Never take security for granted when using the Internet!
Well, we all know without a doubt that one of the most popular pseudonyms for a VPN is a ‘savior’. Why? Because VPN Services proffers a whole package of privacy to mask identity, encrypt communication & bypass geographical restrictions to give users maximum Internet coverage. Even accessing blocked websites is also achievable using a VPN.
Incorporated with several benefits, there are several VPN Services like SurfEasy, Speedify, SecurityKISS, Proton VPN etc. are available to satisfy the needs of browsing web privately. But what if a trustworthy Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that market itself as the best privacy & security solution, falls apart & starts leaking your IP Address or DNS Requests?
You can’t ultimately leave all your personal information in the hands of a VPN Service, right? So, let’s check out What Is An IP Leak, How You Can Check Your VPN For Leaks & What To Do To Prevent It?
What Is An IP Leak?
If you’re new to Internet security, then let’s start from the basics. Your IP Address is a unique number allocated to your computer on the Internet. It’s like your home address, but in a format that only computers can understand.
An IP Address leak while connected to a VPN can reveal a lot of information. For a start, it can expose your location. Second, your browsing history gets recorded on the most DNS Server, a simple IP Leak can lead to losing your browsing info, that can further be used by hackers, marketers and government officials for their own good.
These leaked histories can also reveal some of your sensitive data such as banking information, online accounts & passwords, etc.
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How To Check Your VPN Leaks Your IP Address?
To know if your VPN is leaking your IP Address or not, follow the straightforward method:
- Check Your Real IP Address
Before performing the test, make sure you’re not connected to your VPN service. Google ‘What is my IP Address’ & make a note of your real IP Address.
- Connect To Your VPN
Sign to your VPN account & get connected. Go back to Google again & search for What is my IP Address. This time it should show a different IP Address & the country you connected your VPN to.
If the results are the same, then, unfortunately, your VPN service is leaking.
The most common types of VPN leakages are WebRTC Leaks & DNS Leaks.
Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) Leaks– It exposes an individual’s IP address when the website is visited via JavaScript. To eliminate this functionality of web pages that uses WebRTC, and to stay protected VPN leaks, try Using WebRTC Block Extension for Chrome & Firefox!
DNS Leaks – Is a major security flaw that allows DNS requests to be revealed to ISP (Internet Service Providers) DNS servers. To test for any VPN DNS Leaks, visit IPLeak, it’s a dedicated website that allows you to test for any VPN DNS Leaks. It also provides a good amount of information about any connection!
Choose The Right VPN Provider To Prevent IP Leaks
There are several VPN services that are poorly configured & are far more prone to privacy and security leaks than others. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable VPN Service that conceals your actual IP Address and handles all your data with complete encryption.
Pick a reliable VPN Software that does a good job to prevent various data leaks. We recommend using Nord VPN Software that continuously monitors the network connection and makes sure that true IP Address in never revealed.
Nord VPN is one of the most reputable and best VPN providers, Nord offers a handful of features that add an extra shield of security to automatically end the connection when VPN connectivity is interrupted. It offers an extensive range of security & privacy features. Provides international access to Netflix, All 4 & iPlayer. Can connect up to six devices & support OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec.
Check out the list of Best VPN Services For Windows 10/8/7, right here!
It’s highly recommended to run frequent tests to check out if your VPN Connection leaks your IP Address. While you are not required to run a test on each connects. But it’s a good practice to do so on the first connection after every software update or every now and then!