We’ve all been there: settling down for a quiet evening, a device in hand, only to be met with the perplexing warning – “This Network is Blocking Encrypted DNS Traffic.” This message, often encountered by iPhone users, isn’t just a random error but a signal that your online privacy might be at risk. But worry not! This guide will demystify this message and provide simple solutions to navigate it, ensuring that your browsing remains smooth and secure.

Understanding DNS and Its Encryption

DNS, or Domain Name System, is often dubbed the “phonebook of the internet.” It translates user-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the network. DNS traffic is often encrypted to protect it from prying eyes and ensure your browsing activity remains confidential. When a network blocks encrypted DNS traffic, it risks your online privacy and security. Let’s explore why this happens and how to circumvent it.

Why Some Networks Block Encrypted DNS Traffic

Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) or networks might block encrypted DNS traffic for various reasons, such as enforcing content filtering, adhering to regional restrictions, or simply utilizing outdated systems that can’t handle DNS encryption. While these actions might serve specific purposes for the network administrators, they can be detrimental to end users who prioritize privacy and unfiltered access to the internet.

Troubleshooting: Your First Steps

1. Restart Your Device and Router: Sometimes, a simple restart of your device and router can resolve network glitches and restore access.
2. Forget and Reconnect to the Network: In your device’s Wi-Fi settings, forget the network and reconnect, re-entering the password if required.
3. Update Software and Firmware: Ensure your device and router have the latest software and firmware versions to avoid compatibility issues.
4. Change Admin Password: Altering the admin password on your router can shield it from unauthorized adjustments, ensuring your settings remain intact.

Advanced Fixes: A Step Further

1. Shift to WPA3: Modify your Wi-Fi protocol to WPA3, which offers superior security compared to its predecessors.
2. Disable Traffic Analyzers: Some routers have traffic analyzers that might obstruct encrypted DNS traffic if enabled. Disabling it might alleviate the issue.

VPN: Your Gateway to Unrestricted Browsing

When other solutions fall short, or if you’re seeking a long-term solution, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) emerges as a knight in shining armor. A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, including DNS requests, rendering them unreadable to anyone trying to snoop. Here’s how a VPN, such as NordVPN, can be your stalwart ally:

• Encrypting DNS Traffic: A VPN ensures that your DNS requests are encrypted, circumventing any blocks imposed by the network.
• Securing Online Privacy: By masking your IP address, a VPN shields your online activities from ISPs and potential eavesdroppers.
• Accessing Geo-Restricted Content: VPNs allow you to virtually relocate your IP address, enabling access to content that might be restricted in your location.

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Installing NordVPN

NordVPN stands out with its ease of use, robust encryption, and vast server network. To utilize NordVPN:

1. Visit the NordVPN website and choose a plan that suits you.
2. Download and install the NordVPN application on your device.
3. Open the app, log in, and connect to a server of your choice.

Voilà! Your internet traffic, including DNS requests, is now encrypted and secure, ensuring that warning messages about blocked DNS traffic become a thing of the past.

Conclusion

Navigating through the warning of a network blocking encrypted DNS traffic might seem daunting. However, with a blend of basic troubleshooting and advanced solutions like using a VPN, you can ensure that your online adventures remain unrestricted and private. NordVPN is a reliable option to bypass DNS blocking issues and enhance your overall internet browsing security and privacy.

Online privacy and security are more important than ever in this world of increased scrutiny, erosion of privacy, and governments that are hell-bent on vacuuming up as much data on their citizens as possible. As privacy has become paramount, internet users continuously seek robust solutions to shield their digital footprints. Onion over VPN emerges as a beacon for those navigating through the vast expanse of the internet, offering an extra layer of anonymity and safeguarding data from prying eyes. But what exactly is this technology, and how does it fortify your online presence? Let’s peel back the layers.

What is Onion Over VPN?

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Onion over VPN is a technological amalgamation, combining the anonymizing power of The Onion Router (Tor) network with the robust encryption offered by Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). Here’s a simplified breakdown:

• VPN (Virtual Private Network): Redirects your internet traffic through a remote server, encrypting it and masking your IP address, thereby rendering your online actions virtually traceable only to the VPN server.
• Tor (The Onion Router): A network that aims at enhancing anonymity by routing your data through various nodes, each of which only knows the previous and next hop, making it exceedingly difficult to trace the data back to you.

The fusion of these two technologies, Onion over VPN, entails your traffic first being encrypted by the VPN and then sent through the Tor network, providing an additional layer of security and anonymity.

