Windscribe

Windscribe, a cross-platform virtual private network (VPN) service provider, was founded by Yegor Sak and Alex Paguis in 2016. Based in Canada, it has grown to operate internationally, supporting a broad range of operating systems and platforms, and providing services to personal computers, smartphones, routers, and smart TVs​¹​.

The company’s offerings include OpenVPN, Internet Key Exchange v2/IPsec, and WireGuard protocols in its applications, supporting peer-to-peer file sharing, and ensuring user privacy with a no-log policy. Additionally, Windscribe provides open source applications and encrypted proxy support, while allowing for unlimited device connections​¹​.

Windscribe has been recognized for its social responsibility efforts, particularly in advocating for freedom of access to information in regions of political unrest. It has also developed transparency tools to shine a light on the relationship between corporate VPNs and their paid promoters​.

Despite earning accolades from publications like Wired UK and Engadget for its reliability, cost-effectiveness, and range of server options, Windscribe has faced criticism related to security vulnerabilities. However, the company has demonstrated swift response to these issues, underscoring its commitment to user security​.

Some users familiar with the name may be wary to trust their services, after the poor security practices were revealed in their 2021 data breach. The company has since promised to do better. You can read the original article, but here are the main highlights:

• Windscribe left its VPN servers in Ukraine unencrypted and unsecured.
• When Ukrainian authorities seized the servers, they also obtained Windscribe’s private key.
• With the private key, Ukrainian officials could decrypt traffic and spy on Windscribe users.
• Windscribe admitted that it does not follow “industry best practices” with its server network, but promised to change.
• Windscribe is in the process of upgrading server security and hopefully undergoing a security audit.

Based on data collected, when you are using Windscribe VPN you are predominantly using Quadranet, CDNext, Global Secure Layer, CDN77, or M247 servers.

Global Coverage

Windscribe showcases an impressive degree of geographic diversity in its server locations. It has a presence in 59 countries across multiple continents including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This comprehensive global coverage provides users with extensive options for regional access and optimizes connection speeds. Key locations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Netherlands host a significant number of servers, ensuring a robust and reliable service. Windscribe’s commitment to geographic diversity is also demonstrated by their notable presence in emerging markets. Given this extensive geographic spread, Windscribe earns an impressive score on our Global Coverage Index, receiving an 85 out of 100.

WeVPN users acquired by Windscribe

In 2023 VPN service provider WeVPN announced that it is shutting down due to unforeseen financial difficulties. In a statement, the company assured its customers that those with active subscriptions will be able to use Windscribe for the remaining duration of their subscription free of charge. Windscribe has agreed to offer free accounts to WeVPN users, which will provide them access to Windscribe’s network of servers, robust security features, and customer support.

However, many are skeptical of this offer, as it appears to be a backdoor deal, and there is a lack of transparency regarding the relationship between the two companies. Windscribe and WeVPN have confirmed that Windscribe did not acquire WeVPN, but rather, it is a gesture of goodwill by Windscribe’s founder, Yegor. The company will cover WeVPN accounts for three months up to two years, but those who purchased their subscriptions from specific promotions such as lifetime deals will not be covered. Despite this offer, customers are disappointed by the lack of compensation from WeVPN and the lack of transparency regarding the closure.

It’s super weird that they’ve removed theWeVPN founder’s and CEO information from the site, and there is so little information about them on the Internet. Specially when WeVPN founder claims to “have been running” Private Internet Access for years, and there’s a blog post saying that he used to be the President for PIA, and some other press releases saying he was the CEO.

The cache for their “about us” section [0]:

  Jonathan Roudier
  Founder
  
  VPN Experience: 8 years
  
  Jon has nearly a decade of working in the VPN industry originally in Marketing and later in leadership and senior management. With his years of insight and customer knowledge gained from running Private Internet Access®, one of the world's biggest VPN providers, Jon decided to build his own VPN to ensure that the moral and ethics which he holds true are upheld and to provide an industry leader in transparency and accountability. Outside of WeVPN, He enjoys spending time at the gym and watching movies.

Press release in PIA’s blog for when they bought Cypherpunk VPN [1]:

  Private Internet Access President Jon Roudier

Press release announcing CES sponsor [2]:

  Jonathan Roudier, CEO of PIA, said “We, at Private Internet Access, are so thrilled..."

0: https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:LVfIvHK77E4J:https://wevpn.com/about-us&cd=2&hl=es&ct=clnk&gl=es
1: https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/blog/private-internet-access-london-trust-media-acquired-cypherpunk-vpn/
2: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20151221005130/en/Private-Internet-Access-Top-Mobile-Sponsor-2016

Windscribe pros & cons