NordVPN Data Breach: What Happened & How They Responded

“Has NordVPN ever experienced a data breach?” It is a question that has been on many people’s minds and as experts who have been following NordVPN’s journey closely, we are here to give you the straight answer.

Yes, NordVPN did face a security incident back in 2018. But hold on, before you start looking for a new virtual private network service, let us dive into what actually happened and more importantly, how NordVPN responds to data breach. Trust us; their response was pretty impressive.

You see, when it comes to online security, it’s not just about preventing breaches. It’s also about how a company handles those challenges when they do happen. We are here to unpack the details of the NordVPN data breach and take you on a journey through the comprehensive steps they took to bounce back stronger than ever. Let us get started then.

Has NordVPN Ever Experienced A Data Breach?

The NordVPN data breach happened in March 2018 and was reported to the public in October 2019. A third-party data center was getting access to the server in Finland, from where login info had been taken. At the time, it did not know that its data center provider had left an insecure remote management system in place for so long while they handled it to patch.

Key Points About the NordVPN Data Breach

The insights takeaways about data breach are as follows: 

• Limited Impact: This breach is unique in that it only hit a single server and no user activity logs, usernames or passwords were compromised. One of its best features is a zero-log policy, which tells you that the server will never have any user data stolen.
• No Compromised Encryption: It said the intruder did not access its encryption keys or offer its secure servers. The VPN tunnel encryption remained unbroken and no plaintext data was encrypted or exposed.
• Response and Remediation: Once they learned about the breach, it ended its agreement with this data center and conducted a system-wide security audit followed by further corrective steps. This includes performing a full security audit, establishing a bug bounty program and moving to diskless RAM-only servers for greater levels of protection.

It did have a security event, but it had no impact on end-user privacy and was an isolated incident. Since then, the company has made large strides in beefing up its protection and making sure that something of this scale never happens again.

How Did NordVPN Respond to the Security Breach?

It acted quickly and dealt completely with the data breach by making changes to its protocols. Here is how NordVPN responds to data breach:

Terminated Relationship with the Data Center

It said that once it learned about the breach, it had severed its contract with the third-party data center provider from which the server was leased. NordVPN says that a remote management system was left on the server by the data center provider, leading to the breach.

Extensive Security Audit

After the NordVPN data breach, it conducted an extensive review of its internal infrastructure. They also investigated all of its servers to determine that no other systems were exposed to the same security hole.

Transition to Diskless (RAM-only) Servers

NordVPN started to move all servers in the network into RAM-only servers as there is no possibility of writing any data down. This contains a boot disk wipe procedure to make sure that no data can be stored on the server after it is rebooted, thus further increasing protection. Visit this guide to know in-depth what RAM-only servers are and how they work.

Bug Bounty Program

It beefed up security by starting a bug bounty program where white hat hackers are encouraged to find and report unknown vulnerabilities. This strategy makes sure that it is always one step ahead of any threats that may arise.

Independent Security Audits

NordVPN has subsequently been through independent third-party security audits to make sure that its safety processes were up to scratch. Part of their compliance includes audits which show ethical standards and transparency as a base.

Improved Infrastructure Security

Alongside shifting to RAM-based servers, it has also rolled out new protection measures and intensified the scrutiny of its server network. They had also improved their data center qualification processes as well, along with the partners.

Increased Transparency

NordVPN was forthright about the breach once it came to light, disclosing what happened, how they dealt with it, and their efforts to prevent another one from happening again. They spoke directly to their users, reassuring them regarding the safety of privacy with user data.

Improved Vendor Management

After the NordVPN data breach, it adopted a stricter policy for choosing and managing its third-party data centers. But in reality, they are now retaining much control directly over their infrastructure and have seriously decreased dependence on third-party service providers, which means better managing of servers.

Partnership with Cybersecurity Firms

It regularly partners with top independent cybersecurity firms to conduct audits on its no-log policy, network and infrastructure. By opening their technologies and sharing them with other experts, they invite competition among cybersecurity companies that can provide customers around the world with efforts to combat new threats and be better than everyone else.

Deployment of Dedicated Hardware Security Modules

It has added Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to securely store their encryption keys within the infrastructure. HSMs are highly secure dedicated devices to create, store and manage cryptographic keys securely. HSMs allow only authorized users to use confidential data in an organization.

How Does NordVPN Ensure The Security Of Its Servers?

It uses some very strong methods to secure its servers and this gives users an excellent standard of protection. Now, we will explain an overview of NordVPN server security:

RAM-Only (Diskless) Servers

It now runs its entire server network on RAM-only servers. With no traditional hard drives, these servers have their data wiped clean every time they are rebooted. This means that no data is left or stored on the server, even in case of a breach.

Colocated Servers

NordVPN is rolling out colocated servers, and they own the server hardware and have complete control over it, which places them even further apart from third-party data centers. The servers reside in facilities it manages, which should translate to greater physical security.

Encrypted Server Configuration

Any server configurations and communication are done in an encrypted manner so the data is never transferred over the network insecurely, that is how it can ensure end-to-end road security on all the servers. This encryption stops authorized access to server settings or data.

Hardware Security Modules (HSMs)

It also uses Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) to protect critical encryption keys. HSMs are dedicated hardware appliances built to safely generate and store keys for encrypting data in order that they can not be removed and compromised.

No-Logs Policy

NordVPN follows a very strict no-logs policy, which means none of your activity data is stored on any server. This way, even if a server was compromised no personally identifiable information or activity logs could be retrieved to log user privacy.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS)

It protects network services by using the most powerful Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems on its servers. Real-time server traffic analysis systems monitor movements on your website and respond to malicious or potentially harmful activities before you are harmed.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for Server Access

NordVPN servers are not unguarded; the door is always closed, and multi-factor authentication must be passed for them to open. This would allow only authorized people to control the servers, making sure no one else can log in to those that should not at all.

Physical Security Measures

NordVPN takes charge of securing third-party data center servers by requiring each to comply with very strict physical security laws such as 24/7 monitoring, biometric access and even air-gapped networks.

Private DNS Servers

NordVPN server security involves that it has its own private DNS servers and does not rely on third-party providers. This makes sure that your internet requests are addressed for the duration of NordVPN’s management, leaving proper DNS queries from going out back which push open up or reveal customer location or particular server data.

Physical Security at NordVPN’s Data Centers

It has a robust physical security policy in its data centers, designed to help protect against unauthorized and unlawful access or tampering, as well as environmental issues like fire. A summary of the physical protection at NordVPN data centers:

Strict Access Control

NordVPN server security is now being improved. The data centers are secured by biometric verification, key card access and physical security only allowing individuals authorized to enter. It makes sure that only people who are carefully vetted and trusted can actually touch the servers in real life.

24/7 Surveillance

24/7 surveillance is performed on all data centers being home to NordVPN servers. Entrances, server rooms and common areas are monitored by high-definition security cameras. The video is constantly monitored and recorded, so you have live security surveillance as well as digital forensic evidence.

On-Site Security Personnel

24-hour on-site security staff, these guards cover the grounds, respond to breaches in security around a site and prevent unauthorized personnel from entering an institution.

Biometric and Key Card Access

Areas of the data centers like server rooms that contain sensitive information are restricted to those with a need-to-know and controlled by biometric turnstiles utilizing fingerprint, retinal scan identification cards and security guards. This two-pronged strategy for enforcement increases the difficulty of unauthorized access, making it even less likely to occur.

Secure Facility Design

The physical structure of the DCs incorporates numerous layers of security such as fortified walls, secure doors and reduced entry points. These places are often in pretty safe locations geographically, free from natural disasters or external risks.

Redundant Power and Cooling Systems

Redundant power supplies, like those in a backup generator and state-of-the-art cooling systems make sure that while at rest or streaming whatever speed games you stream you won’t have to deal with downtime due to loss of power. So that even in the case of infrastructure downtimes, It should be up and running continuously.

Fire Suppression Systems

The servers have advanced fire detection and suppression protections in place to prevent server damage by fire. These are usually gas-based systems that suppress the fire without damaging any electronic equipment.

