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The popularity of VPNs among Mac users has significantly increased in recent years, emerging as a pivotal tool for enhancing security and privacy for both corporations and individuals.
Most users grasp the fundamental principles of a VPN, including its ability to conceal one’s IP address by routing it through a server located in a different country. Additionally, they recognize its capability to safeguard against the vulnerabilities of public Wi-Fi networks and to bypass geographical restrictions on websites.
However, VPNs offer even more: they provide a secure conduit to a safer internet experience. This security is fortified through a series of sophisticated encryptions and protocols, the intricacies of which are often not discussed. Here, we delve into those details.
Understanding VPN encryption
To ensure a Mac remains secure, encryption technology is crucial for everything from web browsing to file storage, particularly with VPNs. Encryption involves substituting letters and numbers to scramble data so that only intended recipients can decipher it. The creation of this encryption depends on complex algorithms that use a cipher—a predefined series of steps—and the key length, which refers to the ‘bits’ within a key, to secure data effectively.
You’ve probably heard before of ‘256 bit encryption’ as it’s often associated with terms such as ‘military-grade security.’ That’s because it’s the highest standard of encryption available today and is impossible for hackers to break through. VPNs often have different levels of encryption and keys, including:
- Symmetric-key – the encryption and decryption key are the same. For it to work, both the sender and receiver need to have the same key. This is the most common one you’ll find in VPNs.
- Public-key – is used to encrypt data by the sender while the recipient uses a private key to decrypt.
- Handshake – this is how you secure your connection to a VPN server from a public-key via a TLS handshake. For a long while, this has been achieved through the RSA algorithm (RSA-1024) and is used by many VPN providers. Unfortunately, the NSA has cracked this, rendering this void, so avoid using a VPN that uses this. When you need a good VPN for Mac, look for a VPN that uses its successor algorithm, RSA-20148.
- Secure Hash Algorithm – the ultimate VPN connection that uses a fingerprint to validate certificates. This stops any hackers from directing your traffic to their own server.
Among the myriad of generic terms for encrypting data on VPNs, it’s also important to be aware of various ciphers (algorithms) available. Understanding the encryption strength, measured in bits, and their market standing is crucial.
The Data Encryption Standard (DES) was initially a benchmark in encryption but soon required enhancements as hackers began to breach its defenses. In response, Triple DES emerged, bolstering security by utilizing three 56-bit keys for encryption.
Today, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) reigns supreme as the most widely adopted encryption protocol, frequently utilizing 256-bit encryption, the highest standard, which is endorsed by top entities, including the US Government, to ensure unparalleled protection. Its 128-bit variant also delivers exceptional security, rendering it virtually unassailable.
Blowfish, designed to outperform DES, has established itself as a resilient encryption technique capable of thwarting online threats. It employs a symmetric algorithm that segments data into 64-bit blocks for individual encryption. This process ensures swift and secure encryption, ideal for online retailers requiring robust protection for transactions and record-keeping. Moreover, Blowfish is celebrated for its efficacy in safeguarding software information, making it a preferred choice for developers seeking VPNs that integrate this encryption method.
Twofish represents an evolution from Blowfish, enhancing the original algorithm significantly. It now supports encryption of 256 bits with a single key, offering increased security without sacrificing the speed and flexibility for which its predecessor was known, in both hardware and software contexts.
When exploring options for a VPN, the allure of bold promises of complete anonymity and secure web browsing, coupled with competitive pricing, can be compelling. Yet, for those committed to ensuring their Mac benefits from the ultimate VPN protection, a deeper investigation into the technology a VPN employs is crucial. By understanding the encryption methods and security protocols a VPN utilizes, you can better assess its security level and determine whether it aligns with your needs.