I’m using a popular VPN service that starts with the letter P (avoiding typing the name so the post doesn’t get auto deleted). Now, the service is good at home and on my android phone on a 4G connection.
At work all the internet traffic has to go through a proxy server. You have to enter the proxy address in your client (i.e. chrome/IE) if you want access to the internet. Our huge network works that way and that’s the way it is.
The issue with my P VPN client is that it can’t connect, and there’s no option of entering a proxy server address into that client. So I tried OpenVpn which does have that option, but for some reason it doesn’t work. I keep getting error messages. I should note that I use my own personal laptop that I bought and I have full admin privileges on that machine.
When I talked to customer support all they kept trying was having me to change from TCP to UDP and change multiple ports, even though I explained that I wouldn’t have access to the internet without going through that proxy server.
So how can I force a VPN connection through a proxy server?
I’m in the exact same situation as you but haven’t tested this setup yet. (Mainly because I don’t want to get in trouble. I may be in the IT department, but that doesn’t mean I can go around doing whatever I please to bring potential harm to the company)
After a quick Google, I’ve learned that it should be possible using OpenVPN. But I highly doubt you have enough administrative privileges on your device to install and manage network adapters.
If your company is serious about IT security, chances are very slim you are going to get through.
This is also a potentially one-way ticket to your immediate resignation, so unless you are really confident HR and IT aren’t going after your ass I wouldn’t even try to experiment with it.
Your computer should have system wide proxy settings, no? Does it work by setting that to your works proxy and then VPN. Even so I can’t be sure that will route a VPN through the proxy. The only other thing I can think of is either get a pocket router that supports proxies and connect your computer to that pocket router, the pocket router connected to the works network. Or just use a virtual machine. Virtual Box let’s you set a proxy for it. So proxify your VM and run a VPN on the guest OS.
It is very possible that the forward proxy you are attempting to route VPN traffic through is configured to detect and block outbound vpn connection attempts. Furthermore your connection attempts are likely showing up on a report somewhere that you probably don’t want to be on. This is all assuming that your “huge” corporate network is looked after by an equally huge security department.
If you are intent on getting out, I’d try to configure openvpn to use tcp/443. You’ll have the most luck with that port, but I still detect and block (and report) non standard https on that port.
if your network admin runs a tight ship, you may have to invest in a cellular dongle and pay for your own private internet access at work. this is what many visiting consultants do so they are not dependent on anyone’s particular workplace wifi for internet access. your office may not even want something like this on their equipment (unless you run it exclusively in a VM), so you’ll have to use your own notebook at your desk (or get a tablet with 3g/4g that subscribes to your personal isp). Sprint offering free 3G / 4G Plug-in-connect, clears space for faster dongles
Well there are some VPN services that automatically does so once the activation key is entered. I think this might be the case.
But if it doesn’t happen, then you can do so by changing the port of the serveraddress.
You would need to look into the specific models of what router you buy and do some research. I wouldn’t expect them all to have it but I believe some brands do have proxy and VPN configurations on them.