Library blocking VPN

the O Reilly connection

I have a VPN subscription which is being blocked in the local library. I contacted the VPN provider and they told me that the library is possibly using a firewall and there is nothing they can do about it. Is there any solution for this. I know tor can bypass the firewall when I ad a bridge but I'm not sure what the solution is for the VPN.

Thanks

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365999/library-blocking-vpn

Which VPN provider are you using? An SSL VPN should work as it uses standard web protocols which the firewall should allow.

VeePN is a free VPN browser extension for Chrome, you could try that if the library allows you to install extensions.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122540082#Comment_122540082

IPVanish

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122542711#Comment_122542711

IPVanish requires UDP 51820 which is probably being blocked by the firewall. Try the one I suggested.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122542849#Comment_122542849

I tried it but it doesn't work.

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122547054#Comment_122547054

Did you receive any error message when you tried it? Anything to indicate what is going wrong?

Can you browse the internet normally in the library?

L1011

If they've done their job properly, there won't be a way to bypass the block.

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122549401#Comment_122549401

You have more faith than I do.

blackbox

If your local library is providing you with free internet access but don't want you to use a VPN, why don't you just accept that?

You can do whatever you want to do with the VPN from your home.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122549728#Comment_122549728

Because I don't like the idea of someone spying on my internet traffic.

LambshankRedemption

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122555643#Comment_122555643

Transport Layer Security(TLS) is used on most modern websites and prevents people on the same network segment as you spying on your internet traffic. It is an encrypted stream between your web browser and the web server.

Long story short, you don't need a VPN to prevent others from seeing your web traffic.

the O Reilly connection

What if its a man in the middle attack?

L1011

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122733537#Comment_122733537

If someone is able to get a root cert on to your machine for that to happen, its more likely to be your VPN provider doing it considering you have to install their software…

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122555643#Comment_122555643

So provide your own Internet connection instead of using the library's one.

Glaceon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122733537#Comment_122733537

You'll know because your browser will throw a certificate error. Whatever cert the hacker has re-signed the connection with will not be in your trusted root certs.

the O Reilly connection

I solved the problem. It turns out I have to modify the VPN protocols manually. I didn't know this because previously I had been using WIndows. I'm now using LInux.

User567363

Well thats brilliant, so if someone is googling this issue they will learn that they,"have to modify the vpn protocols manually"

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122760210#Comment_122760210

There's no law against using a vpn.

Glaceon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763012#Comment_122763012

I presume they mean that if someone googles their issue and finds this page, they won't find their answer.

BailMeOut

switch to TCP 443 instead of UDP and it will work. (assuming that's an option in that VPN client)

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122760210#Comment_122760210

In fairness they are using a VPN to hide their browsing, not sharing information on the thread is entirely consistent with that.

User567363

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763012#Comment_122763012

I am asking you to explain how you fixed it, dont be a leech looking for help, but not attempting to help others when you got the issue sorted

Tell me how

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765305#Comment_122765305

That's right, be rude and demand answers, that'll wok for you. Sure fire way to get guidance on the internet.

User567363

I am not looking for answers, I am annoyed that the op was trying to get help, but when he got sorted he made no attempt to say what solved it,.message forums are brilliant when you need help with an issue, but this thread is useless to future googlers

Flinty997

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765404#Comment_122765404

It's an ironic catch 22. Want information from others but won't share their own information.

Vpns are useful but have limits to what they hide.

AndrewJRenko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122754011#Comment_122754011

What libraries have Linux machines available?

Mrs OBumble

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765504#Comment_122765504

None. The OP was in a library using their own portable machine, and the library's WIFI.

the O Reilly connection

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765305#Comment_122765305

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122765423#Comment_122765423

It was port 443 using a TCP connection.The encryption method is AES 256 which I have been told is unbreakable.

User567363

Brilliant stuff OP, glad ya got sorted

the O Reilly connection

I faced the same issue st the airport. They were able to successfully block port 443. Strange