Let’s say that the company you work in restricts some content that only an employee can see by restricting some IP addresses from viewing it. As time passes by, the list of blocked IP addresses keeps on increasing.
Imagine that same theory, but this time, your government and your ISP are blocking websites. Well, that’s not an issue for us; we can view the content by accessing it via VPN.
VPNs have become smarter and found different ways to get over countries’ restrictions over the web. Websites and services have adapted to these changes and started countering them by implementing anti-VPN technology.
Netflix, one of the top-selling streaming services, has started to counter users using VPNs to get access to their extensive US Library. They are now using Anti-VPN technology that blocks the IP addresses of VPNs that are not secured.
Types Of Blocks
It’s not your IP address that the service may identify that you are using a VPN to access certain content. Let’s dig in and find out how a service can block VPNs access.
IP Blocking
Your IP address is like an identity card. It contains information like your location and keeps track of your activity over the web. This information is mixed to create a profile about you and gets attached to your IP.
While using a VPN, if you visit any website, they will see the IP address and the server’s location, instead of your own.
Services like Netflix keep the user’s information and create a profile like your ISP. Comparing the information in their database and those of the VPN services results in blocking your VPNs IP address.
Some VPNs update their servers daily so that there would be no matches.
Port Blocking
Internet Traffic uses ports to send or receive data over the internet. Like HTTP traffic uses the TCP port 80 whereas HTTPS uses TCP port 443.
OpenVPN is a VPN protocol that uses the UDP port 1194 to send or receive data, when any service detects any encrypted data that’s coming or going through the UDP port 1194, the service blocks that port.
This method is simple and common. You might notice most of the websites or network administrators at your school/office using port blocking.
GPS-Based Blocking
Some companies use your device’s IP address to block your VPNs IP address.
There are two types of location for a device on the internet. One is your IP location (GeoIP Location), and the other is a GPS-based location. GeoIP location is your IPs location. In contrast, a GPS location is your actual location, meaning from where you’re using the device.
It means, if you connect to a US server by a VPN from the UK, your GeoIP location would be the US, but your GPS location would still be the UK. Once your GeoIP location differs from your GPS location, the technology blocks your IP address.
Some reputable VPNs provide the service of managing both your GeoIP and GPS locations, resulting in hassle-free web surfing.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
OpenVPN traffic uses SSL so does HTTPS. But, OpenVPN has unique signatures making it vulnerable in front of the right tools.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) looks for these kinds of signatures and blocks the traffic as soon as they are detected.
DPI is one of the main features of China’s great firewall and is difficult to bypass.
How To Make Your VPN Undetectable
With the advancement in technology, you may find about your VPN blockage over the web. But some VPNs provide the users with features that help in bypassing the bottlenecks along the way. But as we don’t know why our VPN is blocked, we would have to assort to Trial and Error Method.
Here are some of the troubleshooting methods.
Changing Ports
Few VPNs give you the luxury of port forwarding and choosing which port you want your traffic to pass through.
You can choose a whole range of ports from (2018, 41185, 80, 443). Let’s say you can select TCP port 443 (HTTPS Port). You can send your traffic via this port as HTTPS also encrypts its data. For less advanced detection methods, it can be challenging to spot this traffic on that port.
It is not one of the most reliable methods to use as most of the entities use more advanced techniques like DPI. Detection of your encrypted data’s signature is possible, and your IP will get blocked.
Switching Servers
Some VPNs give their users control over the selection of the server. You can switch servers between your sessions as your ISP will only see that you’re using a VPN. Most of the VPNs let you choose servers from a given location, so you know for sure that you are connecting to a different server.
Some top-tier VPNs provide you with suggestions on which server you should choose depending on the type of data you want to access. These suggestions are labeled as “Stealth VPN,” “Scramble,” or “Obfuscated.” The VPN uses Advanced Obfuscation techniques to mask your traffic traveling to and from the servers as a different kind of traffic.
Changing Protocols
VPNs nowadays come with an extensive range of VPN protocols. VPNs develop different protocols for specific purposes. Some offer fast bandwidth others put your security and privacy above everything else, compromising on your bandwidth.
You can switch to a new protocol as most VPNs provide a user-friendly interface, ensuring that all the features are accessible.
