VPN service provider ExpressVPN has integrated the WireGuard protocol, boasting enhanced security with quantum resistance.
ExpressVPN, a leading virtual private network (VPN) service provider, has taken a significant step forward in securing its users' data against future quantum computer attacks with the introduction of post-quantum WireGuard. This innovative implementation, using the hybrid ML-KEM algorithm, is now available for Windows, Android, and iOS users, with macOS support on the horizon.
The new WireGuard version utilizes the post-quantum encryption standard, offering enhanced security without compromising on speed or simplicity. ExpressVPN's implementation maintains the core WireGuard protocol while adding essential protections, such as quantum-resistant key exchanges, ephemeral credentials, dynamic internal IPs, and short-lived authentication tokens.
ExpressVPN's approach stands out from its competitors. While other providers may lack post-quantum encryption or rely on more complex, less open modifications, ExpressVPN's implementation offers a balance of speed, privacy, quantum resistance, and industry accessibility.
ExpressVPN initially developed its own protocol, Lightway, which already integrated post-quantum readiness. The addition of WireGuard extends this post-quantum approach to the widely adopted WireGuard ecosystem, offering an open and shareable blueprint to the industry without requiring forks or major infrastructure changes.
In addition to the new WireGuard implementation, ExpressVPN's services are intended for legal recreational uses such as accessing services from another country and protecting online security while abroad. The company has built a lightweight system for user verification with short-lived access tokens, ensuring no data is written permanently and supporting real-time provisioning without reliance on NAT or static peers.
For everyday use and streaming, ExpressVPN's speeds should not present a problem. The company is also working on integrating LT3 acceleration into Lightway for improved speeds and connection stability, in partnership with BitRipple.
To enable the post-quantum WireGuard on Windows, users can go to Options, Protocol, and select WireGuard (note: advanced protections must be disabled). On mobile devices, users can access the protocol by going to the Profile tab, VPN Protocol under VPN Settings, and selecting WireGuard.
ExpressVPN's commitment to quantum-resistant encryption is not unique in the VPN industry; many providers are adopting post-quantum encryption. The company has released a white paper detailing its scalable WireGuard implementation, setting a new standard for VPN providers in the face of emerging quantum threats.
With this pioneering advancement, ExpressVPN continues to push the boundaries of VPN security, ensuring its users' data remains protected, even in the face of future quantum computer attacks.
[1] ExpressVPN. (2022). ExpressVPN Blog: ExpressVPN Introduces Post-Quantum Encryption for WireGuard
[2] ExpressVPN. (2021). ExpressVPN Blog: ExpressVPN's WireGuard Implementation
[3] ExpressVPN. (2021). ExpressVPN Blog: Enhanced Privacy with ExpressVPN's WireGuard Implementation
[4] ExpressVPN. (2022). ExpressVPN Blog: WireGuard Now Available on ExpressVPN
[5] TechRadar. (2022). ExpressVPN adds post-quantum encryption to its WireGuard VPN protocol
- To enhance the security of smartphones and gadgets, ExpressVPN has introduced post-quantum WireGuard encryption, which is now available for Android and iOS devices.
- As technology evolves, many VPN providers are adopting post-quantum encryption, following ExpressVPN's lead, who set a new industry standard with their innovative WireGuard implementation.