Pros: Why Venture into Onion Over VPN?

• Stealthy Browsing: Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and external watchdogs are kept in the dark about your usage of the Tor network, thanks to the VPN.
• Double Encryption: With the VPN and Tor network each providing their layer of encryption, your data travels securely, wrapped in multiple layers of protection.
• Access to the Dark Web: Safely explore the hidden recesses of the internet, accessing the dark web and its specialized services while keeping your IP address concealed.
• Bypassing Censorship: Onion over VPN can be a key to unlocking content and bypassing censorship by disguising your internet traffic and location.

Cons: The Trade-Offs of Using Onion Over VPN

• Slower Connections: The numerous encryptions and hops through various servers can inevitably slow your internet speed.
• Trust in VPN Provider: Your VPN provider could access your data and online activities, making choosing a trustworthy provider crucial.
• Complexity: For beginners, managing configurations and understanding the nuances of using both technologies concurrently might take time and effort.

Achieving the Onion over VPN Setup

Achieving an Onion over VPN setup predominantly involves routing your internet traffic through a VPN service, followed by the Tor network. Here’s a generic guide:

• Select and Set Up a VPN: Choose a VPN provider based on your privacy and security needs, then install the VPN app and connect to a server.
• Install and Configure the Tor Browser: Download the Tor browser from the official website and configure it according to your browsing preferences. Ensure to tweak the settings to optimize security.
• Safe Browsing Practices: Engage in secure and responsible browsing. Use HTTPS websites, avoid downloading suspicious files, and validate website authenticity.
• Optional: Use Onion Sites: For enhanced anonymity, consider using onion versions of websites specifically designed to be accessed over the Tor network.

Onion Over VPN vs Double VPN

Onion Over VPN meshes the advantages of The Onion Router (Tor) and VPN tunneling, aiming to amplify your online privacy, especially crucial for those traversing through or residing in regions known for stringent digital surveillance.

• Tor: A network built on volunteer-operated servers, Tor encapsulates internet traffic in multiple layers of encryption, routing it through random relays, which obfuscates the origin and destination of the data, making it notoriously difficult to trace.
• VPN Tunneling: This technique encrypts your internet traffic, funneling it through a remote server. This hides your IP address and masks your physical location from third-party entities, safeguarding your browsing activities.

Double VPN: Doubling Down on Encryption

On the other hand, Double VPN takes a slightly different approach, routing your internet traffic through not one but two VPN servers, which enhances the encryption and security levels.

• Enhanced Encryption: Your data is encrypted twice as it hops through two distinct VPN servers, further securing your data and making it even more challenging to trace back to you.
• Additional Security: By employing two VPN servers, Double VPN adds an extra layer of security, making it considerably resilient against potential data leaks or attacks.

Contrasting the Two: Navigating Through Choices

When juxtaposing Onion Over VPN and Double VPN, several distinctions surface:

• Encryption and Anonymity: Onion Over VPN generally provides more layers of encryption and heightened anonymity due to the combination of VPN and Tor servers, safeguarding your data through a labyrinthine journey across the internet.
• Latency and Complexity: The intricate routing and additional encryption layers in Onion Over VPN often result in more latency, making your internet connection slower. Furthermore, managing configurations between VPN and Tor might introduce added complexity.
• Simplicity vs. Protection: Double VPN, while offering less protection against potential data leaks or attacks compared to Onion Over VPN, tends to provide a simpler user experience with less latency, as it relies solely on VPN servers for encryption and routing.

Conclusion

Onion over VPN stands out as a formidable option for users prioritizing online anonymity and security, especially those looking to access the hidden, shadowy corridors of the dark web. While it comes with its fair share of compromises, particularly in speed and complexity, its additional privacy layers can be invaluable in an increasingly scrutinized digital world. Always ensure responsible and ethical use of such technologies, safeguarding your data and the ethos of a free, open, and secure internet.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) extensions for Chrome provide users with a secure, encrypted pathway to access the internet, shielding their online activities from prying eyes and enabling unrestricted access to the web. These extensions are particularly popular among privacy-conscious users and those who wish to bypass geo-restrictions imposed on certain online content.

Speed Considerations

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When utilizing VPN extensions, users often encounter varied speed experiences influenced by multiple factors such as the user’s base internet speed, the chosen server, and the server’s geographical proximity. Some VPN extensions may offer “medium” speeds on free plans, potentially experiencing substantial speed drops when connecting to distant servers. Conversely, paid plans might offer significantly higher speeds, optimized for activities like UHD streaming or large file downloads, with some even managing to minimize speed reduction on distant servers.

