What Is WireGuard? (2024)

FAQs

What is the point of WireGuard? ›

WireGuard is a communication protocol and free and open-source software that implements encrypted virtual private networks (VPNs). It aims to be lighter and better performing than IPsec and OpenVPN, two common tunneling protocols. The WireGuard protocol passes traffic over UDP.

WireGuard vs.

OpenVPN, WireGuard really shines in terms of speed, efficiency, and ease of use. Its lightweight design and modern cryptography help it transfer data faster and with lower latency than OpenVPN. The setup process for WireGuard is really simple, so it's easy to use even if you're not that tech-savvy.

Unreliable Monotonic Counter. WireGuard uses the system time as a reliable monotonic counter. If this jumps forward, a user might DoS their own keys, by making it impossible to later have a value larger, or an adversary controlling system time could store a handshake initiation for use later.

Is WireGuard secure? WireGuard is considered by many to be one of the safest, most secure VPN protocol options available today. Simplified design using less code equals fewer bugs and security vulnerabilities, while WireGuard's faster state-of-the-art cryptography employs superior default security settings.

Overall, WireGuard is the faster of the two protocols. OpenVPN, if configured in UDP mode, will offer similar latency, but it will still require higher data usage. Note that WireGuard runs only in UDP mode. Both OpenVPN and WireGuard use strong unbroken ciphers.

When you connect to our VPN server via WireGuard, your device can only see the IP address 10.2. 0.2, and the website you visit can only see the public IP address of our VPN server. Your true IP address remains secure and private, just as it would with OpenVPN.

No software is completely hack-proof. However, WireGuard has undergone security audits and is designed to be less susceptible to certain types of attacks than other VPN protocols due to modern cryptographic algorithms and a simpler codebase, which reduces the likelihood of coding errors and vulnerabilities.

What ports do you use for WireGuard? UDP ports 53, 80, 443, 1194, 2049, 2050, 30587, 41893, 48574, 58237.

WireGuard's security hinges on the strength of its cryptographic algorithms. The protocols and algorithms employed by WireGuard, such as Curve25519, ChaCha20, Poly1305, and BLAKE2s, are widely regarded as secure and resistant to known attacks.

Can WireGuard be detected? Like all VPNs, WireGuard can potentially be detected by traffic analysis.

Is WireGuard the same as NordVPN? ›

NordLynx is NordVPN's revolutionary technology built around the WireGuard® VPN protocol. It helps you connect to NordVPN servers faster and improves your VPN connection speeds without compromising security or privacy.

Since WireGuard and OpenVPN are free software, there is no expense associated with using them. Though there are some free solutions, you'll still need to pay for a VPN subscription. Since WireGuard and OpenVPN are free software, there is no expense associated with using them.

WireGuard does not provide obfuscation, meaning that internet service providers (ISPs) can see when you are using it — although, of course, they can't see what you're using it for. This means that a WireGuard VPN won't necessarily be able to help you bypass firewalls.

NordVPN – Full WireGuard support in all apps, extremely fast speeds, and tons of extra privacy and security features (with a 72% Off Coupon) Surfshark – A fast and affordable VPN with WireGuard support in all apps. OVPN – This Swedish VPN supports WireGuard directly in desktop and mobile apps, with solid speeds.

To check if WireGuard Server is working properly

The simpliest way is to use a cell phone with WireGuard official client app installed, turn off its Wi-Fi connection, and only connect to Internet via 3G/4G/5G.

Why am I seeing WireGuard on my computer? To provide you with a better VPN experience, Trend Micro has started using this new protocol. You may notice 'wgclient' or 'WireGuard' on your computer because your Trend Micro VPN is currently active and ensuring that your information is protected.

Adding to its speed is the fact that the WireGuard protocol runs within the Linux kernel on WireGuard servers and Linux desktops. While other protocols have to switch between kernel storage and userspace for full functionality, slowing them down slightly, WireGuard can run fully from the kernel.

Performance: WireGuard typically outperforms IPSec in terms of connection speed and resource efficiency. Ease of Use: WireGuard is easier to set up and manage due to its minimalist design and straightforward configuration.