A VPN may be able to keep your data private, but did you know using the tool itself is still detectable?
That's unless you make use of obfuscated technology, which many of the best VPNs offer some version of.
Able to help you slip completely beneath the radar and better equip you against more hardy blocks, read on to better understand what obfuscated VPN servers are, how they work, and why you may or may not need to use them.
What are obfuscated VPN servers?
While regular VPN servers conceal your IP address, they don't offer the infrastructure to prevent sophisticated systems from detecting that you're using a VPN in the first place. This can be a problem when accessing certain websites and platforms or, more pressingly, when you're looking to get around heavy censorship where you are.
While your internet service provider (ISP), for instance, won't be able to see your browsing history when connected to a VPN, through the data packets sent over the network, it will be able to determine through DPI (deep packet inspection) if you're using a VPN and subsequently block it.
VPN obfuscation through specialist servers, on the other hand, makes it so your encrypted VPN traffic resembles a regular internet connection, allowing you to remain under the radar.
As with a regular server, it allows you to bypass any restrictions you might be facing, and overcome firewalls, aforementioned DPIs, and censorship imposed by oppressive governments.
How do obfuscated VPN servers work?
It's worth thinking of a VPN like a sealed parcel. Anyone watching your network (whether your ISP, a strict internal network at, say, work, or a government body) can't see what's inside the package, but they can still tell that it's a parcel from a VPN company.
The standard VPN connection encrypts your traffic so no one can see what you're doing online, but onlookers can still recognize that you're using a VPN in the first place.
But when connecting to an obfuscated VPN server, it disguises the package so the sender no longer appears to be from a VPN. Typically a VPN does this by creating an additional layer of encryption able to mimic regular HTTPS traffic.
Which VPN users benefit the most from obfuscated servers?
- Getting around restrictive networks: Typically implemented in schools and workplaces, you may find yourself unable to access certain websites or apps while connected to these networks. Often an obfuscated server is required to bypass blocks undetected.
- Circumventing strict censorship rules: There are countries around the world with strict censorship in place, from social media to specific websites. Obfuscated servers may be the only way to get your VPN to work and slip under the radar undetected.
- Protecting against government spying: Similar to crackdowns on internet usage, many countries face more severe surveillance. Whether you're in such a country or hypervigilant about this kind of invasive monitoring, obfuscated servers not only allow you to keep your data private, but also conceal the fact you're using a VPN in the first place.
- Hide from ISPs: Users may be keen to keep things private from their ISP, particularly if you're suspicious of them impacting your usage, such as data throttling.
Are there any drawbacks to obfuscated VPN servers?
There are some cons to be aware of when using an obfuscated VPN servers. Perhaps the main one is that you can expect to see slower connection speeds. Going back to our parcel analogy, with an added layer of encryption, this is going to make that data parcel heavier.
As such, obfuscated servers can subsequently cause your device's battery to drain faster, too.
Choice of obfuscated servers are also generally fewer than other server types, meaning a lack of choice and potential for them to be overloaded with other users.
It's also worth noting obfuscated VPN servers aren't a silver bullet against particular advanced DPI. An obfuscated server may be no match for firewalls like those used in China, for instance, meaning your connection will be blocked regardless.
What VPN providers offer obfuscated servers?
A number of VPN providers offer obfuscated servers as a part of their product. Surfshark, for example, brands its obfuscated server feature as "stealth VPN". Running on the OpenVPN protocol, Surfshark automatically detects where there is a need for obfuscation and activates the server. This means users don't manually need to configure their settings to circumvent censorship and other blocks.
ExpressVPN also offers obfuscated servers, and it's automatic across all protocols. NordVPN's obfuscated servers work similarly to Surfshark'ss in that they run on OpenVPN protocols. However, you do have to manually select "Obfuscated" from NordVPN's "Speciality Servers" list to connect.
ProtonVPN uses its own protocol, built from scratch, to run its obfuscation technology through. Similar to Surfshark, it goes by the name "Stealth".
Do I really need a VPN provider that offers obfuscated servers?
For everyday tasks for which you might use a VPN — accessing streaming services and benefitting from an extra layer of security while carrying out data sensitive tasks — obfuscated servers aren't strictly necessary.
Realistically, unless you're in a country where you're facing internet crackdowns and censorship, obfuscated servers may only be of use if you're dealing with limited networks in your school or workplace. Otherwise, obfuscated servers are really only critical if you're facing such harsh restrictions.
That said, most top VPN services do offer obfuscated servers within their list of features, so you'll likely have the option there anyway if you end up needing it.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
