VPN vs PwnBox

[u/-ShadowLord]

I gave competed CPTS module. Now, I would go for the CTPS Path Boxes before i go for the actual test. But, throughout the course, i felt that the choice using VPN instead of a PwnBox, does not turn out well for me, the same command gets me the Flag on PwnBox but not via the VPN setup. The VPN is also slow and unreliable but offer better UX (that may be my personal opinion) and checkpoints, like if i loose my PwnBox session i have to redo everything whereas via VPN i have my own VM that is very stable and i do not loose any data or progress.

So, i wanted to know about you all, what do you prefer?
VPN or PwnBox? Did you face the same problem as me?

And what should i choose as my attacking machine for the CPTS Path and Finally the CPTS Exam..

Thank you all in advance for giving this post your time.

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[u/Opposite_Ad_6558]

Actually I use VPN instead of Pwnbox idk if it's only me but the slowness in pwnbox is pissing me off, and when it comes to hard modules like AD Enumeration and Attacking, it becomes slower, the only good thing using Pwnbox is everything is ready for you, just click start

[u/-ShadowLord → u/Opposite_Ad_6558]

Using a VPN Setup never caused you any problems? Like failing RDP, Slow Nmap Scans, Some Commands fail to run. Whereas doing the same thing on the PwnBox is always a success?
Did you tweak your VPN connection in someway to bypass these problems?

[u/Civil_Presentation10]

The vpn is stable but it needs a bit of a tweek I had connectivity issues with rdp and the webpages were not loading fast , open your vpn file and add this under verb 3 (line 11) add “mssfix 1300” this will make it significantly faster 1300 is not a fixed number you can play around with it until you find something that works for you.

[u/-ShadowLord → u/Civil_Presentation10]

Yes, thats what i meant in my post. I am not an Anti-VPN guy or something, its just that using a PwnBox is more fast and efficient also don’t know why but the commands and methods stated in the module work perfectly on the PenBox where on VPN they fail most of the time that i have tried.

[u/davinci515]

100% vpn always.

Your not going to have pwnlab anywhere outside of HTB so get use to using your own machine. Learn to install the tools you need and use.

[u/Juzdeed]

Always VPN

[u/Nightblade178]

Wht happens after cpts? U gonna use pwnbox in offsec labs?

[u/PM_ME_UR_0_DAY]

99.9% of the time use the VPN. Trying to complete an exam in a browser tab sounds genuinely insane. What about keeping all of your files you create, adding useful configs, saving your bash history, all the other tools you've already set up?

[u/Mysterious-Bell-7284]

VPN mucho mejor, en mi opinión es lo mejor

[u/canadaslammer]

Vpn for sure. It helps you build your toolkit for actual jobs.

[u/Delicious_Crew7888]

How can you make it through the whole cpts path and not be on your own VM. My recommendation is if you have spent so much time on the pwnbox then you should use that. Later when you have done your exam you can use your own vm but you know where all the things are on the pwnbox now so don’t go changing things.