Website VPN Detection

TL;DR

Websites can detect some VPN connections (including L2TP/SSTP and PPTP) but it’s not foolproof. They do this by looking for unusual IP addresses, blacklisted IPs, DNS leaks, WebRTC issues, and inconsistencies in your browser data. You can mitigate detection using a reputable VPN provider, enabling leak protection, and adjusting browser settings.

How Websites Detect VPNs

Websites don’t directly ‘see’ the type of VPN you’re using (L2TP/SSTP or PPTP). They identify that you are likely using a VPN based on characteristics associated with VPN use. Here’s how:

• IP Address Blacklists: Many VPN server IP addresses are publicly known and added to blacklists used by websites for blocking access.
• Reputation of the IP Address: Websites check if an IP address has been associated with spam or malicious activity. VPN IPs often have a poor reputation due to shared use.
• Geolocation Mismatch: If your IP address’s location doesn’t match your browser settings (language, timezone) it raises suspicion.
• DNS Leaks: Your DNS requests might reveal your real location even when using a VPN.
• WebRTC Leaks: WebRTC can expose your true IP address, bypassing the VPN.
• Browser Fingerprinting: Websites create a unique ‘fingerprint’ of your browser based on plugins, fonts, and other settings. A sudden change in fingerprint (e.g., after connecting to a VPN) is noticeable.

Steps to Reduce VPN Detection

1. Choose a Reputable VPN Provider:
   • Select a well-known provider with a large server network and regularly updated IP addresses. This makes it harder for websites to blacklist their IPs.
   • Look for providers that offer obfuscated servers (see step 4).
2. Enable Leak Protection:
   • Most VPN apps have built-in DNS leak protection. Ensure it’s enabled in the settings.
   • Check for WebRTC leaks using a website like BrowserLeaks and disable WebRTC if necessary (see step 5).
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:

   This removes old location data that might conflict with your VPN’s IP address.

   // Example for Chrome/Edge

   Settings > Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.  Select 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files'. Choose 'All time' as the time range.

4. Use Obfuscated Servers (if available):

   Some VPNs offer servers specifically designed to mask VPN traffic, making it look like regular internet browsing. These are often called ‘stealth’ or ‘obfuscated’ servers.

5. Disable WebRTC in Your Browser:
   • Chrome/Edge: Type chrome://flags/#disable-webrtc into the address bar and disable ‘WebRTC’. Restart your browser.
   • Firefox: Type about:config into the address bar, search for media.peerconnection.enabled and set it to false. Restart Firefox.
6. Use a Proxy Server (with caution):

   A proxy server can hide your IP address but doesn’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN. It’s less secure.

7. Browser Extensions:

   Some browser extensions claim to block WebRTC leaks or spoof geolocation data, but their effectiveness varies. Research carefully before installing.

Important Considerations

• No Guarantee: Even with these steps, websites can still detect VPN use through advanced fingerprinting techniques.
• VPN Speed: Enabling extra security features (like obfuscation) might slightly reduce your internet speed.
• Cybersecurity Best Practices: A VPN is just one part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be cautious about phishing attempts.