MASQUE protocol – Better for privacy?

As the internet evolves, so too does the technology we use to stay safe and connected. One of the latest developments in the world of VPNs is MASQUE, a new protocol designed to offer faster and more reliable connections without compromising privacy.

In this article, I’ll break down how the protocol works and how its important. If you are looking for a nice VPN solution, check out my affiliate link for surfshark VPN!

What is MASQUE?

MASQUE is a protocol that builds on two advanced technologies: HTTP/3 and QUIC. HTTP/3 is a modern version of the web’s communication protocol, offering improvements over its predecessors. QUIC, on the other hand, is a transport protocol that enhances speed and efficiency by addressing limitations found in older protocols. MASQUE uses these technologies to create a more responsive and flexible VPN experience.

How Does MASQUE Work?

VPNs traditionally work by creating a secure tunnel between your device and a server, routing your internet traffic through that tunnel to protect your data. MASQUE uses the QUIC protocol to streamline this process, offering several key advantages:

1. Faster Setup: QUIC reduces the time it takes to establish a secure connection by combining the handshake (the security verification step) with the transport protocol. This results in faster connections, especially in situations where every second counts.
2. Improved Data Flow: MASQUE addresses the issue of data packet loss, which can slow down traditional VPNs. If one packet is lost, it doesn’t hold up the entire flow of data, allowing for a smoother experience.
3. Flexibility and Future-Proofing: The design of QUIC allows for easier updates and improvements. This makes MASQUE adaptable to future advancements in internet security and performance.

It looks like this:

OpenVPN

OpenVPN, another popular protocol, is known for its balance of security and performance.

• Strengths:
  • Highly secure, using SSL/TLS for encryption.
  • Open-source, meaning it’s regularly audited and updated by a community of developers.
  • Flexible and compatible with various platforms.
• Weaknesses:
  • Slower compared to newer protocols like WireGuard or MASQUE.
  • Requires more computational power, making it less ideal for mobile devices.

WireGuard

WireGuard is lightweight and focused on simplicity and speed.

• Strengths:
  • Extremely fast due to its minimal codebase.
  • Easy to set up and manage.
  • Uses state-of-the-art cryptographic algorithms for security.
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited flexibility for customization or additional features.
  • Some privacy concerns as it stores IP addresses temporarily (though this is being addressed with improvements).

Why Is MASQUE an Upgrade?

While WireGuard, a previous VPN protocol used by many, is known for its simplicity and security, it does have limitations in terms of flexibility and scalability. MASQUE solves these issues by being built on a more extensible foundation. Some key benefits include:

• Extended Functionality: MASQUE can be modified to add new features such as improved session management and congestion control.
• Standards-Based: MASQUE is aligned with the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) standards, meaning it supports the latest encryption methods and internet protocols.
• Multi-Path Support: MASQUE can take advantage of multiple internet connections at once, such as using both LTE and WiFi on a device. This helps ensure a continuous and uninterrupted experience, even when switching networks.

Getting Started with MASQUE

Cloudflare has begun offering MASQUE in the beta version of their WARP app for iOS devices running iOS 17 or newer. If you want to try it out, you can sign up for their beta tester program through Testflight.

Once in, you can enable it in Settings > Personalization > Protocol:

Maintaining Privacy

One of the core principles behind Cloudflare’s approach to MASQUE is privacy. When using the WARP service, your DNS queries are routed through 1.1.1.1, a privacy-focused DNS resolver. Cloudflare also ensures that your personal data is not logged or sold, and you don’t need to provide identifying information like your name or email to use the service.