Disabling the VPN on AOL 6.0

Disabling the VPN on AOL 6.0

Disabling the VPN on AOL 6.0

This tip was submitted to the searchSecurity Tip Exchange by user Hani Sayegh. Let other users know how useful it is by rating the tip below.

America Online (AOL) Version 6.0 installs virtual private network (VPN) support on computers with Windows 95, 98 and ME. AOL does not include this feature in Windows 2000. AOL cannot give me an honest answer why Version 6.0 uses a VPN in Windows 95, 98 or ME and not in Windows 2000. Who knows truly why they have this feature?

Unless members have a firewall or this feature disabled, hackers are bound to get VPN access to an AOL members' computer, via an AOL Trojan horse. Today, I found out that AOL is not taking measures to stop hackers or AOL staff imposters from roaming freely on AOL. Disabling the VPN ensures that no imposter can connect to your AOL client without your permission.

To disable the VPN, follow these instructions: In the control panel for Windows 95, 98 and ME, open the Networking applet. Double click on VPN adapter and disable the bindings. Disable the bindings for the TCP/IP related VPN entry and that of NDISWAN. You will be prompted to restart. That's it.


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This was first published in July 2001

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