If you're considering using a VPN, then good for you. It shows you're at least thinking about taking today's myriad of online security threats more seriously. 27% of all adults online used a VPN in 2014, and no one expects that number to go anywhere but up. This explains the explosion of VPN service providers in the last couple of years. But not all VPNs provide the same level of security. One reason is their choice of VPN protocols. That's why it's critical for you to know and understand which protocols your VPN is using.
What Are VPN Protocols?
VPN protocols are a form of communications protocols. Protocols define the way devices connect and transmit data to each other. The protocols your VPN is using set the rules that govern how you're linked to the their network, and how data passes back and forth between you and your VPN. The reason VPN protocols are critical is because they also define how secure your connection is, and the method and security of the encryption that's used on your data. What good is a VPN if both your connection and data encryption are easily cracked? It kind of defeats the whole purpose of having one in the first place.
Critical Info About Common VPN Protocols
To help you better understand protocols, below is list of the common ones used in VPN:
• Point-to-point tunneling protocol (PPTP) – This is an old VPN protocol that's been around since the release of Windows 95. That was 20 years ago, which means PPTP is an ancient dinosaur. PPTP is easy to use (it's built into Windows and other common operating systems), but is considered a compromised technology because of its known security issues. If you're serious about security, don't use any VPN that only offers PPTP.
• Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol with IPsec encryption (L2TP/IPsec) – L2TP/IPsec is actually two protocols used together. The first one, L2TP, creates the VPN connection, and IPsec encrypts the data. L2TP/IPsec is slower than other VPN protocols because of this two-step process. Like PPTP, L2TP/IPsec is easy to implement, but has the drawback of being easy to block with a firewall. That's because L2TP/IPsec only runs on one specific port number. Blocking that port with a firewall setting disables L2TP/IPsec. There's also concerns that L2TP/IPsec has been hacked by the United States National Security Agency (NSA). But, since no one knows for sure, L2TP/IPsec is theoretically secure. It's certainly preferable to PPTP.
• OpenVPN – Like L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN uses a combination of protocols to provide a secure connection. It's fairly new technology, and is considered by many security specialists to be the most secure VPN protocol available at this time. One of the reasons is because it offers 256-bit encryption, which lets VPN services like Secure VPN protect your data with the same encryption strength used by the United States military. Another plus with OpenVPN is that it can be run on any port number, allowing it to more easily bypass government firewalls. Its port number flexibility also means OpenVPN traffic can be hidden on common Internet traffic ports. This makes it difficult to distinguish OpenVPN network packets from other common packets running on the same port.
Which protocols your VPN uses is a dry, boring subject that doesn't really interest anybody except computer geeks and security specialists – nor should it. But, it's critical that you at least understand thebasics so you can avoid VPN services that use weak protocols. Slow and/or compromised protocols aren't worth using for free, much less paying for a service that uses them. That's why Secure VPN only uses OpenVPN, because it's currently the most secure VPN protocol in existence.
FAQs
VPN protocols are important because they define the rules for how data is transmitted between your device and a virtual private network (VPN) server.
Does VPN protocol matter? ›
Choosing the right protocol is crucial as it directly impacts factors like speed, security, and compatibility. The ideal VPN protocol strikes a balance between speed and security, aligning with your specific online activities and needs.
Which protocol is used in VPN? ›
L2TP/IPsec is a virtual private network (VPN) protocol that is a combination of two protocols—layer 2 tunneling protocol (L2TP) and internet protocol security (IPsec). L2TP uses a tunneling protocol to create virtual networks to create a secure path for data transmission.
How effective are different VPN protocols in ensuring data security? ›
There are several VPN protocols, each with advantages and disadvantages: WireGuard: Fast speeds without compromising on security. OpenVPN: Best-in-class security, but slower speeds. IKEv2/IPSec: Great for switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data networks.
Why are so many protocols and steps required to establish and maintain a secure VPN connection? ›
For VPNs to be most effective, protocol standards are necessary to build secure ways to transmit data over the public internet which is otherwise open and not secure for sending data. Think of VPN sessions as tunnels, or encrypted connections that connect to a company's private, secured network.
What are the 3 most common VPN protocols? ›
The 3 most common VPN protocols are OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2/IPsec.
Should I use VPN via UDP or TCP? ›
TCP is more reliable, but there are many uses where UDP is preferred and this is usually the default protocol on most VPN services. UDP is a great option if you are gaming, streaming or using VoIP services. It may lose a packet or two but it won't have a huge impact on your overall connection.
Which protocol is not used in VPN? ›
Answer: PPTP stands for Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol. PPTP is a tunneling protocol that was primitively used to create VPNs. It is no longer used for VPNs due to the lack of security it provides.
How to change VPN protocol? ›
How to change the VPN connection protocol for Windows?
- Start the NordLayer application and press on the cogwheel in the top left corner of the application prompt then choose Settings.
- From the Settings page head to the VPN Protocol section, disable Automatic (recommended) and choose your preferred protocol.
IKEv2 – Internet Key Exchange
Based on the IPSec framework, IKEv2 is the most recent and advanced VPN protocol.
A VPN creates a private connection between your computer and a remote server, owned by the VPN provider. This digital connection, or tunnel, encrypts your data so that no one else can see it. It also masks your IP address so that no one else can trace you.
Why is VPN important for security? ›
VPNs use encryption to create a secure connection over unsecured Internet infrastructure. VPNs are one way to protect corporate data and manage user access to that data. VPNs protect data as users interact with apps and web properties over the Internet, and they can keep certain resources hidden.
What three items are required to establish a VPN connection? ›
To get started, you'll need a VPN client, a VPN server, and a VPN router. The downloadable client connects you to servers around the world, so employees everywhere can access your small business network. The client can be used on devices like smartphones and laptops, even if workers are using public Wi-Fi networks.
Which of the protocols should be used to setup a secure VPN connection? ›
What is the most secure VPN protocol? Lightway, IKEv2, L2TP, and OpenVPN are all secure protocols, but the title of the most secure VPN protocol should go to Lightway, which uses wolfSSL, a well-established cryptography library that is FIPS 140-2 validated—which means it has been rigorously vetted by third parties.
Can a VPN access your data? ›
Anonymity. While VPNs can guard your privacy, they do not make you completely invisible online. Some VPN service providers have access to your data, so someone will see what you have been up to. Additionally, a VPN does not keep a website from remembering you.
Is IKEv2 better than WireGuard? ›
Based on these findings, if you're looking for the fastest secure tunneling protocol, you should go with NordLynx (or WireGuard). The second fastest will be IKEv2, which can confidently hold its own even when connecting to the other side of the world.
What VPN protocol should I use on NordVPN? ›
What encryption protocol does NordVPN use? NordVPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is well known for its security and reliability. Since 2020, users have also been able to choose NordLynx, which is built around the WireGuard® protocol.
Which is more secure, WireGuard or OpenVPN? ›
The biggest notable differences between WireGuard and OpenVPN are speed and security. While WireGuard is generally faster, OpenVPN provides heavier security. The differences between these two protocols are also what make up their defining features.
What is the best VPN protocol streaming? ›
Protocols Comparison
| VPN Protocol | Speed | Streaming |
|---|
| OpenVPN | Good | Good |
| IPSec/IKEv2 | Very Good | Good |
| WireGuard* | Excellent | Excellent |
| SSTP | Fair | Fair |
2 more rows
