What is vpn access. We check the security of our VPN service. More complex techniques

Today, Internet users are increasingly using the term VPN. Some recommend using it more often, while others recommend avoiding it. Let's take a closer look at what is behind this term.

VPN connection, what is it

VPN (Virtual Private Network) is technology, which provides a connection closed from external access in the presence of a high connection speed. Such connection is carried out according to the principle " point to point". In science, this connection method is called tunnel... You can join the tunnel at PC with any OS, wherein vPN client installed... This program "forwards" a virtual port using TCP / IP to another network.

To implement such a connection, a platform is needed that quickly scales, ensures data integrity and confidentiality.

In order to PC with ip-address 192.168.1.1-100 connected through the gateway to the external network, you need to register the connection rules on the router. When a VPN connection is made, the message header contains the address of the remote PC. The message is encrypted by the sender and decrypted by the recipient using the public key. A secure connection is then established between the two networks.

How to connect VPN

A brief outline of the protocol was described earlier. Now let's find out how to connect a client on a specific device.

On computer and laptop

Before setting up VPN connection on Windows 7 PC, should specify the IP address or server name. To do this, in “ Network Control Center" on " Control panels" need " Create a new connection».

Select the item "" - " (VPN)».

The next step is to indicate name and server address.

You need to wait for the connection to complete.

Let's check the VPN connection. To do this, in “ Control Panel" In chapter " Network connections»Call the context menu by double clicking on the shortcut.

On the tab “ Details" need to check iPv4 address... It must be within the IP range specified in the VPN settings.

On your phone, iPhone or tablet

Now let's look at how to create a VPN connection and configure it on gadgets with Android OS.

This requires:

  • smartphone, tablet;
  • login, password to the network;
  • server address.

To set up a VPN connection, select "" in the phone settings and create a new one.

An icon with a new connection will be displayed on the screen.

The system requires a username and password. You need to enter the parameters and select the option "". Then at the next session you will not have to confirm this data again.

After activating the VPN connection, a distinctive icon will appear on the toolbar.

If you click on the icon, the connection details will appear.

How to set up a VPN to work correctly

Let's take a closer look at how to automatically configure VPN on computers with Windows 10.

Go to PC settings.

In chapter " Options"Go to the subsection" ".

... and add a new VPN connection.

On the next page, specify the VPN connection parameters:

  • Service Provider - Windows;
  • Connection name;
  • Server address;
  • VPN type;
  • Username and password.

After the connection is established, you need to connect to it.

How to create a VPN server

All providers record the activities of their clients. In case of receiving a request from law enforcement agencies, they will provide full information about which sites the offender visited. Thus, the provider relinquishes all legal liability. But sometimes situations arise in which the user needs to protect their data:

  • Companies transmit their data over the Internet via an encrypted channel.
  • Many services on the Internet operate on a geographic location. For example, the Yandex.Music service operates only on IPs from the Russian Federation and the CIS countries. A Russian, being in Europe, will not be able to listen to his favorite music.
  • In offices, access to social networks is often blocked.

You can, of course, clear your browser history every time you visit the site. But it's easier to create and configure a VPN server.

To do this, call the command line ( Win + R) and then enter the query ncpa.cpl and press Enter... In the new window, click Alt and select the item "".

Next, you need to create a user and give him limited rights only to the VPN. You will also have to come up with a new long password. Select a user from the list. At the next stage, you need to select the connection option " Through the Internet».

How to use a VPN

After a new connection is created, it is enough to open a browser and load any page.

Beginners may not be involved in creating a connection, but immediately download the VPN client from the Internet or install a special extension in the browser. After downloading the program, you need to run it and press the button " Connect". The client will join another network and the user will be able to view sites prohibited in his region.

The disadvantage of this method is that the IP is automatically issued. The user cannot select a country. But the connection is set up very quickly, by pressing just one button. The option to add an extension also has disadvantages. Firstly, the user must be registered on the official website of the program, and secondly, the extension often crashes. But the user can choose the country through which the connection to the external network will be carried out. The connection process itself does not raise any questions either. It is enough to press the button " Start”And the browser will restart on the new network. Let's see how to install the extension using an example ZenMate VPN.

