An independent security audit of the new IVPN gateway infrastructure has concluded. This was the fifth annual audit commissioned to improve the security of our systems. Further details and link to the full report by
@cure53berlin
:
We are now official supporters of the BTCPay Server Foundation. We've been using
@BTCPayServer
to accept Bitcoin since 2019. No intermediaries, no information passed on to third parties - enabling sovereignty and privacy respecting payments.
We can confirm a reported DNS leak issue on Android that impacts all VPN apps. There are no known solutions to prevent it, and requires a fix in a future Android version. Details in our blog post:
You can now buy IVPN subscriptions with
@Monero
- we accept payments directly while running a full node. Why? We seek to support projects that help you protect your privacy. The option to make anonymous transactions is an important aspect.
#WeAcceptMonero
IVPN accepts on-chain and Lightning Bitcoin payments using our self-hosted
@BtcpayServer
instance. We also run our own Bitcoin and Lightning Network nodes. No intermediaries = improved privacy.
We are still offering free VPN access for anyone in Ukraine and Russia. We have servers ready not just in Kharkiv, but in other locations in the region (Helsinki, Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest). We stand with Ukraine:
we often state IVPN is a 'privacy-first' service. a regular response: aren't all VPN providers privacy-first? yes, they should be, but most fail to meet the basic criteria to qualify. let's see why:
We are attending
@MoneroKon
on 18/19 June in Lisbon. Drop by to say hello and grab some gift cards or stickers. We also have two spare tickets to the conference: if you follow us already, would like to attend, and don't have a ticket yet, reply here or DM us.
If you are in Prague today or tomorrow, stop by at Paralelní Polis - IVPN is here all weekend for Monero Konferenco. DM us if you need a ticket (limited availability).
@MoneroKon
@Paralelni_polis
We have recently changed our XMR pricing API aiming for better stability, ideally provided by a trustworthy actor in the Monero space.
@cakewallet
fit the bill perfectly.
IVPN
@ivpnnet
, one of the most respected
#VPN
providers, now uses Cake Labs' Pricing API to accept
#Monero
payments!
IVPN uses our pricing data for user checkout so that users can be charged a fair
#XMR
/ USD price.
Learn more:
We are getting started here on the last day at
@BtcPrague
. If you are around, find our stand in the Expo area (
#53
- turn left after the entrance) and say hello!
Highly recommend listening to the
@optoutpod
by
@sethforprivacy
. We rarely do advertising or sponsorships, but always ready to support projects that align closely with our mission. We need more awareness and clarity on the importance of privacy and the tools to protect it.
I'm also *thrilled* to introduce a new sponsor for Opt Out,
@ivpnnet
, who have been my personal choice and recommendation for those looking for an ethical, non-logging, and privacy-driven VPN provider:
In our latest privacy guide we examine the core issues around email privacy. Before providing a detailed overview of threats, we explain the risks posed by email headers, challenges associated with MIME-encoded content and the limitations of encryption:
Custom DNS with DNS over HTTPS is now available in the IVPN for Windows app. Version 3.6.4 is out with update notifications going out today. This feature is only available on Windows 11.
You can now purchase access to our service through IVPN Light:
- short-term VPN access (3 hours to 30 days)
- Up to 5 locations or 1 MultiHop location pair
- paid with BTC Lightning
- fixed price in sats (500 for 3 hours)
- no account or PII required
An independent security audit of all IVPN apps conducted by Cure53 has concluded. For details of the audit and full results refer to this announcement post:
Regarding the TunnelCrack paper published recently: IVPN apps were not tested by the researchers, and unlike other providers, we have not received a vulnerability disclosure in advance. We are investigating the findings and will issue a detailed response after our evaluation.
IVPN apps are set to undergo security audit for 2022. The audit is scheduled to start next week, and we expect to publish the results no later than end of March 2022.
Many VPN providers promote their service as the "fastest VPN" and some even claim that using one can improve your connection speed. In our new guide we explain which factors determine network performance, and how using a VPN might affect them:
The next privacy/surveillance educational project we now officially support is
@TheNewOil1
. Check out their website for guides and blog posts on data security, threat modelling and techniques to improve your privacy stack.
