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    Always On VPN
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      Always On VPN

      • 2 Minutes to read
        Article Summary

        What is Always On VPN?

        Always On VPN is a security feature that ensures a VPN connection is used to access the internet. If the VPN connection drops, the device is automatically restricted from internet access until a VPN connection is restored.

        Always On VPN is a must for securing remote workers and those employees that travel frequently and connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. The feature prevents any potential leaks and makes sure company ⁠— and personal ⁠— resources are kept safe and secure.

        To better understand how Always On VPN works, we invite you to watch this explainer video:

        Who can enable Always On VPN?

        Both organization admins and members can enable Always On VPN.

        Here is how Organization Admins can deploy Always On VPN:

        1. Go to Control Panel → Settings → Security configurations.
        2. Switch the toggle next to Always On VPN.

        Admin - Always on VPN.webp

        Important note:
        • Upon enabling Always On VPN - the Auto-Connect feature will be automatically activated.
        • If the owner enables Always On VPN in the Control Panel – users will not be able to toggle this feature off through the application settings.
        • The VPN connection will remain active at all times, regardless of whether the network is configured as trusted or untrusted.
        • Always On VPN is currently supported only on Linux, Windows and macOS (downloaded directly from our website) applications.

        To configure Windows client for Always On VPN:

        1. Go to the NordLayer app → Settings → General.
        2. Tick the box next to Always On VPN.

        Windows - Admin Always on VPN.wepb

        To configure macOS client for Always On VPN:

        1. Go to the NordLayer app → Preferences → General.
        2. Tick the box next to Always On VPN.

        Mac - Always on VPN.webp

        To configure Linux client for Always On VPN:

        1. Open Terminal and run these commands:
        $ nordlayer settings set

Select setting to change: 
1: VPN Protocol
2: Auto-connect
3: Always connect to
4: ThreatBlock
5: Always On

Select [number]: 5

Available values for Always On
1: Disabled
2: Enabled

Select [number]: 2

        How to get temporary internet access?

        Members might need temporary internet access to log in to the NordLayer app, handle captive portals when connecting to Wi-Fi in places like hotels and airports, and troubleshoot.

        To get temporary internet access on macOS and Windows – click on the “Get internet access” button when logging in to the NordLayer application.

        • If you are already logged in to the application – “Get internet access” access button can be found at the bottom of the gateways section.

        To get temporary internet access on Linux, use the following command:

        $ nordlayer alwaysonvpn
Available commands: 
1: Enable Temporary Internet Access

Select [number]: 1

$ nordlayer status
Login: Not logged in
VPN: Disconnected
Current network: wired connection

Temporary internet access active.

Internet connection left: 00:02:56

        Note: In case you have any questions or are experiencing any issues, please feel free to contact our 24/7 customer support team.

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