Proton VPN
In this digital age where privacy and security are fundamental, VPNs have become indispensable tools for securing online activities. Proton VPN distinguishes itself from other VPN services because of its strong emphasis on privacy and security and its solid foundation in scientific research.
What Is Proton VPN?
It's a VPN service created by the same team behind ProtonMail. It helps:
- Secure and encrypted network connections.
- Secure users' online privacy.
- Enabling them to access restricted content by bypassing censorship.
Proton VPN prioritizes user privacy by leveraging robust encryption protocols and following a strict no-logs policy. Its features cater to individual users and businesses, which makes it a versatile choice for secure Internet usage.
Company History
Origins
Proton VPN was developed by the same team behind the world's largest encrypted email service, ProtonMail. ProtonMail was founded in 2014 by three scientists, Dr. Andy Yen, Dr. Jason Stockman, and Dr. Bart Butler, who first met at CERN. The company was launched in response to the increasing concern over online privacy and the importance of secure communication channels, especially after Edward Snowden leaked information about mass surveillance programs. The Proton VPN project also needed to protect the journalists and activities that used Proton Mail. [1]
The team later decided to broaden their suite of privacy-centric technologies by building on the success and user confidence gained through ProtonMail. So, Proton VPN was released in 2017. Proton VPN was developed with the same privacy, security, and transparency principles as ProtonMail.
Mission & Vision
Proton VPN's mission is to build an online environment where privacy is the norm, not the exception. The organization envisions a world where people can access information freely without surveillance and censorship and have complete autonomy over their personal data. This mission comes from a firm belief in Internet freedom and the fundamental right to privacy.
Growth & Development
ProtonVPN has expanded rapidly since its inception, attracting millions of users globally. The company has broadened its infrastructure by adding more servers and locations. It has also constantly improved its services by incorporating new features and functions. Proton VPN's advocacy for Internet freedom has led to its partnership with numerous institutions to support causes associated with digital rights and privacy.
Products & Services
Proton VPN offers several products tailored to satisfy the needs of different users. Whether you're a company seeking comprehensive security solutions or an individual requiring basic online privacy, Proton VPN offers a solution.
You have three different Proton VPN Plus plans, i.e., 1-month, 1-year, or 2-year. [2] You can also try out the VPN service before committing to the long-term by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee with the annual plans.
Before choosing your subscription plan, it's worth noting that Proton VPN offers more features than its free version. Proton VPN Plus offers the NetShield ad blocker to block ads and trackers, optimized speeds, and Tor over VPN. It allows up to 10 devices for each user account. You have a few payment options: bank transfer, credit or debit card, or cash. You can also pay with cryptocurrency for complete anonymity.
Free VPN Service
Proton VPN stands out from other VPN providers because it offers a free version. This free version is more limited than the Plus option but offers robust features. Although you can only have one connection per account, you can also create multiple accounts.
The free version allows you to pick from servers in 5 countries, and your speeds won't be as good. It's still quite a generous package that will safeguard your privacy. The package is generally designed to offer basic privacy and security features, which makes it accessible to afford the Plus option.
Features
Proton VPN is well-known for its powerful features, emphasizing privacy, security, freedom, usability, and performance. The following key features make Proton VPN a premier service in the VPN market. [3]
Privacy Features
No-logs Policy
Proton VPN values your privacy, so it has a strict no-logs policy. That means it doesn't record your internet activities or store any metadata. This includes no monitoring of your IP address, logs of your visited websites, or recording session lengths. This policy has been verified by an independent audit from security specialists at Securitum. [4]
Swiss Privacy
ProtonVPN's headquarters are in Switzerland, a country renowned for its strong privacy laws. Since Switzerland isn't a member of the European Union or the Fourteen Eyes surveillance network, this further enhances its privacy protection. By connecting to Proton VPN, you enjoy the benefits of Swiss data protection.
NetShield Ad-blocker
NetShield checks the domain requests of every app and website you visit against a database of domains that usually host ads, malware, or trackers. Once it finds a match, the DNS server safeguards your device by immediately blocking the flagged source from loading. NetShield helps:
- Block privacy-invading ads
- Prevent malware from corrupting your device
- Stop trackers from monitoring your online activity
- See how many trackers and ads are blocked
DNS Leak Protection
When you visit a webpage, your browser automatically sends DNS requests to locate your desired website. The DNS typically translates your domain name into a computer's IP address. If such DNS requests aren't encrypted, your ISP or anyone else can monitor your activity.
Such DNS leaks pose a serious risk to your online privacy. Proton VPN's encrypted VPN tunnel helps keep your data and online activity private, safe, and secure. Proton VPN's features include IPv6 leak prevention, robust encryption protocols, and independent expert audits.
