If you connect to public WiFi routinely, you might know the importance of VPNs (virtual private networks). VPNs are software that encrypts incoming and outgoing traffic. They are used to restrict ISPs, hackers, or third parties from spying on your online activities.
Role of VPN
VPNs are essential nowadays. They add an extra layer of security to your network, and some people even use VPN services to access blocked websites.
In short, VPNs are used to mask IP addresses. Masking ensures that your real IP address is hidden from web trackers and third parties.
What is an IP Leak?
However, free VPNs are prone to IP leaks. Now, you might be wondering what an IP Leak is. In simple words, IP leaks happen when a user’s computer accesses default servers rather than anonymous VPN servers.
During an IP Address leak, your original IP address is exposed to the site you’re visiting, making your PC exposed.
IP leaks can happen at any time and mostly occur with free VPN services. Most modern VPN software, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc., has already been upgraded to reduce IP leaks. IP Leaks are usually caused by loopholes in browsers, plug-ins, or extensions.
Reason Behind IP Address Leaking
There could be several reasons behind an IP Leak. Below, we have highlighted the most prominent ones.
- Incorrect VPN Configuration
- Incorrect Browser Settings.
- DNS Leaks.
- IPv6 Leaks.
- WebRTC Leaks.
- Problems on the VPN backend.
How To Check for IP Address Leak
We are pretty sure that not everyone is 100% sure about the IP address leak issue. You will never know whether your VPN is leaking the real IP address.
In that case, you should always check for IP address leaks before relying entirely on the VPN. Follow the simple steps below to check for IP Address leaks.
- First of all, you need to know your actual IP Address.
- To know the actual IP address, Disconnect the VPN service
- Now, head to this site.
- The above site will show you the IP Address. Note it down on a notepad.
- Now sign in with the VPN and connect to any server
- Now revisit this site – https://www.purevpn.com/what-is-my-ip
- If your VPN is not leaking the IP Address, it will show you the different IP addresses.
The ultimate goal is to ensure the IPs differ when connected and disconnected.
Some other Sites to Check Your IP Address
Like the above site, you can use other sites to check your IP Address. It’s recommended to check the IP Address on multiple websites. Below, we have shared some of the best sites to check your IP Address.
1. What is My IP Address
Well, what is My IP Address? It is a website showing your current IP address. In addition to the IP Address, the site also shows additional information like the ISP Provider, City, Region, Country, and more. You need to visit the site, and it will show you the IP Address.
2. F-Secure IP Checker
F-Secure IP Checker is another website that lets you check your IP Address and location. It’s a web app that instantly displays your IP Address, location, and City. However, it misses out on other details like ISP provider.
3. NordVPN IP Lookup
If you want to find out the IP geolocation of your IP Address, then NordVPN IP Lookup might be the best pick for you. This IP lookup tool shows you the city, state, ZIP code, country, ISP name, and time zone of your IP Address.
This guide is all about how to check if your VPN is leaking your IP Address or not. I hope this article helped you share it with your friends. Let us know in the comment box below if you have any other doubts.
The post How to Check If Your VPN Is Leaking Your IP Address appeared first on TechViral.
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