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How to Make Your Own Encrypted VPN Server in 15 Minutes

You’ve probably seen many ads for paid VPN services, but as we discussed in a previous article, tunneling all your internet traffic through such services isn’t always a wise choice.

Despite their claims, VPN providers often have little interest in protecting your privacy. Handling your web traffic and DNS requests means they can track your browsing history. Some even log your IP address and connection details, which could be shared with authorities or compromised by cybercriminals.

Most websites today already use HTTPS to secure your data, so a VPN isn’t always necessary for everyday browsing. However, VPNs can still be essential depending on your threat model. Whether you’re dealing with blocked content or traveling to regions where access to your favorite services is restricted, VPNs can help minimize risks.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up your own encrypted VPN server at home or in a nearby data center using various methods.

Easy: Run Tailscale on a Spare Home Computer

When considering the importance of securing your own VPN, it’s crucial to stay aware of how even the largest cybersecurity firms can fall prey to attacks. Recently, Fortinet, a giant in the cybersecurity industry, experienced a significant hack that impacted many. Read more about the Fortinet hack here to understand the vulnerabilities even in enterprise-level security solutions.

Tailscale makes it easy to create a virtual network, connecting all your devices. Built on WireGuard, a solid open-source VPN protocol, it works on almost any device. Tailscale has many use cases, from developers accessing remote servers to corporate teams using it for secure service access.

If you have an always-on computer or an unused laptop at home, download and install Tailscale. Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, you can create a Tailscale account and set up a tailnet, your private peer-to-peer mesh network.

Turn on Tailscale, then head to the “Exit nodes” menu. Click on “Run exit node…”. Now, install Tailscale on your personal devices, log into your account, and choose your home computer as your exit node. This routes all internet traffic through that exit node, providing an encrypted connection.

Tailscale coordinates this by distributing public keys across devices for secure communication. Since private keys never leave your devices, Tailscale cannot decrypt your traffic.

If you don’t want a computer running constantly, consider using an Apple TV or an Android-based device as an exit node, ensuring a constant connection for your VPN needs.

Medium: Install Tailscale on a Raspberry Pi

As you take steps to secure your home network, remember that major companies, including Kawasaki Motors Europe, have faced ransomware attacks, showing how widespread and dangerous cyber threats can be. Learn more about the Kawasaki Motors ransomware attack and how organizations are responding to these growing threats.

If your router is in a remote spot, you can set up a dedicated Tailscale device with a Raspberry Pi. We recommend using a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5, which have Gigabit Ethernet ports for faster VPN speeds, especially with fiber connections.

Install Raspberry Pi Desktop on a microSD card, connect the Pi to a display, and follow the terminal instructions on Tailscale’s website. Don’t forget to enable IP forwarding using the following commands:

echo 'net.ipv4.ip_forward = 1' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
echo 'net.ipv6.conf.all.forwarding = 1' | sudo tee -a /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo sysctl -p /etc/sysctl.conf
sudo tailscale up --advertise-exit-node

This turns your Raspberry Pi into an exit node for your Tailscale network. If you’re comfortable using the terminal, you can use Raspberry Pi OS Lite for a more streamlined setup.

Alternatively, you can create a VPN server in a data center using providers like DigitalOcean, Linode, or Vultr, for as little as $5 a month. Install Tailscale on these virtual servers to manage traffic securely while traveling.

Advanced: Tailscale on Fly.io or WireGuard on a VPS

When setting up your VPN, don’t forget the risks associated with third-party applications, which can lead to major data breaches. Shopify experienced a data leak recently due to a compromised third-party app. Discover more about Shopify’s data leak here and how third-party risks should be handled carefully, even when securing personal networks.

For more control, you can use Tailscale on Fly.io, a cloud-hosting platform that lets you create virtual machines with a configuration file. Developers like Patrick Recher have built global networks of Tailscale exit nodes, which can be set up and shut down with one command.

If you prefer more customization, consider installing WireGuard directly on a VPS. There are plenty of tutorials online to guide you through the setup process, and WireGuard provides flexibility in managing your VPN infrastructure.

In summary, setting up your own encrypted VPN server can be easy, intermediate, or advanced depending on your preferences. Each method ensures that your internet traffic is protected and secure, whether you’re at home or on the go.

 

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