In today’s digital world, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) have become an essential tool for protecting online privacy and securing internet connections. However, one of the primary concerns of VPN users is IP leakage, which can reveal your actual location despite using a VPN. NOW VPN - Fast Secure Proxy claims to offer strong IP leak protection, but how can users verify that this protection is working as expected? This article will guide you through the steps and methods to check whether NOW VPN effectively prevents IP leaks, ensuring that your online privacy is maintained.
Before we dive into how to verify IP leak protection, it’s important to understand what an IP leak is and why it’s crucial to prevent it.
An IP leak occurs when your real IP address is exposed to the internet while you are connected to a VPN. This happens when the VPN fails to fully mask your IP address or if it allows other types of traffic to bypass the encrypted tunnel. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
1. DNS Leaks: When your device’s DNS queries are sent outside the VPN tunnel, revealing your real location.
2. WebRTC Leaks: A browser feature that might allow websites to access your true IP address, even when using a VPN.
3. IPv6 Leaks: If your VPN only supports IPv4, but your device is using IPv6, the real IP can be exposed.
4. Application Leaks: Some apps on your device might not route traffic through the VPN, exposing your IP.
These leaks can undermine the purpose of using a VPN in the first place, as they give websites, advertisers, or even malicious actors access to your real IP address.
Now that you understand the potential risks of IP leaks, let’s focus on how to verify whether NOW VPN provides sufficient protection against them.
The easiest and most straightforward way to check for IP leaks is to use online leak test tools. These tools can detect whether your real IP address is exposed while connected to the VPN. Here’s how to use them:
1. Connect to NOW VPN: Ensure that you are connected to the NOW VPN - Fast Secure Proxy server of your choice.
2. Visit an IP Leak Test Site: Open your browser and visit a trusted IP leak test website. These websites will show you the IP address that is visible to websites and online services.
3. Check Your IP Address: After loading the test page, compare the displayed IP address to the one assigned by the VPN. If the IP address shown matches your VPN-assigned address, then your IP is being properly masked.
4. Check for DNS Leaks: Many leak test sites will also check for DNS leaks. If any DNS servers from your actual location are displayed, this may indicate that your DNS queries are not being routed through the VPN.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a browser feature designed to enable real-time communication, such as video calls. However, WebRTC can expose your real IP address even when you’re connected to a VPN. To test for WebRTC leaks, follow these steps:
1. Disable WebRTC in Your Browser: Most browsers allow you to disable WebRTC in the settings. You can also use browser extensions designed to block WebRTC leaks.
2. Run a WebRTC Leak Test: After disabling WebRTC, visit a WebRTC leak test site. If your real IP is still visible, it indicates a leak that bypasses the VPN.
IPv6 is the most recent version of the Internet Protocol, and many VPNs still do not fully support it. If you are using a VPN that only supports IPv4, your real IPv6 address might leak. To test for IPv6 leaks:
1. Disable IPv6 on Your Device: Go to your network settings and disable IPv6, ensuring that all your traffic is routed over IPv4.
2. Test for IPv6 Leaks: Visit a site that checks for both IPv4 and IPv6 leaks. If your IPv6 address is still visible, it indicates a problem with your VPN's support for IPv6.
While IP and WebRTC leaks are the most common, other types of leaks can also compromise your privacy. For instance, some applications may route their traffic outside the VPN tunnel. To check for DNS and application leaks:
1. Test for DNS Leaks: Use a DNS leak test tool to check whether your DNS queries are being routed through your VPN. Any DNS server not associated with your VPN provider should be considered a leak.
2. Test with Different Applications: Open various apps and ensure that all of them route their traffic through the VPN. You can monitor traffic by using network monitoring tools to check if any application is bypassing the VPN.
A kill switch is a feature offered by many VPNs, including NOW VPN - Fast Secure Proxy, that ensures your real IP address is never exposed if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. The kill switch will immediately cut off all internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, preventing any leaks from occurring.
To verify if the kill switch is working:
1. Enable the Kill Switch: Ensure that the kill switch is activated in the NOW VPN settings.
2. Disconnect the VPN: Disconnect the VPN intentionally and observe whether your internet connection is automatically cut off.
3. Monitor for IP Leaks: While the kill switch is activated, check for any IP leaks using the methods mentioned earlier. If your IP remains hidden during the VPN disconnection, the kill switch is working correctly.
Verifying the IP leak protection of NOW VPN - Fast Secure Proxy is an essential step for any user concerned about online privacy. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can test for common leaks, including IP, DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and ensure that NOW VPN provides the level of security you expect. Additionally, using features like the kill switch can further enhance your protection against accidental IP exposure. Regularly testing for leaks and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities will help you maintain a secure and private internet connection.