VPN

Configure and troubleshoot VPN connections for privacy and remote access.

Privacy Misconceptions

• VPN shifts trust from ISP to VPN provider — provider sees all traffic, not eliminated
• "No logs" claims are marketing — unverifiable without independent audits
• VPN doesn't provide anonymity — browser fingerprinting, account logins, payment methods still identify
• Free VPNs monetize traffic data — if not paying, you're the product
• Self-hosted VPN exits from your IP — no privacy benefit, services see your home address

DNS Leaks

• DNS queries can bypass tunnel — reveals visited sites despite encrypted traffic
• Test after every setup — leak test sites show if DNS goes through ISP instead of tunnel
• System DNS settings may override VPN — force DNS through tunnel in client settings

Kill Switch

• Brief VPN disconnects expose real IP — happens without user noticing
• Kill switch blocks all traffic when tunnel drops — essential for privacy use cases
• Test by forcing disconnect — traffic should stop completely, not fall back to direct

Split Tunneling Risks

• Misconfiguration sends sensitive traffic direct — defeats VPN purpose
• Full tunnel safer default — split only when deliberately excluding specific apps
• Local network access often requires split — printing, casting break with full tunnel

Protocol Traps

• PPTP encryption is broken — trivially cracked, never use regardless of convenience
• UDP blocked on some networks — TCP fallback needed for restrictive firewalls
• WireGuard uses fixed ports — easier to block than OpenVPN on 443

Mobile Issues

• WiFi calling fails through most VPNs — carrier limitation, not fixable
• Banking apps detect and block VPN — may need exclusion in split tunnel
• Battery drain varies significantly — WireGuard most efficient by large margin

Connection Failures

• "Connected" but no internet — usually DNS misconfigured, not routing issue
• Works on phone not laptop — local firewall or antivirus interfering
• Constant reconnects — try TCP instead of UDP, increase keepalive interval

Self-Hosted Traps

• Exit IP is your home IP — services see where you live, no geo-bypass benefit
• Requires static IP or dynamic DNS — clients can't find changing endpoints
• Unmaintained server becomes liability — security updates are your responsibility