Using VPN in 2024
In today’s digital landscape, where online privacy is a growing concern, VPNs, Virtual Private Networks, have become indispensable tools for internet users. As we enter 2024, the use of VPNs has become more widespread and crucial than ever before. Check also our A Non-Technical Guido to VPNs
As the demand for secure internet connections continues to soar, numerous VPN providers have emerged, offering a myriad of solutions to address the evolving needs of users in 2024. Deciding which VPN Provider to use it is not an easy task, they all display a huge wall of features and amazing solutions.
When the time came to decide which VPN Provider to use I decided to go with NordVPN, because I had heard good things about it and they have a no-log policy with it is very important for me.
Once you have found the VPN Provided you want to work with, and have configured your VPN connection, there 3 things you need to test before you start your journey, you need to check your IP, check for DNS Leak and check for WebRTC Leak, but don’t worry, I will show you how to check these below.
Check your IP
You must always confirm that what you did indeed happened, don’t just assume that it worked.
The first thing you need to do after you connect to the VPN is to make sure you have a different IP Address, you can use sites like:
https://whatismyipaddress.com/
You should see that your location is not your actual location.
Check for DNS Leak
Next you need to test if you have DNS Leak, this is when your DNS requests are not going via the VPN, and your ISP, Internet Service Provider, resolves your DNS queries. When your ISP receive your DNS queries it means that they know every page you have requested.
To check if you have a DNS Leak use the below page:
Again, you should see a location different from your current location.
Check for WebRTC Leak
Now you test for WebRTC Leak, the WebRTC a project that enhance video and audio chats by allow the machines to connect directly, without using an intermediary, by doing this it means that the WebRTC know your IP Address, and that means it can leak.
WebRTC leaks take place when you’re trying to establish video or audio communication with another person via a browser that uses WebRTC technology. A browser then reveals your IP address.
You can check if you have WebRTC Leak here:
https://browserleaks.com/webrtc
Godspeed
Once you have done those 3 tests, you are good to proceed with your on-line journey.
But remember using a VPN does not means you are 100% anonymous on the internet!
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