate segments can be disabled when they provide negligible additional security for the communications.