6 VPN Protocols You Must Use

The-Best-VPN-Protocols

Whether managing internet traffic for remote teams or protecting the privacy of mobile devices, SASE combines cutting-edge technology with practical solutions to adapt to the modern landscape of VPN connections. 

This synergy between AI and VPN protocols ensures organizations can confidently and efficiently navigate today’s dynamic network environment.

Importance of VPN Protocols

VPN protocols act as the foundation for secure tunnels that protect sensitive data from potential vulnerabilities. 

They define how online traffic is encrypted, routed, and secured as it travels across public and private networks. By leveraging AI, SASE frameworks can enhance these protocols, offering:

  • Faster speeds
  • Stronger security
  • Greater stability for mobile networks and mobile users

Common Types of VPN Protocols

Each VPN protocol has its strengths and weaknesses, offering a balance between security, connection speed, and usability. Below is an overview of the most widely used protocols:

  • OpenVPN: An open-source VPN protocol known for its strong security and flexibility. It uses robust encryption methods and is highly customizable, making it a solid choice for online privacy.
  • WireGuard: A newer tunneling protocol celebrated for its minimal lines of code and faster speeds, providing stable connections with fewer potential vulnerabilities.
  • IKEv2/IPSec: Often considered the gold standard for mobile users due to its ability to maintain stable connections over cellular networks and when switching between networks.
  • SSTP: A proprietary protocol designed by Microsoft, known for its secure tunnel capabilities and compatibility with Windows systems.
  • PPTP: One of the oldest and fastest VPN protocols but less secure, making it a poor choice for environments requiring a high level of security.
  • L2TP/IPSec: A combination of two protocols offering additional layers of encryption but often criticized for slower speeds.

Comparison of the Most Common VPN Protocols

Selecting the right protocol requires understanding its impact on speed, security, and usability. The table below compares these factors across popular VPN protocols:

ProtocolSpeedSecurityUsability
OpenVPNModerateStrong securityWide range of use
WireGuardFaster speedsHigh, fewer vulnerabilitiesSimple to implement
IKEv2/IPSecFastGold standard for encryptionIdeal for mobile users
SSTPStable speedsStrong securityLimited to Windows
PPTPFastLow (security risks)Easy to configure
L2TP/IPSecSlower speedsHigh (additional layers)Moderate usability

By leveraging AI in SASE environments, network administrators can dynamically assess these factors, optimizing protocols for:

  • Mobile networks
  • Cellular networks
  • And other scenarios

Common Misconceptions About VPN Protocols

Understanding the strengths and limitations of various VPN protocols is essential for making informed decisions. Misconceptions can lead to choices that:

  • Compromise online privacy
  • Reduce connection speed
  • Expose users to security vulnerabilities

Below, we address some of the most common myths about VPN protocols to separate fact from fiction.

Misconception 1: All VPN Protocols Are Equally Secure

While all VPN protocols aim to protect online activities, their levels of security vary significantly. 

  • PPTP, for instance, is an older protocol known for its simplicity and fast connections, but it suffers from outdated encryption, leaving it vulnerable to attacks. It’s a slower protocol when compared to modern alternatives like WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec, which employ advanced encryption protocols to secure data and mitigate risks.
  • Protocols like WireGuard balance connection speed and security through streamlined lines of code, ensuring fewer opportunities for exploitation. 
  • Similarly, IKEv2/IPSec integrates IPSec for encryption, providing robust data protection and adaptability for mobile users and mobile networks. 

These protocols are not just a solid choice but essential for ensuring a safe and stable connection.

Misconception 2: Open-Source Protocols Are Riskier

Many people mistakenly believe that open-source VPN protocols are more susceptible to attacks because their lines of code are publicly available. However, the transparency of protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard is a significant advantage. 

Open-source protocols are frequently updated and audited by the global security community, which helps identify and address potential vulnerabilities faster than with proprietary protocols.

  • OpenVPN, often regarded as a gold standard in VPN technology, uses robust encryption methods and supports a wide range of secure protocols, making it a reliable choice for protecting internet traffic. 
  • WireGuard, another open-source protocol, excels in simplicity and performance, offering faster speeds and fewer security vulnerabilities than many proprietary options.

Misconception 3: Proprietary Protocols Are Always Better

While proprietary protocols like SSTP provide a stable protocol and compatibility with specific systems, they often lack the flexibility and customizability of open-source counterparts. Proprietary protocols are controlled by single organizations, limiting access to their lines of code, which can hinder independent security evaluations.

