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Check Your Kill Switch

Test your kill switch to make sure your privacy isn't flushed away if the connection drops!

1

Connect to ChitaVPN

The first step in running a simple kill switch test is to check the details of your regular internet connection (whatever you use when the VPN is off).

Enter the settings section of the chitavpn application and make sure the kill switch is enabled

Connect to a VPN location in another country (anywhere other than the one you're currently in), press the connect button, and hit the Start button .

Once the VPN says it's connected, wait a few more seconds and it should show your VPN's IP address and location.

Note: The kill switch in ChitaVPN is only activated if the connection is disconnected unexpectedly , the kill switch is not activated if you just click Disconnect.

2

Change your VPN location

Next, try to switch to another location while watching the window (anywhere other than the country you are currently in and connected to in the first step).

Now ChitaVPN will close your first connection, then it will start making the next connection.

If the kill switch works, it should be entered as soon as the first connection is closed, and the window should change from your VPN IP and location to "No Internet", and then immediately display the new VPN IP and location.

But if the kill switch doesn't protect you completely, there's a chance you'll see your real IP and location after the first VPN connection is closed. This may only be for a few seconds, the time it takes to establish the second connection, but it still indicates that the kill switch is not working properly.

3

Forcibly drop the VPN connection

The main purpose of VPN kill switch is to protect you from disconnection. It's not easy to simulate, but you can disrupt your VPN connection and see if the kill key is entered.

For example, if you are using a mobile device and connected to Wi-Fi, move out of range of the router. If you have more than one network available, try switching from one to another. Or if you're at home, just turn your router off and on again.

The idea is to forcefully disconnect your current connection and see how the program performs.

Does the kill switch properly block internet access so the window only shows your VPN IP and location? Or, at least briefly, see your original location until the app can reconnect to your VPN?

Whatever you try, keep in mind that the kill switch's effectiveness can vary by platform, just because your Android app works fine doesn't mean it'll protect you on iPhone or desktop. . Ideally, run at least a few tests on each type of device you use the VPN on.

4

What to do if your VPN Kill Switch is not working ?

If you're having trouble with the ChitaVPN kill switch, the first step is to make sure you've properly enabled it in the app.

Recheck your current protocol. Kill switch works better on Targon, neon protocol. If your selected protocol is already another protocol, such as IKEv2, the kill switch will not be activated.

If the problem persists, please contact our support via The support team will help you troubleshoot any problem step by step.

5

When Should You Use a VPN Kill Switch?

If you're serious about your privacy, you should keep the VPN kill switch enabled at all times. Any investment across the internet comes with risks, and encryption with a VPN mitigates some of these key risks. Therefore, the kill switch can be considered an essential function for users who are serious about security.

However, if you feel that extreme vigilance is not necessary, we recommend at least using the kill switch in public. Public Wi-Fi is easily the most dangerous connection you can use. Using unprotected public Wi-Fi can leave your devices vulnerable to malicious hackers. Using the kill switch ensures that you never mess with unencrypted public networks.

Airports, coffee shops, malls and other common areas are the most dangerous, so be sure to activate your kill switch when you go out.

What is a vpn kill switch?

Imagine you're browsing safely in a secure castle (your VPN encryption). But what if the bridge collapses (VPN drops)? A kill switch acts like a hidden trapdoor, instantly cutting off internet access until the bridge is fixed. This ensures no one can sneak in (data leaks) while you're vulnerable.

Why you need a VPN kill switch?

Top-notch security & Ensures your security

A kill switch acts as a safety net for your VPN. If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch automatically cuts off your internet access. This prevents any unencrypted data leaks until the VPN reconnects, maintaining top-notch security.

Enhanced data privacy & Safeguarding personal information

By blocking internet access during a dropped connection, the kill switch ensures your browsing history, IP address, and other sensitive information remain private. This enhances your data privacy and safeguards your personal information.

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Keeps your data secure & Protects your file sharing activities

Whether you're browsing or sharing files, a kill switch prevents accidental data exposure. If the VPN drops while you're transferring information, the kill switch stops the transfer, keeping your data secure.

