Building A Secure Network With MikroTik Routers And VPN

So, you've got yourself a Mikrotik router, huh? Well aren't you fancy pants! But let me ask you this, are you fully protected? I mean, we all know hackers are waiting to pounce on anything that isn't properly secured. Lucky for you, I've got some VPN recommendations to make sure your virtual private network is on lockdown.

First things first, what is a VPN?

In case you don't know (and let's be real, there's no shame in admitting that), a VPN is a virtual private network. It essentially allows you to connect to the internet via a private network and encrypts your data so that it can't be accessed by unwanted third parties. Whether you're browsing the web, streaming a movie, or doing some work from home, using a VPN is crucial to protect your sensitive information.

Why use a VPN with your Mikrotik Router?

Good question! Using a VPN on your Mikrotik router means that all devices connected to your network will be protected. So, whether it's your computer, phone, or even your smart TV, your information will be encrypted and secure. Plus, a VPN can also come in handy when you want to access content that may be restricted in your country. For example, you could connect to a VPN server in the US to watch American Netflix.

Okay, so what are the best VPNs for Mikrotik routers?

I'm glad you asked. Here are my top 3 VPN recommendations:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services out there, and for good reason. It's fast, reliable, and boasts top-notch encryption. Plus, it has a wide range of servers around the world, so you can easily connect to one that suits your needs. Installing ExpressVPN on your Mikrotik router is also a breeze with their step-by-step setup guide.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is another great option for Mikrotik routers. It's known for its strict no-logs policy and double VPN technology, which means your data is encrypted twice for maximum security. NordVPN also has a large network of servers and allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for families or small businesses.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark may not be as well-known as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it's quickly gaining popularity for its affordability and unlimited simultaneous connections. That's right, you can connect as many devices as you want to Surfshark's network without having to worry about hitting a limit. Plus, it offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy to keep your data safe.

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How to install a VPN on your Mikrotik router

Now that you've chosen your VPN provider (or providers, if you want to try them all out), it's time to install it on your router. Here's a quick guide:

Log in to your Mikrotik router's admin panel.
Click on "IP" from the left-hand menu, then select "Firewall".
Click on the "NAT" tab, then click "Add New".
Set the chain to "srcnat".
In the "Out. Interface" field, select your WAN interface (this should be the interface that's connected to your modem).
In the "Action" field, select "masquerade".
Click "OK" to save your changes.
Go back to the left-hand menu and click on "PPP".
Click on the "Interface" tab, then click "Add new".
Set the interface type to "PPTP Client".
In the "Server Address" field, enter the IP address of the VPN server you want to connect to.
In the "Username" and "Password" fields, enter the credentials provided by your VPN provider.
Click "OK" to save your changes.
Go back to the "IP" menu and click on "Firewall" again.
Click on the "Filter Rules" tab, then click "Add new".
Set the chain to "input".
In the "In. Interface" field, select the interface you just created in the previous steps.
In the "Protocol" field, select "TCP".
In the "Dst. Port" field, enter the port number provided by your VPN provider.
Click "OK" to save your changes.
Repeat the previous steps for the "UDP" protocol.
Restart your router.
Connect your devices to your Mikrotik router and enjoy safe and secure browsing!

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. Installing a VPN on your Mikrotik router may seem daunting at first, but once you've done it, you can rest easy knowing that your information is safe from prying eyes. Whether you choose ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, or another provider, just make sure you use a VPN whenever you're online!