But in a world clogged with data, when a flood of bits whirls through the threads and air that bind us, TunnelVision VPN attacks have become a new menace. In the mists between cables and atmospheres, the shadows thrown by these attacks are long. Yet the danger may not be as vast as first appears. This staged exegesis will tell you what these attacks are, examine the possibility of harm, and recommend a strategy for protecting yourself against them.
At the fundamental level, TunnelVision attacks are a complex technique, but they circumvent the VPN’s protective hug under certain privileged conditions. These conditions involves some of the little-known features of the technology that configures computer networks: DHCP, or the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. It uses Option 121 to change paths for how you receive internet access, even if that changes how you use the internet in a less secure way (outside the protected point-to-point tunnels where VPNs protect you).
When Leviathan Security revealed a new type of TunnelVision attacks, the impact was not so much the novelty of the fundamental technique, but the realisation that commonly used VPN technology could be compromised, seemingly opening up in a way many people didn’t consider.
The prospect of TunnelVision might give you the feeling that the end is nigh, but in reality there are so many variables that temper the risk from a direct attack such as this – including the VPN service you’re using, the operating system of your device, and, to be effective, a chain of fortunate events would need to unfold, such as the router being compromised on the network you’re connected to.
Although your data is vulnerable to exposure, it’s the sensitive parts – thanks to encryption by legitimate VPN services – that remain protected. In other words, TunnelVision attacks might be a useful vector for broad digital spying, but to the individual user, they’re mostly protected by these measures.
But then, there are many established cybersecurity practices that serve to shield us from TunnelVision’s whispering. The most important is the choice of VPN provider: a decision towards those providers with proven strength and security measures, especially a fail-safe kill switch.
Just as importantly, keeping an eye on the networks we are connected to – choosing individual or trustworthy access points over open and free Wi-Fi – helps to decrease our susceptibility to such attacks.
When hunting through the enormous fleet of VPN purveyors, it’s vital to approach one that goes beyond simply encrypting your digital tracks. A really good VPN takes those measures to obscure your traffic but then stays on guard, ready to cut your lines at the slightest whiff of an attack, so you never have to worry about your secrets seeing the light.
However much one might enjoy the protection of a good VPN, the other side of the equation is individual cybersecurity hygiene: patching software, using complex, unique passwords for different services, and generally paying attention to the latest threats, from TunnelVision to phishing schemes and more – because there are always more.
Connect. It’s a word with weighty connotations in an increasingly interconnected world – including the world of cybersecurity. It’s also the name of the latest report into the security of our critical infrastructure. It means: to open up; to link; to join. And as we connect, it means that, to some extent, we leave a gate open. We let a piece of our digital self out into the wild.
Figuring these out, and keeping them safe (especially with tools such as virtual private networks, or VPNs, built to protect them) is imperative. Awareness about how technologies interact – building, protecting, and sometimes exposing our data – helps us walk more securely in these online worlds.
In sum, while the TunnelVision VPN attacks certainly highlight a potential vulnerability in our digital defences, it is not time to panic. As long as we stay informed and make sure we have sound cybersecurity practices in place, coupled with a good VPN, we can continue to connect with confidence, keeping our digital travels safe and our knowledge private.
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