How to install Nordvpn on grapheneOS

wombat9

How do you install Nordvpn on grapheneOS?
Is it like a regular android app or like a linux app?
Have no idea where to locate the nordvpn.pkg

TheGodfather

wombat9

You can install the NordVPN app through Play Store or Aurora Store, or download it from the website (should be an ".apk" file, which you can run to install).
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nordvpn.android
https://nordvpn.com/download/

evalda

I would warn against using nord if privacy is important...

But if you want to do it anyways... Download VPN for Android app https://github.com/schwabe/ics-openvpn and look for openvpn config on nord website

At the very least don't use Nord's own app

wombat9

evalda evalda why is it so important to NOT use nordvpn?
I thought it was a well known vpn.
Anyhow
I have looked into brax vpn https://brax.me/prod/host.php?f=_store&h=rob&p=690243882&version=
cheaper and its from Rob Braxman but for now I have 8 more months
and I really want one no matter what.
Which one do you use?
I use one for getting out to sites at work

reissue

evalda In regards to using OpenVPN for connections, is this suggestion mainly because of distrust of Nord in particular, or would you say it's still best practice for other providers such as IVPN and Proton?

cn3m

wombat9 I’d personally recommend Mullvad. Nord is okay but I’d strongly recommend against Brax

MetropleX

wombat9 Hi Wombat I would heavily advise avoiding Rob Braxman, he is a useful tool to hook people into the security/privacy space with his alarmist hyperbole but beyond that everything should be discarded unless you can verify his claims from more reputable sources.

@TommyTran732 tweet here should clearly demonstrate why: https://twitter.com/TommyTran732/status/1540330767724707843?s=20&t=yn0qfk8j9z9q1WOxNVG8Bw

On the VPN point, Mullvad, IVPN and ProtonVPN are good options, some others may meet the same standards but that's a good shortlist to start with.

Some good reading material:
https://grapheneos.org/faq#vpn-support
https://madaidans-insecurities.github.io/vpns.html
https://freedom.press/training/choosing-a-vpn/

evalda

wombat9 Re: Nord - security breaches followed by poor communication from them, questionable ownership, dishonest advertising tactics just to name a few.

wombat9

cn3m
still have quite a few months with nordvpn so Ill move to Mullvad when the time comes.

evalda

reissue I'd say it depends on the provider app...

Me personally if I trust the provider, the client is open source, quick review doesn't reveal any obvious problems, regularly updated, GitHub issues are addressed and so on then I would use the provider's app to not add another party (generic VPN app) to trust... For example, I use Mullvad's app.

But a simpler (and prob better) approach is always use trusted generic WireGuard or OpenVPN apps tbh...

wombat9

evalda so in your opinion Mullvad is up there with the good ones even in the US?
I noticed its based on UK, I do like the bitcoin / other forms of payment so you don't need a real email or you can use a temp account just to register.

evalda

wombat9 Mullvad is one of the popular providers here along with IVPN and Proton... Mullvad is based in Sweden btw

italian_job

I use AirVPN from many years avoiding countries in the fourteen eyes
fully satisfied, good reputation, good UI, openvpn and wireguard, using it on linux, win, and now on GOS

billinmtl

The only issue with the playstore / aurora version of the app is that it does not have their cybersec blocking option (playstore restriction). The .apk version you can download direct from their site has it ( ad block, etc). The .apk from their website does not auto update, but does notify you if a new release is available and installs once you confirm download