How To Block VPN If im Using Parrelells on MAC – CroxyProxy

Parallels Desktop for Mac is a virtualization software that lets you run Windows, Linux and other operating systems along with macOS. This is super useful but some users may be concerned about security or privacy and want to block VPN in the VM. Blocking VPNs in a VM is a great tool for network admins, businesses and users who need to have strict control over internet access.

If you’re running Parallels on your Mac and want to block a VPN, read on for the steps.

Why Block VPNs in Parallels?

Blocking VPNs is useful in:

• Security and Compliance: In some organizations, organizations need to monitor VPNs. This is to block unauthorized access.
• Control Network: A business or a school needs to restrict internet use within a private network.
• Prevent Privacy Evasion: If you don’t want your users to evade geo-blocks or hide their traffic behind a VPN, then you should block VPNs.

How to Block VPN in Parallels on Mac

There are two ways to block VPN when you run Parallels on macOS:

1. Block VPNs using Network Settings in Parallels

1. First is to change the network settings in Parallels so all VPNs are blocked.
2. Open Parallels Desktop and start your virtual machine (VM).
3. VM Configuration: At the top right of the Parallels window, click on the Actions menu and select Configure.
4. Network Adapter: In the Hardware tab, scroll down and find the Network Adapter. You might have more than one option here depending on your VM’s configuration.
5. Bridged Network or Host-Only Network: Limit VM’s access to the host network by selecting Host-Only Network. This will isolate your virtual machine from the external network so all VPNs will not be routed outside of your Mac.
6. If your VM is using Bridged Network, it will behave like another device on the same network as your Mac and this can allow VPNs. Switching to Host-Only Network will limit this.
7. Apply: Click OK to save and restart the VM.

Host-Only Network will prevent a VM from reaching the internet. This will prevent the VPN connection. But it will also limit your VM’s internet access. If internet access is required, you can combine with other methods below.

2. Use a Firewall to Block VPN Connections

The second way to block VPN in Parallels on your Mac is through the built-in firewall on macOS or within the VM’s operating system.

Block VPN on macOS Firewall:

1. Open your Mac System Preferences.
2. Click Security & Privacy, then navigate to the Firewall tab.
3. If the firewall is disabled, click Turn On Firewall to turn it on.
4. Advanced Settings: Click on Firewall Options and add rules to block any traffic the Parallels VM or specific VPN protocol sends.
5. Block VPN apps or services from setting up a VPN connection from inside the VM.

Block VPN in Windows VM through Firewall:

1. Windows Firewall: To open Windows Firewall from your Windows VM, just search for Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Advanced Settings: Click on Advanced settings. This opens up the Windows Firewall with Advanced Security.
3. Inbound and Outbound Rules: Add a rule to block incoming and outgoing traffic from VPN applications such as OpenVPN, IPSec or PPTP.
4. Block Outbound Rules, add a rule to block the VPN client traffic and its protocols from the virtual machine.

The above will block VPN traffic coming from the virtual machine; it will block it not only from an already setup level of macOS but also from the OS inside the virtual machine.

3. Block vpn software installation in the VM

VPNs can also be blocked by not allowing the installation or running of VPN software in the virtual machine.

Admin Privileges: In the OS of a virtual machine, admin privileges must not be assigned to normal users. Limited user rights ensure that users do not download unauthorized software that includes a VPN client.

Group Policy (Windows VM): When running on a Windows VM, you should employ Group Policy to control the VPN client installation. You can do it as follows:

• Windows + R keys>type gpedit.msc hit Enter
• User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Network > Network Connections.
• Prohibit installation and configuration of VPN/Enabled.
• App Installations: App installations can be restricted from the macOS end. You may control it on the macOS or other third-party apps to not let the applications be installed.
• If the installation of the VPN software is blocked, the user cannot circumvent your control measures.

4. Block VPN Port Access

Most VPNs use fixed ports on their connections. Some, such as OpenVPN, use port 1194 on UDP. You can therefore deny access to those ports and VPNs will be broken in your VM environment.

• macOS Firewall or Router : You can also configure your Mac or router firewall to block VPN ports.
• Block VPN Ports Inside the VM: If you have a Windows VM, you can block VPN ports in Windows Firewall.

This block method does not actually block the VPN app. It blocks it from connecting because of the port restrictions imposed.

5. Block VPN using DNS Filtering

They use special DNS servers for routing their traffic. You can block those DNS servers from the virtual machine and your network by enabling the DNS filtering.

• Change DNS: Set the network settings on your VM to have DNS servers be something that does not support VPN routing, like OpenDNS or Cloudflare.
• DNS Filtering: Set up your router or macOS to block known VPN server addresses.

Conclusion

Blocking VPN in Parallels on Mac is a must. Controlling access to restricted content keeps compliance inside the virtual environment. There are many ways of blocking VPN traffic from bypassing your restrictions. You can change network settings, firewalls, block a port, or DNS filtering. You can also block VPN installation.