Remote-access Guide

pfsense remote access via openvpn

by Dr. Braeden Champlin PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The OpenVPN wizard on pfSense® software is a convenient way to setup a remote access VPN for mobile clients. The wizard configures all of the necessary prerequisites for an OpenVPN remote access server: An authentication source (Local, RADIUS server, or LDAP server) A certificate authority (CA)Jun 21, 2022

Full Answer

How to set up OpenVPN on router?

Setting up an OpenVPN router

  • If you have a DD-WRT router, you can install the VPN software on it. You should bear in mind that certain VPNs are incompatible with DD-WRT firmware. ...
  • We will remain a bit vague on this, as the setup can vary according to the exact model of the router you have. ...
  • Once you set up DD-WRT. ...
  • Click on the Control Panel. ...

How to setup a proxy server using pfSense?

PFsense - Outbound Proxy Configuration

  • Pfsense 2.4.4-p3 PFSense - Outbound Proxy Configuration Open a browser software, enter the IP address of your Pfsense firewall and access web interface. ...
  • Username: admin
  • Password: pfsense After a successful login, you will be sent to the Pfsense Dashboard. ...
  • Proxy URL - The IP address of the Proxy server.

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How to install and configure OpenVPN on Windows 10?

  • Click Network > VPN .
  • Activate the desired VPN.
  • To download the configuration file, click Download in the Acces section.
  • Save the zip file. ...
  • Extract the zip file to the desired folder.
  • Open the folder you extracted the configuration files into.

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Can I install pfSense on a Linux server?

PfSense can be installed on a dedicated hardware or VM just like any other OS. If you want to protect a Linux Sever behind firewall (PfSense in this case), I suggest you to install PfSense on a dedicated hardware or VM that will be placed in line with Linux server, thereby forcing all traffic to go through this firewall.

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How use pfSense with OpenVPN?

Step 1 - Creating a NO-IP Account. ... Step 2 - Setting up DynDNS in pfSense. ... Step 3 - Installing the Client Export Package. ... Step 4 - Configure OpenVPN on pfSense using the OpenVPN Wizard. ... Step 5 - Creating a VPN User. ... Step 6 - pfSense OpenVPN Client Export. ... Step 7 - Installing OpenVPN on Windows and Connecting.

How do I access my pfSense remotely?

To enable the service, log into the web interface of the pfSense router.Access the advanced settings page in the system menu.Check the box labeled 'Enable Secure Shell'Change the default port by entering a new port number in the 'SSH Port' box.More items...•

How do I use OpenVPN for remote access?

How to Add Remote Users On OpenVPN CloudCreate an OpenVPN Cloud account.Add a new Network in the OpenVPN Cloud Administration portal.Install the connector software from this network on a computer in the business network (shown above)Connect the connector to the business's private OpenVPN Cloud network.More items...

Is pfSense OpenVPN free?

Secure Remote Network Access Using OpenVPN VPNs provide strong security by encrypting all of the traffic sent between the network and the remote client. Since pfSense is open source and available for free this project won't cost you anything to complete.

How do I remotely access pfSense SSH?

Enable SSH via GUINavigate to System > Advanced, Admin Access tab.Check Enable Secure Shell.Set SSHd Key Only to Public Key Only to allow only key-based SSH authentication.Enter a port number in SSH Port if the SSH daemon should listen on a non-default port. Leave the field blank for the daemon to use port 22.Click Save.

Can you SSH into pfSense?

PFSense - Allow SSH external connections By default, the PFsense firewall does not allow external SSH connections to the WAN interface. In our example we are going to create a firewall rule to allow the SSH communication. Access the Pfsense Firewall menu and select the Rules option.

Can I use OpenVPN for RDP?

With OpenVPN Cloud, you can securely access the RDP computer without making your private network a part of the VPN. All you have to do is configure and connect the RDP computer to OpenVPN Cloud as a host.

Which VPN is best for remote access?

Quick Overview – The Best Remote Access VPN in 2022ExpressVPN – Offers Static IP for Remote Working. Offers 3000+ servers in 94 countries. ... Surfshark – Affordable Remote VPN for SMBs. ... NordVPN – Secure VPN for Working from home. ... PIA – Easy-to-use Remote Access VPN. ... CyberGhost – Compact Remote VPN.

