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ExpressVPN launches post-quantum protection on Lightway

ExpressVPN announced that it has added post-quantum protection to Lightway, its next-generation VPN protocol. Users can be protected against attackers with access to quantum computers by updating to the latest version of the ExpressVPN apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Windows.

This makes ExpressVPN an early pioneer in the VPN industry to implement post-quantum protections. 

“We believe that by playing an active role in the transition to a quantum-safe world, we can future-proof ourselves and our users. We are proud to be innovators who are helping to lead the charge for a quantum-safe future in the VPN industry,” said Pete Membrey, chief engineering officer, ExpressVPN.

Quantum computers and their impact on privacy and security

As quantum computers continue to evolve and become more powerful, they will eventually be able to crack encryption algorithms that are currently deemed secure. Experts estimate that it would take a classical computer around 300 trillion years to break a standard RSA-2048 bit encryption key, while a quantum computer with enough qubits could crack it in days.

One of the most insidious threats posed by quantum computing is the Store Now, Decrypt Later (SNDL) attack. SNDL is a cryptographic technique that involves storing encrypted data for an extended period before decrypting it. Threat actors are already swiping up lots of encrypted information, often the kind with a long shelf life, and stockpiling it until quantum computers can crack it open for them in the future. 

The potential risks of quantum computers are so threatening that in December 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law H.R.7535, the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, which encourages “federal government agencies to adopt technology that will protect against quantum computing attacks.”

“ExpressVPN’s goal is to protect our users and help them take control of their internet experience. This is why it’s important for us to deploy post-quantum cryptography as early as possible, so that we can help our users stay ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats,” Membrey added.

ExpressVPN’s post-quantum implementation is based on wolfSSL’s integration with the Open Quantum Safe team’s liboqs. It utilizes P256_KYBER_LEVEL1 for UDP and P521_KYBER_LEVEL5 for TCP. 

What is Lightway?

Lightway is ExpressVPN’s pioneering new VPN protocol, built for an always-on world. It makes your VPN experience speedier, more secure, and more reliable than ever. Designed to be light on its feet, Lightway runs faster, uses less battery, and is easier to audit and maintain.

A VPN protocol forms the foundation of a VPN service, shaping every aspect of your experience. Most providers use the same off-the-shelf protocols, but now ExpressVPN has engineered its own: Lightway.


The fastest is getting faster
ExpressVPN has already been ranked the fastest VPN by TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, and others. Lightway will make your VPN connection even faster.

With Lightway, you’ll also be able to get connected to ExpressVPN more quickly—often in just a fraction of a second. Nine out of ten beta users reported that Lightway got them connected to the VPN faster than before.


 

PERTINENT LINKS

 

ExpressVPN launches post-quantum protection on Lightway

H.R.7535 - Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act

Info on liboqs

Lightway: A modern VPN protocol by ExpressVPN

Lightway: A next-generation VPN protocol

Content lifted/derived from ExpressVPN Site