Thứ Tư, 28 tháng 9, 2016

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN - Part 1 part 9

  • 2015-Aug-11, 10:43 am
    jjcoolaus
    O.P.

    placeb0 writes...

    What can I do to tweak the settings?

    Try different encryption settings, personally I find on android that using AES-256 to be faster than using Blowfish, but YMMV. Also try different ports, this can make a huge difference.

  • 2015-Aug-11, 10:43 am
    placeb0

    jjcoolaus writes...

    Try different encryption settings

    Thanks, but it didn't work � I tried all combinations, even with no encryption � it didn't seem to make much difference.

    Same with ports, tried all the ones listed and still no dice....

  • 2015-Aug-12, 1:19 am
    JoffaR

    SoW writes...

    am thinking about canceling PIA subscription due to poor speeds.
    Any recommendations where to go?

    Given that so many people seem to have no speed issues with PIA, including myself, I dont think it makes sense to lay the blame at their network when it sounds more likely to be a client end or some oddball routing issue. If it was at the PIA end then everybody would be experiencing it and clearly theyre not.

    Whereever else you choose to look i recommend you take a trial run of their service before subscribing.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 1:19 am
    JoffaR

    placeb0 writes...

    Thanks, but it didn't work � I tried all combinations, even with no encryption � it didn't seem to make much difference.

    You could try another client and see if that makes a difference . I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

  • Aldi Rocks

    JoffaR writes...

    If it was at the PIA end then everybody would be experiencing it and clearly theyre not.

    What if everybody is, you're just oblivious to the problem, due to only using torrents, or the time of the day, or rarely use protocols that are single threaded that require reasonable speed?

    The problem with this vpn is it's just not reliable. It's not dependable. The amount of times changing vpn servers or turning it off all together fixes the problem is testimony to how bad this vpn is.

    Syd/Mel are often rogered, so next I try singapore/hongkong but their bandwidth figures shows why they will usually be slow. Next try is Japan, it can be good but once again it's not reliable and slow down will require a server change again. So now it's time to cycle to previoiusly tried servers in a hope they've fixed something. Then it's time to turn the 3rd rate turd off, and the internet runs as it should again.

  • Chuggabug

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client.

    +1
    The OpenVpn 64bit client with the PIA VPN service seems bullet proof.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 12:36 pm
    mboner1

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    The problem with this vpn is it's just not reliable. It's not dependable. The amount of times changing vpn servers or turning it off all together fixes the problem is testimony to how bad this vpn is.

    Syd/Mel are often rogered, s

    Try le vpn or airvpn. I switched from pia to them and both are better and more reliable for me. Le vpn has australian servers airvpn does not but singapore is quick on airvpn.. airvpn has port forwarding for torrents but le vpn does not.. but the australian servers with le vpn are fast for torrents without port forwarding... both connect to us netflix on any server. Same for hulu.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 12:36 pm
    Arrith

    Is anyone else having really bad issues with gaming while on the aus servers? they used to be great but lately getting into the 700ms area.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 8:41 pm
    placeb0

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    Thanks � I set this up and tested on the melbourne server, got 22 down / 2.12 up on my 100/2 cable connection. Not amazing, but double what I was getting

  • 2015-Aug-12, 8:41 pm
    Obey The Fist!

    JoffaR writes...

    Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    Is there a link? I poked around in that maze for about 5 minutes... I am sure no matter which obscure router/linux distro I could ever buy, I found the instructions there, but nothing for configuring PIA with OpenVPN 64bit client under Windows.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 9:52 pm
    placeb0

    Obey The Fist! writes...

    Is there a link? I poked around in that maze for about 5 minutes...

    First I went and grabbed the openVPN 64 bit client here:

    https://openvpn.net/index.php/open-source/downloads.html

    Then I went to this page and followed the installation process, substituting the new client for the PIA one at the start:

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/client-support/windows-openvpn

    Download the zip of the server locations on that page and extract them in the config folder. Then just run your new client and test for leaks.

    Seems to have worked for me; I did try out the PPTP and L2TP installation processes but got multiple DNS addresses detected when using ipleak.net (none of them in aus, but a bunch in taiwan and US). I had no idea what I was doing so I thought I'd be safer not playing around with them anymore :)

  • 2015-Aug-12, 9:52 pm
    Chuggabug

    placeb0 writes...

    Seems to have worked for me;

    Sound like your on the right track, your connection log should look something like this...

    Sat Aug 15 12:23:00 2015 OpenVPN 2.3.7 x86_64-w64-mingw32 [SSL (OpenSSL)] [LZO] [PKCS11] [IPv6] built on Jun  8 2015
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:00 2015 library versions: OpenSSL 1.0.1m 19 Mar 2015, LZO 2.08
    Enter Management Password:
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:01 2015 UDPv4 link local: [undef]
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:01 2015 UDPv4 link remote: [AF_INET]168.1.75.23:1194
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:02 2015 [Private Internet Access] Peer Connection Initiated with [AF_INET]168.1.75.23:1194
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 do_ifconfig, tt->ipv6=0, tt->did_ifconfig_ipv6_setup=0
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 open_tun, tt->ipv6=0
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 TAP-WIN32 device [TAP-Windows Adapter v9] opened: \\.\Global\{93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281}.tap
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 Notified TAP-Windows driver to set a DHCP IP/netmask of 10.168.1.6/255.255.255.252 on interface {93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281} [DHCP-serv: 10.168.1.5, lease-time: 31536000]
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:04 2015 Successful ARP Flush on interface [20] {93621C3D-A30A-4E5E-A749-8630BDED2281}
    Sat Aug 15 12:23:10 2015 Initialization Sequence Completed

    I'd personally ditch your need for PPTP and L2TP as the only reason you're using the OpenVPN client is for anonymity and security, PPTP and L2TP are down the list in this regard.

    run your new client and test for leaks.

    This is where it gets tricky, as you've mentioned got multiple DNS addresses detected when using ipleak.net and you WILL have the same issues if just using the OpenVPN client and running the same tests.

    The multiple addresses are DNS leaks and probably by going by what you mentioned (none of them in aus, but a bunch in taiwan and US), are Google's DNS addresses by the sounds of it.

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here... https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html, in effect if done properly the only DNS address you should see is a DNS IP address the same as 'Your IP Address'.

  • 2015-Aug-12, 10:51 pm
    mboner1

    Chuggabug writes...

    This is where it gets tricky, as you've mentioned and you WILL have the same issues if just using the OpenVPN client and running the same tests.

    Whats wrong with getting multiple dns addresses from google or opendns? As long as your own dns isn't showing up?

  • 2015-Aug-12, 10:51 pm
    Firefly45

    Do you just need to click killswitch and DSN leak and your good to download with pia?

  • 2015-Aug-14, 11:36 pm
    TEMPA

    JoffaR writes...

    I ditched the windows PIA client and am using the open source OpenVpn 64bit client. Theres a bit of jiggering to set it up but I find it to be more robust than the PIA software.
    Info in the PIA support pages.

    I tried this last night, following the instructions on PIA's site but when I connect ipleak and whoer show my ISP IP address. Clearly I ballsed something up....

  • 2015-Aug-14, 11:36 pm
    tallPete

    Hello folks, I'm curious how people paid for PIA here. I'm wanting to subscribe to a VPN, and one of my goals is anonymity. For those who are using PIA for anonymity how did you ensure that your identity was protected? During payment PIA collects some details which could be used to identify you � so how did you pay? Did you pay by paypal � but that means that PIA would know the email attached to your paypal account? Did you pay by credit card � but then PIA would have a number of details � or maybe you paid by bitcoin but provided a reasonably obscure email � although the purchase of bitcoin can be troublesome in itself?

    Thank you in advance for your replies :)

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:54 am
    TEMPA

    tallPete writes...

    Did you pay by paypal � but that means that PIA would know the email attached to your paypal account?

    Yep I paid by PayPal. My need to wear a tin foil hat is not such that I was worried about being identified as someone who purchased access to a completely legal and legitimate service....

    It's not illegal or indicative of anything illegal to purchase access to a VPN.

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:54 am
    Chuggabug

    mboner1 writes...

    Whats wrong with getting multiple dns addresses from google or opendns?

    As long as you know these multiple DNS servers are not logging your requests ?

    As long as your own dns isn't showing up?

    +1 but be 100% sure that your own ISP's DNS server is not showing up.
    I have seen (while using ipleak) that even though you may see a multitude of servers offshore, from time to time you actually get to see your own ISP server included in that list.

    The difference being, I know that my VPN requests including DNS requests are not being logged.
    I only see 1x and only ever 1x DNS server meeting my requests my VPN's.

    Firefly45 writes...

    Do you just need to click killswitch and DSN leak and your good to download with pia?

    Yes if your using their PIA app with DNS leak protection on.

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:30 pm
    Trim Tab

    TEMPA writes...

    Yep I paid by PayPal. My need to wear a tin foil hat is not such that I was worried about being identified as someone who purchased access to a completely legal and legitimate service....

    My sentiments exactly ... PayPal for me too, although I suspect the toaster was taking notes :|

  • 2015-Aug-15, 12:30 pm
    Chuggabug

    TEMPA writes...

    I tried this last night, following the instructions on PIA's site but when I connect ipleak and whoer show my ISP IP address. Clearly I ballsed something up....

    You actually haven't, it's only part of the puzzle, it's just that there are other components to the PIA app that are built in so you don't physically have to do them.

    If you follow the instructions below you will see that you too can have on OpenVPN implementation that will only show 1x IP address for you and your DNS, the one that belongs to your VPN provider.

    see info under the section titled 'Solution B � Manually clearing the DNS' here...

    Chuggabug writes...

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here...
    https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html,

  • 2015-Aug-15, 7:13 pm
    TEMPA

    Chuggabug writes...

    You actually haven't, it's only part of the puzzle, it's just that there are other components to the PIA app that are built in so you don't physically have to do them.

    Suddenly got too hard for me as I really don't understand what I am doing when it comes to networks etc. I'll just make do with the PIA app I think.... Seems pretty fool proof and that's what I need!

  • 2015-Aug-15, 7:13 pm
    placeb0

    Chuggabug writes...

    If your wanting to overcome DNS leaks there is a good write up here... https://dnsleaktest.com/how-to-fix-a-dns-leak.html, in effect if done properly the only DNS address you should see is a DNS IP address the same as 'Your IP Address'.

    Thanks for that � I'm going to have another hash at this and see how I go

  • 2015-Aug-15, 10:25 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    placeb0 writes...

    Thanks � I set this up and tested on the melbourne server, got 22 down / 2.12 up on my 100/2 cable connection. Not amazing, but double what I was getting

    I would doubt that's got anything to do with your speed increase. Just a coincidence. You are still using openvpn when using PIA gui. OpenVpn is without the pia stuff is more reliable and doesn't crash. I wouldn't think it would have much to do with speed increase, it's not like your cpu can't handle the load when the PIA GUI icon sits there doing nothinig after you've connected to vpn

  • 2015-Aug-15, 10:25 pm
    Loose Nut

    I know this is a long shot, but has anyone got PIA working with transmission on linux? I've got Debian running on a Banana Pi that I want to use as a torrent box. I'm hoping that I can set it up so that it will stop torrents if the VPN disconnects.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 7:15 am
    maxwolfie

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 7:15 am
    JoffaR
    this post was edited

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

    I think that arrangements is ideal. To keep a port permanently allocated to a person allows the potential for individuals activity to be tracked and identified over time. It would negate the security of being an unidentifiable individual in a crowd on a shared ip.
    On the other hand a port that changes on every connection becomes an annoying PITA.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:02 am
    noboot

    Think I will be giving these guys a try.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:02 am
    Kurgan

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks. PIA said they can't do anything about it.

    I've only ever used a single port for torrents and it has served me well for several years now.

    Your post suggests that this wouldn't work for me with PIA? How would I be able to get around this? Set up new rules all the time in my router?

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:12 am
    laconic

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    I haven't and have been using PIA with no problem for months. I can browse, download torrents and perform any normal Internet task without the need to even log into my router.