NordVPN Chrome Extension

In the digital realm where speed and security are paramount, the NordVPN Chrome extension emerges as a top contender for the fastest VPN options available for your browser. This tool is not just a VPN; it’s a gateway to secure, private, and unrestricted internet navigation, designed meticulously to ensure your virtual footsteps are both swift and untraceable.

NordVPN assures a minimal impact on your connection speed, making it an optimal choice for those who need to balance security with efficiency. With an average speed loss of less than 5% even on transatlantic connections, such as from the US to the UK, it prioritizes maintaining a smooth and robust connection to ensure your browsing, streaming, and downloading activities remain uninterrupted.

One of the distinctive features of the NordVPN Chrome extension is its intelligent server selection algorithm. With over 5899 servers sprawling across 60 countries, the extension automatically connects you to the best available server, considering factors like server load and distance, ensuring you experience optimal speed and performance. For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, NordVPN provides diverse server options, including P2P and double VPN servers, each tailored for specific use cases.

In my speed test below (on a 500/500 megabit connection) I’m seeing very good speeds through the Chrome extension:

In the pursuit of the fastest and secure browsing experience, NordVPN not only delivers impressive speed but also ensures your digital journey is secure and private. It safeguards your browser traffic, disguises your IP address, and provides a user-friendly platform that appeals to both VPN novices and seasoned users alike.

In a nutshell, if speed, security, and a straightforward user experience are on your checklist, the NordVPN Chrome extension could very well be the high-velocity secure browsing solution you’ve been searching for.

Proton VPN Chrome Extension

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Proton VPN, globally recognized for its steadfast commitment to privacy and security, extends its capabilities into browser-specific functionality with its Chrome extension. This tool not only underscores the brand’s Swiss-based, privacy-centric ethos but also provides users with a streamlined approach to secure and unrestricted browsing directly from their browser.

Speed and Performance

The Proton VPN Chrome extension offers distinct experiences in terms of speed across its free and paid plans. Users on the free plan can expect no bandwidth, duration, or speed limits, providing a “medium” speed VPN experience, with potential speed reductions on distant servers. On the other hand, those subscribed to the paid plan (Proton VPN Plus) can anticipate significantly higher speeds, up to 10 Gbps, making it apt for heavy-bandwidth activities like UHD streaming and large file downloads. The paid plan also notably minimizes speed reduction on distant servers, ensuring a more consistent browsing experience across global server locations.

Functionality and Features

• Browser-Specific Protection: The Proton VPN Chrome extension facilitates an encrypted browsing experience without influencing other applications on the device.
• Geo-Spoofing: Users can access varied content from different regions, directly from different browser windows.
• Censorship Bypass: It enables users to navigate around internet censorship and access geo-blocked content from various streaming services.
• Quick Connect Feature: Users can easily connect to a VPN server using the Quick Connect button or manually select a specific country or server.

Noteworthy Technology: VPN Accelerator

Proton VPN’s Chrome extension also comes equipped with its unique VPN Accelerator technology, which is available to all users and automatically enabled across all its applications. This technology notably enhances connection speeds, potentially up to 400% in specific scenarios, and is particularly effective in mitigating speed losses due to large distances and infrastructural complications.

Privacy and Security

Proton VPN, whether accessed through its app or Chrome extension, adheres to a strict no-logs policy, abides by robust Swiss privacy laws, and operates with a transparent and independently audited team. Further adding to its user-centric approach, it provides a 30-day full refund policy, ensuring that users can try the service risk-free.

Functionality and Features

VPN Chrome extensions typically offer a range of functionalities designed to enhance online security and accessibility:

• Encryption: Encrypts browser traffic, safeguarding data transfer across the internet.
• Geo-spoofing: Masks the user’s IP address, enabling them to access content restricted to specific geographical regions.
• Ad Blocking: Some VPNs feature ad blockers to provide an ad-free browsing experience.
• WebRTC Blocking: Prevents websites from discovering the user’s actual IP address.
• Anti-tracking: Shields browsing activities from trackers, preserving user privacy.

Some VPN extensions may also introduce technology to enhance speed and connectivity, mitigating speed loss due to factors like long-distance connections or infrastructure issues.

