VPN Encryption: What is it and how it helps us (Complete Guide 2024)

The Word VPN Encryption makes you feel hard to understand. But it isn’t in actuality if you know it the right way. Ever wondered how this VPN Encryption works? if you are here to know about all these things, then this guide is for you…

You might aware that a VPN will assign an IP Address and route the internet traffic of the user through a tunnel (Encrypted). VPNs do offer different speeds, features, and protocols. We will discuss everything here right from its importance to VPN providers offering the best encryption in the market right now. Let’s dive in…

⏳Short in time? Here is a quick guide for you:

Encryption is the heart of VPN Technology. While every VPN has its own in creating an encrypted tunnel. But NordVPN offers the best VPN Encryption protocols available in the market at affordable prices. That helps you to unblock all streaming services or websites Allowing them to use six devices simultaneously along with fulfilling their torrenting wish with zero-logging. They are also offering a 30-day money-back guarantee program to taste their service for free.

Why VPN Encryption is important?

In today’s digital world, there is a huge threat to sensitive data. Attackers are spying to get users’ sensitive data through public area Wi-Fi like bus stands, railways, or any other means. They will steal credit card details, bank account details, and a lot more.

Of all these problems, VPN Encryption can make sure that no attackers or ISP can track your trace. But, How does this help?

• Prevent ISP or Government Surveillance (Spying) on your online activities.
• Helps in avoiding ISP bandwidth throttling (reducing your internet speeds).
• Protect you from downloading torrent files (If you do).
• Avoid ads or spam sites to make sure you are browsing in a secure environment.

How does VPN Encryption work?

Encryption is the process of creating a secure tunnel to transmit your data to your destination (without any exploitations). When you run VPN software on your device and connect to the VPN server (your data will get encrypted) before it sends to the server.

Once the data reaches the server, it will get decrypted and serve the request. Then again the data (response) will get encrypted by the server and get decrypted by the VPN client once it reached the software. So only the user can view it.

Types of VPN Encryptions

Encryption is substituting letters, symbols, and numbers in place of data in novice terms. This will ensure that only authorized can access the data. But we need something to do this right? They are called Ciphers (Powerful Algorithm).

These Ciphers need some information (Key) to decrypt the information at another end to understand it. Encryption nowadays refers to Cipher and Key length denoted in “Bits” for a given key.

Here are some of the Ciphers you can find in VPNs.

• Blowfish- Uses 128-bit keys.
• Twofish- Uses 128-bit keys.
• AES- Uses 128, 192, and 256-bit keys.
• 3DES- Uses 52, 112, and 168-bit keys.

The shorter the key means poor security in general. In the current VPN Market “256 bit” is the gold standard which is hard to crack.

Symmetric VPN Encryption

Symmetric Encryption means both Private and Public Keys are identical (Same). Communicating parties (Sender & Receiver) will use the same key to communicate. This type of VPN encryption is used by VPN Services.

Asymmetric VPN Encryption

Asymmetric Encryption uses different keys for encryption and decryption. The software will be used to generate a set of public and private keys. Once the data is encrypted that is sent to the owner of the private key. Though this is more secure once the private key is lost which leads to decryption failure.

One such example is RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) which is the root foundation for internet security. But sadly this has been cracked by NSA. So, most VPNs moved from this RSA to others. If you manage to find some VPN service with RSA then it’s a wonder…

Types of VPN Encryption Protocols

These are a set of rules or instructions that a VPN client relies on to establish a secure connection between server and user. There are various VPN protocols available in the market as the VPN provider adopts some standard ones.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a standard VPN protocol (most secure) with wide configuration settings. An open-source protocol. Researchers are still trying to find vulnerabilities in this protocol. This one uses TLS protocols along with the OpenSSL library to create a secure VPN connection.

This VPN protocol is offered by most secured applications. This encryption consists of two parts (data channel and control channel). Data channels consist of cipher and hash authentication (used to protect the data). The Control channel uses TLS encryption to secure the connection between your device and the VPN server.

