Computer/net 'VPNs' that leak your location/ip address.

[JR8]

I though this interesting, and maybe of use to anyone who accesses websites that use 'geographic restrictions', like for example the BBC iPlayer.

'How to See if Your VPN is Leaking Your IP Address (and How to Stop It)
VPNs are great for security, but one of the big reasons many people use one is to mask or change their IP address. This lets you get around location-based restrictions on content, or check if your provider is throttling your connection. Unfortunately, a new security flaw can reveal your real IP address to prying eyes, even if you're using a VPN, and it's easy to exploit. Here's how it works, and what you can do about it.' [continues]
http://www.lifehacker.co.uk/2015/02/12/ ... dress-stop

I haven't read it right through yet, but thought the potential issue might be significant enough to post it here meanwhile.... before I forget!

[zzm9980]

This "flaw" has nothing to do with VPNs, but a feature of newer web browsers. The article 5x longer than it needs to be and IMO they're just talking about 'VPNs' to drive page hits.

Anyway, just disable WebRTC if you're not using it. Problem solved.

[x9200]

https://www.browserleaks.com/webrtc

[JR8]

Ah ok, thanks. Looking into it further I went via...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebRTC
then...
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/f ... -private-i

So I can test whether my VPN leaks, via the above. Now, if only my VPN would decide to load today! In it's start up log it has a problem ascertaining my IP address - Ah the irony lol!! (The story of my plagued IT-life continues... ) ...

I'll mark that job as 'pending' then, and I expect MrsJR8 can fix it. Meanwhile I'll get back to the markets.... so much simpler to deal with