It feels like a good time to ask again: do you need a VPN? Followers of IVPN might know we like this topic, but not for obvious reasons. As this article shows, the question inevitably leads to an assessment of the commercial VPN industry. Thread >
In the latest IVPN for iOS version (2.8.0) you can mark servers as Favorites and access them in a designated tab. We have also added an option to search and sort in the fastest server configuration list. Full changelog:
Would you like to test IVPN? If you follow us but don't have an active account, DM us for a gift code. We would like to learn about your first-time experience and how we fare against other providers. Works for new accounts only.
Our monthly Warrant Canary update is out. We have added recent Bitcoin block details as a further proof of freshness. This tweet is a verification that the change was initiated by the IVPN team.
Next in our 'support creators instead of surveillance advertising companies' initiative: we are sponsoring
@Monerotopia
by the
@MoneroTalk
team. Tune in to their shows for Monero related news and discussions, live every Saturday:
Four 10 Gbps capacity servers are now available to IVPN customers in Virginia, US (us-va1), Warsaw (pl1), Frankfurt (de1, WireGuard only) and Amsterdam (nl1, WG only). We have also increased available bandwidth in eight other locations, including Brussels, Helsinki and Toronto.
"Your VPN provider won't go to jail for you for 5 dollars" - in our new blog post, we discuss why this common trope about VPN services can be misleading, and how competent providers think about jurisdiction, policies and potential compromise.
We are attending a bunch of conferences this year in Europe and US. If you plan to be at one of these events, let's meet and chat about privacy, and potential improvements of our service. Have any other suggestions on where to go next? Let us know.
If you write an article to highlight issues with commercial VPNs, ask these 'market leaders' and you will get quotes to support a narrative that most/all VPNs overpromise. You will also help them get more brand impressions. What a quote. Work of art.
@privacytoolsIO
@HadrianIsTaken
@InfinityHedge_
@mullvadnet
We were shocked to see NordVPN as “best privacy VPN” on PrivacyTools, and that we had to explain to our customers we are still trustworthy. We can only assess the effects of the actions you decided to take. There nothing toxic about this. Good luck with your project.
Renewed our BTCPay Server Foundation support grant for the next year. We are long-standing users and advocates of
@BtcpayServer
, and became Foundation supporters in 2022.
Independent security auditing organisation
@cure53berlin
is set to perform our sixth annual security audit in March. We expect conclusion and publication of results to happen within the next two months.
Post-quantum resistant WireGuard connections are now available for testing in the IVPN Beta desktop apps. To get started download beta version 3.11.5 for macOS/Linux/Windows from GitHub.
"The internet activity of every human being has become a hot commodity. And it’s being used against us. To predict what we’ll do next, and to influence our behavior." - this is why IVPN is fighting against digital surveillance:
In our latest privacy guide series we detail the steps for self-auditing your VPN. With the help of network traffic analysis you will verify your connection is using the intended server, port and protocol, and check for possible leaks ->
We support the right to self-determination and sovereignty of our Ukrainian colleagues and all Ukrainians. To assist those affected by the current conflict we offer free VPN access to Ukrainian and Russian citizens. Read our statement:
IVPN for Desktop v3.14.17 is now available through our website and via in-app updates. Mirroring our recent iOS update, your account ID is now hidden by default in the app.
We have officially changed the name of the company operating IVPN from Privatus Limited to IVPN Limited. Ownership structure, jurisdiction, address and administrative registration details are unchanged.
The 6th annual audit commissioned to improve the security of our systems has concluded. The assessment focused on web UI, backend components, API endpoints, underlying web servers, and web infrastructure. Details and link to the report by
@cure53berlin
:
For improved anonymity you can pay with Bitcoin via our
@BtcpayServer
for your IVPN subscription - all details of the payment will stay with us. We also accept cash for the same reason.
IVPN infrastructure is ready for 5th annual audit:
@cure53berlin
to conduct security audit at the end of February 2023. We aim to publish the results no later than April 2023. Scope and details:
Latest IVPN app versions are out on all platforms, featuring quantum-resistant WireGuard connections, and an improved AntiTracker where you can pick from 3 combined or 7 popular individual block lists.
New IVPN PoP locations added:
- Boston, US (us-ma1)
- Zagreb, Croatia (hr1)
- Dublin, Ireland (ie1)
These servers bring us to presence in 40 countries and 56 locations.
IVPN for Android is now available on
@accrescentapp
, an open-source app store focused on security and privacy. New updates will go live on the platform in sync with our Play Store releases. Note that Accrescent is in alpha, under development.
