Keep VPN running on a Windows User Account in the back ground

[wanarace]

Hello,
Is there any way to keep a VPN running on a background user account? (still logged on, but not the active user).

Right now the only options I can find is to NOT share the connection with other users which causes the VPN to drop as soon as I switch accounts. Or SHARE the VPN connection which keeps it active for the other users.

What I am trying to do is keep the VPN on for only 1 user. While allowing the other user accounts to access the net without the VPN. So far the only way I have been able to accomplish this is to run the VPN in a virtual machine on the account.

Thanks
Steve

 

[Kari]

When you create a VPN connection, by default it "takes over" the NIC and controls all traffic through it. To use both VPN and your normal connection at the same time you need to use Split Tunneling. Split Tunneling is mostly meant to be used on single account to give access to both corporate network and normal Internet at the same time.

I would not recommend it in your case as it makes the VPN connection in my opinion a bit more insecure. That could also mean that other users have access to VPN, effectively making it the same as if you had shared the VPN connection in the first place.

Read more:

• How to Setup a Split Tunnel | eHow
• Remote Access VPN and a Twist on the Dangers of Split Tunneling
• https://kb.meraki.com/knowledge_base/configuring-split-tunnel-client-vpn-on-windows-and-mac-os-x

Kari

 

[wanarace]

Thanks. I have looked into split tunneling and as you mentioned I don't believe it's the best answer for me.

I was hoping for an easy answer, something simple I missed.

Virtual machine does work and may be the best answer.

Thanks
Steve

 

[margrave]

The VPN does not take over the NIC. It simply creates a new network device. Most VPNs will, by default, route your traffic through the NIC, but this can be bypassed at will. So you effectively have two network connections: one through the VPN and on to its target, and another straight through the NIC as usual.

That the VPN connection does not survive a switch-user is unfortunate.

 

[wanarace]

Yup that sums it up in a nutshell. I am looking for a way to get it to survive the "switch-user" Thanks Steve