DoubleVPN

Double VPN (or Multi-hop VPN) is an advanced privacy feature offered 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 endpoint. Having multiple servers also enhances security and privacy, making it ideal for people who want to remain anonymous online.

What is Double VPN?

In a typical 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 data and sends it to one VPN server, where it gets 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 routed to the first VPN server.
• It is then encrypted again at the first server and forwarded to a second VPN server.
• The second VPN server decrypts one layer of encryption and then delivers it to the target 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 additional security layer, making data interception or decryption by cybercriminals or surveillance agencies extremely difficult. Individuals handling sensitive information or in high-risk professions, such as journalists or activists, should employ this double encryption approach.

2. An extra layer of IP masking
   It not only adds an extra layer of encryption but also results in multiple IP address changes—good for double VPN. Users also gain an extra layer of anonymity as their IP address changes with each VPN server they pass through. So, for instance, after routing through the first server, the user's IP is replaced with the IP of the first server. Once the data is sent 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 extra layer of protection in high-risk areas, including restrictive countries with extensive internet surveillance. Multiple hops between servers can help overcome more stringent censorship and monitoring, allowing users a safer internet access experience. Double VPN effectively makes it much harder to track user activity or locate the user by routing data through two separate servers in different geographic locations.

4. VPN server compromise protection
   If one VPN server were somehow compromised, the additional layer of encryption and rerouting through a second server would still secure the user’s data. Double VPN often accommodates users who need heightened protection against potential threats, particularly from advanced surveillance.

The downside of Double VPN

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

• Slower speeds: Because two servers are used to route data, the increased distance and processing time can slow connection speeds. This may not be suitable for activities such as gaming or streaming, where speed is critical.
• Potential increase in data usage: While still minimal, double encryption does increase your data usage, as each encryption layer adds additional data to the specific packets.
• Limited access: Not all VPNs have a Double VPN feature, and its availability is generally limited to certain servers or regions.

When should you use Double VPN?

Double VPN is particularly useful in situations requiring enhanced safety, including:

• Sensitive countries—strict censorship/surveillance.
• Processing sensitive information (requiring additional protections).
• Conducting sensitive research or investigative work that demands total anonymity.
• Protecting yourself when dealing with financial information, such as during international transfers or crypto trades.

Double VPN is not necessary for everyday browsing or streaming due to potential speed reductions. However, it becomes 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 data in two ways, routing it through two separate servers to 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.