Download the program from the official website. After installation, an icon will appear in the browser:

Click on the icon. An extension window will appear:

If you move the mouse cursor to icon with the Russian flag, then the screen will display current IP... If you hover over the Romania flag icon, the IP of the selected server will appear. If desired, the country of connection can be changed. To do this, you need to click on the globe and select one of the automatic addresses.

The disadvantage of the free version of the program is the small number of available servers and the imposition of ads.

The most common mistakes

Various antivirus programs as well as firewalls can block the connection. An error code is displayed on the screen. Let's analyze the most popular problems and how to solve them.

Mistake Cause Decision
678 Encryption is prohibited in the OS You need to open a command prompt and check the "ProhibitIpSec" parameter in the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \\ SYSTEM \\ CurrentControlSet \\ services \\ RasMan \\ Parameters" registry. It should be equal to 0. If the provider itself uses the encryption channel to provide services, then changing this setting will affect the Internet access.
691 Invalid username / password entered You need to log in to the network again
692 Firewall error Disable firewall
720/738 User is already connected Error 720 is found only on Windows 7. All other operating systems display code 738. If you have to work from different PCs through one client, then you need to create several usernames.
734 Automatic VPN It is necessary to change the "Automatic" type to "L2TP IPSec VPN" in the connection properties. If the error persists, then you need to re-create the connection.
766/781 Key not saved / entered Open the VPN properties, on the "Security" tab, select "Advanced options" and in a new window enter the key
768/789 (OS Windows 7, Vista, XP) IPSec does not work RMB on the shortcut "My Computer" - "Management". In the "Services" section, select "IPSec". Specify the connection type Auto.

Modern technologies are improving at a tremendous speed, opening up before us an amazing breadth of new possibilities. Not so long ago, Internet users began to use a private network - VPN. It allows you to create a secure connection between PCs remote from each other, providing:

  • anonymity of work on the World Wide Web;
  • the ability to download applications when the IP address is located in a different regional zone;
  • high security of work in a corporate environment;
  • high transfer speed without interruption;
  • the ability to create a channel protected from hackers.

Let's consider how to connect to the Internet via VPN on different OS.

The OS is more complex than previous versions. But, setting up a VPN connection turns out to be very simple. Follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Open Start. From the drop-down list, go to "Settings". This subsection may be referred to as "Options".

Where can I find "Options"?

When the Windows Settings window appears, you will see the Network and Internet item. Open the content. There is a VPN item here. Take one click. Click Add VPN Connection. In a new window, set the following parameters in order:

  • Windows (built-in);
  • Business Communication;
  • l2TP protocol;
  • ... The necessary information is written in your agreement for the provision of Internet services.

Check the correctness of filling in the fields, click on "Save".

VPN setup on Windows 7

Here the phasing has no fundamental distinctive features. The only difference is the location of the sections of interest to us. Go to the "Control Panel".

Where is the "Control Panel" located?

We need "Network and Internet".

We need a control center. From here you can manage networks and access. You will need to configure the connection. This will be a new direction.

You will need an active button "Connect to the workplace". Move on. "Use my internet connection" appears at the top of the form. Making a selection. A form will be displayed, where, in the stated sequence, are entered:

  • Business Communication;
  • check the box "Do not connect now". You will be prompted to simultaneously check to connect in the future;
  • move on.

On the page that opens, enter your username and password. This information is issued when the agreement for the provision of communication services is concluded. Put a marker in the box where they offer to remember the password. Next, a working connection will be displayed. The form can be closed.

While in the Control Center, continue working with custom metrics. In the form, click on "Change adapter parameters". Active and passive connections will be highlighted. Click on the configured option and select Properties. This is done through the right key.

You will be on the "General" form. Here the address information regarding the VPN server is checked. Correct view: inter.net.

In the "Security" form, you also need to make certain settings. Put the VPN type here. You do not need to prescribe anything. It is enough to use the dropdown list. Select the item: L2TP / IPsec. In the "data encryption" line, specify: optional. Click "Ok".

Stay on the connections tab. Here you will need to create a shortcut for "Business Communication".

When you see a message that the icon cannot be created in this folder, agree to move it to your desktop.

Go to the main screen. You will find the corresponding tab here. Double click with the left mouse button. A window will appear where you should select "Connection".

You can check the indicated moment by going along this path:

  • go to "Network and Internet";
  • ask the section of interest. This is the control center;
  • it is required to verify the configured indicators. Go to the form where the adapter settings are changed;
  • read the sections before finding the information you are interested in. You will need "Network Connections";
  • we need a "Local Area Connection";
  • go to "Properties", open "Network", select "TCP / IPv4";
  • click on "Properties";
  • the item on obtaining an IP address automatically must be activated, click on OK.

Now we say with confidence that the connection to the VPN is complete.

How to connect VPN on Windows XP

Getting started is built in the same way as in version 7 of the OS. After activating the creation of a connection, the Connection Wizard will automatically start. With it you will solve the issue faster and more conveniently. After following "Next", find the second item. It will allow you to connect to the network on your desktop.

Continue to customize. You will be taken to the "Connection Name" window. Indicate Business Link. Move on to the second stage.

Stop at "Choosing a VPN Server".

You will be taken to the last page of the wizard. Check the box where you are prompted to display a shortcut on the desktop. Complete the procedure.

Confirming settings and creating a shortcut on the desktop

Right-click on the displayed window. Go to "Properties". In the first tab, check the VPN server address. It should be written here: inter.net. Go to "Options". Mark with a marker "Call back on disconnection". Then open "Security". Uncheck Data Encryption Required.

The connection window appears. It asks for a username and password. Please enter the information provided by your ISP when entering into the contract. Check the box next to the offer to save passwords. Start connecting.

As with the above option, double-check that you get the IP address. It should be done automatically. This is done through Start. Find "Network and Internet Connections". Select "Network Connections" from the proposed sub-items. Find "Local Area Connection", right-click to get to Properties. Here we need to highlight TCP / IPv4. Then again you need to go to Properties. Now check for a check mark opposite the offer to register the IP address automatically.

Setting up mobile equipment on Android OS

If you need to set up VPN on mobile equipment, follow the step-by-step instructions below. It will create a secure channel connecting individual networks and providing access to them for individuals who regularly change their location.

Important! For the setup to be successful, you need to know the address of the server to which you will connect, login and password.

Open the "Settings" menu item on your device.

In the "Wireless network" column, click on the "More" sub-item, select "VPN".

Check the box for adding a VPN connection. It can be so called or denoted as "+".

A form will open in front of you, where you need to register the settings:

  • "Network name" - any name. You decide what name to name your new VPN connection;
  • "Type" - "PPTP";
  • "Address" - the address of the VPN server;
  • click on the "Save" button.

Find out detailed instructions for setting up your home Internet in the article -

At the first start, the system will ask for your username and password. In order not to enter them again in subsequent times, check the box next to the offer to remember user data.

The VPN connection is configured and ready to use. You will find out about this thanks to the corresponding notification. By clicking on the icon that appears, you will see detailed information on the connection.

There are many reasons that can be blocking your VPN connection. Since SwordVPN wants to help you, we have described several of them and how to solve them.

