In a nutshell: NordVPN has introduced a new protocol designed to bypass filters on restricted networks. According to the company, NordWhisper is significantly better at concealing a user's connection than competing protocols bypassing VPN restrictions by mimicking traditional web traffic, though different types of challenges may eventually arise.
Virtual private networks are a clever network architecture that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It works by routing your internet traffic through a private server, hiding your IP address and encrypting your data to enhance privacy and security.
Using a mix of authentication, encryption, and tunneling, a VPN service can extend a private corporate network to remote locations, simulate access from different countries, and provide a secure means of exchanging files and data. VPNs can be highly useful for accessing the web and bypassing internet censorship, but they can also be used to mask and encrypt potentially unlawful activities.
The new NordWhisper protocol was developed to allow NordVPN customers to access remote resources from networks that typically restrict VPN traffic. According to the company, it is a solution for "navigating around" network restrictions and operates using different technology than traditional VPN protocols such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
While traditional VPN protocols can be detected and blocked due to their unique traffic signatures and behavior, NordWhisper is designed to mimic regular web traffic. A NordWhisper-powered VPN connection should blend seamlessly with ordinary internet activity, giving users a better chance of bypassing filters and state-sponsored censorship.
However, the new protocol has a notable downside – NordVPN warns that NordWhisper may offer slower internet speeds than other VPN protocols under certain conditions.
The company states that the new protocol is designed for restrictive environments but has not provided specific scenarios in which it would be most useful. However, it can be assumed that political dissidents, activists, and other individuals in sensitive situations could benefit the most from the technology. Users attempting to access the open internet from heavily censored regions such as China or Russia may also find NordWhisper particularly valuable.
NordWhisper is expected to become available soon via NordVPN apps. The protocol will be gradually rolled out to Windows, Android, and Linux users first, with support for other platforms to follow over time.