Understanding Double VPN: How Does It Work? (2024)

Internet security in this tech-dependent world is not a new concept. With more time passing, it is getting necessary to have a robust security protocol for the safety of our data that is exposed online. You might not know this, but anyone across any part of the world is capable of accessing your Google account and hacking into it. So, thinking you are safe because Google is protecting your password might not be it. There are an uncountable amount of hackers trying to get your information from sources that they are familiar with. Hence, the percentage of people using VPNs has drastically increased. If you are still not a VPN user, this is the right place for you.

What is A VPN and Why You Must Use One?

You must have seen hundreds of posts regarding a VPN, but have you wondered what it is and why you might need one? VPNs are known to be the best option to protect your online data. As of now, there are over 1.5 Billion VPN users across the world. The statistics show how VPNs have been popularized with time. VPN is the abbreviation for Virtual Private Network, and it virtually creates a network that is private for you and shields your data from being exposed to hackers who are sitting just for a glimpse of it. The uses of VPNs are beyond security purposes as well. From unblocking geo-restricted websites to providing security, VPN does it all. But what if I tell you you can double these services with just one VPN? You are right, we are talking about double VPN. So, let’s see how Double VPNs are significant to us for our safety and security purposes.

What is a Double VPN?

Double VPN, also called multi-hop VPN or VPN chaining, is a configuration in which the user's internet traffic is encrypted and sent through two or more separate VPN servers before it reaches its end destination. In this process, multiple encrypted tunnels or links are set up, making a chain of VPN servers between the user's device and the server or website they want to connect to.

The user's data is encrypted and sent to a single VPN server in a standard VPN connection. That server then sends the data to its final location. On the other hand, a Double VPN connection adds another layer of protection by encrypting the data twice, hence the name "Double VPN."

Now, how does a double VPN provide this protection? Let’s see, shall we?

• Initial Encryption: The user's device connects to the first VPN server and starts the encryption process. At this time, the data is encrypted using a strong encryption method, like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

• The protected information is then sent to the first VPN server in the chain. This computer decrypts the information it gets, which shows a second layer of encrypted information.

• Second Encryption: The first VPN server encrypts the data again, but this time with a new encryption key or protocol.

• Second VPN Server: The data is sent to the second VPN server in the chain, which is now encrypted twice. The second computer decrypts the data again, showing the original encrypted data.

• Final location: The second VPN server sends the data to its final location, which could be a website, server, or online service.

Benefits of a Double VPN

The benefits of a Double VPN are endless. Here are some of the benefits that you will enjoy if you get yourself a Double VPN.

• Security- Security is much better with Double VPN because it adds an extra layer of privacy. Even if one VPN server is hacked, the second layer keeps the data encrypted, making it harder for hackers to receive or read the data.

• Better privacy: Each VPN server in the chain hides the user's original IP address, making it harder for websites or services to figure out where or who the user really is.

• Bypassing Restrictions: Double VPN can help you get around websites or online services that don't work in your country. Users can get information that might not be available in their area if the traffic didn't go through multiple servers in different places.

• Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When using Double VPN on public Wi-Fi networks, the double encryption makes sure that the user's data can't be read even if someone tries to listen in.

Symlex VPN offers a cutting-edge solution with its double VPN feature, enhancing online security and privacy for users. By routing internet traffic through two separate servers, this technology adds an extra layer of encryption and anonymity, effectively masking users' IP addresses and making it significantly harder for third parties to trace their online activities. This innovative approach sets Symlex VPN apart, providing users with an advanced and robust method to safeguard their digital footprint.

Drawbacks

As much as Double VPN is beneficial, there are slight drawbacks that will not impact your internet usage.

• Speed Loss: When data is encrypted twice and sent through multiple servers, its speed is always slower than with a single VPN link. How much the speed slows down varies on things like where the servers are and how busy the network is.
• Higher Resource Usage: Both the user's device and the VPN servers need more computing power to run a Double VPN. It might not be suitable for older devices or computers with low power.

• Compatibility problems: Some websites or online services might not work right with a Double VPN setup because the multiple server connections might look like suspicious behaviour to them.

Conclusion

Double VPN, also called VPN chaining, is a powerful method that gives people who want the most security and privacy for their online activities an extra layer of safety. Double VPN improves security and privacy by encrypting data twice and sending it through a number of sites.

Before deciding on a Double VPN setup, users should think carefully about how it might affect speed, resources, and compatibility. In the end, a user's wants and willingness to take risks determine whether they should use a Double VPN or a single VPN. As technology changes, it's essential to keep up with the latest developments and security measures so that you can make smart choices about your online privacy and safety.