Utility and Applications

The utility of VPN Chrome extensions spans various applications, delivering both enhanced security and increased internet accessibility:

• Security on Public Wi-Fi: VPNs encrypt internet traffic, providing a secure browsing environment, especially on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Access to Geo-Restricted Content: VPNs enable users to bypass geo-restrictions, granting them access to region-specific content, such as streaming services, news outlets, and more.
• Privacy Preservation: By masking the user’s IP address, VPNs prevent websites from tracking their browsing habits and collecting personal information.
• Bypassing Censorship: VPNs allow users to navigate around internet censorship, accessing blocked websites and services.

Selecting a VPN Chrome Extension

When selecting a VPN Chrome extension, considerations should extend beyond just speed and include:

• Privacy Policies: Opt for VPNs with strict no-logs policies to ensure your online activities are not recorded or stored.
• Server Locations: Ensure the VPN has servers in locations relevant to your browsing needs, especially for geo-spoofing purposes.
• Security Protocols: Evaluate the security protocols, ensuring robust encryption and security features.
• User Interface: Choose a VPN with an intuitive user interface for easy navigation and use.
• Customer Support: Opt for a VPN with reliable customer support to assist with any issues or inquiries.

Conclusion

VPN Chrome extensions serve as valuable tools for ensuring online security and enabling unrestricted internet access, masking user identities, and encrypting data. Whether employed for safeguarding data on public networks, accessing geo-restricted content, or preserving online privacy, VPN extensions have become indispensable tools for savvy internet users. Always ensure to choose a VPN that aligns with your specific needs and use-cases, providing a secure and fluid online experience.

We’ve all witnessed the rise of those big-name streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and the rest of the Pluses. They’ve shaken up the way we watch movies and shows, turning Hollywood on its head. But guess what? The party’s hitting a wall, my friends. Their growth is slowing, and the billions they splurge on content ain’t giving them the bang for their buck anymore. The question on investors’ lips: Is streaming still a goldmine?

Here’s where things get juicy. There’s a new streaming sensation in town – the free ad-supported platforms. Tubi, Pluto, The Roku Channel, and the likes are making their mark and proving they’re not to be trifled with. They’ve been lurking in the shadows, amassing vast content libraries and millions of users, and now they’re rising to the occasion.

Picture this: a future of TV that’s free, sprinkled with ads, and full of channel surfing. It’s like a throwback to the TV business of old, and that’s the secret sauce!

So, what’s the deal with these free streamers? Well, there are two things you gotta know. First up, we got FAST, or Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television – 24/7 streaming channels that mimic those broadcast channels you grew up with. And then, there’s AVOD, or Advertising-Based Video On Demand, where you can binge-watch content whenever your heart desires. Forget the fancy acronyms; let’s call ’em free streaming.

Now, what makes free streaming so darn appealing? It’s right there in the name – it’s FREE! People are tired of shelling out big bucks for subscriptions, and a survey even says 59 percent are cool with watching a few ads to get a cheaper or FREE ride.

And guess what? Even the big dogs are waking up to this reality. Netflix and Disney Plus are dipping their toes in the ad-supported waters. They’ve realized ads mean more money in their pockets than just plain subscriptions. Ka-ching!

Ad Supported Is The Future

The thing about free streamers is they don’t have to beg you for your credit card. Nope, their strategy is simple – get you to watch as much as you can, and they’ll earn their keep. It’s all about engagement, folks! Tubi’s Adam Lewinson says it loud and clear – engagement is his number one job.

And here’s the icing on the cake: free streamers cut the crap from their user interfaces. No login, no fancy banners – just hit play, and you’re in business. Pluto TV takes it to the next level – you open the app, and bam! It starts playing the channel you were watching last. Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy!

Free streamers also play nice with the search engines. You search for a show, and bam! There they are, ready to rock and roll. You don’t need to sign up for free trials or deal with pesky passwords. Just hit play, and you’re in entertainment heaven.

But don’t think they stop there. These sneaky streamers know how to read your mind. They personalize content, keeping you hooked and coming back for more. They’ll serve you the right content on a silver platter, and you’ll be craving for seconds.

Now, here’s the thing – free streamers might not have those huge hits like the big boys. But they’re no dummies! They’re cooking up original content to make their mark. Tubi’s got The Stepmother, Pluto’s got a gazillion series and channels, and Freevee’s got Jury Duty making waves and trending on TikTok.

And believe me, this is just the beginning. More folks are cutting the cord, looking for cheap entertainment, and free streaming’s got their backs. The advertising game is shifting to digital platforms, and the future is bright. The research wizards predict FAST channel revenue to triple by 2027 – a whopping $12 billion bonanza!

