VPN Split Tunneling: How to Secure Your Network Traffic

In this blog post, we will discuss split tunneling with VPNs. What has split tunneling? How can you set it up on your VPN? And why is split tunneling an important security feature? We will answer all of these questions and more!

What is VPN split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a feature of many VPNs that allows you to route some of your device's traffic through the VPN, while other traffic goes directly to the internet. This can be useful if you want to access geo-restricted content or if you want to keep your internet activity private.

Why should you use split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a great way to secure your network traffic. By only sending the traffic that you need, you can keep your data safe from potential threats. Additionally, split tunneling can help improve your internet speed by allowing you to send only the necessary data.

How does VPN split tunneling work?

In a split tunneling setup, traffic destined for the VPN server is routed through the VPN tunnel, while all other traffic is sent directly to its destination. This allows you to keep your sensitive data safe and secure from prying eyes, while still being able to access the internet normally.

Different types of VPN split tunneling

There are two main types of split tunneling: static and dynamic. Static split tunneling is when you manually specify which traffic goes through the VPN tunnel and which goes directly to its destination.

Dynamic split tunneling is when the VPN client software automatically decides which traffic to send through the VPN tunnel based on its destination.

Pros & cons of VPN split tunneling

Like anything, split tunneling has its advantages and disadvantages that you should be aware of before you implement it. Below we outline some of the key pros and cons:

Pros:

By only routing certain traffic through the VPN, split tunneling can help improve network performance.

It also gives users more control over which traffic is protected by the VPN.

Split tunneling can be more secure than sending all traffic through the VPN, as it means that only traffic that needs to be encrypted is routed through the VPN.

Cons:

One of the main disadvantages of split tunneling is that it can be tricky to set up and configure.

Additionally, split tunneling can be less secure than sending all traffic through the VPN, as it means that some traffic is not encrypted.

Finally, split tunneling can be detrimental to network performance if not configured correctly.

Reasons to use VPN split tunneling

If you're like most people, you probably use a Virtual Private Network to protect your online privacy. But did you know that there's a way to make your VPN even more secure? It's called split tunneling, and it allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which don't.

Is VPN split tunneling secure?

The short answer is yes, split tunneling is secure. By its very nature, split tunneling adds an extra layer of security to your network traffic. By only routing certain types of traffic through the VPN, you can ensure that sensitive data remains private and secure.

Risks of split tunneling

While split tunneling can be a great way to improve your network security, there are some risks to consider. One of the biggest risks is that it can create a "backdoor" into your network.

If an attacker is able to gain access to one of the devices on your split tunneled network, they may be able to use that device to access your entire network.

When you should use split tunneling

If you’re working on a public Wi-Fi network and want to ensure that your data is secure, split tunneling can help. By routing only the traffic you need to encrypt through the VPN, you can keep the rest of your traffic private.

Which VPNs support split tunneling?

Not all VPN providers offer split tunneling, but many do. Some of the most popular split tunneling-enabled VPNs include:

ExpressVPN

NordVPN

Pure VPN

Surf - Shark

Private Internet Access

If you’re not sure whether your chosen VPN offers split tunneling, contact their customer support team to find out.

Which protocols don't support split tunneling?

Split tunneling is a widely used feature, but there are still some VPN protocols that don't support it. One of the most popular is PPTP. While split tunneling can be implemented with this protocol, it's not a built-in feature. Other protocols that don't support split tunneling include LDP and GRE.

Conclusion

VPN split tunneling is a great way to secure your network traffic, especially when you're using public Wi-Fi networks. By splitting your traffic into two streams - one that goes through the VPN and one that doesn't - you can keep your data safe while still being able to use local applications and resources. If you're looking for a way to boost your online security, consider using a VPN with split-tunneling capabilities.