AES-256 (Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys) is the most widely used symmetric encryption algorithm in the world. Here's why it matters for your VPN.
The Numbers
A 256-bit key has 2^256 possible combinations. That's 1.1 x 10^77 — more than the estimated number of atoms in the observable universe. A brute-force attack at one billion billion (10^18) keys per second would take 3.31 x 10^56 years. The universe is only 13.8 x 10^9 years old.
How VPN Fleet Uses AES-256
We use AES-256-GCM (Galois/Counter Mode), which provides both encryption and authentication in a single operation:
- Encryption — your data is scrambled using the 256-bit key
- Authentication — GCM mode verifies data hasn't been tampered with
- Perfect Forward Secrecy — new keys generated for every session
Is It Overkill?
Some argue AES-128 is sufficient. While technically true for current computing power, AES-256 provides a massive security margin against future advances in quantum computing. We believe in protecting your data not just today, but decades from now.