Introduction to Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a robust and secure VPN service designed to protect users’ online privacy and anonymity. Launched in June 2017 by Proton AG, a Swiss-based technology company, Proton VPN offers a comprehensive suite of features to ensure safe and private internet browsing.
What Proton VPN Does
Proton VPN allows users to switch their virtual location and encrypt their internet traffic, making it ideal for those who want to remain anonymous online or access content from different regions. The service supports a wide range of devices, including desktops, mobile devices, smart TVs, routers, Chromebooks, and more, and is compatible with various operating systems such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and others.
Key Features and Functionality
Secure Core Servers
Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature routes user traffic through multiple servers located in countries with strong privacy laws, such as Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden. This architecture protects against network-based attacks and makes it difficult for adversaries to track users’ original locations or intercept sensitive information.
Kill Switch and Always-On VPN
The service includes a kill switch that automatically stops internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, preventing data leaks. Additionally, Proton VPN offers a permanent kill switch that blocks any internet connection not made through the VPN, ensuring continuous privacy protection.
DNS Leak Protection
Proton VPN provides built-in DNS leak protection, which is activated by default. This feature ensures that DNS queries are protected and prevents any potential leaks during dropped connections.
Split Tunneling
Users can utilize split tunneling to route specific apps or IPs through the VPN tunnel while excluding others. This feature is available in two modes: normal and inverse, offering flexibility in how users manage their VPN connections.
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding is available for paid users on Windows and Linux, enabling faster P2P torrenting and facilitating the hosting of online games.
NetShield Ad Blocker
Proton VPN includes NetShield, an ad blocker that filters out unwanted ads and malicious trackers, enhancing the overall browsing experience.
Tor over VPN
The service supports Tor over VPN, allowing users to route their traffic through the Tor anonymity network for additional layers of privacy and anonymity.
Stealth Protocol
Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol helps evade detection and bypass most firewalls and VPN blocking methods, making it easier to access blocked information and circumvent censorship.
Encryption and Protocols
Proton VPN uses strong encryption methods, including 256-AES and RSA-4096, and supports various VPN protocols such as IPSec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. The service also implements perfect forward secrecy, changing encryption keys each time a user connects to a server.
Global Server Network
With over 4,900 servers in 112 countries, Proton VPN offers extensive global coverage, ensuring fast and reliable connections without bandwidth throttling or high latency.
Multi-Device Support
Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a versatile option for both personal and family use.
Additional Features
Proton VPN also offers features like VPN Accelerator, which can boost connection speeds by up to 400%, and support for streaming services such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Privacy and Security
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which provides strong legal protections under Swiss privacy laws. This means any requests for user data must be approved by a Swiss court, adding an extra layer of security against government intervention.
In summary, Proton VPN is a powerful tool for maintaining online privacy and security, offering a robust set of features that cater to various user needs, from basic privacy protection to advanced security measures.