DNS leaks has been haunting Netizens by exposing their confidential browsing data to ISPs, State surveillance and cyber criminals. When we connect to a VPN, our IP address, location and service provider becomes anonymous to spying agencies, hackers and websites. However, Dns Leak results in exploitation of user’s confidential information to state-sponsored surveillance and cyber goons, leading to disastrous cybercrimes.

How does it happen? A VPN routes our DNS request through VPN DNS server instead of our local ISP’s DNS server. When DNS leak occurs, traffic leaks outside the encrypted VPN tunnel, enabling the ISPs to track your geographical location, active port and your online activities.

Fortunately, you can prevent the nightmares associated with DNS leak by using the below mentioned 7 best ways for Dns Leak Protection when using a VPN. But, first you need to detect the DNS leak, for that run a simple DNS leak test.

Run DNS Leak Test

There are various tools you can use to perform a simple DNS leak test. To check whether your DNS is leaking while using a VPN, click here.

As soon as the test is completed you will be able to detect DNS leak. If you see your actual location or place belonging to your ISP instead of the location where VPN server is based, then you’re a victim of DNS leak.

7 Ways for DNS Leak Protection

If you have detected the DNS leak on your system while being connected to a VPN, then you don’t need to worry as these seven methods will help you to prevent DNS leak at all times:

1. Use a VPN With DNS Leak Protection Option

The simplest way to prevent DNS leak is to get a VPN with built-in DNS leak protection option like Pure VPN. This powerful feature actively monitors user’s DNS requests, ensuring that requests are transmitted through VPN DNS server. You can check the DNS leak protection feature in your VPN from settings. Just go to its settings and look for an option to prevent DNS leak.

When you find the option, mark it activate to get protected against DNS leaks. Enjoy!

2. VPNCheck – Pro Version

The VPNCheck (Pro version) offers DNS leak fix. It protects users from DNS leaks, identity theft and data snooping. You can simply download VPNCheck – Pro version from their official website and follow these simple steps:

1. Install and run the program
2. On the main window click on “Config.”
3. From the ‘Config’ Windows check mark on “DNS leak fix box.” You can list programs like Utorrent so that if the VPN connection fails, ISP can’t monitor your online activities
4. Now finally go back to the main window and activate the ‘Cycle IP task’ and ‘Cycle IP Network’ to begin. Enjoy DNS-leak free experience!

3. Disable Teredo

Teredo in Windows is a transition technology that allows communication between two IP protocols “IPv4” and “IPv6.” The protocols are present on the internet but sometimes need a transition technology like Teredo to communicate. But unfortunately, Teredo can cause DNS leaks.

To disable Teredo, perform following easy steps:

• Open the command prompt and enter this command:

netsh interface teredo set state disabled

• Now you have successfully disabled the Teredo. In case you decide to enable Teredo at some point in future, enter the following line in command line to reactivate it:

netsh interface teredo set state type=default 

4. Manual Setup DNS Server

Manual setup of DNS server is the simplest way to get rid of DNS leaks. Following steps will help you to get rid of DNS leaks by manually setting up a DNS server on your system:

1. Disable the DNS leak protection feature of your VPN.

2. Go to Control Panel >Network Settings>Network Connections.

3. Right-click on the network adapter that you’re using and click on its properties.

4. From the list select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPV4) and click on properties. 

5. Click on the radio button “Use the following DNS Server Address”. Enter following DNS server address: 

209. Preferred DNS: 209.222.18.222
210. Alternate DNS: 209.222.18.218 

6. You’re done. Enjoy!

5. Block Non-VPN Traffic

A preferable method to prevent DNS leak is to use a VPN with IP Binding feature like “Hide My Ass”. It allows you to select specific applications that will exchange data through the secure encrypted tunnel. In case a user tries to access selected applications without a VPN running, the application won’t be able to access the internet.

6. Configure Firewall

Configuring the firewall to block all non-VPN traffic will protect you against the odds of DNS leak. The firewall comes as a feature in Windows. You can use following steps to configure Windows firewall manually:

1. Go to the Control Panel.
2. Click on the Windows Firewall.
3. From the left pane, you will see an option to “Allow a program or feature through Windows Firewall.” Use this feature to block all non-VPN traffic and you’re done!

7. Use Antivirus

A decent anti-virus like AVG offers firewall to block all unwanted network traffic. This method is easy and similar to manually setting up Windows firewall (mentioned above). The antivirus firewall will allow you to block all non-VPN traffic, ensuring that ISP’s DNS server is not being used at all.

Final Words

Online freedom is a right of every user. With various spying agencies including NSA and GCHQ actively monitoring Netizen’s personal information, VPN ensures reliable online data protection and anonymity to users. However, due to certain bugs in Windows, DNS leak neutralizes the benefits of VPN. But the above listed 7 Ways for DNS Leak Protection will protect you from DNS leak at all times, so you stay safe on the web.