  • 2015-Aug-17, 11:12 am
    Jack.Daniels

    laconic writes...

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    There's only certain nodes on PIA that support port forwarding. If you're running torrents via their VPN service you'll only have your torrent client visible if you have the port you're using forwarded from their VPN endpoint. Otherwise you'll only seed when you're actively downloading on the same port.

    The downside is that your forwarded port will also make your real IP address more visible.

  • Jace
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    know this is a long shot, but has anyone got PIA working with transmission on linux? I've got Debian running on a Banana Pi that I want to use as a torrent box. I'm hoping that I can set it up so that it will stop torrents if the VPN disconnects.

    Yes, you need to bind transmission to the VPN connection (Via the configuration file) ... You can use a bunch of shell scripts to automate it.... I'll find some links for you later when I get home.... Raspian on pi...

  • Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    I'll find some links for you later when I get home

    Thanks dude, that would be great :)

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:38 am
    JoffaR
    this post was edited

    laconic writes...

    What is it exactly that requires people to enable port forwarding?

    Most often useful for for peer to peer file sharing. When port forwarding is set up this allows incoming connections from peers which can make torrent downloads much faster on sparsely seeded torrents.

    You dont get allocated the same port every time, so you need to check it and manually change the port set in your torrent client to match.

    I haven't and have been using PIA with no problem for months. I can browse, download torrents and perform any normal Internet task without the need to even log into my router.

    That only applies if your router is handling the vpn instead of client software on your pc.

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:38 am
    JoffaR

    maxwolfie writes...

    I have port forwarding enabled, it is annoying how the port changes every 1-2 weeks.

    I am curious as to how this works in the absence of logging, that they say they never do...

    How can they be re-allocating the same port over numerous sessions without 'remembering' what subscriber ip gets allocated what port?

  • 2015-Aug-18, 6:21 am
    laconic

    re: "port forwarding".

    Thanks for the answers Jack and JoffaR.

    I'll have to give myself a shake and look into this more. I assumed that because completed torrents were seeding automatically that there wasn't anything more I should be doing.

    I'll have a closer look at things when I fire up the VM tonight.

  • 2015-Aug-18, 6:21 am
    Loose Nut

    Going to signup for PIA today, this port forwarding thing is confusing though. I want to setup my Banana Pi to run as 24/7 torrent box, but it sounds like every couple of weeks it will just stop and I will need to change the port manually?

    In the meantime I will be using it on my windows machine to download torrents. At this point I think I would just like to have my torrents going through PIA and my general websurfing through my regular internet connection. Downloading torrent files is not illegal, so it does not matter if my ISP sees me going to indexers at this stage? When they begin blocking sites I will then start using the VPN to access indexers.

    Anyway, the best way to do this would be to use the socks5 proxy? Is this 100% secure? I don't need to worry about a kill switch or anything do I? As if the proxy goes down than utorrent will just stop downloading until it comes back up?

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:50 pm
    Jace

    Everytime you connect the port changes. You can script it all to get the new one and update transmission quite easily tho :)

  • 2015-Aug-18, 3:50 pm
    Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    Everytime you connect the port changes. You can script it all to get the new one and update transmission quite easily tho :)

    Oh cool. Transmission doesn't support proxies though?

  • Jace

    No need to use the proxy. You bind transmission to the VPN, and update the port, and leave proxy empty. If the VPN disconnects transmission won't do anything. I didn't have time last night but I'll try get you some of the details tonight...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    You can go a step further and only ever allow transmission to run if openVPN service is running and connected... However binding should be sufficient

  • 2tyres

    Jace writes...

    If the VPN disconnects transmission won't do anything.

    Iptables is a surefire way of achieving the same.

  • Loose Nut
    this post was edited

    Jace writes...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    That sounds awesome!

    On another note. I just signed up for PIA and I get significantly faster speeds using the PIA client than the socks5 proxy, so I think I'm going to use the client. I did the IPMagnet test and it came back with the PIA proxy. However, I did a dns leak test at dnsleaktest.com and it came back with my ISP.

    I'm confused what this means? Am I safe while torrenting?

    I have DNS leak prevention enabled in the PIA client.

    Edit: cleared browser cache and cookies and restarted PIA client and it is working now.

  • 2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    I have DNS leak prevention enabled in the PIA client.

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:29 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

    This is on my windows machine...

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:29 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ok, it seems to be running well now. However, my concern is that the PIA client takes longer than utorrent to load at startup. By the time PIA loads and connects utorrent has already loaded and broadcasted my real IP. Is there anyway to get around this? Maybe delay utorrent from loading for a few minutes?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:30 pm
    2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    Is there anyway to get around this?

    Configure Windows firewall so torrent client can only access internet through vpn.

    For ease and privacy, keep torrents to Linux and transmission. Ditch utorrent and Windows.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 2:30 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Configure Windows firewall so torrent client can only access internet through vpn.

    For ease and privacy, keep torrents to Linux and transmission. Ditch utorrent and Windows.

    That's the plan, but my Bpi isn't up and running yet and I need to download torrents in the meantime.
    Is this the best way to configure the firewall?
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

    Cheers

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:36 pm
    Voxel

    Anyone know why I'm getting a teardrop attack when I connect to this VPN?

    http://puu.sh/jGOIw/35c7af5f20.png

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:36 pm
    Naoki
    this post was edited

    Just signed up to these guys but having troubles.

    Can someone connect to the PIA Japanese server and click this link? Then click the blue icon and tell me what you see on the next page.... Should be asking for login details but I'm getting an message in Japanese telling I can NOT access this site from outside Japan.

    http://otn.fujitv.co.jp/nextsmart/index.html

    Thanks to anyone that can help. Cheers.

    This is the msg I get after clicking the blue button. I'm hoping someone can confirm its not just my issue.

    Imgur.com/LZNyF18

    ??????????????????????????????????????

    ?Android????????
    ????????????????????Chrome???????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????

    Edit: I have done ip leak test and don't see any dns leaks or web etc leaks. Tried chrome IE and Firefox still no dice.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:49 pm
    batfink0767

    yes i get the same, firefox and chrome.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 3:49 pm
    maxwolfie

    Jace writes...

    Basically you can script the following :

    -connect to vpn via openVPN service
    -get allocated port from pia (they provide a url for this you can hit)
    -update transmission configuration to bind VPN ip and port allocated
    -start transmission service

    You can go a step further and only ever allow transmission to run if openVPN service is running and connected... However binding should be sufficient

    Excellent. Is this possible with other torrent clients such as Deluge?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 4:00 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Use the openVPN client from your repository. Also, edit /etc/network/interfaces so you are using the pia DNS 4.2.2.1 4.2.2.2 and 4.2.2.3

    I had a thought. Do you run your linux box headless? What do you do if the PIA server you are connected to stuffs up? This afternoon the Melbourne server was so slow it may as well not even have been online, I changed to the Sydney server on windows because I saw it was so slow and now it is downloading fast from the Sydney server.

    If I had automated torrents on linux I wouldn't have known there was a problem until I went to watch a show and realised it hadn't downloaded.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 4:00 pm
    JoffaR

    Im on Melbourne right now and speed looks normal to me at 11mb/s
    Are all you people with speed complaints on nbn?

  • Jace

    Loose Nut writes...

    I had a thought. Do you run your linux box headless? What do you do if the PIA server you are connected to stuffs up?

    I had a solution for that too.

    During the times that Transmission and your VPN are connected and running, you can create a monitor shell script that basically hits a URL like so:
    https://wtfismyip.com/xml

    Maybe you run it every 15mins... if you notice the VPN is disconnected, you re-run the connect startup scripts.

    I mentioned in a previous post above that you can script up the PORT Number and the VPN IP address in the config file, well, you can do the same for the PIA server so that each time it connects it tries a different one.

  • Loose Nut

    JoffaR writes...

    Im on Melbourne right now and speed looks normal to me at 11mb/s
    Are all you people with speed complaints on nbn?

    I wish I was on nbn!
    It was really weird, it was downloading fine, then all of a sudden it just dropped to almost 0k/sec, but it wasn't just net traffic, it was also my LAN traffic. I connected to Sydney and everything went back to normal, so I'm not really sure what was going on.

  • Loose Nut

    Jace writes...

    I mentioned in a previous post above that you can script up the PORT Number and the VPN IP address in the config file, well, you can do the same for the PIA server so that each time it connects it tries a different one.

    That's awesome! I have so much to learn!

  • Naoki

    batfink0767 writes...

    yes i get the same, firefox and chrome.

    Thanks for checking. Anyone else confirm? Any idea why this would be happening?

  • 2015-Aug-19, 9:57 pm
    2tyres

    nayr37 writes...

    Anyone else confirm?

    Pia Melbourne server working fine for me. In adelaide on TPG NBN.

  • 2015-Aug-19, 9:57 pm
    Naoki

    2tyres writes...

    Pia Melbourne server working fine for me. In adelaide on TPG NBN.

    No mate. Go a few posts further up. I'm asking people to connect to the Japanese server and see if they can access the link I provided. Seems like their servers in Japan are not working as advertised?

  • Firefly45

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

  • Pikey18

    Firefly45 writes...

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

    Not easy with uTorrent but with qBittorrent its very easy to bind to an interface (I have tested it � had it downloading at good speed and disconnected the VPN and the download instantly stopped).

  • 2015-Aug-20, 6:05 pm
    2tyres

    nayr37 writes...

    No mate. Go a few posts further up. I'm asking people to connect to the Japanese server

    Sorry. Curse my damned one minute attention span!

  • 2015-Aug-20, 6:05 pm
    Loose Nut

    Pikey18 writes...

    Not easy with uTorrent but with qBittorrent its very easy to bind to an interface (I have tested it � had it downloading at good speed and disconnected the VPN and the download instantly stopped).

    Can't you use the Windows firewall?
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:08 pm
    2tyres

    Loose Nut writes...

    Can't you use the Windows firewall?

    Absolutely. And that will be the most sure and safest way to be guaranteed.

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:08 pm
    Loose Nut

    2tyres writes...

    Absolutely. And that will be the most sure and safest way to be guaranteed.

    That's the next job on my list.
    After that it's getting transmission setup :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:20 pm
    batfink0767

    Firefly45 writes...

    Apologies if this has been asked already but is there a way so utorrents won't work unless VPN (PIA) is connected wouldn't want killswitch to fail then real one exposed

    use windows firewall as mentioned above.
    https://support.hidemyass.com/hc/en-us/articles/202723616-IP-Binding-via-Windows-Firewall-block-non-VPN-traffic

    Or use deluge or QBittorent and bind the torrent client to the vpn tap adapter.
    Or for best security do both.

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:20 pm
    Firefly45

    How does one bind it to qbitttorrent? Is there a guide Still new to all this lol :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:27 pm
    ottyacat

    Firefly45 writes...

    How does one bind it to qbitttorrent? Is there a guide Still new to all this lol :)

    First you will need to know what the network adaptor is called. In windows go to "network and sharing center", then click on the link on the left that says "change adaptor settings". To find network and sharing center right click on the little wifi / connection icon down the bottom right of the screen.

    Disconnect / reconnect the PIA vpn client and see which adaptor disconnects / reconnects, it can also be identified by the type which will be something like "TAP-Windows Adaptor". I normally right click it and rename it to something like PIA VPN for simplicity.

    Then startup QBitorrent
    Goto Tool -> Options -> Advanced
    Look for "Network Interface (Requires Restart)"
    Select your PIA VPN adaptor.
    Restart QBitorrent.

    Your should be good to go and QBittorent will only work when you are connected to PIA. :)

  • 2015-Aug-20, 7:27 pm
    Firefly45
    this post was edited

    Cheers mate just set up like that now having an issue where everything i try download says stalled doesn't matter what it is ect libra software

    Connection status is yellow

  • Jason1984

    Isn't PIA related to VPN's? just a bit curious about this cause I've never heard about it before.

  • batfink0767
  • ottyacat
    this post was edited

    Firefly45 writes...

