VPNs are Using Fake Server Locations

[Toker]

VPNs are Using Fake Server Locations




Do VPNs really have all the servers they claim in exotic locations all over the world?

In many cases, the answer is no.

The true location of some VPN servers may be entirely different. In other words, a server that is allegedly in Pakistan is actually in Singapore. Or a server that should be in Saudi Arabia is actually in Los Angeles, California. (Both are real examples from below.) This is known as spoofing the true location.

Why is this important?

First, the performance may suffer if the actual server is significantly further away. Second, it’s bad if you are trying to avoid certain countries (such as the UK or US) where the server may be located. Third, customers aren’t getting the true server locations they paid for. And finally, using fake server locations raises questions about the VPN’s honesty.

In this article we’ll take a deep dive into the topic of fake VPN server locations. The point here is not to attack any one VPN provider, but instead to provide honest information and real examples in order to clarify a confusing topic. We will cover four main points:

• VPN server marketing claims
  
• Fake server locations with ExpressVPN (11 are identified)
  
• Fake server locations with PureVPN (5 are identified, but there are many more)
  
• How to test and find the true location of VPN servers
  

But before we begin, you might be asking yourself, why do VPNs even use fake server locations?

The incentives are mainly financial. First, it saves lots of money. Using one server to fake numerous server locations will significantly reduce costs. (Dedicated premium servers are quite expensive.) Second, advertising numerous server locations in a variety of countries may appeal to more people, which will sell more VPN subscriptions.

Here’s how that works…


Article Continued  -  HERE




Regards,  T.

 

[tellme]

These Virtual Server locations are a security measure. In some countries, e.g. Venezuela, the government would confiscate VPN servers or spy on their internet connection. Other countries cannot provide secured data centers, this is why Virtual Server locations are being used. It's not a financial aspect.

Some VPN providers install their servers only in highly secured data centers. Especially in Iceland, in the UK, in Switzerland and in Sweden there are many high end data centers available.

Express VPN explains the need for Virtual Server locations here. You will notice that these are used in unstable or under-developed countries and make sense: https://www.expressvpn.com/support/troubleshooting/virtual-server-locations/

One of the best and fastest VPN providers, Perfect Privacy, installs their servers exclusively in modern countries with good infrastructure:
https://www.perfect-privacy.com/en/serverstatus

 

[porkandbeansboy]

Yeah it gets annoying when you see you "logged in" from a different Location than the one your supposed to be Logged into on your VPN on one of your Internet Profiles that keeps those pesky annoying Logs where anyone can hack your account and see them.

 

[Dissolve]

I use Pure. They show which locations are Virtual and which are in a physical location. I don't feel like they tried to pull a fast one or mislead me. As Tellme stated there are many reasons for virtual servers.

 

[Clarissa]

@Toker I've been looking for a solid VPN for my home set up for a while now.  I've been nervous to buy anything because I feel like they are all scams are just controlled by the NSA.  I read a few articles that rated ExpressVPN, SurfShark, NordVPN, IPVanish, CyberHost, ProtonVPN, etc. the best.  These are about 10 articles with the same list of "best" VPN's.  Is anyone an expert on the subject that can give me an actual recommendation?

 

[Kalsima]

@Clarissa I thought you and @DoomKitty are geniuses when it comes to PC related things and bitcoins you have been so helpful to me thank you. Just to add something I pay for Nords VPN and my proton account was hacked. Could be my error. Thank you @Dissolve  I just got a new iphone which I haven't set up yet but after being hacked with Nords which is expensive I will use Pure on new phone. Thank you for posting this is helpful for setting up a new phone. 

 

[Clarissa]

Yes I'm college educated in cybersecurity and I've experimented around with some hacking for fun, but I don't have a lot of practical experience unfortunately (hard to get a good job in Cybersecurity . It involves years of experience and tons of certifications which cost like $5-$10k each). It's probably something I'll do when I'm older in 10-15 years. So I've lost my edge a bit because I took a job as a Software Developer (I write code, so I don't really do cybersecurity or PC infrastructure). But I'm very glad I've been helpful! I'm super academic and I have a ton of books and knowledge if you ever have any questions I can do my best to answer. I really need to get motivated again into giving myself the practical experience I desire. But anyway thanks for the confidence boost! Also, I heard that IPVanish can protect GMAIL accounts. I wonder if that's true.

That's why I need to find someone who knows all the VPN's and which ones are legit. I'm just nervous they are all sponsored by the NSA to track us more easily. A real hacker, like someone from Anonymous, would probably make their own VPN. That's what I've wanted to do since I was a kid. White/gray hat hacker.

 

[Kalsima]

@Clarissa I read your posts and follow you because I thought this person is super smart or a hacker! You are Awesome asset to this forum. I wish you lived with me. Having someone actually educated in Cyber Security I guess it totally shows my age. I had no idea how much it costs but I understand that it makes sense to always be kept up to the newest forms of hacking. I am glad you are not a black hat that makes me feel good we have someone knowledgeable on Cyber Security. Not only are you helping members you can help keep our forum safe. So glad to have you here. 

Love ya Hev

PS the only thing I can write in code is Hello World! Lol 

 

[Clarissa]

Well I'm glad I can help in any capacity!! Even if it's just advice or something from my personal experience, etc. Learning Cyber Security is difficult because you first need to learn basic computer science -- Operating systems, programming languages, networking, lots of math & calculus, Algorithms, etc. -- then you have to learn actual Cyber Security like cryptography, forensics, attacks, defenses. It really requires practical experience and that is hard to get because employers don't want to hire new graduates or people without published research and expensive certifications. I do my best. There are some tools online called CTF's (Capture The Flag Challenges) that set up vulnerable environments for you to practice hacking, but most of those hacks are from the 90-00's. The attacks today are so sophisticated and ingenious. I don't consider myself a BlackHat, but I do admire their ingenuity. I know BlackHat's are considered criminals, but they are geniuses. There are just so many layers of defenses and security to get through -- firewalls, VPN's, intrusion protection systems that sit on the firewalls, antivirus software, encryption, authentication, password hashing, and now even biometrics. If you can get through all of that, then you are VERY skilled.

However, I have no respect for "script kiddies" (people who steal or re-use old hacks) or people who launch email phishing or social engineering attacks. That takes no skill and is so lazy and annoying. Or the people who put those hacking devices in the gas machine card terminals. Ugh! I hate them. I have like 25 debit cards because of those scamming attacks. They keep sending new ones when they are compromised.

Most of the best hackers are the best because they started early on in the 80-90's and were able to follow all the new techniques slowly as it came in. But things move faster now. I graduated in 2018, and I bet all of my hacking tools are wayy old and out of date. Trying to re-learn Cybersecurity on my own time with my full time software engineer job will be a tough task, but I have to try. I'm also hoping that someone on this forum can help mentor here and there or at least show me where to start. I need some direction since my old Kali Linux image is growing mold.