Tor over VPN
Proton VPN makes it easier to access hidden services without a Tor browser. A Proton VPN Plus account allows you to access the Tor network using your regular browser. Besides bypassing censorship, this protects your personal data while browsing.
Security Features
Encryption
Proton VPN has a long, proven track record of adopting cybersecurity solutions and is committed to protecting your privacy with modern encryption technologies. VPN security begins with strong encryption. Proton VPN lets you encrypt your Internet traffic with secure ChaCha20 or AES-256, which ensures private and safe browsing. Proton VPN's perfect forward secrecy also protects you from future breaches.
Strong Protocols
The VPN protocol determines your VPN connection's speed, stability, and security. That's why Proton VPN uses strong VPN protocols with long security track records. Proton VPN protocol helps:
- Secure your DNS queries
- Safeguard all past and future sessions using perfect forward secrecy
- Establish secure VPN tunnels with WireGuard or OpenVPN
Forward Secrecy
Perfect forward secrecy involves an encryption algorithm generating encryption keys and ensuring that a distinct set of keys are used per VPN session. The primary role of these keys is to encrypt your VPN connection to prevent Internet trackers. Proton VPN only uses VPN protocols and encryption that integrate perfect forward secrecy. This keeps your browsing activity secure even if something compromises an encryption key in the future.
Two-factor Authentication
It's a unique feature that adds a layer of security to Proton user accounts by requesting a second verification step during login. You only need to enable this feature through your Proton VPN settings, where you can link your account to an authenticator app, e.g., Google Authenticator. After activation, logging in will require a password and a unique code generated by your authentication app. This feature enhances account security by ensuring that the second factor will prevent unauthorized access even if something compromises a password.
Secure Core
Proton VPN has Secure Core servers and continues to operate them by itself. All these servers are also located in nations with strong data privacy laws. This Secure Core usually routes your Internet traffic through hardened servers and then connects you to a second server. Your IP address and online traffic will remain safe even if something compromises the other VPN server.
Kill Switch & Always-on VPN
The Proton VPN kill switch lets you manage who sees your IP address. It immediately blocks all network traffic once your VPN connection is interrupted or lost. This protects your DNS queries and IP address from being exposed.
Independently Audited
Proton VPN strongly believes in transparency, peer review, and the fundamental right to privacy. From its apps' code to its leadership team, Proton VPN maintains openness and transparency. This makes it easier to evaluate the VPN's security standards and ensure that your personal data remains private.
Usability Features
Up to 10 Devices
You must protect your online activity regardless of your device. That's why Proton VPN has developed an app for each platform. So, whether watching Netflix on your smart TV or browsing social media on your smartphone, Proton VPN will protect your privacy. The service allows you to connect up to 10 devices at once.
Easy to Use
Proton VPN is designed to be user-friendly. You must download and install the Proton VPN app, log in, and tap or click the Quick Connect button. This will connect you to the best server in the location.
Supported Platforms
You can use Proton VPN on various platforms and devices, including Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV, Chromebook, Fire TV Stick, and more. The VPN service also supports routers, enabling users to protect their entire network.
Streaming
Proton VPN enables you to access your favorite content, i.e., TV shows, movies, and live sports, regardless of location. Besides protecting your online activity, you can watch your movies in 4K without slowdowns, buffering, or throttling.
Browser Extensions
Proton VPN's Chrome extension is fast and reliable since you can connect with a single click. It's also flexible because it won't affect your browsing speeds or the IPs of the other applications on your device. This Swiss-based VPN Chrome extension works on Chrome, Edge, Brave, and other Chromium-based browsers.
Performance Features
Split Tunneling
Proton VPN also features split tunneling, which enables users to route some of their connections through the VPN while letting other traffic access the Internet directly. It's a helpful feature for accessing local services while preserving privacy for different activities.
WireGuard
Your VPN protocol plays a huge role in determining your connection's speed, security, and reliability. WireGuard is an advanced VPN protocol that has transformed the VPN space with its lightweight and open-source code. As such, it offers more enhanced performance than other VPN protocols. It allows you to enjoy reliable connections, high-speed browsing, and comprehensive security.
VPN Accelerator
All Proton VPN apps come with a VPN accelerator. You'll automatically enjoy the fastest speeds wherever you are, regardless of which VPN server you connect to. Browse the Internet up to 400% faster.
Summary
Proton VPN stands out in the crowded VPN market because of its strong belief in privacy, security, and transparency. Since its origins in ProtonMail and CERN, Proton VPN brings a unique perspective grounded in scientific rigor and ethical standards. Its comprehensive range of features caters to different users. This makes it ideal for anyone seeking to safeguard their online activities.
Related-topics
References
- Proton VPN [ About Us ]
- Proton VPN [ Pricing ]
- Proton VPN [ Features ]
- Securitum [ Security Report ] March 24, 2022
Contributors
Last Modified: July 13, 2024