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VP.NET Launches SGX-Based VPN to Transform Online Privacy

 

The virtual private network market is filled with countless providers, each promising secure browsing and anonymity. In such a crowded space, VP.NET has emerged with the bold claim of changing how VPNs function altogether. The company says it is “the only VPN that can’t spy on you,” insisting that its system is built in a way that prevents monitoring, logging, or exposing any user data. 

To support its claims, VP.NET has gone a step further by releasing its source code to the public, allowing independent verification. VP.NET was co-founded by Andrew Lee, the entrepreneur behind Private Internet Access (PIA). According to the company, its mission is to treat digital privacy as a fundamental right and to secure it through technical design rather than relying on promises or policies. Guided by its principle of “don’t trust, verify,” the provider focuses on privacy-by-design to ensure that users are always protected. 

The technology behind VP.NET relies on Intel’s SGX (Software Guard Extensions). This system creates encrypted memory zones, also called enclaves, which remain isolated and inaccessible even to the VPN provider. Using this approach, VP.NET separates a user’s identity from their browsing activity, preventing any form of link between the two. 

The provider has also built a cryptographic mixer that severs the connection between users and the websites they visit. This mixer functions with a triple-layer identity mapping system, which the company claims makes tracking technically impossible. Each session generates temporary IDs, and no data such as IP addresses, browsing logs, traffic information, DNS queries, or timestamps are stored. 

VP.NET has also incorporated traffic obfuscation features and safeguards against correlation attacks, which are commonly used to unmask VPN users. In an effort to promote transparency, VP.NET has made its SGX source code publicly available on GitHub. By doing so, users and researchers can confirm that the correct code is running, the SGX enclave is authentic, and there has been no tampering. VP.NET describes its system as “zero trust by design,” emphasizing that its architecture makes it impossible to record user activity. 

The service runs on the WireGuard protocol and includes several layers of encryption. These include ChaCha20 for securing traffic, Poly1305 for authentication, Curve25519 for key exchange, and BLAKE2s for hashing. VP.NET is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux systems, and all platforms receive the same protections. Each account allows up to five devices to connect simultaneously, which is slightly lower than competitors like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Server availability is currently limited to a handful of countries including the US, UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Japan. 

However, all servers are SGX-enabled to maintain strong privacy. While the company operates from the United States, a jurisdiction often criticized for weak privacy laws, VP.NET argues that its architecture makes the question of location irrelevant since no user data exists to be handed over. 

Despite being relatively new, VP.NET is positioning itself as part of a new wave of VPN providers alongside competitors like Obscura VPN and NymVPN, all of which are introducing fresh approaches to strengthen privacy. 

With surveillance and tracking threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, VP.NET’s SGX-based system represents a technical shift that could redefine how users think about online security and anonymity.

Unveiling Free VPN Risks: Protecting Online Privacy and Security

 

If you're seeking enhanced security and privacy for your online activities, you might be considering the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are specifically crafted to accomplish this task. 

A quality VPN channels your web traffic through a secure server, masking your IP address, encrypting your data, and shielding your personal information from unauthorized access.

This software's abilities have attracted various users, ranging from activists safeguarding human rights to individuals seeking access to restricted sports events or exclusive TV shows. An abundance of VPN options exists, including free ones. However, experts advise caution when opting for free VPNs, emphasizing the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with them.

Free VPNs often offer only basic features, lacking advanced functionalities like split tunnelling, which divides internet traffic between the VPN and an open network, or the ability to bypass geo-restrictions for streaming purposes. These limitations might compromise your online experience and fall short of providing the desired level of protection.

  • Encryption Weakness: Many free VPNs use outdated or weak encryption protocols, leaving users vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.
  • Data Restrictions: Free VPNs usually impose data caps, restricting high-data activities and causing inconvenience to heavy users.
  • Speed Issues: Free VPNs might suffer from overcrowded servers, resulting in sluggish connection speeds, latency, and buffering, significantly affecting browsing, streaming, and gaming experiences.
  • Server Limitations: With fewer servers, free VPNs struggle to offer reliable and fast connections, limiting access to geo-restricted content.
  • Data Collection: Some free VPNs collect and sell users' browsing data to third parties, compromising privacy and resulting in targeted ads or even identity theft.
  • Advertisements: Free VPNs often bombard users with intrusive ads and pop-ups, as they rely on advertising for revenue.
  • Malware Risks: Lesser-known free VPNs may harbor malware, posing severe risks to devices and personal data, potentially leading to hacking or data theft.
It's crucial to weigh the convenience of a free VPN against the risks it poses, emphasizing the potential compromise on privacy, security, and overall online experience.