We have built an open-source site called 'Do I need a VPN?' to help people decide whether they should use a commercial VPN. In most cases VPNs don't, or only partly solve the needs they are hired for. We cover 21 related issues with this tool:
Our team is ready to distribute more IVPN accounts to those in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. We have a dedicated submission form (UA/RU) up for those in need of a free VPN subscription. Link to the request page and more on why we do this:
Latest IVPN for Desktop app version (3.8.7) is out for macOS, Linux and Windows. New additions: Enhanced App Authentication and the option to add custom firewall exceptions. Details in thread.
IVPN for macOS/Linux/Windows v3.9.8 is out today. You can now subscribe to Beta notifications, if you plan to test beta app versions in the future. This option is available in General Settings, under the Beta tab after installing the latest update (macOS/Windows).
Device management is a new addition to the IVPN service - an opt-in feature that helps you review and log out from devices currently logged in to IVPN apps. Read our release blog post for details about this update:
IVPN for iOS v2.11.0 is out today. Obfuscation with V2Ray for WireGuard connections is now available in the app. Further improvements include WireGuard version and package/dependency updates. Full changelog:
We are experiencing intermittent issues with AntiTracker Hardcore mode - in some cases, Facebook and Google domains/IPs are not blocked. We are investigating the problem, and update this thread after the fix is out. Regular AntiTracker operation and VPN service are unaffected.
IVPN apps for macOS, Linux and Windows v3.9.43 are out with obfs4 obfuscation protocol support, and numerous improvements and fixes. Obfs4 is available to select for OpenVPN/TCP connections under the Connection Settings tab.
IVPN for Desktop apps v3.12.0 are out with V2Ray obfuscation support, additional controls for untrusted WiFi networks, and further improvements and fixes. Full changelog and links:
IVPN for Desktop (all platforms) v3.13.1 is out with Inverse Split tunnelling support and further improvements. With inverse split tunnelling only apps in the Split Tunnel list use the VPN connection. Read more about this option in our updated guide:
IVPN's iOS app does not collect or pass on any information about you. We recommend checking the "App Privacy" section on every app's page before installing them - especially if you plan to use them for privacy protection.
In the latest IVPN app version we have introduced quantum-resistant WireGuard connections. In our release blog post we address how quantum computing affects VPN security and ways to mitigate these potential issues.
Our next sponsorship is a cooperation with
@lunaticoin
, who is creating shows about Bitcoin and self-sovereignty. Today he is hosting
@CarissaVeliz
to discuss privacy and power (in Spanish) - tune in live:
El podcast de hoy tiene un nuevo sponsor que utilizo siempre desde hace unos meses:
@ivpnnet
IVPN es un servicio de VPN que no almacena registros, no te pide datos personales y que puedes pagar con
#Bitcoin
y efectivo por correo postal.
🟥
Based on our latest tests we can confirm all features of IVPN for macOS are working as intended on Sonoma. Earlier reports demonstrated issues with VPN firewalls due to packet filtering changes. We could confirm these occurring, however Apple has fixed the underlying cause.
We are replacing our UA1 server in Kharkiv, Ukraine with the recently added UA2 in Kyiv. On 5th June '23 UA1 will be removed from service. If you are connected to UA1 using third party apps or router configurations, we advise switching to UA2 or another location close to you now.
IVPN for Desktop (macOS/Linux/Windows) v3.10.14 is out with many additions and fixes. You can prevent MultiHop using the same server provider for hops, and access Firewall and AntiTracker settings quickly. Available through our website and in-app updates.
We have added new step-by-step guides to our Router Setup section, walking you through IVPN setup on routers running Asuswrt and Asuswrt-Merlin. You can find OpenVPN and WireGuard guides for 7 firmwares here:
Our new blog post covers the why's and how's of data collection, hard-to-solve privacy issues and suggested next actions. "Just use a VPN" won't suffice for fixing the collective privacy problem.
IVPN for iOS (v2.11.1) is out with blocking option for LAN traffic when connected to an untrusted network, improved widget prompt controls and numerous fixes. Full changelog:
We are extending this offer of free VPN service to anyone currently in Belarus. We are aiming to reach more people - please help us signal boost this offer. Any recommendations on spreading the word would also be appreciated.
