DoubleVPN

Double VPN (or Multi-hop VPN) is an advanced privacy feature provided by certain VPN services. Double VPN encrypts a user's internet traffic twice and routes it through two different VPN servers before it reaches its destination. Having multiple servers also enhances security and privacy, making it an excellent option for those who wish to remain anonymous online.

What is Double VPN?

In a standard VPN setup, a user's internet traffic is routed through a single VPN server, where it is encrypted and assigned a new IP address before accessing the internet. Double VPN, however, encrypts your traffic and sends it to one VPN server, where it's encrypted again and routed through a second VPN server before reaching your desired website or service. This means the user's data is encrypted twice and takes an additional "hop" between servers.

For example:

• Once the VPN connection is initiated, the user's data is encrypted on their device and sent to the first VPN server.
• The data is then encrypted again at the first server and forwarded to a second VPN server.
• The second VPN server decrypts one layer of the data before delivering it to the final internet destination.

Why do VPN services use Double VPN?

1. Two-stage encryption for a secure messaging experience
   Double encryption is the main advantage of Double VPN. Data is encrypted each time it passes through a VPN server. Double VPN provides users with an extra security layer, making data interception or decryption by cybercriminals or surveillance agencies extremely difficult. Individuals handling sensitive information or working in high-risk professions, such as journalists or activists, should take advantage of this double encryption method.

2. An extra layer of IP masking
   It doesn't just offer an extra encryption layer but also numerous IP address changes — a good feature of Double VPN. Users gain an added layer of anonymity as their IP address changes with each VPN server. So, for instance, after passing through the first server, the user's IP is replaced with the IP of the first server. Once the data is routed through the second server, it is masked again, further hiding the original user's IP address.

3. Enhanced privacy from potential threats
   Double VPN provides an additional layer of protection in high-risk areas, including restrictive countries with extensive internet surveillance. Multiple server hops can help bypass stringent censorship and monitoring, enabling users to have safer internet access. Double VPN effectively makes tracking user activity or locating the user much more difficult by routing the data through two separate servers in different geographical locations.

4. VPN server compromise protection
   If one VPN server were compromised, the extra encryption layer and routing through a second server would still protect the user's data. Double VPN often serves those users requiring extra protection against potential threats, like advanced surveillance.

The downside of Double VPN

Double VPN certainly offers clear privacy benefits, but it also has a few downsides:

• Slower speeds: Since two servers are used to route data, it increases the distance and processing time, which means connection speeds can decrease. This might not be ideal for activities like gaming or streaming, where speed is crucial.
• Potential increase in data usage: Although still minimal, double encryption does increase data usage, as each encryption layer adds extra data to the packets.
• Limited access: Not every VPN has a Double VPN feature, and it's usually limited to certain servers or regions.

When should you use Double VPN?

Double VPN is especially useful in situations where enhanced safety is required, such as:

• Sensitive countries — with strict censorship/surveillance.
• Dealing with sensitive information (requiring extra protection).
• Conducting sensitive research or investigative work that requires total anonymity.
• Protecting yourself during financial activities like international transfers or crypto trades.

Double VPN is not necessary for everyday browsing or streaming due to potential speed slowdowns. However, it is indispensable when the highest levels of privacy and security are needed.

List of VPN providers with DoubleVPN feature:

• Surfshark VPN (Surfshark VPN's biggest draw is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices to a single subscription, which is not the case with most other VPN providers.).

• NordVPN (Strong privacy protection with military-grade encryption. It offers a large server network, allowing for fast and reliable connections, and is superb at unblocking streaming services. It has a few unique features such as strong security, fast speeds, and global coverage.).

• VeePN (VeePN is a very popular VPN service with over 40 million active users. It has a reasonable price, an easy-to-learn interface for all the platforms.).

• IPVanish (IPVanish provides a cost-effective 2-year plan, ideal for those who want to use it for a while.).

For privacy enthusiasts and those conducting sensitive online activities, the Double VPN feature is a must. This type of VPN can encrypt the data in two ways, routing it through two isolated servers that provide a layer of security and anonymity that makes it almost impossible for a third party to know, track, or trace any user data. It’s not necessarily needed for every user, but in high-risk situations where privacy is crucial, Double VPN can be helpful.