NordVPN Launches NordWhisper Protocol Designed to Bypass VPN Blocks

Virtual private networks, or VPNs, mask your public IP address so you can make apps and websites think you’re in a different city, state or even country. They’re great tools for general privacy, streaming foreign Netflix libraries or circumventing censorship. But VPNs may not function correctly in certain situations, like when you're traveling to a country where VPNs are frowned upon. 

NordVPN’s new NordWhisper protocol aims to bypass VPN blocks to provide privacy in more places. If you’re heading to a country where VPNs are a no-no or you're trying to use a virtual private network on school Wi-Fi, NordWhisper may be the right protocol for you.

NordWhisper masquerades as standard web traffic to try to slip through filters

When you use a VPN, the protocol you pick establishes an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server. VPN protocols determine how your device “talks” to the server, and, like other methods of communication, there are different benefits. WireGuard and its derivatives, including NordVPN’s NordLynx, offer speedier encryption, while OpenVPN is slower but regarded as more robust. The aptly named NordWhisper tries to disguise the fact that you’re using a VPN by impersonating traditional web traffic. Because it uses web tunnel technology, the secure connection might be more effective at slipping through network filters. Initially, NordLynx is available on Windows, Android and Linux, with more device support to follow. 

Obfuscated servers, which Nord has, attempt to accomplish a similar feat, though some internet networks may have VPN-specific blocking in place. Because data appears like regular web traffic, NordWhisper might work in countries or on internet networks that don’t play nicely with VPNs. If you’ve tried traditional obfuscation unsuccessfully, switching to NordWhisper may let you keep your VPN enabled. For instance, if you’re connected to your school’s Wi-Fi and want your VPN on for privacy, NordWhisper may be worth a try. 

In a press release, NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis said, “We designed NordWhisper with our users in mind. It’s not just about getting around network restrictions; it’s about empowering people to work, communicate, and access essential services securely and freely, even in the most restrictive environments.”

Though NordWhisper may be more effective at circumventing VPN restrictions than OpenVPN or the company’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, it may slow down your internet connection. All VPNs slow your internet download speeds somewhat, but the fastest VPNs have a nearly unnoticeable effect. If you want to stream BBC iPlayer, Netflix or Disney Plus in 4K, you’ll likely want to skip NordWhisper in favor of NordLynx. 

Notably, Nord isn’t alone in rolling out advanced VPN protocols with the intent of avoiding VPN restrictions. Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol also tries to mask a VPN connection as regular web traffic. 

For more on virtual private networks, here’s how to use a VPN on various platforms and a guide to common VPN terms.