1. It is secure in the fact that your files are stored at home. But with the service you agree to the terms and conditions. Others have complained. In the text somewhere they do say that they may view/store your files, blah blah. But I have had no issues with privacy in the year I have been using the device. There is a way to get a direct connect via the desktop app. It allows you to mount the drive to your computer and it is seen like a drive that is physically connected.

2. The great thing is that if popgoplug goes out of business you will still have all your files at home rather than in the cloud. You might be able to still use the device just without updates to the software and possibly the website shutting down. This will most likely not happen seeing they continue to improve upon there already great product.

3. Not sure about sleep mode, but I assume when your not using them they would sleep and reactivate upon using the drive again.

4. They do have many versions of pogoplug. They have a black device that is called pogoplug biz, but also costs about $300. Most likely if the deice is new and not pink or grey it might be the pro. The only difference is wi-fi, so check to see if that function is included, if it is, you have the pro.

Yes there are ways to connect directly, but it requires some now how. Openpogo and others are options.