  • The location of your country. You may reside in a country that blocks PPTP VPN connections. You can contact your provider and find out if there is a blockage.
  • Checking the time on the computer. Make sure the time and date are accurate. Inaccurate date and time can cause problems with your connection.
  • Router. Check if your router supports or is configured for PPTP VPN tunneling by trying to connect to the Internet without a router. See if it works. Connect the computer directly to the modem so that it bypasses the router.
  • Disable firewall. Common connection problems always include firewall software. Try disabling it and then connecting to the VPN again. If the connection happens, then you need to set up an exception. You need to allow outgoing connections on port 1723 and GRE protocol depending on your firewall software or you can set an exception for all traffic to the VPN server address
  • Make sure you can access the server. Try pinging the VPN server you are about to connect to. All you have to do is type CMD to the command line and click OK. After that you have to enter the ping and address of your VPN server and finally press the Enter button.
  • Check your mobile media. Contact your ISP directly and check if your mobile operator supports PPTP connections on different devices.
  • Try restarting your devices before opening any apps. Sometimes this is the main problem why you cannot connect to the VPN.
  • Check your password. Make sure you enter the password correctly.
  • Check the connection on other computers. Try connecting to VPN from your friends' computer.
  • Vista UAC. Try disabling User Account Control. To do this, you can open Control Panel and type "UAC" in the search box. You will see a link to "Turn User Account Control (UAC) Enabled or Disabled". On the next screen, you must uncheck the "Use User Account Control (UAC)" checkbox, and then click on the OK button. After that, you should restart your device and try to connect to your VPN.
  • An error occurred while creating. Delete VPN settings and try to create them again, you may have made a mistake
  • Please contact our support team. VPNs are not perfect, and once you've done everything to connect but nothing happened, the last thing to do is submit a request to them so they can help you solve your connection problem

You may also receive some error codes that Microsoft explains.

Who would have thought 5-7 years ago that in 2017 any Russian who reads the news would know about VPN technology? Today, thanks to new laws, it is difficult to use the Internet without tools for changing IP. If you have not yet set up a VPN for yourself, because: You do not understand why you personally need it;

You think that the settings are too complicated and you are too lazy to bother with them;

Have already tried using a VPN but didn't like it. Now we will finally figure out whether you need a VPN, show you the easiest way to start using it and help you choose a provider that will satisfy all your requests.

Very briefly about what a VPN is For those happy people who suddenly woke up from their sleep in 2017: VPN stands for Virtual Private Network - a virtual private network. Roughly speaking, this is a secure communication channel through which your devices can connect to the Internet. When connecting through a VPN, a person gets two main benefits: a new IP address and traffic encryption. Why is this necessary?

VPN benefits # 1. Access to blocked sites

The vast majority of our readers live in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. And in all these countries, providers block access to many sites. For example, in the register of resources prohibited in the Russian Federation, which is maintained by the public organization Roskomsvoboda, there are already more than 73 thousand references.

Changing the IP address is useful when traveling abroad when using some Russian services. For example, Yandex. Music ”and ivi.ru work only in some CIS countries. And the full functionality of Avito is available only to Russians.

If, when you visit your favorite site, you see a message about the blocking by the provider, then just use the VPN to configure yourself the IP address of the desired country and the bans will cease to exist for you.

VPN Benefit # 2. Savings Skyscanner.ru, Amazon, iTunes, Adobe and many other sites have been noticed substituting prices for goods and services depending on the country. Sometimes the difference can be huge.

In May 2016, an article was published on iPhones.ru with examples of how the visitor's country affects the ticket price. Here is an example from it that clearly shows how you can save money with a VPN.

If you buy something in international stores, do not be lazy to spend five minutes looking at the price from different IP-addresses, remembering to turn on the "Incognito" mode in your browser.

VPN Benefit # 3. Security If you occasionally use public Wi-Fi, then you need to take care of encrypting your traffic. If the public Wi-Fi network is configured incorrectly (and there are at least 20-30% of such in the world), then any passer-by can intercept data about your traffic using public programs for a computer or smartphone.

Yes, if the public router is configured according to all the rules, then everything will be OK without VPN. But where is the guarantee that the owner of the hotel where you unexpectedly stay is concerned about the safety of his clients and that he changed something in the settings of his router after it was installed back in 2005?

