A virtual private network (VPN) is a security tool that is essential these days for the sake of privacy on the internet. Without it, the internet activity of a user can be easily viewed and intercepted by other people. This includes online banking, online shopping, business e-mails, downloading of files and browsing history, etc.
The worst part is that all of this can be used to trace down the device back to you. The Internet Protocol (IP) address can be used to track down someone in real life as it reveals the physical location. However, when the user is connected to a reliable VPN service, the internet activity, and data are encrypted and the IP address is masked with its help.
No one can find out what the user is doing on the internet, not even the government or hackers. There are many versions of VPNs out there. Some are even free but not recommended. The premium ones offer a lot of protection and features.
Using a VPN is definitely a plus when it comes to interaction on the internet. However, can you run two VPNs at the same time? Does this offer double protection? Many users ask these questions. Anyways, a VPN can help in:
- Remaining anonymous on the internet.
- Helping in the prevention of cyberattacks and spying.
- Providing freedom to browse the internet.
- Providing online safety and privacy.
- Providing access to blocked and restricted websites and applications.
- Bypassing several censorships and firewalls.
- Improving internet connection and speeds.
- Making online gaming experience better.
Can You Run Two VPNs At The Same Time?
Many users want more privacy and protection and think that if you can run two VPNs at the same time. The answer is yes, there are ways to achieve this. However, experts claim that it does not benefit as much as it is hard to achieve or establish. You cannot just simply install two VPNs and think that you will get double protection by turning both of them on. It is much more complicated than that. A routing error might occur if you try to use two VPNs at once.
To make it work the user will have to need to manually change the configuration of the Open VPN files. The best way is to install one VPN on the operating system and the other on a virtual machine. For this, the user will have to download and install a virtual machine on the computer. Then the IP address will route it via the computer before going via the virtual machine installed.
This will definitely slow down the speed and the speed will keep dropping depending on the number of added tunnels. The simplest way possible to accomplish this is by a double VPN. Many VPN companies allow and provide double encryption that saves hours of work. Because the traffic is streamlined via only one specific provider, there will not be any conflicting VPNs. The traffic will be sent from one server and will be redirected to the second one, seamlessly.
In simple words, the traffic and the online data will be secured by not just one but by two VPN servers working simultaneously. About the level of encryption, it is not doubled but instead, another layer of encryption is added which will make the online traffic reach the web after passing the VPN server. Overall, the time before it even reaches the internet and gets back to your device, the online data and traffic is encrypted and then decrypted.
That is just not it. The data and traffic are re-encrypted again and then decrypted for another time. This is just because of the two VPN servers. Moreover, instead of just one, the Internet Protocol (IP) address is also masked two times behind the two VPN servers. Some of the benefits of using a double VPN connection are as follows:
- As an alternative between TCP and UDP, the connections between the servers can offer a better level of online security to the user.
- The first VPN server’s address will be visible to the second VPN and it will not be able to see the real Internet Protocol (IP) address.
- By setting up a double VPN, the data and online traffic of the user will be encrypted two times.
- By using a double VPN connection, there will be a safer environment for the user and this will eventually reduce the risks of a traffic correlation attack and will not leave the user exposed on the internet.
- By establishing a multihop VPN connection, the user will be able to hide his or her digital footprints, which he or she leaves on various multiple geo-locations.
When it comes to the disadvantages of using two VPNs at the same time, there are not many. The main logical issue is how a multihop or a double VPN connection decreases the connection speeds. Instead of this, there is no major issue. Setting up a multihop or a double VPN connection can be quite expensive as it involves many servers and connections for more privacy and security. Some ways of setting up a double VPN are:
- Establish a VPN chain with multiple providers.
- By the host machine plus (+) virtual machine method.
- By using a browser extension and various VPN connections.
- By using a router and various VPN connections.
- By self-configuration of a VPN’s settings.
In short, setting up a VPN chain, multihop connection, or a double VPN connection is more likely to give you benefits if you are concerned about your online privacy. Some of the VPN providers offer many built-in features that let the user decide if he or she wants to set up a VPN chain or a double VPN connection.
The only other alternative is to configure a connection on your own, either by using a virtual machine or by using servers from different and multiple VPN providers. However, this answers the question “can you run two VPNs at the same time?” which many people keep asking who do not have good knowledge about tech.