Ghosties using iPhones and iPads, we have some not-so-great news for you.
There’s an unpatched iOS bug out there, blocking VPN apps from encrypting all your internet traffic.
The bug was first discovered in iOS version 13.3.1, but it made it to the latest iOS version, 13.4.
It’s been rated with a 5.3 CVSS v3.1 base score. It’s a Medium.
As of now, Apple hasn’t disclosed any plans for a patch.
Are you safe? Encrypt your online data with CyberGhost VPN and make sure nobody can spy on your online activity. Use CyberGhost anytime, anywhere, on both iOS and macOS.
What’s going on
Every time you establish a connection to a VPN server on an iOS device, all your previously existing internet connections and apps are supposed to be terminated and restarted.
The process ensures that everything then connects through the VPN’s encrypted tunnel. It’s essentially how a VPN works.
With VPN software, you can hide your IP address and enforce the VPN’s IP address through all apps.
However, this iOS bug causes some internet connections to continue using your original IP address. You’re left with privacy and security concerns, vulnerable to network snooping.
What we know about the bug
The bug was first reported by Proton VPN, who dubbed it the “VPN bypass bug.”
According to them, the bug’s behavior is quite erratic. Some connections re-establish through the VPN tunnel after a short while, others take anywhere from minutes to hours.
For example, Apple’s push notification service seems to maintain a long connection between the device and Apple’s servers.
It’s still not clear how this bug affects messaging, banking, or social media apps, which generally contain more sensitive personal information.
What you can do right now
There is no reliable workaround for the bug yet.
But there are some things you should keep in mind:
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- Internet connections established after you connect to VPN are not affected.
- There’s no guarantee that connections established before opening a VPN will close and restart. There’s also no estimate on how long these will remain unencrypted.
- It’s best to force shut down all apps before connecting to a VPN, to prevent having your IP address exposed.
- A VPN app, like CyberGhost VPN, can only access your network settings to encrypt your internet traffic. It should not have permission to access other apps or change connection settings in third-party apps.
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If you’re using CyberGhost VPN on an iOS device (iPhone or iPad), make sure to follow these recommendations.
However, if you’re a Ghostie using any other device, everything’s okay for you.
We’ll keep updating this article as the story develops.
Until next time, stay safe and secure!
Leave a comment
Andrei
Posted on 17/10/2020 at 18:05
When will this issue of shuting down the wifi connection after the screen of the iphone goes off, is going to be fixed??
It’s been happening since I subscribed about 6 months ago, and is still happening now with the ios14.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 19/10/2020 at 09:18
Hi, Andrei! The issue you’re describing doesn’t seem to be related to the bug mentioned in the article, but rather to your device’s power options. To conserve battery, most phones will shut down internet connection, when your device is in standby mode. Check the settings and disable this option to enjoy full VPN protection.
Kenny
Posted on 04/10/2020 at 04:11
Did iOS 14 fix the vpn bug?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 05/10/2020 at 08:54
Hi, Kenny! The bug is fixed on iOS 14. 🙂
Priva C
Posted on 26/08/2020 at 01:34
Are there better servers than others to use regarding speed, reliability, etc? Better countries?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 26/08/2020 at 15:02
Hiya, Priva! We’re always investing in and upgrading our server network to ensure you get the best performance. However, some factors like your location and network settings can influence your VPN connection. You can check out the Find the best VPN server option to see which one is best suited for you.
Gregor
Posted on 22/08/2020 at 09:38
Please inform us in the iOS App when this is fixed, not only on the website.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 24/08/2020 at 15:23
We’ll surely let you know, Gregor.
fuzaili
Posted on 19/08/2020 at 12:54
so good excellent …..
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 20/08/2020 at 08:23
Hi, Fuzaili! Glad you enjoyed. 😊
Jean-Francois
Posted on 04/07/2020 at 04:36
What’s the latest news to solve the problem with Apple ? As we are paying for none encrypted communication.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 14/07/2020 at 10:27
Hi, Ghostie! Unfortunately, Apple’s release notes for iOS version 13.5 do not mention anything related to this iOS bug. We’re still awaiting further developments.
Tony L
Posted on 09/06/2020 at 01:59
Thank you CG!! You have no idea how many smart phones you have saved from my short tempered hands. Especially when one is not so tech savvy!!
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 11/06/2020 at 11:15
Aww, thanks, Tony! We’re happy to hear our user-friendly app is keeping your devices safe. 😊
Ionut
Posted on 07/06/2020 at 21:04
Hi there,
I’m using it from Spain and I might say I’m amazed!