VPN benefits # 4. Anonymity

Do you want to freely express your opinion on sites on the Internet, post links to any content on forums, talk about religion and not be afraid that you will be identified by your IP? Then VPN is a must for you. If you think that you can do anything on the Internet and no one needs to figure you out, then I recommend reading our collections of court cases:

What you can't write on the Internet. Otherwise you will be jailed

Let's say you've downloaded pirated Photoshop. What awaits you according to the law?

Most of the heroes in the stories above did not think they were doing anything illegal or worried about their anonymity. And as a result, they received fines and prison terms. Even if you are a polite and law-abiding citizen, then do not tempt fate - set up a VPN and sleep well. It's very simple.

Remember, VPNs can only be used for lawful purposes.

P. S. Yes, there are other ways to identify a person on the network besides the IP address. But Russian law enforcement agencies, for the most part, have only a method to send a request to a provider / cellular operator.

Ok, how to start using? Everything described below is much easier to do than to explain how to do it. But still:

1. Go to HideMy.name and click try for free.

2. Enter your email address in the form and click Submit Code.

3. Open the letter and copy the access code (it gives you the opportunity to use a free VPN for a day). Further steps depend on your operating system. Let's take an example of iOS. 4. Install the application.

5. Enter your email address and access code from the letter.

6. After that, the application will open "Settings". Agree to install the security certificate. After that, you will automatically be returned to the application.

7. Select the country whose IP you need.

8. Go to HideMy.name/ru/ip/ to make sure your IP has changed.

Now you can test VPN for 24 hours for free. After 24 hours, you will need to pay for a subscription to the service.

How much does a VPN cost? Regardless of the tariff, the client gets: Access to 96 servers in 42 countries;

Unlimited traffic;

The ability to use VPN from different devices: smartphones with iOS or Android, computers with Windows or MacOS, routers;

Money back guarantee if you don't like something. The longer the payment term, the cheaper the month of use is: 143 rubles per month if paid for a year;

168 rubles per month if paid for six months;

349 rubles / month if paid per month;

49 rubles per day if paid for one day. Follow the link to choose your tariff.

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Myths and benefits of popular technology

If you follow the news and read tech blogs, the term VPN might seem like a universal defense against any internet threat. It is advised to use it for any reason:

  • connect to someone else's Wi-Fi network - work through a VPN;
  • want to download a torrent - connect via VPN;
  • closed the "GitHub" - go to it via VPN;
  • traveling to China - don't forget to set up a VPN;
  • the password was stolen - it was necessary to work through a VPN.

One day she receives a letter in her mail with an attached file - "account statement". She opens the file, and ten seconds later, her computer is hacked: it runs a Trojan program that gives hackers remote access to her files, mail, and Icloud.

How did this happen, because she worked through a VPN?

Let's figure it out.

Sergey Voldokhin

security specialist

What is VPN

With the proliferation of computers, companies needed a way to connect their offices and remote workers into a single network. People had to work with shared files and programs no matter where they were: in the central office, in the branch, or in the airport lounge.

It turned out to be expensive to build or rent dedicated communication channels to all branches, and you can't lay your own channel to each remote employee.

Companies began to organize "virtual" communication channels via the Internet, using special technologies and VPN (Virtual Private Networks) protocols.

Now, in order to work with all the resources of the office network, an employee only had to go online from anywhere and launch a VPN client on his computer.

All data transmitted between the user and the VPN server is encrypted: the local ISP cannot read or replace it. This means that he cannot block your access to any sites or transfer information about you to the police. The provider only sees that unknown encrypted traffic is flying to and from you.


This property made the technology popular: it helped not only connect to work networks, but also hide what you do on the Internet.

No VPN

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Without VPN: even if you have an encrypted connection to the site, the provider sees its address. If he wants to block access to it or see your password, nothing will stop him

With VPN

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Accessing the same site via VPN looks like a meaningless set of data for the provider. It is not clear from this data stream which site you are visiting and what you are downloading from.

