Poly1305

Message authentication code used with ChaCha20 encryption to verify data integrity. Part of WireGuard's cryptographic suite, ensuring data hasn't been tampered with during transmission.

Glossary

What is Poly1305?

Message authentication code used with ChaCha20 encryption to verify data integrity. Part of WireGuard's cryptographic suite, ensuring data hasn't been tampered with during transmission.

Related Terms

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.

WireGuard

Modern VPN protocol with exceptional speed, security, and efficiency. Only ~4,000 lines of code (vs OpenVPN's ~100,000) make it highly auditable. Best protocol for everyday VPN use with minimal speed impact.

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