What is WebRTC Leak? How to prevent?

Originally released in 2011, WebRTC eliminates the need for browser plugins and third-party software. For example, if you've ever used Discord or Google Hangouts, you've used the service provided by WebRTC.

But there is a problem with WebRTC: The possibility of IP address leaks.

What is WebRTC Leak?

Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Apple use WebRTC. Most browsers these days also use this technology, which means there's always the possibility that your IP address (a string of characters unique to a computer or network) is leaked without your knowledge. But what exactly is a WebRTC leak and how will it play out?

Let's say you're using a VPN to browse the Internet, whether it's to protect your privacy or just because you need to bypass geo-restrictions. A good VPN uses strong encryption, hides your real IP address, and spoofs your location, making it look like you're in another country and thus protecting your privacy.

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But even with VPN enabled, a browser using WebRTC technology can still leak your real IP address. So if you're trying to video chat with someone through your browser or talk through Google Hangouts, WebRTC might be bypassing the protections you've set up and leaking the IP address. your real.

WebRTC leaks not only detract from the purpose of VPNs, but also represent a major security hole that a threat actor can exploit, if they intercept your communications in some way. For example, a hacker could launch an IP spoofing attack and deploy malware to your computer.

How to check if WebRTC is leaking your real IP address

If you don't have VPN software installed, your real IP address will show up no matter what browser or device you're using. However, as explained above, even with VPN enabled, your IP address may be visible due to WebRTC leaks.

Here's how to check if your IP is leaked.

The first thing you need to do is disconnect your VPN, then go to a website like WhatIsMyIP - there you can easily check your real IP address.

After you do that, turn on the VPN and go to BrowserLeaks. This is a free online tool that anyone can use to check for different types of browser security and privacy issues. Once on the BrowserLeaks website, navigate to WebRTC Leak Test . Click the hyperlink and let the page load. Your real IP address will be displayed here.

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What you need to do next is repeat the process with the VPN turned on. So enable VPN, go to BrowserLeaks and launch WebRTC Leak Test again. If the VPN is working properly, your real IP address will not be visible.

This test was conducted on ProtonVPN which, as you can see below, does not appear to be susceptible to WebRTC leaks. Instead of showing the actual IP address, it shows the IP address of a random server connected in the Netherlands.

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Obviously, using a secure and reliable VPN is a good way to prevent WebRTC leaks, but to ensure maximum protection, you should disable WebRTC in your browser.

Disabling WebRTC: Things to Keep in Mind

After you disable WebRTC in your browser, visit BrowserLeaks again to check if your IP address is leaked. Test VPN on and off. If you follow the above steps, your real IP address will not show up in BrowserLeaks WebRTC Leak Test.

However, keep in mind that disabling WebRTC in the browser is not without its downsides. Doing so may cause websites and services that use WebRTC technology to malfunction or not function at all. In any case, you can refer back to this guide and enable or disable WebRTC however you deem appropriate.

Using a good VPN and turning off WebRTC are definitely steps in the right direction if you want to boost your security and privacy. But there are other things you can do to protect yourself online; switch from Chrome or Microsoft Edge to a more secure browser, start using encrypted email services and chat clients, and get acquainted with Tor.

Micah Soto

Update 17 February 2023