To find out how well a DNS server provider fares in this respect, you can download a free utility called DNS Benchmark.Ī static IP address is a single fixed IP address. If you are using a public server then you may find these addresses useful:Ĭhanging the DNS server is not only more secure as it moves the DNS translation service to a more trusted party, but it can bring speed benefits, as some services are faster than others. If you are using your VPN provider’s DNS server, then they will provide you with the DNS server addresses. Make a note of any existing DNS server addresses, in case you want to restore your system to its previous settings at some point in the future, then click on the ‘Use the following DNS server addresses’ radio button, enter the relevant addresses.Look through the list and find ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).Right-click on your main connection and select ‘Properties’.Open Network and Sharing Centre (from the Control Panel,) and click on ‘Change Adapter settings.’.Installation instructions for various platforms are provided on the respective websites, but as we are working in Windows 7, here is a rundown on how to do it there (the process is similar on all platforms). In that article, I recommend using OpenNIC over Google DNS, as Google DNS is a very poor choice when it comes to privacy. Most VPN providers will be happy to give you their DNS server details, or you can route your requests through a public DNS server such as those offered by Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, and Comodo Secure DNS.Įdit: I have now written How to Change your DNS Settings – A Complete Guide which explains in detail how to change your DNS settings in all major OSs. Change DNS Servers and Obtain a Static IPĪlthough not strictly speaking a fix, changing DNS servers makes sure that your ISP is not snooping on you. VPNCheck Pro costs $24.90 (at the time of writing there is a 20% discount, which brings the price down to $19.92), and comes with a 13-day free trial. To get everything started, go back to the main screen and click either Cycle IP: Task or Cycle IP: Network. It’s also probably worth specifying some programs (such as your favorite BitTorrent client) that you want to shut down in the event of a VPN disconnection while you are at it. Then ensure that the ‘DNS leak fix box’ is checked.The pro version of VPNCheck includes DNS Leak Protection. *These clients also feature an ‘internet kill switch’. Private Internet Access – Settings/DNS Leak Protection* It is by far the simplest way, but unfortunately, only a few VPN providers supply this option. Use a VPN client with built-in DNS leak protection If you want to plug a DNS leak, or just want to prevent the possibility of one happening, there are a number of approaches you can take. These results all look ok to us, so we know we don’t have a DNS leak. In particular, any result that shows your ‘real’ location or that belongs to your ISP means that you have a DNS leak. To perform a DNS leak test simply go to Ĭheck the results to make sure that you recognize the IP numbers. However, it is quite common for Windows (the main culprit for this problem, although never say never for OSX and Linux) to instead use its default settings, and send the request to the ISP’s DNS server rather than through the VPN tunnel. When you use a VPN service, the DNS request should be routed through the VPN tunnel to your VPN provider’s DNS servers rather than those of your ISP. What is a DNS leak?Ī DNS Leak is when, due to software issues, your ISP is able to track your internet movements, regardless of whether you're using a VPN or not! This translation service is usually performed by your ISP, using its DNS servers. The Dynamic Name System (DNS) is used to translate domain names into numerical IP addresses ( 34.233.235.248). However, the DNS Leak Protection information contained here is still up to date and useful! What is a DNS? Please note that is article has been largely superseded by A Complete Guide to IP Leaks. In the following article, we are going to discuss what a DNS is, what it means when it leaks, how you can fix DNS leaks, and DNS leak protection. This can result in your ISP being able to ‘see’ and monitor your online activity even though you think an encrypted VPN tunnel safely protects you. In addition to VPN connection failures, the other significant threat to your anonymity when using a trusted VPN service is that of DNS leaks.
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