How do I access my VPN from outside network?

Configure Remote Access as a VPN ServerOn the VPN server, in Server Manager, select the Notifications flag.In the Tasks menu, select Open the Getting Started Wizard. ... Select Deploy VPN only. ... Right-click the VPN server, then select Configure and Enable Routing and Remote Access.More items...•

Is WireGuard better than OpenVPN?

WireGuard offers a more reliable connection for mobile users than OpenVPN because it handles network changes better. OpenVPN adds a data overhead of up to 20%, whereas WireGuard uses just 4% more data (compared with not using a VPN). VPN services need to include mitigations to ensure user privacy when using WireGuard.

Which is better OpenVPN or PPTP?

Conclusion. PPTP has faster speeds and is easier to set up but offers a poorly secured connection. On the other hand, OpenVPN provides decent speeds and excellent security, plus it's great at circumventing geo-blocks and firewalls undetected.

Does pfSense have a VPN?

pfSense® software offers several VPN options: IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard and L2TP. This section provides an overview of VPN usage, the pros and cons of each type of VPN, and how to decide which is the best fit for a particular environment.

How do I access pfSense console?

PFSense - Enable Console Login Open a browser software, enter the IP address of your Pfsense firewall and access web interface. The Pfsense web interface should be presented. On the prompt screen, enter the Pfsense Default Password login information. After a successful login, you will be sent to the Pfsense Dashboard.

Does pfSense have an API?

5 days agopfSense API is a fast, safe, REST API package for pfSense firewalls. This works by leveraging the same PHP functions and processes used by pfSense's webConfigurator into API endpoints to create, read, update and delete pfSense configurations.

Does pfSense support VPN?

pfSense® software offers several VPN options: IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard and L2TP. This section provides an overview of VPN usage, the pros and cons of each type of VPN, and how to decide which is the best fit for a particular environment.

What is the default login for pfSense?

The default credentials for a pfSense® software installation are: Username. admin.

How to create a new certificate in PfSense?

If there is an existing Certificate defined on the pfSense firewall, it may be chosen from the list. To create a new Certificate, choose Add new Certificate. If no Certificates are defined, this step is skipped.

What is OpenVPN wizard?

The OpenVPN wizard is a convenient way to setup a remote access VPN for mobile clients. It configures all of the necessary prerequisites for an OpenVPN Remote Access Server:

What is the IP subnet in OpenVPN?

An IP subnet must be chosen for use by the OpenVPN clients themselves. This is the subnet filled in under Tunnel Network in the server configuration. Connected clients will receive an IP address within this subnet, and the server end of the connection also receives an IP address used by the client as its gateway for networks on the server side.

What is the backend type of OpenVPN?

The choices available for Authentication Backend Type are Local User Access, LDAP, and RADIUS.

What port is used for authentication?

Port used by the RADIUS server for accepting Authentication requests, typically 1812.

Does VPN allow traffic?

As with other parts of the firewall, by default all traffic is blocked from connecting to VPNs or passing over VPN tunnels. This step of the wizard adds firewall rules automatically to allow traffic to connect to the VPN and also so connected clients can pass traffic over the VPN.

How to provide secure access to OpenVPN?

To provide secure access through OpenVPN we need to provision a Certificate Authority (CA) and generate a suitable certificate. The CA issues and validates the certificates that will secure the VPN.

How to install OpenVPN client export?

Navigate to System > Packages > Available packages and click Install next to the OpenVPN-client-export to install the utility.

How to remotely access a SOHO?

One solution to access these remotely is to open a number of firewall ports. An alternative and more secure method used is to open a single port and enable access through an OpenVPN connection. This guide will build upon the pfSense baseline guide and illustrate how to configure pfSense and an iOS device to enable secure remote access.

What port is OpenVPN on?

This section will configure a secure OpenVPN server running on port 443 rather than the default OpenVPN port of 1194. This reduces the likelihood of a remote network preventing access to your local infrastructure because port 1194 is not permitted or open.

What is NAT in VPN?

