/ Do you ever wonder how safe you are on the internet? The increase in cyber threats has made the need for strong security mechanisms all the more necessary. One of the recent innovations in security is the Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI). Even though RPKI comes with numerous benefits, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can enhance its features of security. This blog discusses how VPNs can beef up security in the context of the RPKI revolution.
What is RPKI?
RPKI stands for Resource Public Key Infrastructure, which is a framework that has been specially devised to make the whole procedure of routing on the internet very much secure. The internet routing procedure is nothing but the way data packets move from one computer to another. At times, these data packets are hijacked or misrouted, giving rise to security breaches. RPKI helps to avert this by making sure data packets travel over the right path.
More than 3,000 routing incidents were reported in 2020, from route leaks to route hijacks, according to a report released by the Internet Society. The risks from these incidents range all the way up to serious security problems, like information theft and service downtime. RPKI aims to reduce those risks by using cryptographic certificates to verify authenticity.
How RPKI Works?
Digital certificates secure routes in RPKI. These certificates are issued by some trusted authority and contain information as to which the routes are considered authentic. While sending data packets, the routers verify these certificates so that the routes may be confirmed. In case a route is not authentic, it denies to take the data packet, which therefore stops some of the security threats.
Even though RPKI is performing very well, it is not perfect. However, few attackers will manage ways to circumvent all these security setups. That’s when VPNs take their place.
The Role of VPNs in Enhancing Security
A VPN stands for a Virtual Private Network that provides a safe and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. With the use of a VPN, your data will travel through an encrypted tunnel, which is much more difficult for hackers to capture it. This is where VPNs come into play and become even more potent when combined with RPKI.
Benefits of Using VPNs with RPKI
- Enhanced Encryption: Further, it encrypts, making it much harder for hackers to access the information. Even if the hacker does, the information will still be safe through VPN encryption.
- Anonymity: Your IP address will be masked by VPNs; so it will become quite difficult for hackers to retrace your online activities. This higher level of anonymity might do your data a world of good in terms of safety from the dreadful cyber threats.
- Access to blocked websites: There are many places around the globe that have relaxed policies on internet security, and therefore these areas will always be under attack. Thus, a VPN makes you able to connect with servers in more secure places, hence lowering the risk of routing incidents.
- Privacy: VPNs can also prevent your Internet Service Provider (ISP) from monitoring the activities that are being done by various people online. This increased privacy will ultimately mean that your data will be less exposed to potential threats.
Real-World Applications of RPKI and VPNs
There are various companies and many individuals already using RPKI and VPNs to beef up their security on the internet. For example, there exists one advanced internet security company, Cloudflare, which is currently number one in the adoption of RPKI. It reported that the implementation of RPKI has significantly reduced routing incidents for its users. Of course, apart from RPKI, Cloudflare also recommends the use of VPNs, which give them an extra layer of protection, especially for very sensitive activities like online banking and confidential communication.
Challenges and Considerations
While the combined use of RPKI with a VPN provides much greater security, there are several challenges and considerations:
- Cost: High implementation cost for RPKI; subscription to a trusted VPN service provider can also be expensive. However, the investment is often worth it for the enhanced security it provides.
- Complexity: Setting up and maintaining RPKI can be a bit technically complex, and its implementation may require specialized knowledge. To an ordinary user, in the same way, the selection and configuration of a VPN could be very daunting.
- Performance: Sometimes, employing the use of a VPN tends to slow down one’s internet connection. Although many premium VPN services offer high-speed connections, which make this effect negligible.
Conclusion
With the passage of time, the number of cyber threats is increasing day by day, so the need for further advanced security measures surges to the top. While RPKI is a huge step in the direction of securing internet routing, it by no means is a complete solution in itself. By using RPKI along with VPNs, the users can acquire much more robust and secure internet access. Though encumbered by some hurdles, the benefits of stronger encryption, better privacy, and less risk for routing incidents make this combination a potent tool in the fight against cyber threats.
