tl;dr
NordVPN has introduced a new protocol, NordWhisper, to help users evade increasingly sophisticated VPN blocks by disguising encrypted connections as regular web traffic. This comes as VPN providers face pressure from governments and network administrators aiming to restrict outside information acces...
NordVPN recently introduced NordWhisper, a new protocol aiming to circumvent advanced VPN blocks by disguising encrypted connections as regular web traffic. This strategy targets restricted environments and public WiFi hotspots. Although the protocol offers strong encryption, it operates at a slower pace than traditional protocols, striving to achieve a balance between usability and privacy. Initially, NordWhisper is available on Windows, Android, and Linux platforms.
NordVPN's launch of NordWhisper comes in response to the escalating sophistication of VPN blocks, driven by government and network administrator efforts to restrict access to outside information. Human rights organizations have observed increasing VPN limitations in various countries, with some nations implementing advanced detection systems.
NordWhisper is specifically designed to enable VPN connections in networks that typically constrain traditional VPN traffic but may run slower due to its traffic-masking techniques. NordVPN has expressed intentions to expand support for additional platforms and further improve the protocol's efficacy.
The new protocol has exhibited success in evading current-generation filters while maintaining encryption strength comparable to standard VPN protocols. NordVPN's NordWhisper is designed to enable users to connect to VPN servers from networks that usually restrict traditional VPN traffic. The company developed this protocol in response to users experiencing disrupted connections and limited access to essential services in restricted environments where traditional VPN protocols failed.
The rollout of NordWhisper initially covers Windows, Android, and Linux platforms, with plans for future support on additional platforms. The company also emphasizes its commitment to continuously enhancing the protocol in response to evolving network filtering technologies. NordVPN included a clear disclaimer regarding legal compliance, affirming non-support and non-encouragement of any illegal activities through NordWhisper or other protocols.
Latest testing has demonstrated NordWhisper's capability to successfully bypass most current-generation filters while preserving encryption strength comparable to standard VPN protocols. Moving forward, NordVPN aims to make NordWhisper "smarter, faster, and more secure" to adapt to the evolving landscape of network filtering.