FastestVPN just added new highly demanded feature
After launching new Dedicated IP options about a month ago, a popular VPN service has just unveiled its latest advanced feature to meet increased demand from its customers.
FastestVPN users can now enjoy port forwarding support in all their apps. This handy feature can be used to gain remote access to devices that do not have a dedicated VPN application.
Port forwarding functionality comes at no additional cost if you purchase a FastestVPN plan and add a Dedicated IP to your plan. However, if you already have an account, including Dedicated IPs, adding the new option will cost you the equivalent of $1.20 per month.
How to use port forwarding
“We are very proud to announce that FastestVPN now brings Port Forwarding to you! You asked for it, and we redelivered it,” reads the provider’s email announcement.
Simply put, port forwarding describes the process of redirecting your network to a specific route or path. When this functionality is added to the power of a VPN, it can deliver some serious benefits.
As FastestVPN further explained, users can now open all UDP/TCP ports or forward them from any device. This means, for example, that you can access the laptop that you left at home to surf from the same IP address.
With port forwarding, you can also enjoy VPN protection on devices, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs, that do not support the software natively. So you don’t have to bother installing the VPN on your router.
This ability to redirect internet traffic between different devices is best suited for those who use FastestVPN as a reliable gaming VPN, as it allows you to enjoy more stable connections and faster overall speeds.
Despite being a useful feature, port forwarding is also notorious for making connected devices vulnerable to certain security risks. For example, these ports can be used as an access point for cybercriminals or be responsible for IP leaks.
That’s exactly why some of the most secure VPN providers have removed port forwarding due to security concerns (like Mullvad) or offer less risky alternatives. These include ExpressVPN’s Device Group feature and NordVPN’s new Meshnet technology.
In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for FastestVPN told TechRadar: “Yes, there are some security holes in it (port forwarding), and we are willing to provide solutions for its careful use. It is obviously not our intention to harm any user but we simply offer what our customers ask for.”
Therefore, the provider advises discretion when using the function. For higher-risk customers who require a port-forwarding option, FastestVPN suggests contacting the support chat to let the provider know in advance which IP address they want to access. “Only then will we accept traffic to those IPs,” the spokesperson said.
Users may also want to use an alternative VPN or proxy service in addition to FastestVPN to act as a dual VPN and route traffic with dual encryption. The provider also recommends this go to this blog post for more information and advice.
The bottom line is that “port forwarding opens the endpoints to attacks, which is why we never recommend using it without a valid solution associated with it,” the provider said.