What is VPN split tunneling and should I be using it?

[RV_]

You know you should use a VPN to protect your data, especially on public Wi-Fi, but you always hated the hassle of turning it on for secure stuff and off for everything else. Split tunneling eliminates that problem. Here's how.

Excerpt:

"What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

A VPN is a service that protects your privacy and security by encrypting your all of your traffic and hiding your IP address. Bad actors (criminals, invasive advertisers, etc.) will see the VPN's IP address instead of yours, if they spy on your online activities. Likewise, anyone attempting to intercept your traffic will find it useless due to built-in encryption. VPNs can also circumvent regional lockouts on online content, letting you stream shows and movies that aren't normally available in your country or region. 

For a more information on how VPNs work, read our detailed VPN guide. 

What is split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a feature provided by some VPNs that allows you to decide which connected apps, games, and services use the VPN for connectivity, and which use your standard connection. This differs from regular or "full tunnel" VPN setups, which encrypt and reroute all traffic on your system, regardless of origin or destination. Without split tunneling, you'll need to disable your VPN every time you want to use your standard connection and enable it when you want its added security."

Source:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-vpn-split-tunneling/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid={%24external_id}&mid={%24MESSAGE_ID}&cid={%24contact_id}

 

[Jim & Alice]

Thanks, Derek.   This made for some good reading.   Much appreciated.

[RV_]

YW Jim glad it was useful.

[Chalkie]

Thanks for the article! I found out the VPN I use (Cyber Ghost) is capable of split tunneling. Now I can finally get to a website I use without killing the VPN all the time. SMH!

[RV_]

YW Gary.

[tillypowell]

I can only add that VPN split tunneling allows you to choose which apps, games, and services use the VPN for connectivity, and which use your standard connection. This is different from regular VPN setups that encrypt and reroute all traffic on your system. One of the great use of VPN split tunneling is for proxies for price tracking, this way you can selectively use the VPN for tracking prices of specific products and not for other online activities, this will save you from having to turn the VPN on and off. Overall, VPN split tunneling is a great solution for those who want to use a VPN only for specific activities and not for everything else.

Edited January 27 by tillypowell

[RV_]

6 hours ago, tillypowell said:

I can only add that VPN split tunneling allows you to choose which apps, games, and services use the VPN for connectivity, and which use your standard connection.

Welcome to the forums Tilly! You're right.