Running a VPN on an iPhone or iPad doesn’t safeguard your data or hide your identity.
Security researcher Michael Horowitz says iOS VPNs have been broken for two years (Opens in a new window). Proton VPN revealed the bug in 2020; it involves how Apple’s iPhone mobile OS handles internet connections.
When connecting to a VPN, an operating system should re-establish all internet connections over the VPN tunnel. By doing so, the VPN protects all traffic travelling through the device. Not iOS. iOS only closes and restarts existing connections when a VPN is connected.
Data leaks from an iOS device even though the user thinks they’re protected by a VPN. Horowitz tested this with iOS 15.6 and found data still leaks even though iOS 13 was the latest release. Horowitz found VPN data leakage in iOS 11.2.5 from 2018. (Opens in a new window).
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Private browsing and VPN security?
You surely know that accessing the web might expose you and your business to threats.
By connecting to the internet, you and your organisation are vulnerable to hackers and thieves who could steal personal and payment data.
You may have considered private surfing or a VPN for internet security. Which is best?
How to use private browsing
Modern web browsers include private browsing. They’re in most major web browsers’ File menus. Examples:
Chrome’s Incognito mode
Edge has InPrivate Browsing
Safari is private
Firefox is private
Opera’s tabs are private.
Private surfing is when the browser doesn’t save browsing history, search history, or local data like cookies.
VPN News For iPhone
As this is an iOS problem, Apple iPhone should address it, but it hasn’t since iOS 11. Proton VPN recommends connecting to a VPN, turning on aeroplane mode, then turning it off to force reconnections. Horowitz claims that only a specialised VPN router can provide privacy and security.
VPN-FAQ
Does a VPN slow internet?
A VPN shouldn’t conflict with your Wi-Fi network. The VPN shouldn’t effect your phone/broadband line, only your virtual network. You’ll still be linked to your previous network, but look to be on your own. Your internet should still be fast.
VPN setup difficult?
No, installing a VPN is simple. A standalone VPN solution should have an installation client. If you download your VPN as a web extension, you may not require a client: it should connect to your browser.
VPN router installation complexity varies, but most function out of the box.
Installing a corporate VPN or other VPN service at scale may be tricky. Private users should use a solo VPN client.
Is VPN management difficult?
No, standalone VPNs are straightforward to operate. Most work with a few inputs, usually an on/off switch and a nation selector. Corporate VPNs may vary.
Can a VPN let me watch Netflix/Hulu/YouTube from abroad?
Usually. Netflix and Hulu limit some content to specific countries. Geo-locking is limited to country-specific IP addresses.
Many VPNs let you choose your IP’s country. This usually involves picking a country from a dropdown menu.
Is my VPN running?
VPN works once connected. If you’re using a solo VPN, the app should display live analytics that show if your VPN is operational. Don’t let this programme log you off your VPN accidently.
Cost of a VPN and free choices
VPN providers choose their own prices. Pay monthly, usually. Free VPNs exist, but they’re not as safe or complete as premium ones. If your VPN provider is compromised, so are you.
What if my VPN has security issues?
Choose a VPN provider you can trust. If you experience VPN downtime or have problems using or managing your VPN connection, your VPN provider may offer 24/7 online or phone support.
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