Listen to this
@optoutpod
episode to learn more about our approach to building a privacy focused VPN service, the importance of individual threat models and some of our future plans:
Pleased to release a special episode with the newest sponsor of Opt Out,
@ivpnnet
, with
@vonthedock
!
Give it a listen to get a better idea of who IVPN are, what they're about, what VPNs can (and can't!) do for you, and why I chose to take them on-board:
IVPN AntiTracker upcoming changes: one of the lists available in our AntiTracker, Developer Dan is no longer updated. We are removing it as an individual option from AntiTracker on 8th July - next Monday - and won't be part of combined lists going forward (1/2.)
Reminder to IVPN customers who have a Pro plan with port forwarding activated: all open ports will be disabled on 30 September. For more context, you can revisit our original announcement from June:
Latest release of IVPN for Android (v.2.8.0) is out with Multi-hop support for WireGuard, sorting by proximity at server selection, and added option to clear settings on logout. Available through our website and the Play Store:
Four members of the IVPN team participate in an AMA session starting this Friday 10am CET / 4 EST on /r/privacyguides. Drop by and ask away about our service, free access campaign for Ukraine, or anything else on your mind.
@privacy_guides
Our apps now support DNS over HTTPS (DoH) on macOS, Linux and Windows (8/10/11). This comes handy if you plan to use a custom DNS server instead of IVPN's. Learn more about DoH from our blog post:
IVPN Linux app with graphical interface is available for download. Offers MultiHop, AntiTracker and Firewall. Includes interactive map for quick server selection/verification and a quick menu for toggling key features and switching protocols. More info:
As previously announced, we are withdrawing our HK1 server from our Hong Kong location. This will take place on 28th November 2022 and will leave HK2 (150Mbps) and recently added HK3 (1Gbps) available. Starting 14th November, our apps will not connect to HK1.
IVPN for iOS v2.12.4 featuring several improvements and fixes is now available through the App Store. For improved privacy in public settings, your account ID is now hidden by default in the app. Changelog:
New IVPN PoP location added in Vancouver, Canada with Tech Futures as data center provider. You can find connection and load related information on our Servers page:
Ethical marketing update: we have started a trial campaign through
@ethicaladsio
- one of the only remaining ad networks that are built as privacy-preserving, with no visitor profiling and behavioral targeting.
Help us improve the IVPN Desktop apps! Give your feedback and share your ideas for improvements by completing a short survey. Your input will shape our roadmap for the next couple of quarters. Start here:
AntiTracker Plus is a new addition to IVPN apps on all platforms. You can now choose from blocklists to help you block ads and unwanted trackers:
- three combined lists with different levels of blocking effectiveness
- seven popular individual lists
@HadrianIsTaken
@InfinityHedge_
@privacytoolsIO
@mullvadnet
there is nothing else. most of the old team is working on a new project now, privacytools is now run by one person who seemingly decided to make some $$ instead of presenting the best choices for privacy.
To learn more about limitations of VPNs, threat models and how we think about the VPN industry, listen to a recent interview with Viktor from the IVPN team on the
@BTCTKVR
podcast:
Las páginas principales del sitio web de IVPN ahora están disponibles en español. Agradecemos cualquier sugerencia de mejora a través de GitHub o de nuestro servicio al cliente.
IVPN for macOS v3.14.12 is out with optimized WiFi information retrieval for recent macOS versions. This improvement addresses WiFi control issues reported by customers running macOS Sonoma.
Our Android beta program is open. Join now to start testing new IVPN app versions before public release. Note: do not use IVPN beta apps in critical situations to protect your privacy or security. Join details on GitHub:
To improve the IVPN service for our customers and to ensure its long-term stability, we are gradually phasing out port forwarding from our IVPN Pro plan. Read our blog post for a timeline, reasons behind this decision and further details:
New IVPN PoP locations added:
- Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur (my1) 1Gbps
- Taiwan/Taipei (tw1) 200Mbps
New servers added in:
- Tokyo (jp2) 1Gbps
- Hong Kong (hk3) 1Gbps
You can find public key, load and additional info on our Server Status page:
Our new SOCKS5 proxy service is now live. You can configure individual apps or browser tabs to route their traffic through a different VPN server than the one you are connected to. You can also use SOCKS5 to configure an application kill-switch. Details:
We have scheduled our next security audit that will cover IVPN apps for all platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). The audit will commence in February 2021, and we expect to publish the results no later than March 2021.