What happens if a VPN connection drops ?

The Kill Switch is a smart feature of CyberGhost applications for Windows, macOS and iOS, and Android. Basically, it cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, protecting your personal data and location from unexpected exposure.

When establishing a VPN connection to the CyberGhost network :

1. All in- and outgoing connections are being blocked by CyberGhost, so all Internet activities such as downloads, Skype, etc. are interrupted. This goes for all IPs, all ports, and all programs/apps. 
2. The IP of the login system will be excluded, so the client can communicate with the system and locate a VPN server.
3. The IP of the respective VPN server will be excluded, so the client can establish a connection to the VPN server.
4. The IPs of Domain Name Servers will be excluded, so names can be translated to address numbers.
5. The IPs of websites, which are part of the client's exception list, will be excluded. 
6. The connection will be established.
7. After establishing the VPN connection, all blockages will be reversed.

When the VPN connection gets interrupted :

1. All in- and outgoing connections will be blocked by CyberGhost.
2. The IP of the login system will be excluded, so the client can communicate with the system and locate a VPN server.
3. The reconnect dialog will be shown, so the user can either open all connections or start a new connection attempt. 

If an error occurs while trying to connect (e. g. if the Internet connection had been inactive for more than the 30 seconds, the reconnect usually takes), any connections will be blocked, until the dialog gets confirmed. 

When closing a VPN connection:

If a VPN connection gets closed by the user, CyberGhost immediately ends the control of all in- and outgoing Internet connections.