    Cheers mate just set up like that now having an issue where everything i try download says stalled doesn't matter what it is ect libra software

    Make sure you have have PIA connected before u start qbittorent otherwise it will not work (at least on my pc). Other than than not really sure sorry, just check to make sure you choose the correct VPN interface in the setup.

    You could temporarily disable the kill switch to see if that's interfering, i dont use it, i find it annoying for general browsing. I don't use bittorrent that often and i find myself manually having to revert the settings in the network connection even after i disable it in the client.

  • Loose Nut

    I do not have the kill switch ticked in my PIA client, but when I disconnect from PIA I lose my internet. My wifi connection is shown by windows as connected and it says I have internet access, but nothing will load. Is there a trick to turn off the vpn and surf with your normal connection?

    I have tried disconnecting and reconnecting to the wifi and disabling and re-enabling the wifi adapter, neither of them fixed it.

  • 2015-Aug-23, 12:12 pm
    seriously

    i was waiting for someone who knows to answer you but since no one did, let me try and see if this help. instead of disabling/enabling the wifi adaptor, try uninstall it in device manager. then reboot your pc so that windows would re-install the wifi adaptor driver. hopefully this work as it did for me all the time when i had connection issue.

    edit: oh, you should also exit the pia cleint altogether while it's still connected instead of disconnecting. that could be the reason you can't connect especially if you had the stop dns leak ticked.

  • 2015-Aug-23, 12:12 pm
    Loose Nut

    seriously writes...

    i was waiting for someone who knows to answer you but since no one did, let me try and see if this help. instead of disabling/enabling the wifi adaptor, try uninstall it in device manager. then reboot your pc so that windows would re-install the wifi adaptor driver. hopefully this work as it did for me all the time when i had connection issue.

    Do you have to do that every time you turn PIA off? Man that is a PIA :p

    Edit: I do have DNS leak ticked, so I will trying closing it instead of disconnecting. Thanks.

  • seriously

    Loose Nut writes...

    Do you have to do that every time you turn PIA off? Man that is a PIA :p

    no you don't. exiting the pia client (while it's still connected) should then allows you to connect normally. the uninstall procedure only required when pia lost the connection and you can't get it back.

  • batfink0767

    @ Loose nut,when that happens try this.

    1.open network sharing centre by left or right clicking network icon in system tray (win 7)
    2.click the network connection you have on the right of the screen (in blue) ,mines listed as wireless network connection (xxxx-pc_Network.
    3. Then Click properties at the bottom left of the popup screen.
    4.Double click "Internet protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
    5. tick/select "Obtain an ip address automatically" ( it might have PIA's ip address and subnet mask listed in the 'use following ip address'
    6.you can tick 'validate settings upon exit'if you want, ( i usually don't)
    7.click ok, exit out and your good to go.

    You can also right click network icon(sytem tray ) and select "troubleshoot problems" and the windows wizard will automatically reset it for you.

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:34 am
    Dimtar

    2 years at a discount, the same as the April deal:
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/techbargains-special-offer

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:34 am
    TakesControl

    Can you turn off auto-renew with PIA?

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:46 am
    batfink0767

    yes, login in to your online PIA client control panel, and you will see this

    'Cancel Subscription (Optional)
    Please use the following button to cancel your subscription. Your automatic payments will be canceled, but you will still be able to login for the remainder of the billing period.
    This cannot be reversed and is effective immediately.'

    Your subsciption will be cancelled but you can still use the VPN until your subscription expires.
    You can also cancel recurring payment through Paypal account. if you used that to sign up.

  • 2015-Aug-25, 1:46 am
    gracks

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 7:05 pm
    2tyres

    grarck attakc writes...

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

    There is no definite answer. There are many variables and unknowns. I can safely say that after routing through a vpn your connection will appear somewhere between it being barely noticeable to barely usable.

    You won't know until you do it.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 7:05 pm
    batfink0767

    Well PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee,so if your not happy, it won't cost you anything to try it.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:15 pm
    gracks

    k thanks guys

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:15 pm
    Irishjim

    So, having a problem for the first time with PIA. Been working fine until today with Vuze, but now the VPN Helper Plugin for PIA is reporting "Can't connect to PIA RPC via /10.203.32.240: Connect to www.privateinternetaccess.com:443 failed: no route to host"

    Any help/suggestions?

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:26 pm
    Loose Nut

    grarck attakc writes...

    I'm on TPG at the moment and my connection maxes out at 450kbps. How much of a speed reduction were I to take if I went through a VPN? I'm guessing barely usable.

    From my experience I think you will be fine. I'm with TPG also and on a really good day doing a speed test I can sometimes hit 7Mbps, with the Australian PIA servers I usually get somewhere between 5 and 5.5Mbps.

    From what I have read slower connections usually get closer to their max speed, whereas people with faster speeds (eg. NBN) get a bigger performance hit.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 8:26 pm
    Ray

    From what I have read slower connections usually get closer to their max speed, whereas people with faster speeds (eg. NBN) get a bigger performance hit.

    I'm on 100 Mb Telstra cable and torrent via the Netherlands server. The combined speed of all downloading torrents is consistently in the 4-5 Mb range which I find more than adequate.

  • 2015-Aug-26, 9:01 pm
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    Morning all

    I've been trying to wrap my head around this whole VPN business for a while and not having much luck determining if I'll be able to get it working as I need it to.

    Basically, due to my router I need to use a single port for torrents (which I have forwarded) and it works well. I read earlier in the thread that it is a random port, is there any way to make it static?

    In regards to the kill switch, it seems that this is easily engaged via PIA settings (or similar), is this correct? How well does it work? Do I simply need to put it against uttorrent somehow? https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/5142/5-ways-to-protect-yourself-when-your-vpn-connection-fails/

    I use Getflix as well to access other Netflix libraries, will a changing IP address cause issues there? Would I need to update the IP each time I wanted to watch Getflix?

    Same deal for the private tracker I use, will a changing IP address cause issues there? I know they use the IP to determine a member, is it simply a matter of logging in each time?

    I assume the DNS leak prevention is pretty solid, is this a fair assessment?

    What servers have been found to be the quickest or more reliable?

    Sorry for, what will be, questions previously asked multiple times.

    Appreciate any assistance guys

  • 2015-Aug-26, 9:01 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ray writes...

    I'm on 100 Mb Telstra cable and torrent via the Netherlands server. The combined speed of all downloading torrents is consistently in the 4-5 Mb range which I find more than adequate.

    I'm jelly!
    How does that compare to what you would get without the VPN on?

  • 2015-Aug-27, 9:24 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Is it risky to run account based services like FB over a VPN, from an anonymity perspective? Can the other traffic through the pc be tied back to your fb traffic/account?

  • 2015-Aug-27, 9:24 am
    Ray

    Loose Nut writes...

    How does that compare to what you would get without the VPN on?

    Have been using PIA for several months now but I think that it is about a 50% hit on the overall speed that I was getting from well seeded private tracker torrents.

  • 2015-Aug-27, 7:35 pm
    Loose Nut

    Ray writes...

    Have been using PIA for several months now but I think that it is about a 50% hit on the overall speed that I was getting from well seeded private tracker torrents.

    Yeah, that's what I meant when I said it seems to affect fast connections more than slower connections. The PIA can't match a 100mbit NBN connection, but they can get close to a 5mbit adsl connection. Does that make sense? I suck at explaining!

  • 2015-Aug-27, 7:35 pm
    Nostromo

    Hi could someone do a traceroute to login.worldoftanks.asia from the Aussie servers please :)

  • Meemoo

    What's the best way to pay for this?

  • gracks

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    Prepaid credit card

  • 2015-Aug-28, 8:38 am
    Pikey18

    Nostromo writes...

    Hi could someone do a traceroute to login.worldoftanks.asia from the Aussie servers please :)

    Tracing route to login.worldoftanks.asia [92.223.16.66]
    over a maximum of 30 hops:

    1 35 ms 34 ms 35 ms 10.143.1.1
    2 34 ms 34 ms 34 ms 168.1.6.2-static.reverse.softlayer.com [168.1.6.2]
    3 34 ms 34 ms 34 ms 168.1.18.132-static.reverse.softlayer.com [168.1.18.132]
    4 34 ms 34 ms 35 ms ae9.bbr01.eq01.syd02.networklayer.com [50.97.19.150]
    5 35 ms 35 ms 35 ms Bundle-Ether27.ken-edge902.sydney.telstra.net [139.130.197.165]
    6 35 ms 36 ms 35 ms bundle-ether14.ken-core10.sydney.telstra.net [203.50.11.96]
    7 47 ms 48 ms 49 ms bundle-ether12.win-core10.melbourne.telstra.net [203.50.11.123]
    8 58 ms 59 ms 58 ms bundle-ether6.fli-core1.adelaide.telstra.net [203.50.11.90]
    9 91 ms 90 ms 90 ms bundle-ether5.wel-core3.perth.telstra.net [203.50.11.19]
    10 92 ms 92 ms 90 ms tengige0-6-0-0.pthw-core01.perth.net.reach.com [203.50.13.234]
    11 135 ms 133 ms 136 ms i-0-1-4-0.istt-core02.bx.telstraglobal.net [202.84.141.154]
    12 133 ms 136 ms 136 ms i-0-0-0-0.istt03.bi.telstraglobal.net [202.84.243.74]
    13 132 ms 133 ms 133 ms unknown.telstraglobal.net [202.127.73.118]
    14 134 ms 132 ms 133 ms sg2-n5596-fe-1-vl231.wargaming.net [92.223.116.163]
    15 133 ms 132 ms 133 ms sg2-sl-a66.worldoftanks.sg [92.223.16.66]

    Trace complete.

  • 2015-Aug-28, 8:38 am
    batfink0767

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    It's not illegal to purchase or use a Vpn, i just used Paypal.

  • Jason1984

    I am also using Windows 7 and uTorrent. It works fine at first but after how many months of use and lots of downloads it made my computer really slow. I just make sure that I am connected to a VPN when downloading because utorrent is full of viruses and hidden malwares.

  • Dreyfus27

    Meemoo writes...

    What's the best way to pay for this?

    Unless you are planning on doing something extremely dodgy or are wearing a tinfoil hat (or both), a credit card or pay pal will work fine.

  • 2015-Aug-28, 10:17 am
    Kurgan

    Quick question

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/techbargains-special-offer

    People have also mentioned that you can pay using iTunes cards, I can't see this option anywhere, can someone please provide me with a link?

    Cheers

  • 2015-Aug-28, 10:17 am
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    I am guessing it is USD but you could ask them https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/contact-us

    People have also mentioned that you can pay using iTunes cards, I can't see this option anywhere, can someone please provide me with a link?

    There is a whole list of cards in the drop-down menu but is says � Apple Store (not iTunes)

    https://secure.paygarden.com/pay/site/ltm/privateinternet/start

    It's not illegal, Paypal or credit card works fine

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:13 am
    Loose Nut

    Since last night PIA has become basically unusable for me. I didn't change any settings, I was browsing websites and downloading a torrent at about 400K/sec then all of a sudden it just dropped to 0 and I started getting server not found errors when I tried to go to a web page. It drops all all connections to peers in utorrent, occasionally it will connect to a couple and download at 2-3k/sec and then go back to 0. This is happening on every server I connect to. When I change servers it will usually work fine for about 30 seconds (400+K/sec, and web pages will load), then it will drop down to 0.

    If I do a speedtest it will start fast, then just drop and eventually stops completely and doesn't even finish the speed test. If I do it without PIA running the speed test is basically a straight line at about 7MBps.

    Is it a coincidence that this has started happening just as my 7 money back period trial has finished?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:13 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Loose Nut writes...

    Since last night PIA has become basically unusable for me.

    Which server/s? I noticed last night and this morning that the NL gateway was behaving oddly, not loading sites etc.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:41 am
    Nostromo

    Pikey18 writes...

    Tracing route to login.worldoftanks.asia [92.223.16.66]

    Thanks Pikey18 appreciate it :)

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:41 am
    J.C.

    Kurgan writes...

    Is the pricing on the 2 year deal ($60) in AUD or USD? I cant work that out.

    My regular annual subscription comes out in US dollars

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:50 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    Which server/s? I noticed last night and this morning that the NL gateway was behaving oddly, not loading sites etc.

    Sydney
    Melbourne
    Singapore
    Toronto

    I haven't found one that is working yet. I have spoken to the help desk and they have given me a list of settings to change (all to do with tcp/udp and ports). I'm about � of the way through and none of them have helped yet.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:50 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip

    Loose Nut writes...

    I haven't found one that is working yet.

    Bugger, hope it works out. I'll check those gateways tonight, how are you finding PIA support generally?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:54 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    Bugger, hope it works out. I'll check those gateways tonight, how are you finding PIA support generally?

    Thanks, I don't think it's the servers though as it's happening on every one I connect to. Their support seems pretty good so far.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 9:54 am
    jackski

    No problem with the Melbourne server, taken just now.

    [URL=http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4626448752][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626448752.png[/IMG][/URL]

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:20 am
    Trim Tab

    Loose Nut writes...

    I don't think it's the servers though as it's happening on every one I connect to

    Have you done Item One on the amateurs' fixit list � turn everything (e.g. PC and modem) off and on? Then, if it's still misbehaving, reinstall any associated software (e.g. PIA) and redo the settings?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:20 am
    maxwolfie

    Is there any way to stop the port changing periodically when you enable Port Forwarding?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:25 am
    Loose Nut

    Trim Tab writes...

    Have you done Item One on the amateurs' fixit list � turn everything (e.g. PC and modem) off and on?

    Yep. Everything works fine without the PIA client working, it's just when the PIA client is turned on everything falls apart.

    Then, if it's still misbehaving, reinstall any associated software (e.g. PIA) and redo the settings?

    That is my next step.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:25 am
    batfink0767

    manchanko writes...

    how are you finding PIA support generally?

    Very early on i had a few questions a couple of times and their online chat support was very prompt, i don't think i waited more than a minute to chat with someone and they were very helpful.
    I emailed them once and had a reply within 24 hours.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:47 am
    Kurgan

    All set up now and seemingly working smoothly. Speeds are about � of normal which is acceptable

    I have a question on QBT however which I'd prefer to discuss more privately, can someone please whim me if they're familiar with the machinations of set-up.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:47 am
    Loose Nut

    My issue has exhausted the online chat support. I have had to lodge a support ticket. Very frustrating.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:55 am
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    I have had to lodge a support ticket. Very frustrating.

    So you wiped the client (and TAP adapter afaik?) and reinstalled/setup and still an issue?

    https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/32

  • 2015-Sep-1, 10:55 am
    trial by power

    This seems to be a better thread to ask over the other one I was asking.

    Anyway; I'm looking at PIA since they seemed to be the best ones which came up, but I have a few questions.

    1- This is relating to steam, if I use PIA servers would it effect steam if I make the final connection an Australian server once it has gone through some overseas servers?

    I don't want to risk getting my steam account nuked if they detected I using VPN's

    2- With Netflix, would I be able to keep it on the Australian region since I have a bunch of stuff to get through and I'm not sure if using the American region will lose my Aus titles or anything (This would be for if I watched from the computer, I have a Roku which shouldn't be effected with how I want to set it up).

    3- I know this will have a speed impact, and from what other's have told me, I'm hoping it shouldn't be too noticeable, I currently get between 10 and 13mbps so I'm hoping I should see only a 2-4mbps hit, but the large thing is ping, I don't play online games as much I used to, but how much will the vpn add on in terms of ping? Would it likely be 50+?

    4- The next thing, and someone mentioned this to me in the other thread, but I would look at encrypting my connection from my computer rather than at the modem level (As I'm not sure how it'll effect the households other units) but I was told I'd need AES encryption but I wasn't sure about how to do this? Does PIA offer AES encryption in an easy to set up manner?

    Once the data retention laws come into effect, I'll likely be browsing with PIA and maybe tor browser as well.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 11:25 am
    Loose Nut

    manchanko writes...

    So you wiped the client (and TAP adapter afaik?) and reinstalled/setup and still an issue?

    https://support.privateinternetaccess.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/32

    Yes, that's exactly what I did. Didn't solve it :(

  • 2015-Sep-1, 11:25 am
    batfink0767

    trial by power writes...

    Does PIA offer AES encryption in an easy to set up manner?

    you can set encryption from within in the PIA client software.
    AES-128
    AES-256
    Blowfish

  • 2015-Sep-1, 12:01 pm
    trial by power

    batfink0767 writes...

    you can set encryption from within in the PIA client software.
    AES-128
    AES-256
    Blowfish

    Ahh that's good than.

    What about all the other things especially steam and speed and ping hits?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 12:01 pm
    Loose Nut

    Well my turn came to upgrade to Win 10 and it appears as though my issues have been resolved. Fingers crossed it sticks!

  • 2015-Sep-1, 5:46 pm
    batfink0767

    trial by power writes...

    speed and ping hits?

    Depends on the time of day really, i don't notice too much of a performance hit, i'm on a 12 mbit/sec connection and i might lose roughly 20% with the highest encryption AES -256.
    I'm in Adelaide and connect to Melb/Sydney, so not ideal, users closer probably get a better outcome.
    PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if you want to try it, it won't cost you anything if your not satisfied.
    Don't use steam ,so don't know about that.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 5:46 pm
    trial by power
    this post was edited

    batfink0767 writes...

    Depends on the time of day really, i don't notice too much of a performance hit, i'm on a 12 mbit/sec connection and i might lose roughly 20% with the highest encryption AES -256.
    I'm in Adelaide and connect to Melb/Sydney, so not ideal, users closer probably get a better outcome.
    PIA have a 7 day money back guarantee, so if you want to try it, it won't cost you anything if your not satisfied.

    Sounds alright.

    I think i'm in a good area in regards to speeds, I seem to get quite healthy speeds all the way to servers in Cali.

    Don't use steam ,so don't know about that.

    Might have to contact their support team or maybe someone else here has experience.

    EDIT: Just got off with support and steam would detect that it was VPN. I'm just not sure if I'd get my account nuked even if I made the last connection appear as though I am still from aus so I wouldn't be bypassing any geoblocked content.

  • Kurgan

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

  • batfink0767

    I have only had that once, maybe because i choose to stay signed in.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:31 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

    Just fill in the capcha and don't fight it /forum-replies.cfm?t=2441526

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:31 pm
    Kurgan

    Thanks guys, I've been playing around with servers to get the best connection for me and it seems WP dislikes it, fair enough too maybe.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:45 pm
    Humpy Kung-Fu Grip
    this post was edited

    Loose Nut writes...

    my issues have been resolved

    Awesome, good outcome!

    Kurgan writes...

    Whirlpool seems to dislike my using PIA, is there any way to stop the 'suspicious activity' warning from appearing?

    I'd imagine some servers would work while others would be temporarily blocked, keen to know how Simon's Interwebs blocker works. I just move along if WP blocks me, and try again later.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 7:45 pm
    Alberto2345
    this post was edited

    Hey everyone,

    If you haven't seen my other topics relating to speedtests of VPN providers (I've posted about NordVPN and ExpressVPN), I've been VPN shopping trying to find what I think is the best VPN for me in regards to speeds and price as well as anonymity and I decided to give PIA a go.

    Here are my results, testing some of their servers.
    Speedtests taken at around 9:30 � 10:30PM, Tuesday 1/09/2015

    Oceania:
    � Melbourne, Australia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626938142.png
    � Sydney, Australia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4626943846.png

    Asia:
    � Japan: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627572301.png
    � Singapore: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627576635.png
    � Hong Kong (although its showing in USA on speedtest.net :o): http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627581481.png

    America:
    � Los Angeles, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627599308.png
    � Dallas, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627603290.png
    � New York, USA: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627607346.png
    � Mexico: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627611605.png
    � Brazil: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627615486.png
    � Toronto, Canada: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627618524.png

    Europe:
    � Sweden: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627622941.png
    � Netherlands: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627626588.png
    � Ireland: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627630986.png
    � Romania (routing seemed abit messed up): http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627636288.png
    � Russia: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627642500.png
    � France: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627646986.png
    � London, UK: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627652402.png

    Middle East:
    � Turkey: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627588341.png
    � Israel: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4627595089.png

    I had some problems with there client software at first, but once I submitted a support ticket when told to by a support person in the live chat, I got a response that fixed my issues. I do think that PIA could still improve their client software alot though.

    I hope these results help!

    Thanks.

    EDIT: Here is what I get without a VPN: http://www.speedtest.net/result/4630224888.png

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:06 pm
    trial by power

    Alberto I assume you're on some sort of very fast internet plan? How do you manage nearly 100Mb/s on Aus servers?

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:06 pm
    Alberto2345

    Ah ye, sorry I forgot to add my speedtest without a VPN. I added it to the post.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:20 pm
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?

    Was connected fine and now it's in a status of 'connecting'.

    Have tried other servers with the same results.

    EDIT: NVM, has come back on line now. Guess it proves the old kill switch is working correctly.

  • 2015-Sep-1, 8:20 pm
    batfink0767

    working fine for me using Sydney/Melb.

  • Kurgan

    batfink0767 writes...

    working fine for me using Sydney/Melb

    Thanks, first glitch I've had in the 3 days I've been using it, can't fault it otherwise.

  • Trim Tab

    Kurgan writes...

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?
    Was connected fine and now it's in a status of 'connecting'.

    Several servers, local and some overseas, went dead on me about 2 hours prior to your post. I did reconnect with the UK at that stage and then a short while after I discovered SYD and MEL were back. It would seem to be short and intermittent outages.

  • Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Has PIA suddenly stopped working for anyone else?

    I think it is sometimes an issue of where you are connecting from as much as where you are connecting to.

    Sometimes you will get a very slow connection through a server and others will be fine. It was happening a lot with Toronto recently, because people use Toronto for FTP uploads for websites etc there was much chatter on the PIA forum about how the speed had deteriorated but several users were saying it was just fine. I have been connected through Singapore all morning with no problems.

  • Kurgan

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    I have been connected through Singapore all morning with no problems.

    Thanks for that, I've been using Hong Kong as its listed under 'port forwarding' which helps with torrents by showing the open port. Plus the speed test shows roughly 7meg down which matches my maximum DL speed which is helpful.

    I can handle some intermittment downtime, I'm still getting used to the quirks though and, coupled with getting new modem, not entirely sure where faults lie. :)

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:30 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    coupled with getting new modem

    You might be able to configure the VPN client on the modem (depending on make and model) that way you avoid leaks.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:30 pm
    Kurgan

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    You might be able to configure the VPN client on the modem (depending on make and model) that way you avoid leaks.

    Still trying to wrap my head around all the things the modem can do (TP Link Archer 9) actually.

    I've ran the various leak checks and all seems in order however and the laptop lost all connectivity when the PIA dropped out so I think I'm ok there.

    I also only use a private site which helps as well if, on the odd occasion, my info is exposed. I'd be unlucky to get pinged with all of these safeguards in place I think.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:55 pm
    trial by power

    Having a bit of a play around with the VPN and I'm not impressed with the speed hit I'm taking.

    I understand VPN's always slow things down, but the fastest speed test I got to the Melbourne server I think it was, was just under 4mbps and now I can't even get above 1mbps.

    Is there a secret to not taking a 50+ percent speed hit?

    I'd be happy with seeing a 3-5mbps speed hit, but not a 6+mbps speed hit.

  • 2015-Sep-2, 7:55 pm
    Loose Nut

    I'm connected to the Melbourne server on my Windows machine and my Linux machine. I've done a test with the TORGuard torrent file and each machine is getting a different Client IP. The Windows machine is displaying the same client IP as I get from whatsmyip , but the linux IP is completely different. Is this normal? My linux machine is going to be my torrent box, so I don't want it to not be working.

    Neither IP is my real IP.

  • Aldi Rocks

    Loose Nut writes...

