Why is OpenVPN Showing on Your Router’s Traffic?
If you’re seeing a lot of activity on your router’s firewall logs from an unknown VPN (virtual private network) service, it could be that your network is under attack.
An unknown VPN service is a type of VPN that provides no encryption for any of your traffic. These are usually free or use a very limited shared secret that is easily cracked. Because these VPNs provide no encryption (encryption is a key requirement for protecting your data while online), all of your traffic, including your private keys, are potentially exposed in plaintext.
It is possible to use a VPN that provides encryption to your entire network, as long as you trust the VPN service you’re connected to. It’s also possible to choose a VPN that provides end-to-end encryption, which means that no one can access or read your traffic except the people you intend on sharing it with. So, while it’s always best to avoid putting your network at risk, if your current circumstances dictate that you need to, make sure that you trust the VPN service you connect to.
Learn About The Different Types Of VPN Services
Before blindly adding a VPN service to your router, you should first understand what type of VPN service you need for your specific needs. The following are the most common types of VPNs and their associated advantages and disadvantages.
No-Security-Required VPN
This is the most common type of VPN, and it is also the simplest to set up. With this type of VPN, you simply need to install the VPN client software on your device, and then you’re good to go. You won’t have to worry about encrypting your traffic or maintaining a secure connection because the software takes care of all of that for you. The main disadvantage to this type of VPN is that it doesn’t offer the same level of security as other VPNs do. So, if you’re looking for an anonymous browsing experience or need a VPN to protect your private keys, this is the one you should stay away from.
Encrypted-With-A-Password VPN
Users can protect their encrypted data with a one-time-only password which is known as a ‘shared secret’. This shared secret is then used to encrypt all of your traffic and you can’t access the data without the password. Because this type of VPN encrypts your traffic with a shared secret, it is more secure than the previous type of VPN. The main disadvantage to this type of VPN is that it requires you to enter a password every time you connect to the VPN. In the event of a stolen password or a compromised server, all of your sensitive data is then at risk. So, if you frequently connect to the VPN, you should consider using a different password for each connection.
OpenVPN-SOHO
This type of VPN is designed for home use and offers security, privacy, and speed comparable to many paid-for VPN services. You don’t need to set up the VPN on multiple devices to access the internet through it, as the software manages all of the encryption for you. The main advantage to this type of VPN is that it is extremely easy to set up and use. You simply download and run the OpenVPN software on your router. Then, you’re good to go. No technical knowledge is required. The main disadvantage to this type of VPN is that it does not provide the same level of security and privacy as the other VPNs listed above. If you’re looking for a VPN for your home network, this is the one you should avoid.
TunnelBear VPN
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, no cost VPN for your SOHO network, then you should consider trying TunnelBear. This is a relatively new VPN service that was founded in 2014 and has quickly become one of the most popular VPN services worldwide. Like OpenVPN, TunnelBear provides a SOHO solution that encrypts all of your data before it is forwarded to its destination. TunnelBear also provides a kill switch so that if their server is ever compromised, all of your data will be automatically deleted from their systems. Finally, while not all VPNs provide these features, it is definitely a plus if they do.
LiteVPN VPN
If you’re looking for a VPN that is not only easy to use but also offers protection against DNS leaks and frequent disconnections, you should try LiteVPN. Just like TunnelBear, this is a relatively new VPN service that was founded in 2014. Although it is only available for Android at the time of writing, the company is working hard to bring the app to other platforms. Like the other VPNs listed above, LiteVPN provides a SOHO solution that encrypts all of your data before it is forwarded to its destination. Like OpenVPN, LiteVPN also provides a kill switch so that if their server is ever compromised, all of your data will be automatically deleted from their systems. Finally, to make your life even easier, this VPN can be set up to auto-connect upon start-up.
PPTP VPN
If you’re looking for an older-school type of VPN that is very easy to use, then you should try one of the versions of the PPTP protocol. Because PPTP is a widely-used protocol that has been around for a long time, many VPNs have implemented the protocol into their services. One of the most well-known VPNs that provide PPTP is Private Internet Access because of its affordability and simplicity of use. The main advantage to PPTP is that it is extremely easy to use and offers good performance. The main disadvantage is that it is not very secure and is therefore not recommended for use if you need high levels of security. If you’re looking for an older-school type of VPN, then this is the one you should try. However, please make sure that you keep your personal information safe while using this type of VPN.
IPSEC VPN
If you need a VPN that is based off of the IPSec protocol, then you should look into NordVPN or IP Vanish. These are very popular VPNs that were launched in 2015 and provide very high security, privacy, and performance. So, if you’re looking for a VPN that offers good security and privacy, then these are the two you should try. However, keep in mind that they are a bit more complicated to set up than the other VPNs listed above. If you’re looking for a solution that is as simple to use as OpenVPN or TunnelBear, then you should try one of the other VPNs listed above.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
This is a catch-all category of VPNs that was created because there is no other category that could possibly cover every type of VPN. Every VPN provides security, privacy, and anonymity, but they vary in the degree of sophistication and complexity that is required to use them. So, if you’re looking for a catchall category to hide your identity while you’re online, then this is the one you should try. Just keep in mind that not all VPNs are created equal and some are much easier to use than others.
To find the right VPN for your needs, simply follow these steps:
Select A Service Provider
The first step is to select a VPN service provider that meets your needs. The important things to think about when deciding which service to use are security, speed, reliability, and cost. Just keep in mind that no matter what type of VPN you choose, you will need to enter a password every time you connect to the service, so make sure that you choose a service that provides a good user experience while minimizing the number of times you need to enter your password.
Consider The Platforms
If you’re using Windows, then make sure that you download and install the appropriate VPN client for your operating system. Most users should use the OpenVPN software for Windows, as it is the most commonly used and trusted software for connecting to VPNs on Windows. If you’re using macOS, then you should download and install the OpenVPN app because it is the only app that Apple officially approves and recommends for connecting to VPNs. If you’re using Linux, then you should download and install the OpenVPN GUI (graphical user interface), which provides a user-friendly way of connecting to a VPN. Remember: no matter which type of device you’re using, you will need to download and install the VPN client separately.