A VPN (virtual private network) leak is a security vulnerability that can expose your internet activity to third parties. There are several types of VPN leaks that can occur, depending on the specific issue with the VPN connection.
Here are some common types of VPN leaks:
- DNS leaks: A DNS (Domain Name System) leak occurs when a device or network is not configured correctly and sends DNS requests outside of the intended secure VPN connection. This can expose your internet activity to surveillance or attack. See more on this.
- IP leaks: An IP (Internet Protocol) leak occurs when a device’s IP address is exposed outside of the VPN connection. This can reveal your location and potentially allow your internet activity to be monitored or tracked.
- WebRTC leaks: WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a feature that allows web browsers to communicate with each other directly without the need for a server. If a device is not configured correctly, it may be vulnerable to a WebRTC leak, which can expose your IP address and potentially allow your internet activity to be monitored or tracked.
- IPv6 leaks: IPv6 (Internet Protocol version 6) is the latest version of the internet protocol used to transmit data over the internet. If a device or network is not configured correctly, it may be vulnerable to an IPv6 leak, which can expose your IP address and potentially allow your internet activity to be monitored or tracked.
To protect against VPN leaks, it is important to use a reputable VPN provider and to follow best practices for configuring and using a VPN, such as keeping your software and security protocols up to date and using a DNS leak test tool to check for potential issues. See our list of recommended VPNs.
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