    I'm connected to the Melbourne server on my Windows machine and my Linux machine. I've done a test with the TORGuard torrent file and each machine is getting a different Client IP

    If you believe PIA , they have 60 servers allocated to Sydney and another 60 to Melbourne. It's not a single IP per city

  • drzeus
    this post was edited

    PIA have a special for 2 years at the moment.

    Anyone know what happens for current subscribers if they were to sign up for this? Do the 2 years get added to your subscription or does it start immediately thus losing the remaining months of our sub?

    With the dollar where it is now we are nearly paying double what I paid last year :(

    EDIT: I've spoked to them via Live Chat..they've confirmed it is NOT possible and the only way to add the 2 years is to start a new account....I have another 4 months left on my sub so probably best to wait for another special unfortunately :(

  • Dreyfus27

    Loose Nut writes...

    Neither IP is my real IP.

    That is a fair indication it is working for you

  • ridecwb

    Hi after some research, I have also settled on PIA. Now after some playing around tonight I am a little concerned about speeds. These are my speeds tonight, before and after connecting to a PIA server in Sydney. It is dropping my connection to 1/3 of normal speed on Telstra 4G. All settings are pretty much default, any ideas?


    Before:

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 08:33 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 8 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 6.61 Mbps (6607 kbps).
    Your download speed is 826 KB/s (0.83 MB/s).


    After:

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 08:37 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 3 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 2.26 Mbps (2263 kbps).
    Your download speed is 283 KB/s (0.28 MB/s).

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:17 pm
    jackski

    This is my speed on PIA

    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 03/09/2015 @ 11:49 PM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 28 MB
    Test Time: 10.02 secs

    Your line speed is 23.32 Mbps (23316 kbps).
    Your download speed is 2.91 MB/s (2915 KB/s).

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:17 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    Still trying to wrap my head around all the things the modem can do (TP Link Archer 9) actually.

    Something you might like to do is set your DNS to the PIA servers � on the TP link it it might be in the Network>WAN > Primary and Secondary DNS � it will avoid any of the site blocking rubbish that is being forced on the ISP's
    PIA servers
    DNS server 1: 209.222.18.222
    DNS server 2: 209.222.18.218

    There is also an interesting How To on avoiding leaks here

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:47 pm
    alagenic

    When using vpn its usually smart to check www.whoer.net
    Thatll tell u if a vpn server has any evil stuff learking around and if u find one report to pia imidiatly. Im with another provider and found a few nastys. Reported to the vpn ad they did checks and either cleared them or shut the servers down and opened new ones in the same region. Best to check

    Black list No
    Proxy No
    WebRTC N/A

    Blacklist should say no

  • 2015-Sep-3, 8:47 pm
    Loose Nut

    alagenic writes...

    When using vpn its usually smart to check www.whoer.net
    Thatll tell u if a vpn server has any evil stuff learking around and if u find one report to pia imidiatly. Im with another provider and found a few nastys. Reported to the vpn ad they did checks and either cleared them or shut the servers down and opened new ones in the same region. Best to check

    Black list No
    Proxy No
    WebRTC N/A

    Blacklist should say no

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

  • 2015-Sep-3, 11:52 pm
    TEMPA

    alagenic writes...

    Blacklist should say no

    Interesting. I see a few of the IP's I connect to via PIA show yes to the blacklist in Whoer.

    Didn't really look in to it or give it a thought. What are the ramifications to using these IP's via the VPN?

    Cheers!

  • 2015-Sep-3, 11:52 pm
    alagenic
    this post was edited

    Hi guys. Not really 100% sure . Confikr is the biggest risk as per the wiki artical below. But if u look at the cbl websiye it usually tells u when the server was attacked n so forth. Point it out to pia ad they hav to sort it out. It could be malware or trojan checking out what people are doing.
    Pia have to either fix it or shut the server down if its too bad. Thats what happenedwith the vpn im with.

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conficker

  • 2015-Sep-4, 6:37 am
    trial by power

    Tested the speeds again on the Melb server and I can only get just under 2mbps, yesterday I tested it later on in the day after 3pm, and I couldn't get above 1mbps.

    If these are the normal speeds i'll be seeeing, it is too big of a speed hit.

    Unless there's a secret to not taking a 4+ mbps percent speed hit?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 6:37 am
    alagenic
    this post was edited

    well maybe sign up too another provider for a week. there are a few that u can choose from
    and see if its an issue with ur connection , PIA servers . or what ever causes issues with the net..
    whats the speeds like without VPN?

    edit .. or like i said earlier maybe try UPD UDP.what ever its called..over TCP
    might get better speeds..i know i do
    sorry dident say that here

    said it whrl.pl/Reore3 <-- here

  • trial by power

    alagenic writes...

    whats the speeds like without VPN?

    http://www.speedtest.net/result/4635499745.png with VPN

    http://www.speedtest.net/result/4635502717.png Without VPN.

    or like i said earlier maybe try UPD UDP.what ever its called..over TCP

    Tried it with UDP and TCP, same slow speeds.

    What remote port should I be using? I currently have it set to auto.

  • alagenic
    this post was edited

    trial by power writes...

    Tried it with UDP and TCP, same slow speeds.

    What remote port should I be using? I currently have it set to auto.

    yeah thats a big speed loss...
    i havent had any experiance with PIA . can someone help this guy out?
    i know 443 is good but maybe thats common on PIA..

    https://kb.juniper.net/InfoCenter/index?page=content&id=KB5671
    maybe try those ports
    Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) uses TCP port 443 and works by using a private key to encrypt data that is transferred over the SSL connection. SSL also uses 465 Secure SMTP, 993 Secure IMAP, and 995 Secure POP.

    https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/7359/openvpn-tcp-vs-udp-difference-choose/

    or maybe google around

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:43 am
    Bos

    Anybody spoke to PIA about the issue?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:43 am
    2tyres

    Bos writes...

    Anybody spoke to PIA about the issue?

    Which issue would that be?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:52 am
    Bos

    Loose Nut writes...

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

  • 2015-Sep-4, 8:52 am
    Dreyfus27

    Loose Nut writes...

    I just checked it, and I got a yes on Blacklist. Says it is listed in the CBL because "This IP is infected (or NATting for a computer that is infected) with the Conficker botnet."

    Does this mean my PC is infected or PIA is?

    It is no big problem for users, but if you report it to PIA they will clean it up. I sent a ticket about same thing on Singapore and the response was quick � "Our senior technicians are looking into this. For the time being it is not a matter of immediate concern for you as one of our users." � and now the server comes up clean.

  • screenwall

    I just signed up with PIA and I'm pretty disappointed by the speeds I'm getting. Is this normal? It's significantly slower to the point I'm about to cancel.

    Before VPN:
    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 05/09/2015 @ 02:59 AM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 106 MB
    Test Time: 10 secs

    Your line speed is 89.29 Mbps (89287 kbps).
    Your download speed is 11.16 MB/s (11161 KB/s).

    With VPN on using Sydney server
    Test Results from Oz Broadband Speed Test
    ----------------------------------
    Test run on 05/09/2015 @ 03:00 AM

    Mirror: Optus
    Data: 8 MB
    Test Time: 10.1 secs

    Your line speed is 6.68 Mbps (6679 kbps).
    Your download speed is 835 KB/s (0.83 MB/s).

  • Jace

    Yes, try a different server

  • 2015-Sep-6, 7:04 am
    Dreyfus27

    screenwall writes...

    It's significantly slower to the point I'm about to cancel.

    You shouldn't lose that much, if you can get 11.16 MB/s normally you should be able to get a connection that only drops that by 2-5mbps. If other servers don't give better results contact the PIA chat support line, they are very helpfull.

    Right now on an NBN 25/5 Fixed Wireless connection I get:
    23.54mbps down with the VPN off
    19.84mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Melbourne
    12.7mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Singapore
    4.7mbps down with the VPN on and connected through Toronto
    7.8mbps down with the VPN on and connected through London

    Those are the sorts of variations on different servers at different times of the day � sometimes you have to try different locations to get the best result.

  • 2015-Sep-6, 7:04 am
    batfink0767

    PIA has this webpage on their site for checking speeds to different servers,
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:21 pm
    trial by power

    batfink0767 writes...

    PIA has this webpage on their site for checking speeds to different servers,
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

    So I shouldn't be seeing such massive speed drops?

    The speed to the two AU servers is very healthy, yet I see a very bad drop.

    I'm thinking of canning my sub and trying another VPN company.

    Worst comes to worse, I'll use tor for all my privacy needs when data retention kicks in

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:21 pm
    screenwall

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    You shouldn't lose that much, if you can get 11.16 MB/s normally you should be able to get a connection that only drops that by 2-5mbps. If other servers don't give better results contact the PIA chat support line, they are very helpfull.

    Those are the sorts of variations on different servers at different times of the day � sometimes you have to try different locations to get the best result.

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:38 pm
    - Homunculus -

    Not sure why so many people seem to use PIA. All the reviews in my opinion are paid adverts and operating out of USA it is hard to believe anything is private. Probably sufficient to get through the data retention issues but no more.

  • 2015-Sep-6, 1:38 pm
    alagenic

    Personally i would never go with them. To well known now.
    The one im with is getting busy too but still get good speeds. Its good to see a live update on their program says how many Gbps they are pumping out.

  • 2015-Sep-7, 8:32 pm
    batfink0767

    screenwall writes...

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

    If your using Win 10 have you downloaded the latest client version V.47?

  • 2015-Sep-7, 8:32 pm
    jackski

    screenwall writes...

    I've played around with a few servers and ports which only made it slower even after asking the PIA chat support. Pretty lost but cheers anyway. Looks like I'll have to find another VPN. Hmm

    I've upgaded to win 10 today and just run this test. I'm happy with the speed. PIA seems fine with me.
    [URL=http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4645601351][IMG]http://www.speedtest.net/result/4645601351.png[/IMG][/URL]

  • 2015-Sep-7, 11:39 pm
    PH30N1X

    I tried PIA for about an hour after I gave up on BoxPN (quite sad as they were really good at the start but now useless throughput). As far as I could tell they are wholely american utilising an address space aligned with a US company. Plus had issues with getting L2TP/IPSEC running on my router so I cancelled and got a refund.

  • 2015-Sep-7, 11:39 pm
    JoffaR

    Just tested my speeds on Melbourne node to speedtest.net

    TPG without vpn : 12.5mbs
    With vpn : 11.4mbs

  • 2015-Sep-8, 7:30 am
    austoak

    If you want to avoid having your meta data saved should you not use an end point in the USA instead of using an endpoint in Australia? US laws have no laws to track your usage while Australia will this includes end points in Australia.

    So I am wondering people using Australian VPN servers will not hide there activity when meta data retention comes into place. Or am I missing something?

  • 2015-Sep-8, 7:30 am
    Jace

    well, it's not really clear. The retention laws are for ISPs ... not VPN providers.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 3:51 pm
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    So I am wondering people using Australian VPN servers will not hide there activity when meta data retention comes into place. Or am I missing something?

    What I have been able to figure out (and I am only a low grade nerd when it comes to this) is:
    Once the VPN connection has been established your ISP will only be able to record something that looks like a whole lot of this � OIFjds098fsj9f8F#PM98fjfsdv98dshj938j09cejc0983209834238904hcdsfj*(&$#jfsdf8j)FJd0DS09f8h09 � When you have exited the VPN's server and go to the destination URL the IP of that server is a shared address and will be assigned to many users at the same time and the VPN is not logging that information (unless it is a dodgy VPN provider). At this point your ISP knows you are on line but could only tell what you are doing, to a limited degree, by using DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) software which would be able to establish the different signatures of a bittorrent stream as opposed to netflix or web browsing but the content is still encrypted.

    This is a good description of DPI
    Think of it like this � if you wrap a bicycle and mail it to someone, the post office knows it's a bicycle. They don't know what brand it is and they can't see the serial number to determine if it's stolen, but they know you're sending a bike from your house to the destination address. This is obviously true if somebody is sending the bike from their house to yours too. You can avoid the issue of DPI by using OpenVPN obsfusaction It would be like breaking the bike up into individual parts, then puting each part into a nondescript box, then wrapping and mailing those parts at random intervals.

