Critical Security Warning: PPTP is Obsolete
PPTP is a severely compromised protocol that should NOT be used for any sensitive data. It has been broken since 2012 and can be cracked in under a day. We strongly recommend using OpenVPN or WireGuard instead.
Why PPTP Should Not Be Used
PPTP Security Vulnerabilities
- Broken Encryption: MS-CHAPv2 authentication is fundamentally broken
- NSA Compromised: Confirmed to be actively exploited by intelligence agencies
- Easy to Crack: Can be broken with cloud computing in less than 24 hours
- No Forward Secrecy: Past communications can be decrypted if key is compromised
- Weak Key Exchange: Uses outdated DES encryption
Use These Secure Alternatives:
- WireGuard: Modern, fast, secure (recommended)
- OpenVPN: Proven, highly configurable, secure
- IKEv2: Good for mobile, built into Ubuntu
Limited Use Cases for PPTP
Only use PPTP if ALL of these conditions apply:
- You need basic geo-unblocking only (no sensitive data)
- Other protocols are blocked on your network
- Security is NOT a concern
- You understand and accept the risks
Prerequisites
System Requirements:
- Ubuntu 20.04 or newer
- PPTP plugin for Network Manager
- TorGuard VPN account
Install required package:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install network-manager-pptp network-manager-pptp-gnome
Step 1: Open Network Settings
Access VPN Configuration
Click the network icon in your system tray and select Settings.
Step 2: Add VPN Connection
Create New VPN
In the VPN section, click the + button to add a new connection.
Step 3: Select PPTP Protocol
Choose Connection Type
Select Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP).
Last warning: Consider OpenVPN or WireGuard for secure connections!
Step 4: Configure Connection
Enter Connection Details
| Name: | TorGuard PPTP (or custom name) |
| Gateway: | Server IP or hostname from network page |
| Username: | Your VPN username |
| Password: | Your VPN password (click ? to save) |
After entering details, click Advanced...
Step 5: Enable Encryption
Configure MPPE
- In Advanced settings, check "Use Point-to-Point encryption (MPPE)"
- This enables basic encryption (still weak, but better than none)
- Click OK to save
Step 6: Save Configuration
Add VPN Profile
Click Add in the top-right corner to save your VPN profile.
Step 7: Connect to VPN
Establish Connection
Toggle the switch next to your PPTP profile to connect.
Step 8: Verify Connection
Check Connection Status
When connected, you'll see the VPN icon in the menu bar.
Verify your IP at TorGuard IP Check
Troubleshooting
Connection Failed
- Verify server address is correct
- Check username/password
- Try different server location
- Check if PPTP (port 1723) is blocked
- Disable firewall temporarily for testing
PPTP Blocked
Many networks block PPTP. If connection fails:
- Switch to OpenVPN TCP 443 (recommended)
- Use WireGuard on alternative port
- Try TorGuard's Stealth VPN
GRE Protocol Issues
- PPTP requires GRE protocol (47)
- Some routers/firewalls block GRE
- Enable GRE passthrough if available
- Use alternative protocol if GRE blocked
Security Recommendations
Protect Yourself
If you must use PPTP:
- Never transmit sensitive data (passwords, banking, personal info)
- Use HTTPS websites exclusively
- Enable firewall on your system
- Disconnect when not actively needed
- Monitor for suspicious activity
- Upgrade to secure protocol ASAP
Migration to Secure Protocols
Upgrade Your Security
Ready to switch to a secure protocol? Here are your options: