How to use a VPN on Linux - and why you should

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June Wan/ZDNET

Linux is, by design, the most secure desktop operating system on the market. That doesn't mean you shouldn't consider adding an extra layer of security. Adding a VPN is one easy way to boost your security and privacy.

Also: Ubuntu Unity still has one of my favorite PC interfaces of all time

The problem is that Linux's built-in VPN tech is geared toward the old-school type of VPN that would allow you to access company resources from outside the LAN as if your remote computer was attached to the company network. Modern VPNs are more about keeping your information private by masquerading your IP address and location and encrypting the data that leaves your computer. Most modern Linux distributions have built-in tools for connecting to a traditional VPN.

For example, on Pop!_OS (based on Ubuntu), you can go to the Network settings window, click the + associated with VPNs, and select from the following three options: OpenVPN, Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, or import from file. Those are not the modern take on VPN technology but good options for connecting to your company's virtual private network.

Also: The best VPN services of 2024: Expert tested

Most users are looking for a VPN that offers them anonymity and encryption, which requires a third-party service and app.

With that in mind, what do you do?

Well, that depends on what VPN service you use. Some VPN services Linux clients can use include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, PureVPN, and Proton VPN.

Also: How to use the open-source Proton VPN browser extension

I'm not going to walk you through using all of the above, mostly because the process of using each is quite similar. Instead, I'll demonstrate using Proton VPN. Proton VPN offers servers globally, is easy to use, and offers a free version without any "gotchas."

With that said, let me show you how to use Proton VPN on Ubuntu Desktop.

How to use Proton VPN on Ubuntu

What you'll need: The only things you'll need are a running instance of a Ubuntu-based Linux distribution and a Proton VPN account (either free or paid).

The first thing to do is download the .deb repo installer. I'll download the installer for the latest version, which is 1.1.0-1. Make sure to visit the download site to get the latest version.

Download the file with the command:

wget https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/dists/stable/main/binary-all/protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.5_all.deb

To add the repo to Ubuntu (or a Ubuntu/Debian-based distribution), issue the command:

sudo dpkg -i protonvpn-stable-release_1.0.5_all.deb

We can now update apt (so the new repository addition takes effect) and install the Proton command line interface with the following commands:

sudo apt update sudo apt install protonvpn -y

With the app installed, you can fire it up either from the desktop menu or the command:

In the resulting window, sign in with your Proton account credentials.

You can also create an account from this window (if you don't already have one).

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

In the next window, either click Quick Connect (to connect you to a random server) or select the server you wish to use and click Connect. You can then minimize the Proton VPN window (if you close it you will disconnect). Unfortunately, there is no way (that I can find) to minimize the app to the system tray, so you'll have to deal with it as a minimized app. You can also access it from the Ubuntu Quick Tiles, where you can quickly disable the connection (which doesn't close the app).

There's quite a long list of servers from which to choose.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

To test if the Proton VPN app is working, open your web browser and point it to What Is My IP Address. You should see that the connection details confirm the VPN server you chose.

You can leave Proton VPN running as long as you're on your computer. If you do find websites are too slow, I would suggest you select a different server to connect to or use the Autoconnect feature, which will connect you to the best available option.

If Proton VPN isn't the service you use, make sure to check and see if the service for which you have an account includes a Linux app. If the service does include a Linux app, it should be as easy to use as Proton VPN.

Also: The best mobile VPNs of 2024: Expert tested

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and a VPN will go a long way to ensure you remain that way.

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