WireGuard VPN: what is it used for? Is it secure?

First things first — what is a VPN protocol?

A VPN protocol is a set of technical rules that determine how data is transmitted over the Virtual Private Network. 

Think of it as a set of instructions for creating a secure “tunnel” between your device and the internet. This tunnel encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it.

What is WireGuard VPN, and what is it used for?

WireGuard aims to replace IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN as a more efficient solution for VPNs. Unlike these older protocols, WireGuard was built from the ground up with modern technology and user needs in mind. 

Because it consists of only about 4,000 lines of code, it’s extremely lightweight and easy to audit for security vulnerabilities (to compare, OpenVPN has over 100,000 lines of code). The shorter code base also makes WireGuard easier to use and much harder to hack, all while providing better speeds and performance. In fact, WireGuard is considered the fastest VPN protocol available today.

What protocols does WireGuard VPN use?

WireGuard employs a combination of modern cryptographic protocols to ensure secure and efficient VPN connections. Here’s a closer look at the key protocols and algorithms it uses:

• Noise Protocol Framework to establish secure and authenticated communication channels; 
• Curve25519 to ensure that the keys exchanged between your device and the VPN server are secure and cannot be intercepted by attackers;
• ChaCha20 for data encryption, which is especially efficient on devices with limited processing power, like smartphones and routers;
• Poly1305 to ensure that the data sent and received through the VPN is authentic and has not been tampered with;
• BLAKE2 to quickly generate cryptographic hashes that provide a high level of security;
• HKDF for ensuring that the keys used for encryption are unique and derived from a solid cryptographic process.

By combining these modern cryptographic protocols, WireGuard achieves a high level of security, ensuring that your data remains private and protected from unauthorized access. The simplicity and efficiency of these protocols also contribute to the overall performance and speed of WireGuard, making it a popular choice for users looking for a secure and fast VPN connection.

How does the WireGuard protocol work?

WireGuard was designed to be straightforward and foolproof. It balances simplicity with advanced security and does so with a level of sophistication.

Here’s a breakdown of how WireGuard VPN works:

1. Key generation: when you set up WireGuard, it generates a pair of cryptographic keys. The private key will remain on your device while the public one is shared with the VPN server.
2. Establishing a connection: to initiate a WireGuard connection, your client device sends its public key to the VPN server. The server then responds with its own public key, establishing a secure and authenticated tunnel.
3. Encryption and authentication: once the tunnel is established, all data transmitted between your device and the VPN server is encrypted and then authenticated to ensure it wasn’t tampered with.
4. Efficient routing and connectivity: WireGuard takes a minimalist approach to routing. It assigns each device a unique IP address within the VPN network and uses that information to route data packets.
5. Connection handshake: when your device communicates with the VPN server over WireGuard, it doesn’t need to maintain a continuous connection. Instead, it performs quick handshakes, which helps maintain stability even on unstable networks.
6. Automatic reconnection: if the network connection drops, WireGuard quickly re-establishes the secure tunnel without requiring manual intervention.
7. Minimal configuration: unlike other VPN protocols, WireGuard is designed to be user-friendly. Setting it up typically involves installing the WireGuard application, generating keys, and configuring one simple file.
8. Static IP Mapping: because WireGuard assigns static IP addresses to each device, you get the same internal IP address each time you connect. This makes managing and configuring network settings easier.

The pros and cons of WireGuard VPN

While WireGuard offers a compelling mix of speed, security, and simplicity, it’s important to consider its limitations and whether they might impact your specific needs.

Here’s a clear look at the pros and cons:

WireGuard pros

• Speed: WireGuard is known for its high-speed performance. Its efficient cryptographic algorithms and streamlined code result in lower latency and faster data transfers, making it ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.
• Efficiency: the lightweight code in WireGuard makes it run well on different devices, from high-end desktops to low-power mobile phones.
• Security: WireGuard uses state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms to keep your data safe and secure. With fewer lines of code, WireGuard is easier to audit and less prone to vulnerabilities than older, more complex protocols.
• Ease of use: WireGuard is easy to set up, even for the less tech-savvy. It’s also versatile — it works with many different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring broad usability.
• Smooth operation: WireGuard excels at keeping your connection up when switching networks. It quickly re-establishes the secure tunnel, so your VPN experience remains reliable even on the move. 
• Privacy: WireGuard is designed to store minimal data. Because it doesn’t keep extensive logs, it protects your privacy and ensures your browsing activities remain confidential.