    The likelihood of an ISP bothering to DPI your data is not a huge worry in Australia but if you are a journalist in China or Iran then yes it is and they will block VPN traffic if they find it and you will be in trouble.

    It is worth mentioning if your VPN is leaking DNS i.e. windows decides it is going to bypass the VPN to ping a DNS server (windows has no respect sometimes) that will get logged by your ISP, so if you are very serious about protecting your identity you need to switch on DNS leak detection on your VPN client and or take other measures Or you can install the VPN on your router but that is another story.

    Using a VPN should protect your Identity and data from the mettadata logging requirements and it is just good practice when you are online to use a VPN to protect against hackers, it's just another level of security like virus protection. A VPN will not stop mettadata being logged about your mobile phone and landline only your web activity.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 3:51 pm
    JoffaR

    Sammy1 writes...

    Not sure why so many people seem to use PIA.

    • Allowance for 5 logins in standard package
    • Port forwarding available
    • Nodes in Australia as well as major countries of interest

    Those things are important to me and nobody else was offering those at a competitive price. If I were a terrorist or cyber criminal I would probably look elsewhere, but I'm not, so i dont.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 4:54 pm
    austoak
    this post was edited

    so 5 logins they give you, that is pretty generous I can see people almost eliminating the cost of the vpn service to peanuts per year.

  • 2015-Sep-8, 4:54 pm
    austoak

    Can someone elaborate on this if it is true or not.

    Spoke with PIA live chat today. I asked about if legislation in Australia required them to data log on Australian servers would they have to comply.

    I was told no, that they are not based in Australia and would not have to comply to any Australian rules/laws.

    True or False?

    USA servers = 3mbit
    AUS servers = 16mbt

    So would rather go with Aus servers but the question above??

  • 2015-Sep-8, 5:44 pm
    Jace

    Only telecommunication providers and isps are required to follow it. Do vpn providers fall into this category?

  • 2015-Sep-8, 5:44 pm
    austoak

    As of now I know, but what stops that from changing. Just wondering from a legal standpoint if the answer I was given is correct.

  • 2015-Sep-9, 12:28 pm
    Vyviel
    this post was edited

    Is this the best price?

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/slickdeals-labor-day-special-offer

    Dunno if I want to sign up for 2 yrs or not though...

    Also it says 5 devices does that mean I could split the cost with my brother if he is interested? I would only use this on my pc and maybe a laptop or mobile so the 2-3 other devices would be wasted.

    Also on the speedtest page

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/pages/network/#

    I am only seeing like 3-4Mbps for US servers. Is that normal? Would I need far higher speeds to watch quality video? 4K? I want to use it to get around geoblocking mainly and steam in Full HD and 4K when I buy my new monitor.

    Aussie ones cap out at about 31

    Seems very slow when other people are saying I should be losing about 2-3Mbps on aussie servers so I should be getting 80+ easily.

    My regular internet gives me 93+

    http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/4655011924

  • 2015-Sep-9, 12:28 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    austoak writes...

    As of now I know, but what stops that from changing. Just wondering from a legal standpoint if the answer I was given is correct

    And what about if it's the same as in the USA where there is FISA court ordered logging of VPN's but it's illegal for the vpn to divulge they are logging. We would never know

  • 2015-Sep-12, 2:37 pm
    austoak

    Yeah 5 devices means exactly that you can split it with your bro.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 2:37 pm
    Toastpaint

    Issue with their HK servers (hk.privateinternetaccess.com) at the moment. They have reassigned some IPs and it's going to take up to 10 business days to complete. They weren't able to offer any alternative/direct connection methods.

    http://i.imgur.com/wzVuK21.png

  • 2015-Sep-12, 5:55 pm
    Ju??o ?

    Guys just quickly, are there any anonymous payment methods that you know of? Gift cards with fast turn around. Walmart etc

  • 2015-Sep-12, 5:55 pm
    Dreyfus27

    It's not illegal, just use PayPal or credit card.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 8:41 pm
    tlearyus
    this post was edited

    Brandis and the Gov't have been totally unclear whether PIA or any other VPN operators offering their services in Australia would have to provide some kind of logging of users activity under the data retention laws. The AFP, Brandis and others are all saying different things.

    http://www.zdnet.com/article/telstra-hands-over-browsing-history-in-current-warrantless-metadata-regime/

    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/08/asio-and-federal-police-seek-to-clear-up-confusion-over-metadata-collection

    I think anyone using any of these mainstream public VPN services are kidding themselves if they think they are out of the reach of authorities. And don't forget the type of Malware being developed and deployed to spy on civilians by various Gov't and Law enforcement agencies would bypass the VPN settings on most devices.

    Some bedtime reading

    http://www.cheatsheet.com/technology/how-the-cia-fbi-and-nsa-are-attacking-your-iphone.html/?a=viewall

    http://www.wired.com/2015/07/fbi-spent-775k-hacking-teams-spy-tools-since-2011/

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/01/07/china-police-inadvertently-admit-to-buying-malware-to-spy-on-citizens/

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_government_mass_surveillance_projects

    PS: make sure your browser is not leaking WebRTC requests

    What is a "WebRTC leaks"?

    WebRTC implement STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for Nat), a protocol that allows to discover the public IP address. To disable it:

    Mozilla Firefox: Type "about:config� in the address bar. Scroll down to �media.peerconnection.enabled�, double click to set it to false.
    Google Chrome: Install Google official extension WebRTC Network Limiter.

    https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/webrtc-network-limiter/npeicpdbkakmehahjeeohfdhnlpdklia

    You can test your setup for DNS and WebRTC leaks here
    https://ipleak.net/#dnsleak

  • 2015-Sep-12, 8:41 pm
    Dreyfus27

    tlearyus writes...

    Brandis and the Gov't have been totally unclear whether PIA or any other VPN operators offering their services in Australia would have to provide some kind of logging

    PIA do not keep logs about customer activity � the only data they keep about customers is billing info and contact email and given that it is not illegal to use a VPN that information is of little consequence.

    For the moment VPN's are legal and will not be subject to Data logging, Turnbull has stated on his blog that The Copyright Act does not make it illegal to use a VPN to access overseas content.

    See also this article about VPN's and their future Turnbull's piracy crackdown and the fate of VPNs

    Under the new Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 that comes into force on Octobere 13th, a VPN is not considered an "internet carriage service" because it is not a service that enables end-users to access the internet i.e. you still need and RSP/ISP to access the internet before you use a VPN. Also it only applies to services that are owned and operated in Australia.

    It works like this:

    It states in the new Data logging amendment division 1 � Obligation to keep information and documents

    (3) This Part applies to a service if:

    (a) it is a service for carrying communications, or enabling communications to be carried, by means of guided or unguided electromagnetic energy or both; and

    (b) it is a service:
    (i) operated by a carrier; [My Emphasis] or
    (ii) operated by an internet service provider [My Emphasis] (within the meaning of Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992);* or
    (iii) of a kind for which a declaration under subsection (3A) is in force; and
    ( c) the person operating the service owns or operates, in Australia, infrastructure that enables the provision of any of its relevant services;

    but does not apply to a broadcasting service (within the meaning of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992).

    *It gets a bit silly here but to define what an internet service provider is you need to follow the trail

    first; Schedule 5 to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992' says

    "internet service provider " has the meaning given by clause 8.

    in clause 8 it says
    Internet service providers
    Basic definition
    (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, if a person supplies, or proposes to supply, an internet carriage service [My Emphasis] to the public, the person is an internet service provider .
    Declared internet service providers
    (2) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, declare that a specified person who supplies, or proposes to supply, a specified internet carriage service is an internet service provider for the purposes of this Schedule. A declaration under this subclause has effect accordingly.

    If you then go back to the definitions it says;
    "internet carriage service" means a listed carriage service that enables end-users to access the internet.
    "carrier " means the holder of a carrier licence. (unless the VPN also holds and Australian carriers licence it is exempt)

    I think anyone using any of these mainstream public VPN services are kidding themselves if they think they are out of the reach of authorities.

    This is true to an extent, if your are using OpenVPN client provided by a quality VPN like PIA then your web browsing activity is highly encrypted and not viewable by your ISP (DPI will distinguish types of data streams but not the data itself) You can see more on PIA VPN Encryption settings here
    A VPN will not cover metadata that is recorded from your mobile phone, smart phone or landline � if you have a VPN on your smart phone it is only covering your web activity not your calls and texts etc.

  • 2015-Sep-12, 9:21 pm
    tlearyus

    Thanks for your excellent reply. I just read this post as well.

    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/2013/11/do-vpns-fall-under-the-data-retention-requirements-of-the-stored-communications-act/

    So it all depends of whether VPN's are considered a carriage service under the law. I would bet good money that Brandis & Co are busy trying to find a way to include them or propose a change to the legislation.

    This is worth reading as well
    https://www.bestvpn.com/blog/5653/data-retention-vpn-logging-and-internet-surveillance-in-europe/

    "The position of VPN providers depends on how each country has transposed the directive into national legislation (where they have). While many countries do include VPN providers in the legislation and require them to keep logs (see list), a number of counties (discussed below) either do not require VPN providers to keep logs, or have rejected the legislation outright.

    Counties in full compliance with the EU DRD (including VPN services in the legislation) include:

    Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and the UK."

    PS: Any thoughts about Gov't agencies using Malware to get around use of VPN's?

  • 2015-Sep-12, 9:21 pm
    Pikey18

    tlearyus writes...

    Any thoughts about Gov't agencies using Malware to get around use of VPN's?

    Possibly as a targetted attack � wouldn't be viable to try to do it to everyone.

  • tlearyus

    It could be via router firmware pushed out by major Telcos like Telstra and Optus.

  • Pikey18

    tlearyus writes...

    It could be via router firmware pushed out by major Telcos like Telstra and Optus.

    Wouldn't work � if the VPN is on the PC then the router cannot intercept it.

    Also a lot of people use non ISP routers (myself included).

  • 2015-Sep-13, 10:58 am
    sween64

    Has anyone paid for their subscription via the android app? Is it possible to use Telstra Billing via Google Play?

    Thanks for any answers.

    Edit: Google Wallet is listed as a payment option so I like my chances.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 10:58 am
    sdf

    sween64 writes...

    Has anyone paid for their subscription via the android app? Is it possible to use Telstra Billing via Google Play?

    Yes but i did when Telstra had the $20 limit so i was paying month to month but they have changed there limit to $100 now

  • TruthOutThere

    1. Is it better to have PIA at the PC level or the router level?

    2. Does PIA significantly affect gaming pings � eg LOL?

    3. I have 2 computers on my home network and a work computer at work. Can they all be protected by the one PIA VPN account?

  • Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    1. Is it better to have PIA at the PC level or the router level?

    Depends on your requirements.

    2. Does PIA significantly affect gaming pings � eg LOL?

    Depends on the server you choose to connect to.

    3. I have 2 computers on my home network and a work computer at work. Can they all be protected by the one PIA VPN account?

    Yes, up to 5 simultaneous logins allowed on the one account.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 11:50 am
    TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Yes, up to 5 simultaneous logins allowed on the one account.

    So one for mum and dad, one for work and 3 for my home network?

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

  • 2015-Sep-13, 11:50 am
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

    Pretty sure it doesn't matter.

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:07 pm
    Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does it matter that they're not all at one physical location?

    No they are linked to the device and not the location � you could put the client on 10 devices (laptops , phones, PC's, tablets) and as long as only 5 were online and any one time that would be OK

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:07 pm
    deceit
    this post was edited

    anyone having issues authenticating tonight?

    - nevermind, turns out my password magically changed in the last 24hrs..... odd

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:13 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    Under the new Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 that comes into force on Octobere 13th, a VPN is not considered an "internet carriage service"

    Bro you don't understand how A vpn can be blocked. It can be blocked under the new legislation as it will allow the downloading of pirated material. In the same way as piratebay will be blocked.

