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IDVector, a security start-up that builds brief connections using cloud providers, has re-surfaced from stealth mode to offer an alternative approach to VPNs.
IDVector is a security start-up that takes a different approach to providing a VPN service to its customers. The company has re-emerged from stealth mode to offer its customers the alternative approach it is known for providing.
Most VPNs provide users security and anonymity by encrypting their traffic and then routing it through a different gateway. IDVector, though, goes one stop beyond that by providing their clients with additional security assurances as well as a higher degree of anonymity. Co-Founder and CEO Ben Baumgartner said that IDVector does not simply encrypt the traffic and then tunnel it using a single gateway. The security start-up sets up short-lived paths through cloud providers, with the paths being both private and shared.
He clarified to eWeek that the term ephemeral is used for the paths created by IDVector because they are set up and taken down in a short amount of time. The paths are on-demand, cloud redirection egress nodes, according to Baumgartner. The company offers both private and shared paths. The former remain active for just a few minutes while the latter remains live for up to 12 hours. The IDVector platform can be used by anyone either through their mobile app or using a USB hardware appliance.
The shared and private paths are enabled by leveraging the services of Amazon, DigitalOcean, and Rackspace, according to co-founder and CTO Andrew Boyce. Their deployment automation is enabled using open-source Ansible configuration management tool.
The idea to use cloud services to form such a VPN service isn’t unique to IDVector, though. In 2015, Dispel had launched its VPN service that provided customers with private cloud connections and systems for better privacy. However, IDVector has gone beyond that by building additional security capabilities.
Their USB Hardware IDVector Pro device has its own Linux stack that provides better security for initial network access when compared to the traditional integrated network interface card providers. Moreover, it can randomize the MAC address of a user’s device. Since MAC address is used by malicious users at public hotspots or even global consumer chains to see how often users frequent their stores, randomizing it can keep a user’s activity and digital movement private and confidential.
The company, backed by cybersecurity incubator Kyrus Tech, offers a truly refreshing approach to users when it comes to using a VPN. Kyrus Tech has been successful in launching the security firm Carbon Black in the past, and they might have stumbled upon another successful venture in IDVector, for the approach taken by the security start-up is quite innovative and ingenious.
