Home → Glossary → Authenticated Encryption (AEAD)
AEAD modes like AES-GCM and ChaCha20-Poly1305 encrypt data and add integrity checks to detect tampering. If a feature sounds vague in marketing, look for measurable signals: audits, documentation, and testable settings. If you’re tuning for speed, test different protocols and nearby servers at the same time of day to account for congestion. When in doubt, prefer simpler configurations: fewer exceptions, fewer custom routes, and verified leak-test results. VPN Surf and Elite VPN guidance aims to keep the concept actionable, not just theoretical.