Regular Security Audits

It also has its data centers regularly audited for adherence to physical security standards and best practices. Such audits are performed by third-party independent auditors and internal security teams to find out any potential exposure points so that they can be patched.

Controlled Equipment Disposal

They strictly follow the protocols associated with data wiping and physical destruction when servers or any other equipment are decommissioned, leaving no space for recovering data. 

Colocated and Owned Data Centers

It has also been investing in co-locating servers on third-party premises and rolling out its own infrastructure at strategically chosen watershed venues. At the same time, NordVPN’s control over physical security and operations has increased, making its servers even more secure.

How Often Does NordVPN Update Its Security Protocols?

It regularly updates its protocols to make sure that you receive top-class privacy and protection for yourself. NordVPN does not publicly define the regularity of these updates but indicates that it publishes security update rounds to address well-known flaws and in some cases for fast fixes concerning zero-days. This is how NordVPN updates its protocols:

Continuous Monitoring and Patch Management

It has a strict policy regarding the protection of its infrastructure and software. This leads to NordVPN effectively pushing out patches or updates to address a security vulnerability if one is found. That proactive strategy keeps customers secure against identified risks and all new threats.

Protocol Updates and Upgrades

NordVPN keeps a close eye on the VPN protocols that it supports, such as NordLynx in 2020, which is a protocol based on the WireGuard technology that will further boost both speed and security. This protocol was naturally developed to provide better performance but with high encryption standards.

Routine Security Audits

Regular independent security audits are also run, and the results may open new possibilities for strengthening or updating protocols. These audits are there to make sure that the protocols of NordVPN stay both strong and current with new practices in cybersecurity.

Implementation of New Technologies

It is very active in researching and integrating new security technologies as they emerge. For instance, the move to RAM-only servers and the harnessing of HSMs were both big improvements in terms of server protection. Such updates are implemented on the basis of technological developments and security requirements.

Response to Industry Standards and Threat Landscape

NordVPN practices up-to-date industry standards, adjusts its protocols to the best of its ability, and is able to top these benchmarks. Also, it modifies its protocols as the threat landscape evolves to repel new cyber threats or vulnerabilities.

NordVPN refreshes its protocols continuously, a process that accounts for routine maintenance as well as newly arising threats. In this way, it uses regular audits and any advancements in the industry to ensure its protocols are sturdy, as can be done through proactive strategies by offering you a top-notch protection level.

Is NordVPN Still Hacked and Can It Get Breached Again?

No, NordVPN is not still hacked. The breach from 2018 was quickly addressed, and since then, the company has significantly upgraded its security infrastructure. The affected server was immediately taken offline, and NordVPN terminated its contract with the data center responsible for it. There have been no reports of further breaches or security issues since then. Moreover, you can learn more about whether NordVPN is still breached or hacked today.

Can It Get Breached Again?

While no system is entirely immune to threats, NordVPN has implemented several industry-leading security measures to prevent future breaches. These include RAM-only servers, independent security audits and bug bounty programs. But the possibility of a breach can never be entirely ruled out for any company.

It is very proactive, and they have complete security strategies, which make it highly unlikely that they will be breached again. NordVPN is very committed to transparency and they have made continuous improvements that ensure that their users can trust their data and that it is well protected all the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

In our deep dive into the NordVPN security incidents and response today, we have covered a lot of ground. It did have a data breach in 2018, but it was minimal and didn’t put any of its user data at risk due to its no-logs policy. Even more significantly, it took this as an opportunity to make some significant improvements in its security.

They utilized RAM-only servers, undertook multiple independent audits, launched a bug bounty program and partnered with the top cybersecurity firms to make it more secure. The best part is that they did it transparently, notifying their users along the way. 

In any case, if what you are looking for is a VPN that deals with protection to the highest level of importance then it offers this requirement so as not to go beyond it. With their state-of-the-art features and absolute commitment to maintaining user privacy, you can be assured your online business will be stressless. Now you can safely explore, stream and download without any worry, with NordVPN by your side.