ProtonVPN released version 2.0 of its Linux client which is said to be lighter, faster, and more stable. Entirely rewritten in Python, it also includes the Kill Switch feature, which keeps your data private even if your VPN connection is interrupted.
And that’s not all. Here’s a rundown of all the new features included in ProtonVPN’s new Linux app:
Kill Switch
The Kill Switch, as you may know, prevents your IP address and DNS queries from being exposed if you are disconnected from a VPN server for any reason. By enabling this feature and your VPN connection is disrupted, Kill Switch will block all your device’s external network traffic. It will remain blocked until you manually reconnect to a VPN server.
To enable the Kill Switch, enter “protonvpn configure” into the ProtonVPN client’s command line and type “5” to select the Kill Switch settings. You will then need to enter “y” to confirm you want to enable the feature.
Split Tunneling
Aside from Kill Switch, ProtonVPN for Linux 2.0 also has a form of Split Tunneling that allows you to exclude specific IP addresses from the VPN tunnel. By doing this, you can browse the Internet as though you are in two places at once.
Again, to use Split Tunneling, enter “protonvpn configure” into the ProtonVPN client’s command line and type “6” to select the Split Tunneling settings. From here, you need to enter IP addresses you wish to exclude from your VPN connection.
Improved performance & security
The revamped code also makes version 2.0 easier to maintain, while delivering more robust and reliable user experience. ProtonVPN says we can expect a more stable client and an improved algorithm to discover which VPN server will support the fastest connection speed.
The security of the new client has also been upgraded, with improved DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention.
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Looking ahead ProtonVPN says Linux users should expect a graphic user interface in the future, as well as some other capabilities such as support for automatic VPN connection on boot and automatic reconnects.
Version 2.0 of ProtonVPN’s Linux client was created by Rafficer, who is an active member of the Proton community. As a long-time ProtonVPN user and supporter, Rafficer felt that the Linux client could be improved, and he took it upon himself to design the new client, reaching out to the ProtonVPN Team for help finishing it off. Thanks to his work, Linux users everywhere can access the security and privacy of ProtonVPN without sacrificing performance.
For the most up-to-date documentation about the new ProtonVPN Linux client, you can project page on GitHub.
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ProtonVPN operates more than 500 servers across 40+ countries around the world. It offers a decent service, allowing users to anonymously surf the web, access Netflix and download files via BitTorrent.
Advanced users will also appreciate features such as the ability to easily select Tor-compatible servers and the Secure Core VPN mode which forces internet traffic through multiple servers before it leaves the network.