I just tried the RO server and it has mazing speed on my iphone. Over 300mb down and 100+ mb for upload.
I can’t complain about my laptop either.
I can now watch amazon prime series from US with great speed. The quality of the video streamed is not extraordinary but it’s good. Like hd to fullhd good. And speedtest is amazing. With 181ms ping I reached 300mb with 11mb of upload. In a great measure it’s also thanks to the 600mb fiber provided by orange
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 10/06/2020 at 10:16
Hi, Ionut! It’s nice to hear you are satisfied with our app. 👻
Open Ureyez
Posted on 07/06/2020 at 04:20
Sounds like a back door intentionally left by Apple so the NSA can gain access🤷🏻♂️
Greg
Posted on 07/06/2020 at 03:25
I love it
Good app
Cardinal
Posted on 06/06/2020 at 22:57
Awesome
ColorChickenClub
Posted on 03/06/2020 at 11:37
Very good
Hi
Posted on 03/06/2020 at 05:51
Omg this is the best!!
❤️❤️boom
Posted on 11/06/2020 at 22:58
I love dis app
Matteo Catalano
Posted on 27/05/2020 at 09:30
Any news about iOS 13.5? Did they fix it?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 14/07/2020 at 10:27
Hi, Matteo! Unfortunately, Apple’s release notes for iOS version 13.5 do not mention anything related to this iOS bug. We’re still awaiting further developments.
maria
Posted on 24/05/2020 at 12:10
very good
Yann
Posted on 22/05/2020 at 07:51
I hope it will be fast to find solution… I can’t look tv appli on iPad since 3 days :/
Hope !
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 05/08/2020 at 16:08
Hi, Yann! Unfortunately, Apple’s release notes for iOS version 13.6 do not mention anything related to this iOS bug. We’re still awaiting further developments.
Iain
Posted on 22/05/2020 at 03:47
Well I was very pleased with my VPN after joining 4 days ago. Now, not so much. Hopefully Noah can fix it in the next 40 days . ( cancelation pun)
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 05/08/2020 at 16:08
Hi, Iain! Unfortunately, Apple’s release notes for iOS version 13.6 do not mention anything related to this iOS bug. We’re still awaiting further developments.
mark skarning
Posted on 21/05/2020 at 17:21
If i even clean my computor and change the country site were my ghoast VPN is working from willi be safe from the ios bug
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 28/05/2020 at 14:51
Hi, Mark! This bug affects only devices using the iOS operating system. if you are using a computer, be it Windows, Mac, or Linux, you have nothing to worry about.
Ameri
Posted on 20/05/2020 at 21:31
Omg this works
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 25/05/2020 at 14:51
Glad to hear everything is fine with the workaround, Ameri!
Junk hi k
Posted on 18/05/2020 at 11:58
I t is great
Neuralinked
Posted on 16/05/2020 at 02:01
Hi I’ve had this VPN for a week desperate to get some Real Privacy online yet still don’t feel that this VPN is not infiltrated on my iOS 13.4 device . If by applying your method of avoiding this bug is to really work should I not instantly change this VPNs password security?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 28/05/2020 at 14:58
Hi, Ghostie! The bug prevents all apps from being redirected through the VPN tunnel once a connection to one of our VPN servers has been established. Make sure to force close all apps before connecting through our app, since internet connections established after you connect to VPN are not affected. Your credentials are not affected in any way.
Denaja
Posted on 14/05/2020 at 22:57
Hello I’m new and I really like this app
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 15/05/2020 at 09:23
Hi, Denaja! It’s great to hear you enjoy our app. 😊
Julio Galvez
Posted on 14/05/2020 at 01:28
Soooo goood
Kaidan Fields
Posted on 13/05/2020 at 11:54
Great
Kiatsakda
Posted on 13/05/2020 at 06:46
It’s pretty cool
Jefferson
Posted on 12/05/2020 at 22:52
It is soooooo good
Jean-Francois
Posted on 12/05/2020 at 18:30
So, for a recent client, will the 45 days for refund, be extended if not satisfied !
Because obviously, it seems like no one knows at which degrees this VPN is actually working at it’s best. As for us as a customer of this product it’s even more difficult to know ! Specially, i am a user of both iPhone 8 and the latest mini iPad.
So tell me, should I opt out and wait till this fix to be a Ghostie again, or should You let your customers have a longer period than 45 days to be reimbursed if needed ?
Keep up the good works !
Awaiting to have some news !