    If a vpn is warned by the goverenment that they must block piratebay as they are facilitating the downloading of pirate material, and that if they do not block piratebay then your ISP will block the servers or infringing server so you won't be able to connect. So a vpn can be blocked but not directly the way you thought There's nothiing in the legislation stopping that from happening. I don't care what politicians say, if they tell me NO VPN will be blocked I would onlybelieve if it says that iin the llegislation

  • 2015-Sep-13, 12:13 pm
    Jace

    There's a lot wrong with your post.

  • 2015-Sep-16, 11:50 pm
    austoak

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as 1.

  • 2015-Sep-16, 11:50 pm
    TruthOutThere

    austoak writes...

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as 1.

    Is this the case if the VPN is at the PC level rather than at the router level?

    As in does each PC behind a router have a different IP?

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Bro you don't understand how A vpn can be blocked. It can be blocked under the new legislation as it will allow the downloading of pirated material.

    What you say is not entirely correct but not impossible. There are three separate things happening to internet access at a similar time and people are getting them confused

    First, this legislation is already in place � The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 and this makes it possible for a media company to apply to a court to obtain and injunction to have a web site that facilitates the illegal downloading of copyright material � i.e kickass or the pirate bay etc � blocked by an ISP (a carriage service provider)

    Thus far no media company has attempted to obtain an injunction but some are in the process and the likelihood of them attempting to obtain and injunction against a VPN provider is low. If they were to succeed you can circumvent it by doing this: If VPN Sites Are Blocked In Australia, You Can Always Build Your Own If they just block websites you can get around that by changing your DNS on the router PIA is DNS server 1: 209.222.18.222 DNS server 2: 209.222.18.218 or google is 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4 (if you have PIA installed on your router go with the PIA DNS)

    The second piece of legislation that will log internet, mobile and landline metadata is the � Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Amendment (Data Retention) Act 2015 and that comes into force on the 13th of October. That does not require a VPN to log your data because as I previously mentioned a VPN is not a carriage service provider.

    The third piece of internet control is the "three strikes" anti-piracy regime which, if all the service providers manage to reach an agreement, will become and industry code of conduct (not a piece of legislation / law) which will be a ratified and binding agreement to send users three notices before they shop you to the companies like Sony and Fox etc i.e. after you get caught three time your details will be handed over and you could be prosecuted a la Dallas Buyers Club.

    Blocking VPN access would cause a big stink because they are a perfectly legitimate tool that business use every day. The media companies use them as a matter of course so they would be saying that they should be allowed to have a service that the general public should not have.

  • Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    As in does each PC behind a router have a different IP?

    I thought it worked like this (but I might be wrong)
    The DCHP on the router gives each device a different IP and that is what the VPN provide would look at not the IP address given out by your ISP. If the VPN is on the router then the VPN provider only sees one device IP (the router) and everything behind that is actually protected by the VPN.

  • Jace

    austoak writes...

    Your home network is one IP so that counts as 1 device. You can have a 100 devices at home running via the VPN and they will count as

    No, only if you used vpn via the router.

    If you had 10 computers all using the pia app, only 5 would work simultaneously.

  • TruthOutThere

    I just installed the PIA client on my Windows 10 PC.

    Initially my internet was very slow but its getting better now. Is this normal?

    My new IP is 168.1.6.xx.

    Does that mean I'm all protected now?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:04 am
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    Does that mean I'm all protected now

    No, not really. A little bit maybe

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:04 am
    TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    No, not really. A little bit maybe

    1. Can I P2P safely?

    2. Do you say this because PIA is no good or all VPNs are no good?

    3. What do you suggest I do?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:30 am
    Trim Tab

    Check what results this site shows with your PIA connected � https://ipleak.net/

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:30 am
    austoak

    Yeah, sorry should have stated behind router level VPN all devices count as 1.

    I ran some speed tests yesterday and the results were interesting

    Telstra adsl2 connection

    No VPN � 15.8 Mbit
    VPN via PIA APP � 3.4 Mbit
    VPN via PTPP via PC � 3.4 Mbit
    VPN via Router � 12.13 Mbit

    All tests done one after another via speedtest.net

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:31 am
    Mr Gimlet

    If VPN is enabled at the router level, does internal LAN traffic (eg between PCs or a NAS) bypass the VPN? This would seem to be sensible but I'm not sure.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:31 am
    austoak

    Mr Gimlet writes...

    If VPN is enabled at the router level, does internal LAN traffic (eg between PCs or a NAS) bypass the VPN? This would seem to be sensible but I'm not sure.

    Yes. VPN is not used on LAN traffic.

  • Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    1. Can I P2P safely?
    Test your connection, as Trin Tab said check your connection at https://ipleak.net/

    2. Do you say this because PIA is no good or all VPNs are no good?

    PIA has a good reputation and they take their customers privacy seriously

    3. What do you suggest I do?

    There is probably more but this is a good start

    If you want to thoroughly protect your IP from disclosure learn about how to stop a DNS leak There is a box to tick on the PIA app under the advanced tab and also a link to some PIA info.

    Follow the instructions on ipleak on stopping your web browser from leaking WebRTC.

    Install the PIA proxy on your torrenteng software (some people think it sux others don't, make up your own mind) see here How to use uTorrent Anonymously

    Window 10 is a privacy nightmare so adjust the privacy settings Privacy settings you need to change

    Periodicity check ipleak or other IP test site to what is showing up.

  • austoak

    So what is the verdict in regards to torrents? VPN is enough on it's own or do you really need to enable SOCKS5 in the client?

    Seems like everyone has a different opinion.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:38 am
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    or do you really need to enable SOCKS5 in the client?

    My assumption is that SOCKS5 in the client gives an added level of security, so if the VPN client on the PC drops the the VPN connection you are not exposed (but you can always use the kill switch on the app). Some people reckon it slows things down too much but if you configure it properly it is not too bad.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:38 am
    sween64

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    My assumption is that SOCKS5 in the client gives an added level of security

    I'm sure it isn't advised, but out of curiosity, can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:41 am
    batfink0767

    austoak writes...

    Seems like everyone has a different opinio

    I just use the VPN and have Vuze torrent client bind all torrent traffic to the VPN Tap adapter.
    Has worked flawlessly for months.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 8:41 am
    Dreyfus27

    sween64 writes...

    I'm sure it isn't advised, but out of curiosity, can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

    I think you can but I wouldn't believe me check � ask PIA live chat

  • batfink0767

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    can you use just SOCKS5 and no VPN and have some level of protection?

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

  • Dreyfus27

    batfink0767 writes...

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5

    Very informative

  • 2015-Sep-17, 1:32 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    First, this legislation is already in place � The Copyright Amendment (Online Infringement) Bill 2015 and this makes it possible for a media company to apply to a court to obtain and injunction to have a web site that facilitates the illegal downloading of copyright material � i.e kickass or the pirate bay etc � blocked by an ISP (a carriage service provider)

    I'll make this prediction here. The block list is implemented, piratebay and the like is added. Village roadshow or the like make a complaint about being able to access block list content via PIA, claiming within the legislation PIA is just the same as piratebay and must be blocked.

    Governmennt won't want to do this obviously as there are legal activities carried out with PIA, then comes an amendment whereby VPN's that connect to gelocated Austraians must implement the Australian government block list for those customers or the VPN it'self will be added to the block it'self.

    You heard it here first. I called it on 17th Sep 2015

  • 2015-Sep-17, 1:32 pm
    sween64

    batfink0767 writes...

    check this video for the info on vpn vs socks5
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQQZXMxqHDs

    Thanks!

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:08 pm
    TruthOutThere

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    then comes an amendment whereby VPN's that connect to gelocated Austraians must implement the Australian government block list for those customers or the VPN it'self will be added to the block it'self.

    That'll be massive.

    The Government has too much power if it comes to that.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:08 pm
    Vyviel

    TruthOutThere writes...

    That'll be massive.

    The Government has too much power if it comes to that.

    Why would that impact Australian users when the company is US based? They dont need to worry about our laws. Its not like the pirate bay is possible to be blocked anyway now they have upgraded their site.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:20 pm
    Jace
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    You heard it here first. I called it on 17th Sep 2015

    Yeah cool story but no, government has no control over US based company. They don't need to comply with shit from our ridiculous government... And if the government blocks the VPN ip? Good, I'll buy another vpn to access my vpn. Or are they going to ask all other vpns to block every other vpn? Doubt it.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 2:20 pm
    Aldi Rocks

    Jace writes...

    government has no control over US based company. They don't need to comply with shit from our ridiculous government... And if the government blocks the VPN ip? Good, I'll buy another vpn to access my vpn.

    They would have to comply with Australian law if they wanted to do business with gelocated Australians.

    So there would be 2 situations. Non compliance = vpn blocked by all Australian ISP's. Compliance = business as usual except impossible to connect via the vpn to any site on the block list, including vpn's not in compliance.

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Jace writes...

    Yeah cool story but no, government has no control over US based company.

    I doubt they would bother trying to get a VPN to block IP addresses as you say no government has no control over US based company. PIA's DNS servers are not located in Australia, and are used by people from all over the world so they are beyond the reach of Australian law. The would have to actually block the access to to all the VPN providers and then it is just a matter of Build your own personal cloud VPN and tunnelling out and buy another VPN . Bypassing the IP blocking in Australia is as simple as 8.8.8.8

  • Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    I doubt they would bother trying to get a VPN to block IP addresses as you say no government has no control over US based company.

    Their capitulation has nothing to do with jurisdiction of Australian law overseas, It's just one of what makes the best business sense. If PIA's servers are blocked by Australian ISPs it will cripple them in this country, especially PIA, which is maybe the vpn with the highest amount of dumb people aka non technicaly computer literate plebs. Them and ProXpn

    So what makes the best business sense, to be blocked in Australia or to implement The rules of the Great Australian firewall [for Australian people]

    I need you peopole to realise what could happen based on current legislation. You deniers need to be ready

  • TruthOutThere

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    https://ipleak.net/

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    Is this safe or a scam?

    https://ipleak.net/#webrtcleak

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Aldi Rocks writes...

    Their capitulation has nothing to do with jurisdiction of Australian law overseas

    Their capitulation is necessary if they are to block IP's on their DNS servers, to block PIA outright is a different matter

    If PIA's servers are blocked by Australian ISPs it will cripple them in this country, especially PIA, which is maybe the vpn with the highest amount of dumb people aka non technicaly computer literate plebs.

    How will that happen and what is your solution? At this point in time a good VPN is the best show in town for protecting your privacy. If you are not one of us "dumb people aka non technically computer literate plebs" what about sharing some of your knowledge to enlighten the less fortunate.

    Personally I get the fact that an RAS 2048 handshake and Blowfish (128 bit) encryption in CBD mode is not a 100% guarantee against the NSA cracking open your data log. But for most of us it means that what comes down the line or over the air waves is not just exposed and raw data that your ISP is going to be easily able to see and our IP address is for all intents and purposes is obscured. Personally I like the fact that if an online crime gang look at my data stream and an unencrypted one they will take the unencrypted. The more people who use VPN's the harder it is to ban them.

    If the government of the day decide to introduce a Great Firewall approach as they have in China then we can assume that we are now living under a totalitarian regime and we will best be organising our selves to take up the fight against such a oppressive system. Putting on a tin hat (or even a heavy-duty copper helmet) and trying to frighten people is not the answer. If you have evidence or information about PIA or if you know of better VPN providers then let us in on the secret, if you have other information to offer then help us understand what to do better, I am sure your input would be welcome.

    I need you peopole to realise what could happen based on current legislation. You deniers need to be ready

    I refer you to my posts on the thread I started here Heads-up, digital privacy ends on October 13 and in particular the post I put up tonight to assure you that personally, I for one am no denier of what is going on.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 6:13 pm
    Jace

    TruthOutThere writes...

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    Is this safe or a scam?

    It doesn't work properly. Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 6:13 pm
    Dreyfus27

    TruthOutThere writes...

    I got asked to install WebRTC Network Limiter to Chrome.

    It is a fairly recent addition to attempt to resolve the problem. The fix for Firefox works.

  • Aldi Rocks

    Dreyfus27 writes...

