- NordVPN has launched post-health encryption (PQE) in all its applications
- The supplier launched its first PQE iteration in 2024, but only for its Linux VPN application
- This comes then that traditional encryption methods become obsolete with the advent of quantum computers
NordVPN has just made an important step in its post-health transition, extending the support for quantum security in all its applications.
While the supplier launched its first iteration of post-quantity encryption (PQE) In September 2024, only Linux users could take advantage of this protection. Now, all NordVPN users can take advantage of PQE, regardless of the platform they use.
Already considered the best VPN service on the market by PK Press Club criticisms, NordVPN joins a handful of VPN suppliers who also include quantum cryptography in their software.
Why and how to use post-quantum northern encryption
As the quantum calculation is advancing, the CTO of NordVPN, husband Briedis, explains, the methods of encryption of keys based on RSA that most VPN protocols use today will ultimately become vulnerable.
Experts predict, in fact, that traditional encryption will soon be broken by the capacity of quantum computers to make calculations that the machines cannot manage, in a few minutes.
Although this should happen between five and 10 years old, cybercriminals have already started to lead what is known as “Store now, decrypt later (SNDL)”. The idea is simple – to collect encrypted data now so that they can break it in the future when quantum computer science is finally up to the task.
This is exactly why the cryptographic world is already catching up. Last August, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published the first three encryption standards resistant to quantities to better support software suppliers in their transition. NordVPN joined the post-health revolution a few months after that, adding one of these algorithms (ML-KEM) to its Nordlynx protocol based on Wireguard, known for its speed and safety.
“By integrating PQE into our VPN infrastructure, we take a proactive measure to ensure confidentiality and long-term resilience of our customers, now and in the post-quantum future,” said Briedis.
As mentioned above, before the latest version, only the Linux VPN application included PQE support.
This choice allowed the NordVPN team to analyze the way in which the new quantum safety algorithm, which was implemented in a hybrid way alongside conventional encryption methods, could affect performance such as connection speeds and latency.
“The data collected served as a springboard in the transition to a quantum resistant encryption for the rest of our platforms,” said Briedis. “The Linux case has shown that we have successfully maintained the highest level of user experience in terms of connection time and speed during the transition.”
Consequently, NordVPN rolled PQE on all its platforms – from Windows and MacOS to Android and iOS, including its Android TV and TVOS applications.
Users must actively activate this additional protection by heading to the connections tab in the application settings and activating the rocking. The PQE function will activate automatically each time the user connects via the Nordlynx protocol.
Which VPN suppliers offer post-quantity encryption?
NordVPN is not the only virtual private network supplier (VPN), including the PQE support on its service.
ExpressVPN added quantum encryption on its owner Lightway protocol in October 2023, by default on its Android, iOS, Linux, Mac and Windows applications. Last January, the team took another step forward by going to NIST standards.
After having a pioneer the post-quantum transition in 2017, Mullvad extended PQE support for all platforms when he published post-quantum protection for the iPhone in September 2024. The supplier now plans to migrate to new NIST standards.
Adguard, Windscrib and Purevpn are other suppliers currently offering PQE protection, with Surfshark and NYMVPN should also join the list soon.
