[kwlug-disc] VPN Traffic

[peter_melse at gto.net]

So, how do websites know that you are using a VPN? 

Generally by looking at connection logs. If they're seeing more than
hundreds of authentication attempts from a single IP per hour (which
might be valid from a large company using NAT), it's a good bet the
endpoint is a public vpn service. 

Additionally, they can compare data against whois for known vpn provider
ip ranges, ptr records, etc, or possibly using cookies, or something
else browser-side. 

One good workaround from a security (if not privacy) standpoint is to
run your own vpn endpoint on a cloud host, and use that from insecure
networks / last mile. This should work until they start blocking the
cloud hosting providers. 

On 2021-08-16 11:27, Gary Walsh wrote:

> On 2021-08-15 09:47, Jon Thiele wrote:
> 
>> In the "answering questions for complete strangers.." thread, CrankyOldBugger said:  "I see the problem.. I can't get in whilst my VPN is active.  If I go on the internet without my VPN, I can get in." 
>> 
>> I didn't want to hijack that thread, but I've noticed exactly the same issue with an increasing number of sites.   RBC is one of them.  They refuse to connect to any page other than their home page if you use a VPN.   I phoned them - got to third(!) level technical support and they told me that they now block all VPN traffic.  The very technical person at RBC said they do this because all scammers and fraud only use VPNs.  I explained to them that I use a VPN for increased security and privacy.  She said she completely understands and she uses VPNs as well, but this was a high level security policy and she didn't see this being changed at all.  I understand their position as well.   Moving money around while hiding your true IP address may indicate something is not quite right. 
>> 
>> So, how do websites know that you are using a VPN?   I currently use the free ProtonVPN product.  I was thinking of paying for their upgraded service but if I can;'t access sites that I use everyday, there doesn't seem to be much sense in doing that...  
>> 
>> Anyone using a VPN service without issues? 
>> 
>> Jon
> 
> I just started using AirVPN and was able to connect to my RBC account with no 
> problem. AirVPN's desktop client, Eddie, works on more distros than others 
> that I have looked at, including OpenSuse, which I have just started using as 
> well as Debian, Fedora, Arch, and Arm 32 & 64.
> 
> -- 
> Gary 
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