A VPN service can help protect your identity from snoopers when you’re torrenting. However, some users are trying to increase their level of security with a double VPN connection, especially the more “paranoid” ones.
Like the name says, a double VPN allows you to double your privacy. But, as always, increased privacy comes with a couple of disadvantages. The main question that you should be asking is whether you really need this type of protection.
What Is a Double VPN?
A double VPN works almost the same as your regular VPN service. You still connect to your VPN provider and route your traffic through servers in other countries. Your traffic and data still get encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption.
But, with a double VPN, there is another level of security. After routing your connection through one secure server, the VPN routes it through a second one. As with the first server, the second one encrypts the data that it transmits to and from your computer.
The main difference between a regular VPN service and a double VPN is the extra server. You could actually achieve a similar thing by connecting to several VPNs simultaneously, or at least two of them. This extra step dramatically increases the difficulty of tracking your location and viewing your data.
Advantages of Double VPNs
The main benefit of a double VPN is increased privacy. Your Internet connection gets routed through two servers, each with its own encryption. This process makes hacking and eavesdropping significantly more difficult.
While most standard VPNs offer reliable services, there is always a risk of disconnection. A few seconds of exposed traffic may give trackers a chance to determine your IP address and location.
If you are using a double VPN, those few seconds of exposed traffic simply reveal the IP address and location of the first server. Hackers and trackers still need to get through another layer of security, which is virtually impossible at this point.
Disadvantages of a Double VPN
There are a few potential disadvantages compared to using a standard VPN service.
Higher cost
Due to the double encryption and servers, double VPN services tend to cost more. There are only a few VPN providers that offer these services, as they cater to a small market. It usually works as an add-on to your standard VPN software, for which you usually pay extra. But, if you look hard enough, you will find a couple of VPN providers that offer this feature at no extra cost.
Lower speed
You may also experience slower speeds with a double VPN connection. Heavy encryption slows speeds as every bit of data needs to be encrypted. When you double the encryption, the slowdown is more significant.
As I’m sure you are aware, speed is a big deal for torrenting and P2P. This is the main reason why a double VPN is not a popular tool for torrenting.
When Should You Use a Double VPN?
While a double VPN may not be needed for every type of online activity, it can be useful for protecting your identity when transferring sensitive data. For example, journalists working in countries with strict censorship laws and government watchdogs may need to mask their IP addresses behind two encrypted servers.
Opinions are a bit divided when it comes to torrenting. Very few users claim it is better to double your encryption when downloading torrent files. In our opinion, a standard connection from a reputable VPN that allows BitTorrent traffic is enough to keep you safe.
Conclusion
The pros and cons of using a double VPN are very clear. These services provide a great form of online security. It is almost impossible to track your location or browsing activity when your connection is encrypted and routed through a server twice. Getting through both layers of security and encryption is too much work for anyone trying to monitor your activity.
But remember that a double VPN typically costs more and will slow your Internet speeds, which is a major drawback for torrent users.