    If you are not one of us "dumb people aka non technically computer literate plebs" what about sharing some of your knowledge to enlighten the less fortunate.

    I just meant you gave possible solutions to connecting to a VPN after it's been blocked by Australian ISP's, but as PIA likely has the most mainstream non technical users the government block would be very effective but I can't imagine that happening more likely PIA mirrors our isp block lists & in doing so stays out of the list itself
    I agree a VPN is still effective at securing your connection except against the 5 eyes countries which includes NSA , Australiia & others. They are in the VPN's so encryption won't protect you.

  • TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    What browser should I use then?

  • 2015-Sep-17, 7:43 pm
    batfink0767

    TruthOutThere writes...

    What browser should I use then?

    firefox or chrome based browser Slimjet ( has disable webrtc option built in) http://www.slimjet.com/en/
    also has lots of options that chrome doesn't have.

  • 2015-Sep-17, 7:43 pm
    austoak

    Jace writes...

    It doesn't work properly. Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    Does the same go for router based VPN? Or is it only the PIA Program that has this vulnerability while using chrome?

    I am surprised Google has not resolved this in a chrome update.

  • TruthOutThere

    Jace writes...

    Don't use Chrome to fully protect your self unfortunately.

    My understanding is that WebRTC reveals your IP to the website you are visiting.

    Is it important to hide your IP to the website you are visiting?

    Anyway, I installed the WebRTC Network Limiter and https://ipleak.net/ suggests that I am now safe.

  • Vyviel

    You guys could just use Tor if your really worried.

  • B-Man
    this post was edited

    before i buy a new router im wondering how i should setup my vpn connections...

    i want to have my own private vpn so i can connect my phone/ laptop to my home network so its as if i was connected via wifi if i want to print remotely access stored items off my NAS etc (i currently have an old DD-WRT router doing it through PPtP but it doesnt work half the time) and then get PIA for my home network.

    would it be best to run this on a router to do all the traffic?
    or is it better to run on each device i want?

    is there any sites i would have issues with? i have seen whirlpool has a captcha is this going to affect online banking etc?

    if running it on the router is there a way to turn it off if needed? would i ever need to?
    can i have traffic not run through the vpn on the router if required?

    can i run certain sites through a different vpn IP. eg normal traffic use the australian IP but any sites that are blocked can i use a different one ie US netflix, hulu etc

    what would the best router to do this be? is the asus rt-ac68u good?

  • 2tyres

    B-Man writes...

    and then get PIA for my home network. would it be best to run this on a router to do all the traffic?

    Yes. I use the netgear r7000 flashed with tomato.

    f running it on the router is there a way to turn it off if needed? would i ever need to?

    Yes it takes only a few seconds to activate/deactivate. By setting up good firewall rules there are probably no real reasons to need to deactivate.

    can i run certain sites through a different vpn IP. eg normal traffic use the australian IP but any sites that are blocked can i use a different one ie US netflix, hulu etc

    By creating firewall rules using iptables you can achieve this.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:17 pm
    JoffaR

    To those who are running OpenVPN using the PIA provided configs on windows (7).

    Im getting an error which pops up after 2hrs of being connected saying that the vpn has been disconnected. The disconnect button disappears but in reality the vpn is still connected, just the gui thinks its not.

    Anyone know whats going on with that and how to fix it?

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:17 pm
    Tig

    Windows 10 issue, I have a new PC and PIA does not load when PC starts up I have to click icon ever time to connect. Is this normal and is there a fix for it.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:25 pm
    batfink0767

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/18386/new-windows-client-v-47-released

    1) Released an updated startup task setup, to correct the automatic startup of the application on Windows 10

  • 2015-Sep-18, 8:25 pm
    Tig

    batfink0767 writes...

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.

    Thanks i must of just missed this release by a few days all good now. Cheers

  • Dreyfus27

    WhoCares writes...

    Windows 10 issue, I have a new PC and PIA does not load when PC starts up I have to click icon ever time to connect. Is this normal and is there a fix for it.

    Have you ticked the box under settings that says "start application a logon" and "auto connect when app starts"

  • B-Man

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    austoak

    B-Man writes...

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

    I would go with router if wanting to get everything behind the VPN Plus in my small test I saw much better speeds with VPN on router.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    Jace

    B-Man writes...

    is it better to setup via the router or on each pc?

    It really depends.

    If you do it at router level, and then login to things like social media, or google mail etc with your VPN IP Address, technically you're no longer anonymous. Whereas doing it at client / pc level, you can turn on / off as you please.

    There's arguments either way depending on your level of anonymity required

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    iSoul

    austoak writes...

    I would go with router if wanting to get everything behind the VPN Plus in my small test I saw much better speeds with VPN on router.

    Does anybody else have problem finding VPN section on Billion 7800NXL? I think it may not support this feature having looked on OzCableguy (http://www.ozcableguy.com/review.asp?router=7800NXL).

    So far I installed v.47 PIA client and using at its default settings (enabled VPN kill switch/DNS leak protection/IPv6 protection).

    Do I need to do anything else? I use qBittorrent and Chrome/Firefox/Operah to browse torrent sites.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 9:06 pm
    austoak

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN. Are people finding this? For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 10:00 pm
    2tyres

    austoak writes...

    For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    It worked for me through pia.

  • 2015-Sep-18, 10:00 pm
    batfink0767
    this post was edited

    austoak writes...

    For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    working fine here, even tried u.s .france and aussie servers. All let me onto the site no problem.
    If your accessing using a bookmark try access thru google search.
    edit, i haven't come across any sites blocking access, but i do primarily use the Aussie servers.
    Maybe try clearing your cookies,cache and site preferences on your browser.

  • Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    austoak writes...

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN. Are people finding this? For example can't view carsales.com.au reuqest has been blocked.

    You get that, for instance you can't post an ad on gumtree or you can't view content on iview etc. because they're region specific Sometimes changing to the PIA Aus servers will do it other times you just need to disconnect the VPN. Also sometimes Whirlpool will block you and make you fill in a capcha box.

  • austoak

    I am using the Melb servers so geo locking should not be an issue. Will try the suggestions posted, thanks boys.

  • austoak

    batfink0767 writes...

    working fine here, even tried u.s .france and aussie servers. All let me onto the site no problem.
    If your accessing using a bookmark try access thru google search.
    edit, i haven't come across any sites blocking access, but i do primarily use the Aussie servers.
    Maybe try clearing your cookies,cache and site preferences on your brows

    Tried all that and still no go. I could get onto carsales a couple days ago today nothing. I'll see if this persists.

  • batfink0767

    i'm guessing you have tried / tested more than one browser ?

  • 2015-Sep-19, 3:47 pm
    austoak

    batfink0767 writes...

    i'm guessing you have tried / tested more than one browser ?

    yeah I have and tried mobile devices. no go might change the melb server to another melb server as I think there are 2.

  • 2015-Sep-19, 3:47 pm
    austoak

    Well changing the server to the other melb one fixed the issue. But it is no good that it happens at all.

  • 2015-Sep-19, 8:03 pm
    Dreyfus27

    austoak writes...

    But it is no good that it happens at all.

    Welcome to the wonderful world of geo blocking

  • 2015-Sep-19, 8:03 pm
    Haarvey

    Where did you find the 2nd Melbourne server? I only see one on the PIA server list.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 5:38 pm
    austoak

    The other one is listed in the PIA APP.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 5:38 pm
    Dreyfus27

    PIA only list two AU servers, on the website they appear as
    Australia (AU VPN)
    aus.privateinternetaccess.com
    aus-melbourne.privateinternetaccess.com

    But it the app version I have they are listed as one in Sydney and the other in Melbourne

  • 2015-Sep-20, 6:17 pm
    Utelcoguy
    this post was edited

    PIA doesn't have a Server in China. Is it true that no VPN providers have reliable and usable VPN servers to China these days, given the upgraded Great Wall?

    Edit: add comment FROM EXPRESS VPN CONSULTANT WITH PERMISSION: I think there are other VPN providers who have servers in China � as for their usability � we do not have accurate information about the other VPN providers.
    We do know that China does not allow VPN services in China and frequently try to block VPN services. So it would make sense that they would not allow any VPN service to actually setup a VPN server in their country.

  • 2015-Sep-20, 6:17 pm
    Dreyfus27
    this post was edited

    Utelcoguy writes...

    FROM EXPRESS VPN

    Watch out for the Terms of servercs at Express VPN

    "In addition, we may collect the following information: times when connected to our service, choice of server location, and the total amount of data transferred per day. We store this to be able to deliver the best possible network experience to you. We analyze this information generically and keep the data secure."

    PIA dont do that.

  • seriously

    austoak writes...

    I seem to be finding a few websites that I come across are blocking access while I am on VPN.

    i must have logged onto whirlpool forum initially when i was on sydney's server. now when i use melbourne server whirlpool blocks me saying dued to suspicious acitivities on this server!!!??? it still let me in with sydney server however.

  • theinternetpark

    I have a FritzBox 7490 and want to configure PIA at the router level.

    Have read mixed reviews that it is and isn't possible.

    Has anyone been successful is using this router and PIA?

    I'd prefer to not buy another device just to get a VPN.

  • iSoul

    Auto connect always connects me to Sydney and it's so slowww. To the point that Facebook and Youtube home page will take nearly a minute to load.

    No problems when I'm not on the VPN.

  • Dreyfus27

    iSoul writes...

    Auto connect always connects me to Sydney and it's so slowww.

    right click on the app icon and choose another server as your default rather than auto connect, try Melbourne or Singapore, if a server is slow try swapping around till you find a faster connection. If that doesn't help it might be in your setup so contact the live help.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 10:13 am
    Kurgan

    Been meaning to ask for a while but keep forgetting so here goes: How do you get PIA to auto start with Windows 10?

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    Whilst not a big issue, is there a simple fix to this?

  • 2015-Sep-21, 10:13 am
    J.C.

    Kurgan writes...

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    Whilst not a big issue, is there a simple fix to this?

    There's been a few posts saying that you need the latest PIA client to re enable the auto feature. This post here links to the software you probably need. /forum-replies.cfm?t=2340617&p=98#r1943

  • 2015-Sep-21, 9:58 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    The box is ticked in PIA, it's in the windows startup section but it doesn't start until I manually click the icon.

    It might be a glitch in the app but I know that some people miss the fact that you need to have both boxes in the setting ticked i.e. < start Application at Logon > AND < Auto-Connect When App is Started>

  • 2015-Sep-21, 9:58 pm
    Kurgan

    Thanks for the above, both of those are ticked so no luck there.

    There are reports of others having the same issue but there doesn't appear to be a definite fix as yet.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 11:05 pm
    Dreyfus27

    Kurgan writes...

    both of those are ticked so no luck there.

    Have a talk with PIA the 'live chat' is pretty good.

  • 2015-Sep-21, 11:05 pm
    Pikey18

    I fixed it creating a "At Login" task in Task Scheduler. Loads fine every time using that method.

  • 2015-Sep-22, 7:47 am
    batfink0767

    Pikey18 writes...

    I fixed it creating a "At Login" task in Task Scheduler. Loads fine every time using that method.

    are you using the latest client V47 ? its been out for a couple of weeks.
    https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/forum/discussion/18386/new-windows-client-v-47-released

    1) Released an updated startup task setup, to correct the automatic startup of the application on Windows 10

  • 2015-Sep-22, 7:47 am
    Kurgan
    this post was edited

    batfink0767 writes...

    are you using the latest client V47 ?

    Didn't realise this was out, have downloaded and will see if that makes a difference.

    EDIT: Oh hell yeah, now we're cooking. The update worked perfectly upon a restart of the Laptop.

    Thanks Batfink and Dreyfus.

  • drd71

    What version is the Mac Client up to?

  • gilby

    drd71 writes...

    What version is the Mac Client up to?

    I find it very hard to work out the version because the install and the application itself are so convoluted (by Mac standards). But I download the latest version today and it is different. My old version had a grey PIA figure in the menu bar � now I have a padlock. So all I can say is that the Mac client is now the 'padlock' version.

  • 2015-Sep-23, 7:21 am
    Waz
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