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The crucial role of virtual private networks (VPNs) in today’s digital era is incontrovertible. These robust tools are vital for ensuring online security and privacy against ever-growing digital threats. Even with their universally acknowledged advantages, many consumers, like Beth who recently reached out to us, face dilemmas in utilizing VPNs effectively.
“Hello. Not long ago, someone hacked my Amazon account, causing numerous problems, and I suspect they also targeted my Etsy account. I decided to start using a VPN since I spend almost all my time online, both professionally and personally, and this applies to my son and husband as well. However, we realized that many sites block people using VPNs. Could you recommend a VPN that’s less likely to be blocked or discovered, or whatever the process is?” — Beth from Verbena, Alabama
Hi Beth, I’m sorry to hear about your internet security troubles. It completely makes sense you want to use a VPN to guarantee your online privacy and security. However, it’s worth noting that certain sites do block VPN connections to prevent malicious activities and ensure their security. Here’s why VPN connections get blocked and how you might work around it.
Guidelines for Selecting a Reliable VPN
Choose a trustworthy VPN provider
Major paid VPN services put substantial efforts into averting VPN blocks by websites and services. Their server networks are extensive and frequently switch IP addresses, making them harder to blacklist.
Steer Clear of Free VPNs
Free VPNs services often have smaller server networks and their IP address ranges are more susceptible to being blacklisted by anti-VPN measures. Paid providers are generally more efficient at dodging blocks.
Activate VPN Obfuscation
Several VPNs provide an obfuscation or cloak mode that masks VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, helping to avoid deep packet inspection employed to detect VPNs.
Install a Browser Plugin
Some VPN providers offer browser extensions that can sometimes enable you to bypass VPN blocks even if the desktop app doesn’t. These extensions route only the browser traffic through the VPN.
Although no VPN is wholly unblockable, following these guidelines can assist in selecting a service that reduces the likelihood of being blocked when trying to access restricted websites and services.
Reasons for Blocking VPN Connections
Regarding online privacy, it’s true that corporations like Google have been observed obtaining information they hadn’t been authorized to access. However, it’s important to emphasize that websites have the legal right to block VPN connections if they suspect fraudulent activities. This is because VPNs can conceal the user’s identity and override geographical restrictions, potentially enabling unlawful activities. Here are the top four reasons why VPN connections are hindered.
1) Transparency: Financial organizations often obstruct VPNs since they want a clear view of transactions. They have a vested interest in understanding who is receiving and exporting funds. PayPal takes rigorous steps, even banning VPN users for life as it infringes their Terms of Service arrangements.
2) Service Limitations: Streaming platforms don’t want users to deploy VPN because it helps override geographical restrictions. Some content is exclusive to certain parts of the world and a VPN would disguise the user’s location. Streaming providers actively block VPN IP addresses, and if they find out you bypassed their IP blacklists with a regular VPN or VPN camouflage, you can face resistance from these services.
3) Curtailing Illicit Activities: Some governments and organizations utilize VPN blocking to protect themselves against exploitation, deception, and other unlawful activities.
4) Surveillance: Certain governments and businesses employ VPN blocking to trace online activities by individuals. For instance, some firms ban VPN usage, restrict nonwork access online, etc.
Altering the VPN Server Location
A practical way of bypassing VPN blocking is to connect to a different VPN server location or city. Many sites and services attempting to block VPNs do so by blacklisting known VPN IP address ranges. By switching to a VPN server in a different area or country, you can acquire a new IP address that might not be obstructed.
Most reputable VPN providers possess a vast global server network encompassing hundreds or thousands of servers across numerous countries. This gives you multiple choices to test different server locations until you find one that isn’t obstructed by the site or service you’re trying to access.
Here are the common steps:
- Disconnect from your current VPN server
- Select a new city or country from your VPN app’s server list
- Connect to this new VPN server location
Regularly changing your virtual location makes it significantly harder for anti-VPN methods to catch up with blacklisting all IP addresses associated with a particular VPN service.
Picking a VPN That Maintains Connection
Consider employing a VPN to defend against tracking and to display your potential location on visited websites. Many sites can recognize your IP address, and depending on their privacy regulations, may indicate the city from which you’re browsing. A VPN can help hide your IP address by showing an alternate location. Read my expert review of the top VPNs for safely surfing the web on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
Final Thoughts from Kurt
Considering the vast amounts of personal data collected through daily online activities, it’s reasonable that you might want to use a VPN service. Regrettably, some businesses and government institutions block VPN users, which is entirely lawful. While it’s not infallible and could reduce your connection speed, VPN obfuscation might help you continue utilizing VPN without getting blocked.
Do you believe the advantages of a VPN outweigh the potential inconvenience of being blocked by a few sites? Yes or no, and why? Share your thoughts with us by writing at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For additional tech tips and security updates, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter at Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
If you have any tech-related questions or wish to suggest stories for us to cover, contact us.
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