Desktop VPN Client Development for Ubuntu Linux & Windows
About the Client
Company’s Request
Technology Set
C/C++ | Selected for performance and control over system resources, which are necessary in developing low-latency network communications for VPN applications. |
Ubuntu Linux, Desktop Windows OS | Our development efforts ensured that the VPN client was optimized for each operating system’s specific architecture and user interface. |
OpenVPN | An industry-standard VPN protocol known for its high security and versatility across different network types. It was chosen for its strong encryption capabilities and support for various configurations. |
AES-256 and TLS 1.3 | Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with a 256-bit key provides top-tier encryption, safeguarding data transmission against interception. Transport Layer Security (TLS) version 1.3 enhances communications security between clients and servers. These protocols were integrated to boost the security framework of the VPN clients. |
Docker | Used to create isolated environments that mimic different operating systems and configurations. This allowed our developers to test the VPN clients under various conditions without needing multiple physical machines, speeding up the development process. |
Sirin Software took on a detailed project to develop specialized desktop VPN clients for both Ubuntu Linux and Windows platforms. This work involved using OpenVPN to provide a secure VPN experience for the different needs of users on these platforms.
At the start, our team focused on creating a Linux desktop client that was easy to use and met the unique needs of Linux users, who often prefer efficient yet powerful software. We started by deeply understanding what Linux users typically need from such software.
It was important that the VPN client worked smoothly with various Linux versions without slowing down the computer. Our team optimized the application architecture to maintain a light system footprint, enhancing responsiveness without taxing system resources. Customization options were integrated to allow users to adjust VPN settings such as encryption strength, network choice, and auto-connect features through a simple settings menu.
Security is a big concern for Linux users. The implementation involved configuring OpenVPN to use AES-256 encryption, coupled with authentication mechanisms using TLS 1.3
Our team also revisited the security measures in the existing Windows VPN client. We checked the current security setup thoroughly to find any weak spots and determine where improvements were needed. This led to a series of updates focused on strengthening the client against new security threats, including updating the app to utilize AES-256-CBC encryption.
Alongside security improvements, the client’s performance was also boosted to handle the new encryption methods efficiently. To ensure these security enhancements did not degrade performance, the software was refined to optimize resource usage. Techniques such as code refactoring, memory management improvements, and asynchronous data handling were employed to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth operation even under high network loads.
A major challenge was making sure the VPN clients worked well across different system versions, especially with the many Linux distributions available. The team set up automated tests that mimicked various environments to find and fix any compatibility issues early on. We utilized Docker containers to emulate different Linux and Windows environments during the development phase. This strategy allowed for thorough testing and fine-tuning of the VPN clients under diverse conditions.
Another hurdle was keeping up with the latest security rules and making sure the software complied with international data protection laws. The team stayed updated with global cybersecurity regulations and integrated compliance checks into the development process. Automated compliance tools were used to scan for vulnerabilities and ensure all data handling met the latest security requirements.
Value Delivered
