VPNs help safeguard users’ privacy and security by encrypting data sent over the Internet. However, a poorly-performing VPN can leak DNS data or other information that could compromise a user’s online security. For this reason, it is important to test VPNs regularly to ensure that they are working as intended. VPN checker tools are available to identify various problems, including DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks. Some also look for traces of emulator use to detect VPN usage and flag suspicious behavior. Businesses can use these tools as part of their fraud-fighting due diligence to reduce risk and potentially mitigate losses from identity theft, phishing, or other forms of fraud.
Virtual Guardians: The Essential Role of VPN Checkers in Online Security
To check whether a VPN is working, start by ensuring that your original Internet protocol (IP) address has been replaced by one provided by your privacy tool. Then, visit a website that can show your current IP address and note the location and name of the server. If you see your original IP address in the results, your VPN is not properly configured or working.
Other methods to detect VPN use include using a time zone mismatch detection to determine whether a device’s timezone is inconsistent with that of the VPN server. For example, if a person signs into a website from New York City and then logs in again from Tokyo within seconds, this can indicate that the person is using a VPN to hide their true location. In addition, using a reverse DNS lookup to examine the hostname associated with an IP address can reveal that it is a VPN proxy or TOR connection.