Check if your VPN connection has privacy leaks and protect your online identity.
A VPN leak occurs when your device accidentally reveals your real IP address, location, or internet traffic outside of the encrypted VPN tunnel. This defeats the primary purpose of using a VPN, which is to hide your identity and protect your privacy online.
IPv6 leaks are among the most common VPN vulnerabilities. While most VPN services focus on IPv4 traffic, many don't properly handle IPv6 connections, causing them to bypass the VPN tunnel entirely.
Why it happens: Your device might be configured to use IPv6 for certain connections, but your VPN only routes IPv4 traffic. This creates a "leak" where IPv6 requests go directly to your ISP.
The risk: Websites can detect your real IPv6 address and determine your actual location, ISP, and potentially identify you personally.
Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is a technology that enables peer-to-peer communication in web browsers. However, it can also be exploited to reveal your real IP address.
How it works: WebRTC uses STUN servers to discover your local and public IP addresses for direct communication. Malicious websites can access this information through JavaScript.
The danger: Even with a VPN active, WebRTC can expose your real IP address, completely bypassing VPN protection. This is particularly dangerous because it works silently in the background.
Domain Name System (DNS) leaks occurs when your device sends DNS queries outside the VPN tunnel, typically to your ISP's DNS servers instead of your VPN provider's servers.
What this reveals: Every website you visit, your Browse patterns, and potentially your location. Your ISP can see and log every domain you access.
Common causes:
When different services report different IP addresses for your connection, it can indicate that your VPN isn't routing all traffic properly or that there are multiple connection paths.
What to look for: All legitimate IP checking services should report the same IP address when you're connected to a VPN. Inconsistencies may indicate leaks or connection problems.
Legacy browser plugins like Java and Flash have known security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to reveal your real IP address and bypass VPN protection.
Why they're dangerous: These plugins can make direct network connections outside the browser's normal security sandbox, potentially bypassing VPN routing.
Not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to leak protection. Look for these features:
Test Frequency: Run leak tests monthly, after software updates, when changing locations, and especially when switching networks (home, office, public WiFi).
Remember: Online privacy requires constant vigilance. Technology changes, new vulnerabilities are discovered, and software configurations can change. Regular testing and staying informed about privacy threats is the best way to protect your digital identity.