WireGuard cons

• Limited features: compared to more mature protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard currently lacks some advanced features — it doesn’t support all tunneling protocols or have as many configuration options.
• Experimental status: while WireGuard is stable and widely adopted, it is still considered under active development. It may receive significant updates and changes, which could impact its stability or introduce bugs.
• Compatibility issues: because WireGuard is so new, some older operating systems or devices may experience compatibility issues and require additional configuration or updates to work correctly.

How to configure and use WireGuard VPN

As WireGuard is a fairly new protocol, not all VPN services support it. Luckily, Surfshark has got you covered: you can easily enjoy the benefits of WireGuard VPN, both with automatic in-app configuration and manual setup options.

Automatic configuration of WireGuard within the Surfshark app

1. Download Surfshark: start by downloading and installing the Surfshark app on your device. WireGuard is currently available on Surfshark Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS apps.
2. Log in to your account: open the app and log in with your Surfshark credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one and subscribe to the service — you can find our plans here.
3. Select the WireGuard protocol: go to Settings, then VPN Settings. Look for the Protocol option and choose WireGuard from the list. Chances are, Surfshark already selected it for you automatically!
4. Connect to a server: go back to the main screen and choose a location from the list. The Surfshark app will automatically configure and set up a secure WireGuard VPN connection for you.

Manual configuration of WireGuard with Surfshark

If you prefer a more hands-on approach or need to set up WireGuard on a device that doesn’t support the Surfshark app, you can opt for manual configuration. Here’s how to go about it:

1. Generate keys and a configuration file: log in to your Surfshark account on the website and navigate to the manual setup section. Follow the instructions to generate the necessary cryptographic keys and download a pre-configured WireGuard configuration file tailored for your chosen server location.
2. Install the WireGuard app: download and install the WireGuard app from the official WireGuard website or your device’s app store.
3. Import the configuration file: open the WireGuard app and import the configuration file you downloaded from Surfshark. This file contains all the necessary settings, including server details and encryption keys.
4. Activate the tunnel: toggle the switch to activate the VPN tunnel. Your device will now be connected to Surfshark’s WireGuard server, ensuring secure and private internet access.

Benefits of using WireGuard through Surfshark 

By using Surfshark, you get the best of both worlds: the cutting-edge security and performance of WireGuard, along with the user-friendly experience and comprehensive support of a top-tier VPN service. 

Whether you choose automatic in-app configuration or manual setup, Surfshark will let you get the most out of WireGuard:

• Seamless integration: Surfshark’s app simplifies the setup process, allowing you to connect to WireGuard servers with just a few clicks;
• Enhanced security: you can enjoy the robust security features of WireGuard, backed by Surfshark’s commitment to privacy and protection;
• High performance: WireGuard’s efficiency and Surfshark’s optimized servers guarantee fast and reliable VPN connections for all your online activities.

Is WireGuard better than OpenVPN and IKEv2?

Before you choose a VPN protocol, it’s important to weigh up the different options to see which one best suits your needs.

WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 are all popular choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s compare them to see how they stack up.

WireGuard vs. OpenVPN

When it comes to WireGuard vs. OpenVPN, WireGuard really shines in terms of speed, efficiency, and ease of use. Its lightweight design and modern cryptography help it transfer data faster and with lower latency than OpenVPN. The setup process for WireGuard is really simple, so it’s easy to use even if you’re not that tech-savvy. 

On the other hand, OpenVPN has numerous advanced features and can be configured in many different ways. So, it’s a great choice if you need flexibility and you want to be able to make lots of changes. Even though it has a larger codebase, which can be more challenging to audit, OpenVPN is still a mature and widely supported protocol.

WireGuard vs. IKEv2

Both WireGuard and IKEv2 are great options for VPNs. They each offer excellent performance and strong security. 

That being said, WireGuard has the edge in terms of simplicity and speed. Its modern cryptographic algorithms and streamlined codebase result in lower latency and faster connections, making it ideal for users who want high performance. While IKEv2 is known for its stability and ability to maintain connections during network changes, WireGuard also excels in this area with quick reconnection capabilities. 

However, IKEv2 supports more advanced features and configurations, which might benefit users who need extensive customization.

Alright, so which VPN protocol is the best? 