Ensures continuous encryption of your traffic (partially)

While the kill switch can't guarantee continuous encryption throughout your entire internet session, it ensures data is encrypted within the VPN tunnel until the connection drops. The kill switch then blocks unencrypted data from being transmitted.

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Safeguards your identity

A kill switch prevents your IP address from leaking if the VPN connection drops. This protects your identity and location from being exposed online.

Provides a sense of safety

Knowing your data and privacy are protected even during brief VPN interruptions gives you peace of mind and a sense of safety online.

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The Importance of the Kill Switch in VPN Disconnections

Kill Switch , Your silent guardian , blocking data leaks during unexpected disconnects.

Network and/or Server Failure/Congestion

While crowded servers can slow down connections or lead to disconnections, a VPN with a kill switch feature ensures that even if you're disconnected from one server due to congestion, your internet access is immediately cut off to prevent data leaks until you're securely connected to another server.

Unstable Internet Connection / Weak Wi-Fi Signal

If your internet connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch feature immediately halts your internet access to prevent any data from being transmitted outside the VPN tunnel until your connection stabilizes.

Firewall and/or Router Settings

In cases where firewall or router settings interfere with VPN connections, the kill switch ensures that your internet access is cut off until the VPN connection is restored, preventing any data leaks in the meantime.

ISP Interference

If your ISP is throttling your connection or interfering with VPN traffic, the kill switch prevents any data from being transmitted outside the VPN tunnel, safeguarding your online activities from ISP interference.

Computer Update

If a computer update disrupts VPN connectivity, the kill switch ensures that your internet access is disabled until the VPN connection is reestablished, protecting your data from exposure during the transition.

Switch VPN Servers

When switching between VPN servers, the kill switch ensures that your internet access is cut off until the new VPN connection is established, preventing any data leaks during the transition.

Unstable Connection

In the case of an unstable internet connection that fluctuates between disconnection and reconnection, the kill switch maintains your privacy by cutting off internet access whenever the VPN connection drops.

Heavy Network Traffic

If you're using a public Wi-Fi network with heavy traffic, the kill switch ensures that your internet access is immediately halted if the VPN connection is disrupted, protecting your data from exposure on crowded networks.

Strict Firewalls/Censorship

When facing strict firewalls or internet censorship, the kill switch ensures that your internet access is blocked outside the VPN tunnel, allowing you to bypass censorship measures securely.

Other Software Interference

If third-party software or antivirus programs interfere with VPN connections, the kill switch prevents any data from being transmitted outside the VPN tunnel until the connection is restored, safeguarding your privacy from external interference.

Server Failure/Maintenance

In the event of VPN server issues or maintenance, the kill switch immediately cuts off internet access until the connection is restored, ensuring continuous protection of your data privacy

How Does the ChitaVPN Kill Switch Work ?

The kill switch function in a VPN observes the network connection, ready to take action if it detects any disruptions that could compromise your privacy.

1

Monitors Connection

The kill switch constantly monitors the status of your VPN connection, acting like a vigilant observer.

2

Detects Disconnects

If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch is the first to detect this disruption.

3

Halts Internet Access

In response to a detected drop, the kill switch acts like a firewall, immediately blocking your internet access. This prevents unencrypted data leaks while the VPN is down.

4

Restore

While the kill switch itself doesn't directly restore the VPN connection, it might trigger a reconnection attempt depending on the VPN software's configuration. It can also prompt the user to manually reconnect.

The Dangers of VPNs Without a Kill Switch

Here are the potential dangers that await you if your VPN connection drops and your VPN is without a kill switch

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Leaking your real IP address

Without a kill switch, if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, your real IP address may be exposed to websites and online services, compromising your anonymity and privacy.

Leaking your approximate location

When your VPN connection fails, your device may revert to using your actual location instead of the masked one provided by the VPN. This can allow websites and services to track your approximate location, potentially compromising your privacy.

Your online activities become traceable

Without a kill switch, your online activities can be traced back to your real IP address, allowing ISPs, government agencies, or malicious actors to monitor your browsing habits and potentially invade your privacy.

