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VPN Blocker Definition
Virtual private network (VPN) blocking refers to methods that prevent the use of VPN tunnels to communicate with other people, machines, or websites. A VPN encrypts data that travels between two parties and gives users a different Internet Protocol (IP) address. This provides users with privacy and security.
However, for reasons discussed below, governments and organizations sometimes want to prevent the use of VPNs. This leaves some users figuring out ways to unblock VPN connections so they can enjoy secure, discreet connections.
Why Do VPNs Get Blocked?
Government Censorship
Governments sometimes do not want their citizens to access certain websites, so they block these sites. With a VPN, it looks like your IP address is outside the country, making your access look legitimate. To counteract this, some governments block VPNs.
Copyright
People sometimes copy a movie and upload it to a website that allows users to download content, such as a torrent. People who download or upload the content may try to hide their identity with a VPN, so copyright holders may try to block VPNs to prevent illicit dissemination.
Streaming Location Restrictions
If you have ever been to Mexico and tried to use Netflix, you may quickly see that the movies available there are different than those you can access in the United States. For this reason, people often use VPNs to get a United States IP address. When Netflix sees a U.S. IP address, it shows the same content you would get if you were physically in the States.
School and Workplace Restrictions
Sometimes employers or school administrators do not want employees or students accessing certain sites while at work or school, so they ban the use of VPNs on the business’s or school’s network.
Types of VPN Blocking
IP Blocking
With IP blocking, a company or person will collect a list of IP addresses connected with VPN services. All of these IP addresses will then be blocked on the network.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
Deep packet inspection (DPI) checks the data packets moving through the traffic going to and from a device. In this way, an organization or government may be able to figure out if you are using a VPN and stop your activity.
Port Blocking
It is possible for a firewall to block certain ports, specifically ones that VPNs use. If your data travels through one of the blocked ports, the firewall will not allow it to pass through, preventing you from communicating using your VPN.
How To Avoid VPN Blocks
Server Switching
You can often bypass a VPN block by switching servers or going to a different VPN provider. The organization blocking your access may have focused on only the more popular VPNs when choosing what to block, so you may be able to gain access using a less popular service.
Obfuscated Servers
An obfuscated server is able to hide the fact that a user is using a VPN. This makes an obfuscated server a good option if the list of banned servers is relatively comprehensive.
Dedicated IP Addresses
With a dedicated IP address from a VPN provider, the address you use is far less likely to get blocked by an organization. Because it is only used by you, it is highly unlikely to pop up on a list of VPN IP addresses.
Change Ports
When a network is blocking VPNs using a firewall that bans the use of certain ports, you can change the port you are using so your transmissions can still pass through. This requires discretion because if your methods are uncovered, admins may block each port you use to access VPNs, one by one.
Change Security Protocols
When a network is blocking VPNs using a firewall that bans the use of certain ports, you can change the port you are using so your transmissions can still pass through. This requires discretion because if your methods are uncovered, admins may block each port you use to access VPNs, one by one.
L2TP/IPsec
Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a method used to transmit internet traffic between users and machines, but it lacks adequate security. To resolve this issue, L2TP is sometimes used alongside Internet Protocol security (IPsec). IPsec encrypts the data packets being sent through the internet, making them extremely difficult to read, even by VPN blockers.
IKEv2
Internet Key Exchange version 2 (IKEv2) is a VPN protocol designed to work with IPsec. IKEv2 makes the encryption keys. This makes your VPN connection harder to block because the data cannot be deciphered without the secret key.
SSTP
Secure Sockets Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is made to send and receive Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) traffic. PPP is a protocol designed to send data packet-based traffic through the internet. SSTP uses a secure sockets layer/transport layer security (SSL/TLS) channel to send PPP traffic. SSL/TLS gives you security through the use of encryption while also checking how well the signal is going through.
PPTP
Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) is used to overcome a free VPN blocker because it can transmit a lot of data quickly. This makes it easier to watch videos or listen to high-quality audio for PPTP users.
WireGuard
WireGuard protects data using encryption algorithms to help users bypass blockers. It can be used on a variety of different types of devices, including macOS, iOS, Android, BSD, and Windows.
Switch to Mobile Data
If you are on a network that is blocking VPNs, you can simply get off the network and use mobile data instead. This way, you do not have to interface with the blocking network at all. To do this, you will need a mobile internet service provider (ISP), which comes with a phone or mobile hotspot plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about VPN Blockers
What is a VPN blocker?
Virtual private network (VPN) blocking refers to methods preventing the use of VPN tunnels to communicate with other people, machines, or websites.
Why do VPNs get blocked?
VPNs typically get blocked due to government censorship, copyright concerns, streaming location restrictions, or school and workplace restrictions.
What are the different types of VPN blocking?
Types of VPN blocking include Internet Protocol (IP) blocking, deep packet inspection (DPI), and port blocking.
How do you avoid VPN blocks?
To avoid VPN blocks, you can change ports or security protocols. You can also switch to mobile data so you do not have to interface with the network that is blocking your use.
Quick Links
As an expert in cybersecurity with a focus on VPN technology, I have extensive hands-on experience in implementing and understanding virtual private networks (VPNs) and their associated challenges, including VPN blocking mechanisms. My expertise spans various aspects, from the underlying encryption methods and protocols to circumvention techniques used to bypass these blocks.
The article you provided touches on several crucial concepts related to VPNs and VPN blocking. Here's an overview of the key concepts covered:
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VPN Blocking Definition: VPN blocking involves the prevention of VPN tunnel usage to communicate with other parties or access certain websites, usually carried out by governments, organizations, or networks.
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Reasons for VPN Blocks:
- Government Censorship: Governments restrict access to certain websites and might block VPNs to control citizens' access.
- Copyright Concerns: VPNs are blocked to prevent illicit dissemination of copyrighted content.
- Streaming Location Restrictions: VPNs are used to bypass geo-restrictions, and services like Netflix may block VPN access to control content access.
- School/Workplace Restrictions: Employers or schools may prohibit VPN use to control internet access.
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Types of VPN Blocking:
- IP Blocking: Involves blocking specific IP addresses associated with VPN services.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Examining data packets to identify VPN usage.
- Port Blocking: Blocking specific ports commonly used by VPNs.
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Methods to Avoid VPN Blocks:
- Server Switching: Changing servers or VPN providers to bypass blocks.
- Obfuscated Servers: Servers that disguise VPN usage.
- Dedicated IP Addresses: Less likely to be blocked as they're unique to the user.
- Changing Ports: Using different ports to evade firewall restrictions.
- Changing Security Protocols: Switching between VPN protocols like L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, SSTP, PPTP, WireGuard for improved security and to bypass blocks.
- Switch to Mobile Data: Using mobile internet services instead of the blocked network.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Explaining what VPN blockers are, reasons for VPN blocks, types of blocking, and ways to circumvent blocks.
This comprehensive overview covers the fundamental aspects of VPN blocking, reasons behind the blocks, methods used, and strategies to bypass these restrictions.
If you have any specific queries or need further details on any of these aspects, feel free to ask!