In the end, WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 each have their unique advantages and are suitable for different use cases:

• Choose WireGuard if you prioritize speed, simplicity, and modern security. It’s ideal for users looking for a fast, reliable, and easy-to-configure VPN.
• Choose OpenVPN if you need a mature, widely-supported protocol with a wealth of advanced features and customization options. It’s suitable for users who require flexibility and extensive configuration capabilities.
• Choose IKEv2 if you want a stable and robust protocol, especially for mobile use. It’s perfect for users who frequently switch networks and need a VPN that can maintain a stable connection.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. All three protocols offer strong security and performance, so you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

What makes WireGuard VPN a secure protocol?

WireGuard is considered one of today’s safest and most secure VPN protocols. Its simplified protocol architecture with less code translates into fewer bugs and fewer security vulnerabilities. WireGuard also boasts faster and safer cryptography, called Cryptokey Routing.

As the creators stated themselves, there are some trade-offs that come in the form of voiced concerns during WireGuard’s initial hype phase. Let’s address them:

• WireGuard stores connected IP addresses; 
• WireGuard doesn’t obfuscate the user’s connection;
• WireGuard doesn’t assign dynamic IP addresses.

However, most VPN service providers configure the protocol themselves.

Here at Surfshark, we never store your connected IP address. We also assign dynamic IP addresses to all our users and obfuscate their connection for an extra layer of security.

Whatever security issues WireGuard has as a VPN protocol, as a VPN provider, we made sure to fix them on our end.

What platforms can you use WireGuard on?

As a standalone, WireGuard is available on multiple platforms.

The full list of software that can run WireGuard or integrate it includes: Debian, Fedora, Mageia, Arch, OpenSUSE/SLE, Slackware, Alpine, Gentoo, Exherbo, NixOS, Nix on Darwin, OpenWRT, Oracle Linux 8, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, CentOS 8, Oracle Linux 7, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7, CentOS 7, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Termux, Void, Adélie Linux, Source Mage, Buildroot, EdgeOS, AstLinux, Milis, and macOS Homebrew and MacPorts.

For more information about the installation process, visit the WireGuard installation page.

The Surfshark VPN app currently supports WireGuard on Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux.

Conclusion — try out WireGuard at your own speed

Overall, WireGuard is great — it’s fast, lightweight, secure, and easy to scale. And as the demand for secure and efficient online connectivity grows, it’s set to become a major player in the VPN technology field. With ongoing development and increasing adoption, the WireGuard protocol has the potential to set new standards for VPN security and usability, paving the way for more innovative and secure online experiences.

If you want to experience it in action — try Surfshark. Our service runs amazingly with WireGuard!

FAQ

Is WireGuard a VPN?

Since it’s designed as a general-purpose VPN, WireGuard can be used as a protocol and a standalone VPN, especially by those who want to build their own private network using state-of-the-art cryptography.

Is WireGuard free?

Yes, WireGuard is free and open-source. It’s been designed with the intention of being freely implemented and used by VPN developers or tech-savvy privacy enthusiasts.

Does WireGuard mask your IP?

WireGuard doesn’t mask your IP address on its own, as it’s mainly used as a VPN protocol for secure communication. To mask your IP, you need to connect to a VPN service using WireGuard, which then assigns you a different IP address from its server network.

Can WireGuard be hacked? 

VPN services can be hacked, but it’s exceptionally challenging. WireGuard protocol combined with AES or ChaCha encryption is almost impossible to decrypt using the most common hacking technique — brute force attacks.

Is WireGuard a good VPN protocol?

WireGuard is one of today’s safest, most secure VPN protocol options. Simplified design, modern cryptography, and superior default security settings make WireGuard stand out.

What port does WireGuard use?

WireGuard’s default port is 51820. If you wish to use additional tunnels, you must use a different port. The GUI (Graphical User Interface) will automatically suggest the next highest available port.

Does Surfshark work with WireGuard?

Yes! Surfshark has implemented WireGuard, and you can now use it in-app or configure it manually.

Why is WireGuard important?

WireGuard is important because it provides a fast, secure, and efficient VPN protocol that’s simpler and easier to audit than traditional VPN solutions. Its modern cryptographic design ensures robust privacy and security while maintaining great performance.

Is WireGuard a free VPN?

No, as WireGuard itself is not a VPN service but a VPN protocol that can be used to build VPN services. However, the WireGuard protocol is open-source and free to use, and many VPN providers incorporate it into their paid services.