Be safe, Stay safe and Smile 😉
Chrissy
Posted on 07/05/2020 at 22:20
Ok
Aida Vertiz
Posted on 06/05/2020 at 10:03
Omg
Yarai Castillo
Posted on 04/05/2020 at 10:46
It works so good
Byambajargal
Posted on 04/05/2020 at 08:52
Like
Frank
Posted on 03/05/2020 at 18:16
Go figure, Apple is at it again, do you think it has anything to do with being made in China ? I’m going back to Android.
Steve Thomas
Posted on 06/05/2020 at 10:52
The hardware is not designed in China and the software never was… and what relevance is that anyway?
Frank
Posted on 11/05/2020 at 07:26
I canceled my subscription, because I do not know why the application ask for my passwords on all three devices please explain. When I didn’t put my password in it canceled me out, when I put it in then it let me in.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 11/05/2020 at 16:24
Hi, Frank! If you’re referring to our app, you need to login with your username and password, in order to use all our Premium features.
Dave
Posted on 21/05/2020 at 10:46
I think what you meant is that even though TECHNICALLY SPEAKING China has not designed the hardware or the software for iOS, China has no “misgivings” to bootlegging or pirating or sabotaging anything & everything “out there” if in doing so it will serve to be in China’s best interests. Foreign Patent Laws & “Rules of Conduct” have no bearing to the Chinese Government if by obeying those laws it would cause the loss of anything that would be beneficial to China. In basic words…. you don’t have ANY trust in the Chinese.
Zahara
Posted on 01/05/2020 at 09:10
its workss
Jeffrey
Posted on 30/04/2020 at 16:45
Would toggling in and out of airplane mode not force my connection to re-establish VPN?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 04/05/2020 at 15:51
Hi, Jeffrey! Under normal circumstances, airplane mode would work to re-establish the VPN connection. But with this bug, it’s not very clear if the apps that were not routered through the VPN would be switched. For the tie being, it’s best to manually close all apps before airplane mode.
Ben
Posted on 29/04/2020 at 21:31
Good information thanks.
I have a question
I Been using a server in Argentina, and for the pass week is not available anymore
Any idea if it will be available soon?
Otherwise I will have to start looking for other VPN.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 04/05/2020 at 08:58
Hi, Ben! The Argentina servers are down for a short while due to maintenance, but they’ll be back up soon.
Trần Thành Lợi
Posted on 29/04/2020 at 09:56
Ok
Papassorn Ainsahwang
Posted on 28/04/2020 at 10:03
Like
Pllumb
Posted on 25/04/2020 at 11:20
Thanks
Ag21
Posted on 24/04/2020 at 21:29
I use ONLY IOS Devices & Proronmail, and do a lot of research. I AM SCREWED!
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 11/05/2020 at 11:10
Hi! Make sure you force close all apps before connecting with our app. We expect Apple to have a fix as quickly as possible.
Sam_1988
Posted on 21/04/2020 at 15:17
Am satisfied 👌👍
Williams
Posted on 21/04/2020 at 11:09
Can’t wait to try it
Ricardo
Posted on 21/04/2020 at 08:49
Good
Amervir Rodriguez
Posted on 20/04/2020 at 14:24
Excelente
Ayoka
Posted on 20/04/2020 at 12:49
It’s really a nice app
Alejandro Gutierrez
Posted on 19/04/2020 at 08:25
I want to have privacy
Mark theis
Posted on 17/04/2020 at 04:24
Good job
Jeremy Montero
Posted on 14/04/2020 at 18:05
Ilike dis app
Nestor
Posted on 13/04/2020 at 22:35
Excelente
Lynn
Posted on 19/04/2020 at 18:51
Thank you for the invaluable information.
Nestor
Posted on 13/04/2020 at 22:34
Very good
Elionay Cruz Santana
Posted on 11/04/2020 at 21:44
Nice
Herzi
Posted on 11/04/2020 at 20:44
Wireguard is doing pretty fine almost the whole time.
With IKEv2, I had a lot of problems.
Give it a try an you’ll see, that it work’s.
Cheers and happy Easter 🐣
Jaden Rodriguez
Posted on 10/04/2020 at 17:44
This is a good app
Rubaylin
Posted on 10/04/2020 at 01:40
i love this app it is very useful
John Mcgilvary
Posted on 09/04/2020 at 22:34
Sad world
Zuber Roman
Posted on 08/04/2020 at 02:19
Ich kann leider nicht alles verstehen bezüglich Eurer IOS-Warnung.
Habt Ihr eine Deutsch-Übersetzung?
Danke!
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 07/05/2020 at 15:49
Hi! Unfortunately, there are no definite plans in place to translate the articles into other languages at the moment. For the time being, you can make use of an online translator, like Google Translate.
