Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can make it more challenging for websites to track online activities, but it also raises suspicions about the user’s origin. When multiple users share the same IP address, it increases the likelihood of receiving repeated verification requests from online firewalls. However, this issue can be resolved by switching to a more reputable VPN server. Additionally, browsers offer persistent access tokens to eliminate CAPTCHA requests, while VPNs provide dedicated IPs to reduce suspicion.
The core issue lies in the fact that CAPTCHA providers, such as Google’s reCAPTCHA v3 or Cloudflare Turnstile, assess the user’s IP address, browser, and device signals before presenting a puzzle to solve. If the CAPTCHA provider is uncertain about the request’s authenticity, it will ask the user to complete a puzzle, which can lead to repeated CAPTCHA requests. This situation arises when the user’s browser risk score is affected, often due to the use of popular VPN servers that spread the same IP address across multiple users, making it difficult for websites to distinguish between human and bot traffic.
Switching to a Less Crowded Server
To mitigate repeated CAPTCHA requests, users can manually select a VPN server instead of relying on the automatic selection. Proton recommends choosing servers with lower traffic loads, which are displayed as a percentage in their apps. It is also advisable to avoid major traffic hubs like New York or London, as they are often crowded. Servers in smaller nearby cities can provide similar speeds without the high traffic. Users should avoid frequently changing IP addresses, as this can raise suspicions.
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By selecting a server that performs well and using it for at least one session, users can reduce the likelihood of CAPTCHA requests. Paid VPN plans, such as those offered by ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton, and Nord, often provide access to a larger server collection. The benefits of this approach include its compatibility with all devices, no additional costs, and ease of switching to a different location. However, server reputations can change over time, and frequently switching between servers can be counterproductive. Free plans often limit server options, making it challenging to find a less crowded node.
One of the primary concerns with this method is that it does not address the underlying security posture of the connection. A shared IP address remains shared, regardless of the server load or location, which means the fundamental issue that triggers CAPTCHA systems is not resolved. This can lead to a cycle of troubleshooting and configuration changes rather than a permanent solution to the verification issues.
Enabling Private Access Tokens
Private Access Tokens (PAT) allow users to verify the authenticity of their requests using their device instead of an IP address. Apple’s Automatic Verification feature, available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs, assigns an anonymous token after validating the device and Apple Account. To enable Automatic Verification, users can handle to Settings > [their name] > Sign-In & Security > Automatic Verification on iPhones and iPads, or System Settings > [their name] > Sign-In & Security > Automatic Verification on Macs. Although there is no equivalent feature for Windows, Android, and Linux users, Cloudflare offers the Silk extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, which serves a similar purpose. Cloudflare’s upcoming cross-browser standard, PACT, also shows promise.
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Obtaining a Dedicated IP Address
Users can pay for a dedicated IP add-on, which assigns a unique IP address not shared with anyone else. NordVPN offers dedicated IPs in 30 countries for $2-5 per month, while Surfshark charges $3.75 per month. Private Internet Access provides a zero-trust setup for $3.99 per month, ensuring that even their employees do not know which IP address is assigned to the user. Proton VPN offers dedicated IPs only to business plan users, specifically those on the Workspace Standard, Premium, or Enterprise plans.
However, there is a trade-off, as NordVPN acknowledges that a dedicated IP can make it easier to link online activity to a single user. Many websites can still detect that the IP address originates from a VPN data center rather than a consumer’s device. This setup works across various devices, including desktops, mobile devices, and smart TVs, and can function as an allowlisted address for work. Nevertheless, add-ons incur additional costs, and dedicated IPs offer less anonymity than shared VPN servers. Once a location is chosen, it is locked in, and changes may incur additional fees.
