DoubleVPN

Double VPN (or Multi-hop VPN) is an advanced privacy feature offered by select VPN services. Double VPN encrypts a user’s internet traffic twice and sends it through two different VPN servers before it reaches its endpoint. Having multiple servers also means added security and privacy, making this a great option for those 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 proceeding to the internet. Double VPN, however, encrypts your traffic and sends it to one VPN server, where it is 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 initiates, the data from the user 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 the data 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 primary advantage of Double VPN. Data is encrypted each time it passes through a VPN server. Double VPN provides users with an added security layer, making data interception or decryption by cybercriminals or surveillance agencies extremely challenging. Individuals dealing with sensitive information or in high-risk professions, such as journalists or activists, should utilize this double encryption approach.

2. An extra layer of IP masking
   It not only provides an extra layer of encryption but also numerous IP address switches — good double VPN. Users also gain an additional layer of anonymity since their IP address changes with each VPN server. So, for example, 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 and the original user's IP address is further hidden.

3. Enhanced privacy from potential threats
   Double VPN offers an extra layer of protection in high-risk areas, including restrictive countries with heavy internet surveillance. Multiple hops of servers can help to overcome more rigorous censorship and monitoring, allowing users to have safer access to the internet. Double VPN effectively makes it much harder to track user activity or locate the user by routing the data through two separate servers in different geographic locations.

4. VPN server compromise protection
   If one VPN server is somehow compromised, the extra layer of encryption and routing through a second server would still secure the user’s data. Double VPN often caters to users who need additional protection against potential threats, such as from advanced surveillance.

The downside of Double VPN

Double VPN certainly has 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, meaning the connection speeds may slow down. This may not suit 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 layer of encryption adds additional data to the specific packets.
• Limited access: Not every VPN has a Double VPN feature, and it’s generally limited to certain servers or regions.

When should you use Double VPN?

Double VPN is particularly useful in scenarios where enhanced safety is required, including:

• Countries with strict censorship/surveillance.
• Processing sensitive information that requires additional protections.
• Conducting sensitive research or investigative work that demands total anonymity.
• Ensuring safety 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 utmost 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 DoubleVPN feature is a must. This type of VPN can encrypt 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, DoubleVPN can be helpful.