Some recommended protocols you can switch to:
SSTP Protocol
Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol or SSTP is a very efficient protocol. But, not all VPN services provide it. SSTP uses TCP port 443 (HTTPS Port) by default. As HTTPS also uses this port to encrypt traffic, it lets you evade anti-VPN measures.
PPTP Protocol
It is one of the oldest security protocols that offer high-speed bandwidth but at the expense of privacy and security. It helps you evade blocks but is susceptible to IP Leaks.
WireGuard
WireGuard protocol is a new security feature that comes with state-of-the-art VPN systems. It provides different connection options and protects you while surfing the internet. It uses the OpenVPN protocol with the speed of IKEv2. Moreover, it also offers users high-end security and helps against VPN bypass proxy.
Dedicated IP Address
Checkout for the VPNs that provide dedicated IP addresses. Some VPNs offer dedicated servers when you buy a regular subscription. Still, you will have to buy a dedicated server after making a standard buy for the most part.
Imagine how easy it would be for Netflix to check out for VPN’s IP addresses as tens or hundreds of users are connected to Netflix using the same IP address.
So a user needs to buy static or dedicated IP to surf the web with anonymity. It would make it hard for entities to track your VPN IP as every user would have a unique IP address. This strategy makes it hard for the censorship system to detect your IP address associated with a VPN.
Obfuscated Servers
Entities trying to look over the shoulder can see the digital signature associated with a VPN without seeing your actual traffic. That is where an obfuscated server comes in handy.
Obfuscated servers scramble your internet traffic and make the traffic as if it is coming from a regular channel. The server does not leave any digital signature behind for anyone to see or track you. It doesn’t hide your traffic but also masks it. Obliterating the metadata so that anyone surveilling you would think the traffic is regular.
Best VPNs for Bypassing VPN Blocks
VPNs that provide the features mentioned above can somewhat guarantee that you never face anti-VPN blocks.
Sometimes you will face VPN blocks, but some VPNs will be able to bring you back on track with a few tweaks.
Let’s take a look at some of the VPNs which provide these features:
ExpressVPN
With one of the largest networks available, you have many options to bypass the restrictions imposed by your government or the ISP. With a no-logs policy and lighting fast servers, you can switch between servers without bandwidth loss.
3,000 servers in 94 countries allow you to get around geo-restrictions imposed by some webs. ExpressVPN enables users from any platform to avail themselves of its compatibility for most devices and even for some routers that support VPN configuration.
Allowing users to be anonymous over the web is one of the finest traits of ExpressVPN. It comes with features like split tunneling, 256-bit AES encryption, obfuscated servers, and many more.
ExpressVPN is offering a 30-day money-back policy and a seven-day free trial for mobile apps. ExpressVPN allows its users to try their services without the hassle of investing cash into a service that you are not comfortable with and not being able to refund if you are not satisfied.
NordVPN
NordVPN allows the usage of Onion over VPN service. It grants the user a new IP address every 5 minutes without the loss in bandwidth. A no-log policy and a double encryption protocol encrypt your data by passing it through at least two hops without recording it.
Dedicated IPs also allow users to get around anti-VPN services, ensuring that you are not using a VPN IP address that other users are using.
With NordVPN, you would enjoy more than 5,460 super-fast servers in 59 different locations, helping you bypass geo-restrictions.
NordVPN allows its users a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you ever feel dissatisfied, so you can get back your money.
Surfshark
Surfshark offers military-grade encryption to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions. It has servers in 63 countries to unlock any website or app around the web.
Unlimited simultaneous connections over the sale of a single license help ensure that your whole household can use Surfshark using the same account.
Features like 256-AES Encryption, whitelisting, obfuscated servers, and many more. Also, a built-in ad tracker and malware blocker allows the user to be away from annoying advertisements.
A 7-day free trial for Android users with a 30-day money-back guarantee allows their users to get their money back if they are not satisfied with the services.
Conclusion
Using a top-rated VPN allows their users to surf the web, bypassing the anti-VPN protocols with features like updating IP addresses, port forwarding, obfuscated servers, a no-logs policy, and a vast range of servers.
You need to remember that what is illegal over the web in your country would still be illegal even if you are using a VPN. You might end up in trouble with your local government if you are not adequately secured. Ensure that you are using a VPN that gives you total Anonymity over the web to be safe from prying eyes.
