VPN Protocols: Online security and privacy has now become a real concern for users worldwide. As technology is progressing to new heights it has also been penetrating into our lives and is now more closer to us than ever before. We now share more intimate information with our devices than we have shared with anyone. We have saved our passwords, bank details, credit card numbers, IDs, documents, private photos, preferences and what not. We also often hear that one should be using VPN or virtual private network to protect himself or herself online. Even if anyone is no expert in technology yet they can use and operate VPN quite efficiently. It allows users to anonymously hide from any kind of snooping and tracking. You can dodge hackers, programmers and organizations with malicious intent.
Almost every blog and website is busy throwing their suggestions at us, choosing this VPN service or choosing that VPN provider, etc. Going through those websites you must have read about different protocols used by these companies and providers of VPN. There are people who are asking if vpn is safe to use then definitely the answer is Yes. Terms like OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, etc. These are some of the common VPN protocols used by the VPN providers. Protocol means rules, on which a certain application or network will work. So understanding protocols is important as they can give you insight on what the company has planned to offer in their product. Some VPN services only use a single protocol while others offer the options to users to choose from a list. Let’s see what these protocols mean and which can be suitable for you. Have a look:
Most Common VPN Protocols
1. OpenVPN
As the name suggests OpenVPN is an open source VPN protocol. It means that users have the power and rights to change the source code of the VPN and use it according to their usage. It is one of the most used and known VPN protocols around the world. Apart from its popularity it is also considered as one of most secure protocols available to users. It has military grade encryption which is near to unbreakable. It is compatible with almost all the operating systems like macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, etc.
2. SSTP
If you are a Windows user then you may want to pay attention to this one. SSTP or Secure Socket Tunnelling Protocol is a closed source VPN protocol, it means that users cannot change the code on their own but that does not mean that the protocol is weak in any sense. This protocol was in fact integrated in the Windows operating system when Windows Vista Service pack 1 was launched. Since it was designed to work well with the OS, you will find it more compatible. A lot of VPN providers also suggest a different set of suggestions to be followed with SSTP and Windows.
3. PPTP
One of the oldest surviving VPN protocols in existence today is PPTP. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol was first introduced with Windows 95 and was considered to be the best at that point in time. Now it has been seen as one of the insecure protocols. Why? Simple because it is easily hackable and hence people and companies have moved on to more secure ones which are heavily protected. So why is PPTP still in existence? It holds one of the fastest network speeds when compared to some of the popular protocols which are in trend today. So if anyone wants to enjoy a movie or show on Netflix then one of the primary choices is PPTP protocol.
4. L2TP/IPSec
Talking of newer versions of PPTP, L2TP or Layer 2 Tunnel Protocol was introduced as the newer version of PPTP. It is widely used and is preferred by a lot of VPN providers. Though experts agree that there is no significant privacy or security with L2TP but it is coupled with IPSEC before commercially rolling out and together they become one of the most advanced and secure VPN protocols. Though it is not impenetrable and in fact has been compromised on 1 or 2 occasions. But apart from it, hackers can have nightmares getting through it.
5. IKEv2
If you are more inclined towards surfing the internet from mobile and smartphones then this is the one protocol you should know about. Jointly developed by Windows and Cisco, Internet Key Exchange version 2 provides a key to access a session. Making it more secure for the user. It is also paired with IPSec to enhance protection and security. The VPN providers, while designing their product for mobile phones prefer to use IKEv2 over anything else. It is also another open source protocol and can be programmed according to users.
6. Wireguard
One of the latest and another open source protocol in the list is Wireguard. It is not only simple and fast to set up but it also holds a strong position when it comes to the fastest surfing of the internet. It is developed in smaller code and is quite compatible with smartphones and bigger stable devices. It is supported by almost all the operating systems and can be used even on Linux.
So these were some of most common VPN protocols that I wanted to share with you. If you are still wondering which VPN service to choose then I suggest you check out Systweak VPN. It is a rather new entry in the industry and has yet to reach masses but it is already showing promising signs. It provides faster surfing for online streaming of movies and shows, it is an open VPN which follows IKEv2 protocol with military grade encryption and kill switch for instant yet effective control. Check more about it here.
Hope it helps.
Thanks for reading!
