Post-quantum encryption (or PQE), which uses complex mathematical puzzles that even quantum computers struggle with, is your VPN provider’s answer to the Q-Day threat. But while Q-Day is still years away from actualization, PQE is a VPN feature you can enable today, to protect your data against hackers who might hold on to your encrypted data until quantum computers get strong enough to decrypt it.
When you access the internet through a VPN tunnel, it basically scrambles your traffic data into unreadable code that can only be unlocked using a cipher key. That key is then securely transmitted to your device using a VPN handshake. So anyone who doesn’t have access to the encryption key, including your ISP, will not be able to interpret any useful information from your network and data usage. However, this technology only works because hackers don’t have access to hardware that can decrypt the scrambled network data without the encryption key. With quantum computing evolving as quickly as it is, security researchers estimate that it will be powerful enough to fully decipher your encrypted data without access to the actual key.
If your work involves sensitive data, if you perform a lot of high-value financial transactions, or if you are in a regulated industry with strict compliance requirements, PQE is worth looking into. While its availability is limited to certain VPN providers on specific pricing tiers only, security-conscious businesses and professionals operating in sensitive industries will find it genuinely useful, so it’s not just a gimmick.
VPNs that support post-quantum encryption
Nord rolled out PQE in its Linux VPN app in 2024, followed by Windows, Android, and Apple operating systems. It runs on the NordLynx protocol with the ML-KEM algorithm layered on top of the existing Wireguard encryption. But that also means you can’t use PQE with NordVPN if you’re using a dedicated IP, Meshnet, or the OpenVPN protocol.
On Windows: Open the NordVPN app, go to Settings > Connections. Toggle on Post-quantum encryption.
On iOS, Android, tvOS, or Android TV: Tap your profile icon. From here, you can easily find the toggle for Post-quantum encryption.
ExpressVPN
Even before its NIST standardization, ExpressVPN was one of the first companies to offer the Kyber algorithm through its Lightway protocol as early as 2023. When the ML-KEM protocol was standardized, ExpressVPN upgraded its platform to adhere to the exact NIST standards with several improvements.
Open the ExpressVPN app.
Click on Settings. Navigate to the Protocol tab.
Mullvad
Mullvad introduced a pilot version of its post-quantum encryption key exchange protocol way back in 2017, but the experimental implementation was replaced by a new version based on the Classic McEliece algorithm on top of all existing WireGuard servers. With the 2023.3 launch of its desktop app, Mullvad launched a fully stabilized PQE feature while extending support for Android and iOS.
On Windows, macOS, and Linux: Go to Settings > VPN settings > WireGuard settings. Make sure that the Quantum-resistant tunnel option is switched to On. When the VPN is connected, you should see a string of green text that reads: “QUANTUM SECURE CONNECTION.”
VPN settings. Find the Quantum-resistant tunnel option, then toggle it on.
Does it make sense to use PQE right now?
Quantum computers are still years away from being able to decrypt current security protocols like RSA and ECC, even by the most generous estimates. However, HNDL attacks are a big enough security red flag that companies or people operating in sensitive industries and dealing with confidential information should be paying attention. For regular browsing workflows, PQE may be overkill. But when dealing with financial data, accessing healthcare portals, or sending sensitive information that you can’t afford to have intercepted, quantum protection offers additional peace of mind.
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