Cipher
Algorithm used to encrypt and decrypt data. VPNs use strong ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20 to protect your traffic. The cipher determines how data is scrambled into unreadable ciphertext and back to readable plaintext.
What is Cipher?
What is Cipher?
Algorithm used to encrypt and decrypt data. VPNs use strong ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20 to protect your traffic. The cipher determines how data is scrambled into unreadable ciphertext and back to readable plaintext.
Related Terms
AES-256
Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys. Military-grade encryption algorithm used by governments worldwide. Considered computationally infeasible to break with current technology, requiring billions of years to crack through brute force.
ChaCha20
Modern stream cipher encryption algorithm used by WireGuard and some V2Ray configurations. Performs excellently on mobile devices without hardware AES acceleration, providing security comparable to AES-256.
Encryption
Process of converting readable data (plaintext) into scrambled, unreadable code (ciphertext) that only authorized parties can decrypt. VPNs use encryption to protect your data from interception by ISPs, hackers, and surveillance.
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