Obfuscated servers

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What are obfuscated servers?

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Obfuscated servers are specialized VPN servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN to reroute your traffic. They allow users to connect to a VPN even in heavily restrictive environments.

When you connect to a regular VPN server, your ISP can’t see where you go online. But it knows that you’re using a VPN from the way your data looks. However, if you connect to an obfuscated server, it changes your data packets. Therefore, tools that are meant to block VPN traffic let it pass. No one notices you’re using a VPN, unless they inspect your data packets manually.

How do obfuscated servers work?

Man passing a line of detectable VPN by using SSL/SSH encryption

Obfuscated servers are used to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls. To do that, a VPN provider must remove all information related to a VPN from your data so that it looks like regular data packets.

VPN providers can obfuscate data in a few different ways. For example, data packets can be hidden using additional SSL/SSH encryption so that all the VPN metadata is out of sight. Think of it as encryption to conceal your encryption.

Data can also be scrambled, hiding the metadata from the packet header. This way, it looks like regular HTTPS traffic filled with meaningless information. Firewalls can’t recognize it, so they let it pass.

Why you should use obfuscated servers

Obfuscated servers are not intended for casual use. So when and why should you use them?

woman ensuring her privacy from ISP by using obfuscated servers from NordVPN

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People enjoying bandwidth throttling free connection

To bypass VPN blocks
Some internal networks, ISPs, and even countries might ban VPN usage. Obfuscated servers will help you bypass these restrictions. Once you connect, firewalls and VPN blocks won’t be able to recognize that your traffic is coming from a VPN server.
To protect yourself
Journalists and political activists often depend on a safe internet connection. If you’re dealing with delicate information while working in a heavily restricted area, using obfuscated servers will help you connect and stay safe.
To avoid bandwidth throttling
Connecting to a VPN server will allow you to avoid traffic-based bandwidth throttling. With your traffic hidden, you will be able to enjoy the internet speeds you are used to without limits or interruptions.

How to connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers

Select the protocol

Switch to the OpenVPN protocol (Windows app will automatically select it for you.)

Connect

Select “Obfuscated” from the list of Specialty Servers and you’ll be connected to the fastest server available.

Choose a country

If you want to pick another location, click the three dots next to “Obfuscated” and choose a country from the list.

Find detailed instructions for all operating systems in our Help Center. If you decide to use obfuscated servers, you might also want to set up the automatic Kill Switch to stay safe no matter what. It will block a specific app or your entire device from accessing the web in case your VPN connection drops.

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Frequently asked questions

Can VPN be blocked?

Yes. Some internal network administrators, websites, or ISPs might choose to block VPN traffic. There are also a few countries with heavy internet censorship and surveillance that have banned VPN connections entirely. Their government agencies want to stop their citizens from accessing certain information online, so only official, state-run VPNs are allowed.

What does a VPN blocker do?

There are different types of VPN blockers out there. Some gather and block known VPN IP addresses or specific ports that VPN providers use to route your traffic. Others automatically analyze your data packets, looking for signs of encryption and block your access if they find that you use a VPN.

Is NordVPN a stealth VPN?

Yes. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers option that disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to bypass VPN restrictions.

Are obfuscated servers safe?

Yes. Like a regular VPN, obfuscated servers provide a higher security and privacy level when you’re browsing online. But, unlike a standard VPN server, an obfuscated server masks the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place. It disguises your VPN traffic, enabling you to use a VPN service in more restrictive regions.

How to know if a server is obfuscated?

Simply put, if you successfully connect to a VPN server from a restrictive region, the obfuscated server is working. To know for sure, however, you’ll need to inspect your traffic. Data packets rerouted through a VPN server look different than those of regular traffic. Deep packet inspection is what most firewalls use to block VPN services.

How can I make my VPN connection difficult to detect?

Use NordVPN’s obfuscated servers, and your ISP, network administrator, or VPN-blocking firewalls won’t be able to detect that you’re using a VPN. Obfuscated servers change how the data packets look, so the systems don’t recognize VPN traffic — they let the packets pass. The only way your VPN connection could be detected is if someone were to check your traffic manually.