NAT is needed to convert private local IP addresses ( 192.168.200.0/24) to the global address space for broadcast on the internet. This section will illustrate how to configure this for our VPN_WAN gateway (or gateways if you have already followed my multiple-VPN failover guide).

How did Snowden try to enable surveillance?

Snowden documents suggested that the NSA actively tried to enable surveillance by embedding weaknesses in commercially-deployed technology including at least one NIST standard.

Does PFSense use a static IP address?

Most non-business internet connections provide service through a dynamic IP address as opposed to a static one. To enable remote devices to locate and access our network we can use a dynamic DNS service that can keep a DNS record updated with our networks current local WAN address. PFsense has such a service that supports a wide variety of DNS services. This guide will use Amazon’s Route 53 but the same principles apply to the other services although the authorisation settings may vary slightly.

What is OpenVPN Connect?

The OpenVPN connect application provides OpenVPN functionality for a number of platforms. Install this on your device to provide the means to process .ovpn files.

What port is OpenVPN on?

We will now open a port on our firewall to allow access to the OpenVPN server which is running on port 443.

What is the default port for OpenVPN?

Now we’ll create the OpenVPN server which remote devices will connect to. We will change from the default port of 1194 to 443 as this port is often closed on remote networks.

What is NAT in VPN?

NAT is needed to convert your inbound devices private local IP address (192.168.200.0/24) to the global registered address space. We’ll set this up for our multiple VPN_WAN gateways, if you are only using a single VPN gateway, you’ll only need one of these three rules.

Can you create an interface based on OpenVPN?

We can now create an interface based on the OpenVPN server we just created.

Do you need a revocation list for remote access?

You’ll need a revocation list for if/when you need to expire any certificates you create. Although this isnt required to get our remote access working, its trivial to create so we may as well.

Can OpenVPN accept multiple certificates?

We will now create a client certificate for an iOS device. Although you can set OpenVPN up to accept the same certificate from multiple clients its a less secure solution and not my preferred option. This option allows you to specify a certificate per user or client and provides the ability to expire a single certificate to revoke access at any time.

How does VPN work?

How it works. The goal is to offer a VPN solution for travelling or teleworking users allowing them to have secure access to the company’s LAN. These users can use a computer or a smartphone to connect. In all cases, they will use an OpenVPN client.

How to add a group to OpenVPN?

Go on “Groups” tab, then click on the “+ Add” button at the bottom right. Give the name you want to the group. In our case we choose “OpenVPN-users”. Then click on the “Save” button. Once done, come back on the “Users” tab, then click on the “+ Add” button. The fields to be filled in are the following:

What is the default port for a local port?

Local port: we keep the default value (1194).

Is OpenVPN compatible with Mac?

OpenVPN = the perfect solution for home-office users. OpenVPN is easy to implement and is compatible with all types of platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, …) This article does not cover site-to-site mode configuration of OpenVPN (shared key or X.509).

What is pfSense package?

pfSense provides a package called openvpn-client-export which creates preconfigured OpenVPN profiles for you to download containing all the VPN settings and the user certificate if one is used. For Windows users it also allows you to download an OpenVPN client installer which will automatically install the OpenVPN client application and configure it with the VPN settings. This step is optional as you could configure the client settings manually but in most cases, doing it will simplify deployment.

How to export OpenVPN client?

The easiest way to configure client settings is to use the openvpn-client-export package we installed earlier. Go to VPN > OpenVPN > Client Export. At the bottom of this there is a section called OpenVPN Clients. In this section you will see a list of available users whose configuration we can export.

What port does OpenVPN use?

The other setting you may wish to change is the listening port. By default OpenVPN listens on port 1194 in either UDP or TCP mode. You can change the port if you wish, either based on personal preference or if you are on a network which blocks VPN traffic or outbound ports.

What branch of OpenVPN is used for Windows 7?

For Windows 7, 8 or 10 and their corresponding server versions you will want to use the 2.4.8 branch of OpenVPN client. For Windows XP or Vista (shown as win6 in this interface) you will need the older 2.3.18 branch (also, upgrade your PC). Download the installer you want and transfer it to the target PC. Download the correct installer and copy it to your target PC. The installer behaves like any standard Windows installer, just run it, click the “install” button and follow the prompts.

How to create a user in OpenVPN?