So there you have it, my fellow streamers – the TV business of old is making a triumphant comeback, and it’s FREE, ad-supported. Ads interrupt, intrude, and be irrelevant, which is frustrating when all you want to do is browse the web. If you’re into streaming TV shows on services like Paramount Plus, or Hulu, you’ll also know first hand how annoying their mid-roll and pre-roll ads are as well.

Blocking Ads

If you want to take your streaming experience to the next level and dodge those pesky ads altogether, there’s a nifty solution for you – investing in a service that intercepts ads before they even dare to reach your screen.

Picture this: uninterrupted, ad-free bliss as you stream your favorite movies and shows. No more irritating interruptions, no more channel surfing to escape those commercials. It’s the ultimate streaming dream!

Now, you might be wondering, “How does this magic work?” Well, it’s as easy as a click of a button. These services, like ad blockers or premium subscriptions, work their magic in the background, silently shielding you from those intrusive ads. It’s like having a personal bodyguard for your entertainment!

However, not all ad blockers are equal, which is why we tested a few out to pick the best and most trustworthy ad blocker.

Our Take:

Top 4 best ad blockers for 2023

Using a service like NordVPN includes their ad blocker which is called Threat Protection.

Threat Protection works by routing web traffic through VPN servers and through their DNS filters. DNS filtering blocks known ad servers from sending traffic to and from a device. This way the advertisers don’t know who the user is, and there are no ads shown.

1. Install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and use their built in ad blocker

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This makes it difficult for websites to track online activity or serve ads based on interests.

When using a VPN like NordVPN to connect to the internet, the service will hide the real IP address, which is a unique identifier that is assigned to every device that connects to the internet. To block ads on websites and other services, use their ad blocker Threat Protection.

Additionally, NordVPN has other features that blocks things like web trackers, infected files, malicious websites, tracking URLs, and it’ll even do a deep file scan on the computer and check for viruses.

All of this is included in the base plan.

desktop ad protection

Mobile devices also benefit from this by using NordVPN Threat Protection Lite and it works similarly by filtering ads out before they reach a device.

One of the big features of a service like this is that NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, and they are independently audited to ensure privacy.

NordVPN also has excellent compatibility between devices, and supports: iOS, Android, desktop PC, Linux, has a browser extension for almost every browser, and they even have a Fire Stick app.

2: SurfShark – Low-cost option for an ad blocker with VPN service

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SurfShark Top Features:

• CleanWeb ad-blocking and malware-blocking tool
• MultiHop for connecting to multiple VPN servers
• NoBorders mode for bypassing online censorship
• Whitelister for choosing which apps and websites bypass VPN
• Camouflage mode for hiding VPN use
• Strict no-logs policy for privacy and security
• Unlimited simultaneous connections for all devices
• Compatible with various devices and platforms
• 24/7 customer support
• Affordable pricing plans with no hidden fees or long-term contracts

Surfshark CleanWeb is an advanced ad-blocking and malware-blocking tool that provides comprehensive protection for your online browsing activities. With CleanWeb, you can enjoy ad-free surfing and protect your device from malicious websites and online threats.

CleanWeb is a feature that comes with Surfshark VPN, a popular VPN service that encrypts your internet connection and protects your online activities from hackers, advertisers, and other prying eyes. By enabling CleanWeb, Surfshark can block annoying ads and prevent them from loading on your device, resulting in faster browsing speeds and a cleaner online experience.

In addition to blocking ads, Surfshark CleanWeb also protects your device from malicious websites and online threats. Its advanced anti-malware technology can detect and block malware, phishing attempts, and other dangerous content, keeping your device and data safe from harm.

Surfshark CleanWeb is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports popular browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, allowing you to use it with your preferred browser.

3: Firewalla

Firewalla is a bit different because up to now we’ve discussed software services that you can subscribe to. Firewalla is different because it’s a network security device that helps protect home or business networks from malware, viruses, and other online threats by plugging into a local network.

It works by monitoring all traffic coming into and out of a network, and blocking any suspicious activity.

Here are some of the benefits of using Firewalla:

• Protects network from malware, viruses, and other online threats: Firewalla monitors all traffic coming into and out of the network, and blocks any suspicious activity. This helps to protect devices from malware, viruses, and other online threats.
• Offers a variety of features: Firewalla offers a variety of features, such as parental controls, ad blocking, and VPN support. This gives the flexibility to customize Firewalla to meet specific needs.
• Easy to set up and use: Firewalla is easy to set up and use. Can have it up and running in minutes, and the user interface is simple and intuitive.
• Available in a variety of models: Firewalla is available in a variety of models to meet the needs of different households and businesses.

4: PiHole

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