You become vulnerable on public Wi-Fi

Using a VPN without a kill switch on public Wi-Fi networks exposes you to additional risks. If the VPN connection drops, your sensitive data transmitted over the network could be intercepted by hackers or other malicious entities, putting your personal information at risk.

Types of VPN Kill Switches

Application Level Kill Switch

This type of kill switch only blocks internet access for the specific applications that are configured to use the VPN.

Benefits :

  • Offers more flexibility as you can choose which apps use the VPN and which remain connected to the internet even during a disconnect.

  • Less disruptive as it doesn't completely block all internet traffic, allowing essential apps (like messaging) to function.

Drawbacks :

  • Less secure compared to a system-level kill switch. If an application isn't configured to use the VPN, any data it transmits during a disconnect could be exposed.

System Level Kill Switch

This type of kill switch completely cuts off ALL internet access on your device if the VPN connection drops.

Benefits :

  • Provides the highest level of security by preventing any data leaks during a disconnect, regardless of the application.

  • Offers greater peace of mind knowing your entire internet activity is protected.

Drawbacks :

  • Can be disruptive as it blocks all internet access, even for applications that don't require a VPN. This could interrupt ongoing downloads, VoIP calls, or other internet-based activities.

Choosing the Right Kill Switch

The ideal kill switch level depends on your needs and priorities. If you prioritize absolute security and data leak prevention, a system-level kill switch is best. However, if you value flexibility and want to avoid internet interruptions, an application-level kill switch might be a suitable choice.

Why Is My Kill Switch Not Working?

If your VPN kill switch isn’t working then there’s usually an issue with the VPN service, your device, or both.

Change the VPN Protocol

VPN protocols are sets of instructions for establishing secure connections. Switching protocols (e.g., from OpenVPN to IKEv2) can sometimes resolve compatibility issues that might be preventing the kill switch from functioning correctly.

Run as Administrator

Some VPN applications might require administrator privileges to fully control your internet access. Running the VPN app "as administrator" grants it these elevated permissions, potentially allowing the kill switch to work as intended.

Update and Restart the App

Outdated VPN apps might have bugs affecting the kill switch feature. Updating the app to the latest version ensures you have the most recent bug fixes and security improvements. Rebooting the app after the update allows it to load the new configuration and potentially fixes the kill switch issue.

Change Your Firewall Settings

Security software firewalls might sometimes interfere with VPN functionality, including the kill switch. Reviewing your firewall settings and ensuring the VPN app has the necessary permissions to operate the kill switch could resolve the problem.

When Should You Use a VPN Kill Switch?

For anyone prioritizing online privacy, security, and preventing data leaks, using a Kill Switch is essential

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Unreliable Network Connections

Whenever you're connected to an unstable or unreliable network, such as public Wi-Fi networks or networks with intermittent connectivity, enabling the VPN kill switch ensures that your internet access is immediately halted if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks.

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Torrenting or File Sharing

When engaging in activities like torrenting or file sharing, where your IP address and online activities are more exposed, activating the VPN kill switch adds an extra layer of protection. It ensures that your internet connection is terminated if the VPN connection is disrupted, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

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Bypassing Censorship or Geo-Restrictions

In regions where internet censorship or geo-restrictions are prevalent, using a VPN with a kill switch can be vital. It ensures that your internet access is blocked outside the VPN tunnel, allowing you to bypass censorship measures securely without risking exposure of your online activities.

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Sensitive Online Tasks

For tasks that involve sensitive information, such as online banking, accessing confidential work documents, or communicating over secure channels, activating the VPN kill switch is advisable. It ensures that your internet access is immediately halted if the VPN connection drops, safeguarding your data from potential exposure to third parties.

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Remote Work or Business Travel

When working remotely or traveling for business, where you often rely on untrusted networks, activating the VPN kill switch helps maintain a secure connection. It ensures that your internet access is cut off if the VPN connection is disrupted, minimizing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

FAQ about Kill switch checker