Every day, people are looking for a VPN to create a secure browsing environment, or simply access content in other regions. However, What is the best option for you based on the security protocol?
If you are looking for this answer, we will discuss below what they are: the 7 main security protocols when we talk about VPN. Follow along!
1. OpenVPN
OpenVPN is one of the most popular and widely used protocols in VPN services, known for its balanced combination of security and speed.
Using military-grade encryption, OpenVPN is great for protecting sensitive information. Because of this, it is widely adopted by VPN users all over the world.
One of the great advantages of OpenVPN is its flexibility. It can work on different ports and uses protocols such as TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol), allowing for adjustments that improve both the security and performance of the connection.
Furthermore, it is an open source technology, which means it is constantly updated by a community of developers.
2. L2TP/IPSec
L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol), combined with IPSec (Internet Protocol Security), is another widely used VPN protocol. This protocol offers good security and is natively supported by many operating systems, such as Windows and macOS.
Understanding security protocols helps you choose the right VPN. (Source: GettyImages/Reproduction)Source: GettyImages/Reproduction
L2TP, by itself, does not offer encryption. But when paired with IPSec, it becomes a fairly secure solution. However, eit may be a little slower than OpenVPNsince the data goes through two stages of encapsulation, which impacts performance.
3. PPTP
PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol) is one of the oldest VPN protocols and its main feature is its ease of configuration. It was developed by Microsoft and, for many years, was widely used in corporate networks.
However, not everything was so perfect, as PPTP's simplicity comes at a price: it is not the most secure protocol.
While it's still a good choice for those who need fast, easy-to-setup connections, its vulnerability to security attacks makes it not recommended for those who want to protect sensitive data.
4. IKEv2/IPSec
IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2), commonly used with IPSec, is a fast and secure VPN protocol. It is especially effective on mobile devices because it offers excellent reconnection capability.
In this sense, if you lose your internet connection, IKEv2/IPSec can quickly reestablish it without compromising security.
Additionally, IKEv2/IPSec offers a good combination of strong encryption and browsing speed, making it very efficient for users who are on the move, such as those who frequently use mobile networks.
5. WireGuard
WireGuard is a relatively new protocol, but it is rapidly gaining popularity. Designed to be simpler and more efficient than traditional protocols, WireGuard focuses on speed and simplicity of use, without sacrificing security.
There are VPNs that are better on mobile, while others have more features on desktop. (Source: GettyImages/Reproduction)Source: GettyImages/Reproduction
One of the reasons WireGuard is so fast is its lean code, with fewer lines than other protocols like OpenVPN. This also makes it easier to identify potential vulnerabilities, making it a promising choice for the future of VPNs.
6. SSTP
SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol) is a protocol developed by Microsoft, which provides great compatibility with the Windows system. It uses the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) protocol to create a secure connectionwhich means it can bypass firewalls that block other forms of VPN.
Although it is a very secure option, SSTP has a disadvantage: because it is owned by Microsoft, it is not open source, which can generate distrust among users who prefer community-audited solutions.
7. SoftEther
SoftEther is one of the most versatile VPN protocols, being compatible with several other technologies, such as OpenVPN, SSTP, and L2TP/IPSec. Developed in Japan, it is known for being one of the fastest and most secure protocols available.
SoftEther offers an excellent alternative for those who want a high-performance VPN without sacrificing security. Its flexibility and ability to work across multiple platforms make it an interesting choice for users with varying connection needs.
Now that you know the main security protocols, you can make an informed choice of VPN. So, share this content with your friends and take the opportunity to read about the common terms for those who use VPNs. See you next time!