To do this we will need to create a user. Go to System > User Manager and add a user. You will need to configure a username and password as per the picture below. The other settings can be left as default although if you are only planning to grant the user temporary access you may want to set the account to expire automatically when access is due to be revoked.

How to install OpenVPN client export?

From the pfSense dashboard go to System > Package Manager > Available Packages and search for the openvpn-client-export package. Click the Install button to install it.

How to create a certificate for OpenVPN?

From the pfSense dashboard, go to System > Cert. Manager > CAs and click Add to create a new CA. Enter a descriptive name to help you identify what the CA is called and a common name which will appear on the certificates. The rest of the settings can be adjusted if required but the defaults should provide a reasonable balance between security and performance for most use cases. By default the CA lifetime is set to 3650 days (10 years) which is reasonable for a CA but can be adjusted if desired. If you wish you can also include location and organisation data but this is entirely optional.

How to import OpenVPN configuration file?

The OpenVPN Connect Client on Windows allows you to import an OpenVPN configuration file from the local disk. Save the file on your system. Click the + symbol to the right of Connection Profiles. Select Local File and click on the Import button. Find the profile you wish to import in the file browser window and click Open. A box with the name of the new profile should appear under Connection Profiles now. Click on that box and enter the username, admin, and password to connect to the VPN.

How to import OpenVPN profile to SD card?

The Android version of the OpenVPN Connect App allows you to import an OpenVPN profile from an SD card. Save the configuration file to the SD card. Launch the OpenVPN Connect App. From the menu, select Import, then Import Profile from SD card.

What is OpenVPN VPN?

An OpenVPN VPN for remote users is automatically configured the first time the instance is booted. In order to use it, you will need an OpenVPN client app installed on your device and you will need to import a configuration that specifies how to connect to the instance.

What is pfSense firewall?

pfSense (i.e., “making sense of packet filtering”) is a customized version of FreeBSD tailored specifically for use as a perimeter firewall and router, and can be managed entirely from a web-based or command line interface. In addition to being a firewall and routing platform, pfSense includes a long list of other features, as well as a package system allowing its capabilities to be expanded even further. pfSense is free, open source software distributed under the BSD license.

How to password protect OpenVPN?

To further protect OpenVPN access, you may wish to password-protect the client’s private key. To do this we’ll need use the build-key-pass.bat batch file. When used you’ll be prompted to to enter a password that will be used in conjunction with generating the private key. Now, anyone (including you) wishing to use this key when starting the OpenVPN connection will need to enter the correct password.

What is OpenVPN software?

OpenVPN is a lightweight VPN software application supporting both remote access and site-to-site VPN configurations. It uses SSL/TLS security for encryption and is capable of traversing network address translation devices and firewalls. The OpenVPN community edition is free, open source software and portable to most major operating systems, including Linux, Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Mac OS X, and Solaris. It is distributed under the GPL license version 2.

Does PfSense have OpenVPN?

OpenVPN comes pre-installed in pfSense so we’ll begin by installing OpenVPN on Windows and Linux, then use it to generate the necessary client and server keys and certificates. OpenVPN provides a set of batch files/scripts based on OpenSSL collectively called “easy-rsa” that will make the task of generating these certificates and keys much easier. To help explain the steps involved, we’ll generate the following certificates and keys:

Is OpenVPN free?

The OpenVPN community edition is free, open source software and portable to most major operating systems, including Linux, Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7, OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Mac OS X, and Solaris. It is distributed under the GPL license version 2. The versions for the software used in this post were as follows:

Can I use a RSA key for OpenVPN?

That’s it for installing OpenVPN and building your X.509 PKI in Windows. If you plan to use the pre-shared private key authentication method, you need only to generate a single RSA key that will be used in both the OpenVPN server and client (s). In this example, we’ll use “static-bob” as the key file name and place it in the same folder our other certificates and keys are located:

Is OpenVPN available for Windows?

OpenVPN for Windows is available from OpenVPN community downloads. During the install, accept the existing default options, and ensure that “EasyRSA 2 Certificate Management Scripts” is selected. The “Advance” section provides some usability options which you can select/deselect based on your preferences. Once installed, OpenVPN will associate itself with files having the .ovpn extension.

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