What is VPN encryption and why should I encrypt my online data?
VPN encryption scrambles your online data so that third parties can’t view nor misuse it. You need an encrypted VPN service to close that window.
Internet service providers
They may track your internet traffic and sell your data to advertisers.
Hackers
They exploit unsecure connections to get inside your phones and computers.
Governments
They can demand logs of your online activity.
Here’s how your data can be exposed
Your data can be at risk even if you’re smart with it.
Your data is vulnerable by default
Once you’re connected to the web, every piece of your traffic goes through your internet service provider (ISP). That’s just how the internet works. To reach a website you have to send a request to the ISP, which directs you towards your destination. As a result, all that you do online is an open book for the ISP.
No technological barrier prevents the ISP from tracking and logging your online behavior, selling the data to advertisers, or handing it over to the authorities. Ethical ISPs that protect the privacy of their clients are few and far between. And even if your ISP is trustworthy, the government can compel it to give up your browsing history.
Unless you use a VPN
Virtual Private Network (VPN) routes your internet traffic through a VPN tunnel – an encrypted connection between your device and the destination on the web. Not only does a VPN tunnel encrypt your data, but it also and hides your IP address and location. Like an armored van, it takes you from point A to point B in total secret, shielding you from any dangers that lurk outside. Read our What is a VPN primer to learn why you absolutely need a VPN stay safe online.
How does NordVPN encryption work?
The nitty-gritty of online security.
Your device (computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) initiates a connection to a VPN server. Once the device is authenticated, NordVPN creates an encrypted tunnel.
Any data sent over the internet needs to be split into packets. So your private data is split, encapsulated and passed through the encrypted VPN tunnel. When the data arrives at the VPN server, the outer packet is removed to access the data within through decryption.
Your encrypted data looks like gibberish to any third-party observer:
Neither ISPs nor hackers can read it, even if they manage to intercept it.
No government can get logs of your browsing history since there are none.
You have something to hide, even if
you think that you don’t
You’re not a criminal for wanting privacy.
You may trust your government or the ISP, but it would be foolish to trust every single person on this earth. Cybercriminals exploit all kinds of vulnerabilities to get to your data. If you do nothing to protect it, you might as well hand it over to them directly.
To put it simply, if you use the internet, you need next-generation VPN encryption.
You get top-tier encryption with NordVPN
Trusted by the world’s leading tech and security experts.
NordVPN has built its reputation through years of hard and diligent work, striving to make your online experience as private and secure as possible.
Security and tech experts like CNET, PCMag, and BestVPN have praised NordVPN for providing next-generation encryption that is virtually uncrackable.
Unfortunately, without VPN encryption, your traffic is simply not safe. Third parties can easily access it through various lawful and unlawful ways. Your data is public by default. You have to take measures to make it private. And with NordVPN, you can.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)
A billion years’ worth of online security.
What is AES?
AES is an encryption standard used and approved worldwide by governments, cybersecurity experts, and cryptography enthusiasts. NordVPN uses AES with 256-bit keys, which is recommended by the NSA for securing classified information, including the TOP SECRET level.
How secure is AES?
No known practical attack can break this encryption. If you used a brute-force attack – which means checking all possible key combinations – you would need more resources than humanity currently has at its disposal. Right now, there is not enough time in this Universe to crack AES 256-bit encryption.
The number 256 refers to the encryption key size, so 256-bit has 2^256 possible combinations. While theoretically no encryption cipher is truly impregnable, AES with 256-bit keys is absolute overkill when it comes to security. To break it, you would need to build supercomputers – which cannot yet be built – that would work on decryption for billions of years.
NordVPN utilizes three different VPN protocols
NordVPN creates a tunnel to transmit your data to VPN servers securely. NordVPN uses three different security protocols to determine how that tunnel is actually formed.
The triple-S VPN experience — speed, security, simplicity
You don’t need to be a cryptographer to use NordVPN – just download the app, log in, and connect to one of our servers. One click encrypts your private data.
NordLynx, our newest VPN solution that marries super speed with solid security, is available on all major platforms. In addition, iOS and macOS users can also choose between IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocols, while those on Windows, Android, and Linux can use OpenVPN.
And best of all? NordVPN comes with a host of extra features for your safety and convenience — Threat Protection against malware and other hazards, Meshnet to link up with other devices directly for secure file sharing or gaming, and much more.
Get more with NordVPN
Block intrusive ads, dangerous websites, and malware.
Frequently asked questions
Is a VPN encrypted?
Is VPN encryption necessary?
VPN encryption is especially important if you use public Wi-Fi, such as at restaurants, hotels, or airports. These networks are often riddled with security holes, making it very easy for criminals to track and exploit your data. With VPN encryption, your online traffic looks like nonsensical gibberish, making it impossible to penetrate and sneak in.
What is the best VPN encryption?
What encryption protocol does a NordVPN use?
What are the types of VPN encryption?