OpenVPN works on both UDP & TCP combining this with an HTTP port makes it impossible to distinguish between the VPN and a normal connection. This protocol is recommended by most VPN providers.

IKEv2/IPsec

IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a security protocol (Foundation of VPN connection) to create a secure connection between two parties. This is created by Microsoft and Cisco. Supported by most platform devices.

This IKEv2 uses IPsec tools to provide coverage. This will ensure the client is still connected to a VPN even if you move from one connection to another. So, IKEv2 is a stable protocol for mobile devices.

NSA cracked into 66% of IPsec-connected devices.

L2TP/IPsec

Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is created by Microsoft which will create a secure connection between the VPN server and you. Like other protocols, this one also relies on IPsec protocols to authenticate the traffic before sending.

But this one doesn’t have any smart ways to bypass firewalls. A surveillance system can block VPNs with this protocol to prevent users from hiding their identities. People using this protocol can be targeted easily. This protocol encrypts the data twice making this slower compared to others.

SSTP

SSTP pronounced as Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol is also owned by Microsoft and based on SSL 3.0. This one also supports AES 256 and uses a TCP port offering more features like OpenVPN but this is primarily for windows.

This is not an open-source protocol. Therefore it is impossible to analyze backdoors or vulnerabilities or any weakness in this protocol.

WireGuard

This is protocol is new to the industry offering reliable performance with faster speeds than OpenVPN. This can resolve most wide issues caused by IPsec and OpenVPN like frequent disconnections, Heavy setups (manual configurations).

WireGuard protocol codebase is very minimal compared to all others. Though this is still under development. This will reconnect your VPN connections.

PPTP

Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol will establish a VPN connection over a dial-up connection. This protocol is developed in 1999 by Microsoft. An edge for this protocol is that it doesn’t require any software installation (Quite fast) and is widely compatible with all devices.

While PPTP is proven insecure and easy to break. Data encrypted by this protocol is easy to obstruct (relies on GRE protocol). Avoid using this protocol as much as you can.

Which VPN Protocol To Choose?

OpenVPN will be the ultimate winner among VPN protocols (when it will get handled by thrid-parties). L2TP/IPsec will take the second stand in terms of security (most widely used). If you consider some reasonable one from Microsoft Windows (SSTP) will be an option. IKEv2 will be a quick alternative for all new devices, especially for mobiles. PPTP should be considered as your last choice (if you are left with nothing).

Best VPNs with Tough VPN Encryptions

1. NordVPN: Best-in-Class VPN Encryption

You can choose from 5500+ servers widely spread on earth across different locations. Military-grade encryption with no DNS/IPv6 leaks protecting you from your ISP or any government surveillance. NordVPN is compatible with all platforms including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS so you will get complete support.

Use Onion over VPN feature for complete anonymity. NordLynx will double your streaming speeds. You can simultaneously use NordVPN on 6 device connections per subscription.

Even a beginner can use this VPN service effectively. This VPN is available at a competitive price. NordVPN is also a good choice for unblocking the geo-blocked content in different platforms such as Jurassic Park on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and other streaming Apps.

Also, they are offering 30 days of the money-back guarantee program. So you can try this without any risk. So, if you don’t like the app, you can get your full refund within 5 days. And if you need a VPN for 1-2 weeks, you can try NordVPN for free using its money-back program.

2. ExpressVPN:- Decent VPN Encryption

ExpressVPN takes the second stand among VPN services in the market. High VPN encryption on ExpressVPN leads to a noticeable speed drop. But a great choice for security lovers. Since this is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has no data retention laws. The company truly does not keep any of its user data.

ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN, Ikev2, and L2Tp-IPSec protocols, which are known as the most reliable security protocols. This VPN has 3000+ servers across 94 countries offering decent internet speeds. ExpressVPN can unblock movies on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.

With its Android App, you can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously. Though their prices are a little higher.

They manage to offer a 30-day risk-free money-back program and 24/7 live chat support for all of your problems. If you want then there is a hidden page for low-price subscriptions.

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