Raymond Burt
Posted on 08/04/2020 at 02:00
Thks
Melinda
Posted on 07/04/2020 at 03:40
Keep it up
Monda
Posted on 07/04/2020 at 00:45
Work great
Jess
Posted on 05/04/2020 at 20:27
Good read
Jose
Posted on 05/04/2020 at 09:44
Excelente
Jon Gault
Posted on 05/04/2020 at 09:05
Apple does not think it is a bug. It is a feature for those who do not appreciate us using VPNs.
Sarah
Posted on 05/04/2020 at 07:41
Force close? Excuse my ignorance. Is that just individually closing every app or something more? I am using an iPad. TIA
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 07/05/2020 at 15:36
Hi, Sarah! From your Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see your recently used apps. From there you can swipe to force them to shut down.
melissa
Posted on 04/04/2020 at 23:52
This is great
Kurt Yucelen
Posted on 04/04/2020 at 21:06
This is best it is 100 percent safe and good
Rashad
Posted on 04/04/2020 at 06:50
I want to have privacy on my phone
Jeanne Blackburn
Posted on 03/04/2020 at 18:37
Do I need to do something since I have Cyber Ghost?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 08/05/2020 at 15:45
Hi, Jeanne! Make sure you force close all apps before connecting with our app. We expect Apple to have a fix as quickly as possible.
Antonio Lazaro
Posted on 02/04/2020 at 04:45
Okey
Luis Rodriguez
Posted on 01/04/2020 at 16:08
Ok
Lina
Posted on 30/03/2020 at 21:47
I find it strange that you let me start a subscripction yesterday If you knew this friday?
And also it would have been nice If you told me about this in my e- mail conversations regarding a refund as it didn’t work for me.
What do I have to do to keep my phone / safe at this stage?
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 08/05/2020 at 15:43
Hi, Lina! Our subscriptions can be used on various different operating systems, not just iOS devices. We expect Apple will fix the bug in a timely manner. In the meantime, make sure to force close all apps before connecting to a VPN server.
TERRY BEARDEN
Posted on 30/03/2020 at 01:43
Thanks guys keep up te good work
Robert Morrison
Posted on 29/03/2020 at 23:37
Fake article you don’t need vpn on Apple devices.
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 11/05/2020 at 13:39
Hi, Robert! While some might regard Apple devices as more secure, they don’t natively encrypt internet traffic. A VPN works by hiding your IP address and encrypting your entire internet traffic, offering online anonymity and privacy. It’s a great way to keep your connections away from prying eyes and your data safe.
Lesage pascal
Posted on 29/03/2020 at 11:06
Why is it that I am informed of that once the payment is made I should have been informed before
Don t like that at all
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 08/05/2020 at 15:43
Hi! Our subscriptions can be used on various different operating systems, not just iOS devices. We expect Apple will fix the bug in a timely manner. In the meantime, make sure to force close all apps before connecting to a VPN server.
Melanie Pecht
Posted on 29/03/2020 at 10:29
Please send me the text in German
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 07/05/2020 at 11:40
Hi, Melanie! Unfortunately, there are no definite plans in place to translate the articles into other languages at the moment. For the time being, you can make use of an online translator, like Google Translate.
David Hession
Posted on 29/03/2020 at 05:04
Worked great
Timothy Cook
Posted on 28/03/2020 at 16:46
Is there a suspected underlying reason(s) Apple would not fix this issue regarding VPNs?
MarcoBrigitte
Posted on 28/03/2020 at 15:17
Pouvez-vous m’ Envoyer la traduction en français s’ Vous plaît ? Je ne comprends pas l’anglais
Merci
Adina Ailoaiei
Posted on 07/05/2020 at 11:41
Hi! Unfortunately, there are no definite plans in place to translate the articles into other languages at the moment. For the time being, you can make use of an online translator, like Google Translate.
The agent
Posted on 28/03/2020 at 06:02
Australia 🇦🇺 user here. I have experienced this with every VPN provided. This is a deliberate attempt to kill privacy.
Kathleen
Posted on 31/03/2020 at 09:00
I agree, the timing is not a coincidence
Aidan G Doody
Posted on 28/03/2020 at 02:19
Thank goodness I have an iPhone only running iOS 12.4.6
Rebe
Posted on 09/04/2020 at 23:17
I don’t even want a phone much peaceful without it I might dump the phone and walk away let everyone How made me worry, worry except I have minner child and I don’t run from he will be going with me so figure me out am I crazy or do I keep mess around only time will tell never takes me long to fiX myself