- NordVPN has launched post-quantum encryption (PQE) across all its applications
- The provider launched his first iteration of PQE in 2024 but only for its Linux VPN -App
- This comes as traditional encryption methods are set to be outdated with the emergence of quantum computers
NordVPN has just taken an important step forward in its transition after quantity and expanded support for quantum -safe encryption across all its applications.
While the provider launched his first iteration of post-quantum encryption (PQE) In September 2024, only Linux users could enjoy this protection. Now all NordVPN users can enjoy PQE regardless of the platform they use.
NordVPN already participates as the best VPN service in the market of Techradar’s reviewers, and joins a handful of VPN providers that also include quantum-safe cryptography in their software.
Why and how does NordVPN Post-Quantum use encryption
As Quantum Computing Advances, explains Nordvpns CTO, Marijus Biedis ,, RSA-based key-tinging methods used by most VPN protocols today will eventually become vulnerable.
In fact, experts predict that traditional encryption will soon be broken by the ability of quantum computers to perform calculations that machines cannot handle within minutes.
Although this is expected to happen between five to 10 years, cyber criminals have already begun to implement what is known as “big now, decrypt later (SNDL) -attack.” The idea is simple – to collect encrypted data now so that they can break them in the future when quantum calculation is finally up to the task.
This is precisely why the cryptographic world is already catching up. Last August, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released the first three quantum -resistant encryption standards to better support software providers in their transition. NordVPN joined the Post-Quantum Revolution a few months after adding one of these algorithms (ML Kem) to its Wireguard-based North Lynx protocol known for its speed and security.
“By integrating PQE into our VPN infrastructure, we take a proactive step to ensure long-term confidentiality and resilience to our customers’ data, both now and in a future after quantity,” Biedis said.
As mentioned earlier, before the latest release, only Linux VPN included PQE -Support.
This choice allowed the NordVPN team to analyze how the new quantum-proof algorithm, implemented in a hybrid way, along with classic encryption methods, could affect performance such as connection speeds and latency.
“The collected data served as a springboard in the transition to quantum -resistant encryption for the rest of our platforms,” Biedis said. “The Linux case demonstrated that we successfully maintained the highest level of user experience in terms of connection time and speed during the transition.”
As a result, NordVPN rolled PQE across all its platforms – from Windows and MacOS to Android and iOS, even including its Android TV and Tvos apps.
Users need to actively enable this extra protection by going to the connection tab in the app’s settings and turning on the change. The PQE function is automatically activated when the user connects via the Nordlynx protocol.
Which VPN providers offer encryption after quantum?
NordVPN is not the only Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider that currently includes PQE support on its service.
ExpressVPN added quantum-safe encryption on its proprietary Lightway Protocol in October 2023, as standard across its Android, iOS, Linux, Mac and Windows Apps. Last January, the team took a further step forward by upgrading to the NIST standards.
After pioneering the transition after Quantum in 2017, Mullvad expanded PQE support to all platforms as it released post quantum protection to iPhone in September 2024.
Adguard, Windscribe and Purevpn are other providers that currently offer PQE protection, with surfshars and Nymvpn also expected to participate in the list soon.
