OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a widely-used VPN service that enables secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It uses SSL/TLS for encryption, ensuring data privacy and integrity. OpenVPN is highly configurable and can traverse network address translators (NATs) and firewalls.

What is OpenVPN

OpenVPN is an open-source VPN solution that provides secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It uses SSL/TLS for key exchange, ensuring that data transmitted over the network is encrypted and secure. OpenVPN is highly flexible and can be configured to run on any port, making it capable of bypassing firewalls and network address translators (NATs).

Developed by James Yonan and released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), OpenVPN has become one of the most popular VPN solutions due to its robustness and flexibility. It supports a wide range of authentication methods, including pre-shared keys, certificates, and username/password combinations, making it suitable for various use cases.

OpenVPN can be used to create secure connections for remote access, site-to-site VPNs, and even as a component in more complex network security architectures. Its ability to run on any port and use both UDP and TCP protocols makes it a versatile tool for network administrators. Additionally, OpenVPN's support for dynamic IP addresses and NAT traversal further enhances its usability in diverse network environments.

OpenVPN runs on TCP and UDP port 1194 and is official IANA port.

Security risk

If port 1194 is open and the OpenVPN service is running, it could be a target for unauthorized access attempts. Ensuring strong authentication methods and regular updates to the OpenVPN software can mitigate these risks. Additionally, monitoring and logging access attempts can help in identifying and responding to potential security threats.

In our UFW tutorial you can follow instructions how you can configure UFW to close port 1194. Use StackChanges to monitor if the OpenVPN port is closed and stays closed. StackChanges will send an alert if port 1194 is open again.