How can you work with a VPN

If you like the pleasant anonymity and security of a VPN, you have several options:

VPN at work. If you work for a large company, most likely your local network has strict security rules, so you can only connect to it outside the office via a VPN. And although your connection will be encrypted for external providers, the sysadmins in your company will perfectly see your traffic.

Through VPN providers. These companies arrange VPN connections to their networks in order to give you secure internet access (they say). The provider will help you set up a connection on any computer, smartphone or tablet. You can buy the service from popular providers for $ 10 per month. This option is suitable for most users.

Through your own VPN server. You can rent a virtual server and make a VPN server out of it yourself. You yourself will have to configure the connection on all your devices. A suitable server will cost about $ 5 per month, and you will have to pay separately for exceeding monthly traffic limits. If you are not afraid of the words UNIX and OpenVPN, this is your option.

Through a VPN-enabled browser. In April 2016, the Opera company offered its users a VPN service that works directly from the browser. The service is free, but suitable only for those who are ready to use the Opera browser.

What a VPN protects from

VPN protects against local attacks: from the provider or network neighbors.

Dishonest provider. The ISP controls everything you watch on the Internet and decides what data to transfer to you.

If you go online through a VPN, the provider will not see what data you are working with and will not be able to redirect you to an arbitrary site.

Sly neighbors. Users who are on the same network with you may intercept your traffic and try to redirect you to a fake site, show you a pop-up window, or infect you with malware. You do not need special knowledge for this, and special programs for intercepting traffic and hacking neighbors can be installed even on a smartphone.

A hacker can be your neighbor in a subway car, cafe, hotel. Every time you connect to Wi-Fi in a cafe, you provoke such a cunning neighbor to steal your data.


Fake access points. A hacker can create his own hotspot and call it a popular name so that your computer or smartphone will automatically connect to it. If this happens, the hacker becomes your ISP. Your browser can be redirected anywhere, and instead of the desired site, it will show a malicious one.

Council. Keep Wi-Fi off by default and set up connection notifications for all new networks:

The iPhone will ask your permission before connecting to the new Wi-Fi network.

When VPN is useless

A VPN will not help protect against attacks that come from outside: in the form of links to instant messengers, phishing emails, or fraudulent phone calls.

Infected or someone else's computer. If a Trojan horse is installed on your computer, VPN will not help. Hackers already have access to your computer and can steal any data: the Trojan works fine over a VPN. It's also useless to connect a VPN on someone else's computer: the owner can install a keylogger and steal your passwords as soon as you enter them on the keyboard. Only work from computers you trust.

Malicious sites. If you are using an outdated browser, any site can infect you with a virus. A VPN will not replace antivirus and will not eliminate the need to update your browser and all other programs.


Spam and spear phishing. A malicious script sent by mail can encrypt files on your computer. The script doesn't care that you are using a VPN - the hackers who wrote it don't even know about it. Do not open attachments from unknown senders or follow links from suspicious emails.

Dishonest VPN provider. A provider with a VPN server installed sees all your traffic in clear text and can redirect you to malicious sites. Use only VPN providers you trust.

Websites that follow you. If you are using a VPN, your public IP address is changed to the address of the VPN server. This is useful if the VPN server is located in a different country. But this is not enough to hide yourself from sites that want to know you.

The site can always try to find out your real IP address. If your browser is configured by default and the VPN server does not protect against this detection, you will most likely be able to do so.

You can check the anonymity of your VPN connection using special services

In addition to the IP address, popular sites recognize their visitors by many parameters: specially saved files, browser version, operating system language, screen resolution, and other features. If the site owner needs to recognize you and you work from the same device, most likely he will be able to do it.

VPN does not guarantee anonymity

Don't be surprised when you see familiar PPC ads over an American VPN.

Remember

  1. VPN encrypts traffic from your computer to the VPN server.
  2. VPN will protect you from dishonest providers and neighbors in someone else's network.
  3. A VPN will not protect against viruses, phishing, and social engineering.
  4. VPN does not guarantee anonymity.
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