For instance, SSTP is a reliable tunneling protocol for Windows users, offering decent connection speed and strong encryption protocols. However, it’s not as versatile or widely supported as common VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec. 

Proprietary protocols may also be less effective for mobile users, who need adaptable solutions that work seamlessly across different network types, including cellular networks and mobile networks.

Use Cases for VPN Protocols

Here are the most common use cases for VPN protocols:

Best Protocols for Speed

Speed is critical when selecting a VPN protocol, especially for businesses and mobile users who rely on stable, high-performance networks for their daily operations. WireGuard and IKEv2/IPSec are top choices, offering faster speeds and a stable connection by using streamlined encryption protocols that reduce overhead without compromising security.

Additionally, when combined with a tunneling protocol, these options create a secure tunnel that optimizes internet speed, providing consistent performance across mobile devices and private networks. 

Best Protocols for Security

OpenVPN is a standout choice, offering robust encryption methods and compatibility with online traffic across a wide range of devices. This open-source VPN protocol is considered a gold standard in the industry due to its adaptability and the trust it has earned from extensive peer reviews.

Another top contender is IKEv2/IPSec, which provides a solid choice for organizations that prioritize both strong security and speed. Using proprietary protocol innovations alongside IPSec for encryption, it adds multiple additional layers of protection to safeguard against security risks and potential vulnerabilities.

For environments requiring a high level of security, these protocols support advanced configurations that mitigate security vulnerabilities while maintaining compatibility with various network administrators and mobile users. 

Best Protocols for Mobile Users

Protocols like IKEv2/IPSec excel in these scenarios, providing a stable protocol that maintains a secure connection even during frequent network changes.

The use of (TCP) and UDP in tandem allows IKEv2/IPSec to optimize performance based on the available network conditions, ensuring a stable connection with minimal interruptions. Its ability to adapt to mobile networks and deliver faster speeds without compromising security makes it a gold standard for mobile devices.

WireGuard is also gaining popularity among mobile users due to its lightweight structure and ability to provide stable, high-speed connections across diverse network environments. Unlike other protocols, WireGuard simplifies encryption using modern cryptographic methods, reducing the risk of security vulnerabilities and ensuring excellent performance for mobile devices.

Maximize Security with Check Point’s SASE

Check Point’s SASE solution takes the concept of a secure VPN protocol to the next level by integrating AI-driven insights and advanced encryption methods. Key features include:

  • AI-Powered Analysis: Proactively identifies potential vulnerabilities and enhances encryption protocols for a stable connection.
  • Seamless Mobile Integration: Supports mobile networks and mobile users with optimized connection speed and stable VPN protocols.
  • Wide Compatibility: Works across a wide range of devices and network architectures, ensuring online traffic remains secure.
  • High-Speed Performance: Combines the fastest VPN protocols with AI-driven adjustments to eliminate slower speeds.

Are you ready to enhance your network’s security and ensure a seamless online experience for mobile users? 

Contact us today for a demonstration of how our SASE solution can help your organization achieve a gold standard in secure VPN protocols.

FAQs

What type of protocols are used in VPN?
VPNs use protocols such as IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, WireGuard, and PPTP, each designed to secure VPN traffic and prevent unauthorized access. These protocols employ strong encryption algorithms to ensure privacy and compatibility across different operating systems and remote servers.
Which VPN is better, IKEv2 or IPsec or L2TP?
In terms of speed and lightweight code, IKEv2/IPSec is a popular choice, especially for mobile users, due to its seamless adaptability to network changes. L2TP/IPSec, while providing secure options, has limited compatibility with certain networks and may perform slower compared to IKEv2/IPSec.
Is A VPN UDP or TCP?
VPNs can use both UDP and TCP modes, depending on the use case. UDP is preferred for its industry standard performance in terms of speed, while TCP offers a more reliable connection, making it ideal for bypassing network restrictions or dealing with unstable connections.
Which is better, IPsec or OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is considered superior by many security experts due to its open-source code, allowing extensive audits and customization. While IPSec provides secure options and is widely used in enterprise settings, OpenVPN’s flexibility and support for strong encryption algorithms make it a more versatile and popular choice.
What is the best VPN protocol?
The best VPN protocol depends on the use case, but WireGuard has gained attention for its lightweight code, exceptional speed, and robust security. OpenVPN remains the industry standard for those seeking reliability, while IKEv2/IPSec excels in mobile environments where adaptability and speed are critical.