Are You Being Spied On?
In diagnosing infrastructural data leaks with ease, the first step in blocking such leaks is identifying the source. When a VPN is used, data leaks can be simply rectified because they function on the same concepts. A virtual private network (VPN) exchanges your IP address with the access point of the VPN server you are linked to in order to hide it.
Given the importance of using a VPN amongst others, data leaks must be immediately stopped. The service wouldn’t be worth utilizing if that weren’t the case. You should be wary of a number of potential data leaks, regardless they involve DNS or your public destination IP.
Everything you need to know about the many kinds of VPN data breaches is provided here, along with step-by-step instructions on how to remedy each one.
Understanding Data Leaks?
A data leak can be caused by a variety of issues. This happens when a VPN service provider makes public personal information that can be used to pinpoint the user. This obviously defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy, and it needs to be fixed immediately. Depending on the type of leak you are encountering and the VPN provider you have selected, there may be a better way to accomplish this.
Most VPNs provide protection against data leaks, but some are more effective than others. We strongly discourage utilizing free VPN services in this regard due to their history of being easily breached.
It is also advised that you stick with an operator (ISP) that has passed auditing and has the option to support or forbid IPv6 in order to avoid the need to plug leaks in the first place. A leak could begin if your connection drops suddenly and the kill switch is not activated. Other risks include employing a protocol with insufficient security or having a VPN that is poorly configured for your operating system (OS). (Some VPN protocols are built for speed, while others emphasize security.)
Diagnosing Data Leaks?
Checking to check if the VPN is functioning properly is the first step in determining whether there is a leak. The following are the quickest and easiest ways to monitor your devices for data breaches:
After connecting to a server in another region, open a new tab in your browser. Are you still receiving information from your immediate area? If that Is the case, there is probably a leak.
Enter “what is my IP” in your browser’s search box. The IP address that your browser is tracking will be displayed in the results. Once with your VPN turned on and once with it off, repeat these instructions. Keep track of your IP address each time. If they mismatch, there most likely is a leak.
Alternatively, connect to a server network outside of your country and search on your browser once more, “What is my IP address?” You will undoubtedly have been breached if you see your exact country (location wise).
Resolving IP Leaks:
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is provided with every internet connection. These are assigned by your broadband provider. If you have an IP leak and your VPN is not effectively connecting to the server, your IP identification will be made public. The solution will depend on what kind of IP address the user has been assigned.
There are two types of IP addresses: Internet protocol versions (4 & 6). Initially, IPv4 was released back in the 1970s, and IPv6 was launched in the 1990s to ensure the internet could continue expanding. (though IPv5 was never properly implemented)
IPv4 allows for roughly 4.29 billion internet addresses, and it is no real surprise to learn that we are running out. The highest amount of ports allowed under IPv6 is 2128. (or 340 trillion trillion trillion). Just try to analyze this.
When analyzing the data, it is evident that certain ISPs are still using antiquated equipment. However, as IPv6 may not even be supported by VPNs in the first place, this does not automatically mean that it is safer.
Resolving IPv4 leaks
It is uncommon that you will experience an IPv4 leak while using a VPN because it is the basic and the simplest to fix. Having said that, it is still feasible. To check if there is an issue with a certain region, you are encouraged to switch to a different local server.
On the other hand, if you routinely encounter IPv4 issues, switching to a better operator might be the best advice.
Resolving IPv6 leaks
Whichever the VPN should support IPv6 or should restrict connections. It is a practical approach that will likely see increased use in the future. Additionally, your OS decides how to resolve IPv6 buffer overflows.
Conclusion
You will be prepared to spot and address any data leaks you come across when utilizing a VPN with a few web tools and a little extra knowledge. Most leaks may be quickly fixed, but if you frequently experience issues with a certain service, you may need to switch VPN services. If at all, it really shouldn’t be happening that frequently.
