Install and configure NordVPN on Ubuntu

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) provides several key benefits across privacy, security, and access:

1. Encrypts Your Traffic
   • All data between your device and the VPN server is encrypted, so eavesdroppers on public Wi-Fi can’t intercept sensitive info.
   • Protects against “man-in-the-middle” attacks and local network snooping.
2. Hides Your IP Address & Location
   • Websites and online services see the VPN server’s IP instead of yours, making it much harder to trace your browsing back to you or infer your location.
   • Helps reduce profiling by advertisers and data brokers.
3. Bypasses Geo-Restrictions & Censorship
   • Access region-locked content that might be blocked in your country.
   • Reach news sites, social media, or communication tools that might otherwise be censored.
4. Thwarts ISP Throttling
   • Hides the type of traffic you’re sending, so ISPs that throttle specific data (like video) can’t detect it.
5. Secure Remote Access
   • Connect safely to your workplace network from anywhere, accessing internal resources without exposing them to the internet.
6. Improves Online Anonymity
   • Makes it harder for websites and ad networks to build a profile of your browsing habits over time.
7. Adds a Layer Against Malware & Trackers
   • Built-in ad-blocking, malware protection, and tracker-blocking features help keep you safe from malicious domains.

Steps to install and configure NordVPN on Ubuntu

Prerequisites

• Ubuntu 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, 22.04 or newer LTS
• An active NordVPN subscription
• Terminal access with sudo privileges

Method 1: Official Install Script (Recommended)

1. Install curl or wget:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install curl    # or: sudo apt install wget

2. Run the NordVPN installer:

   # Using curl
   sh <(curl -sSf https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)
   
   # or using wget
   sh <(wget -qO - https://downloads.nordcdn.com/apps/linux/install.sh)

   This script will:

   • Add the NordVPN APT repo & GPG key
   • Install the nordvpn package
   • Enable the nordvpn system group
3. Add your user to the nordvpn group:

   sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER

   • Log out and back in (or reboot) to activate.

Method 2: Manual APT-Repository Setup

If you prefer to handle the .deb manually:

1. Download the release package:

   cd ~/Downloads
   wget https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/pool/main/n/nordvpn-release/nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb

2. Install the release package:

   sudo apt install ./nordvpn-release_1.0.0_all.deb

3. Update and install NordVPN:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install nordvpn

4. Add yourself to the nordvpn group:

   sudo usermod -aG nordvpn $USER

   • Log out and back in to apply.

Logging In and Connecting

Once installed and group-membership is active:

1. Log in:

   nordvpn login

   This will open your browser to authenticate.

2. Connect to a server:

   nordvpn connect

   By default, NordVPN picks the fastest nearby server.

3. Disconnect:

   nordvpn disconnect

Handy CLI Commands

• List available servers:

  nordvpn servers

• Set auto-connect on boot:

  nordvpn set autoconnect on

• Enable the kill-switch (blocks traffic if VPN drops):

  nordvpn set killswitch on

• Switch protocol (e.g. NordLynx/WireGuard):

  nordvpn set technology NordLynx

• See all options:

  nordvpn help

• Protocol: Choose UDP for speed or TCP for reliability

  nordvpn set protocol udp
  # or
  nordvpn set protocol tcp
  

  VPN Technology: WireGuard-based NordLynx is generally faster and more stable than OpenVPN:

  nordvpn set technology NordLynx
  # or
  nordvpn set technology OpenVPN
  

  Kill Switch: Block all non-VPN traffic if the tunnel drops

  nordvpn set killswitch on
  # or
  nordvpn set killswitch off
  

  Auto-Connect (at boot/login)

  # Default (fastest server anywhere)
  nordvpn set autoconnect on
  
  # Specific country or server, e.g. US server #2435:
  nordvpn set autoconnect on us2435
  

  Obfuscated Servers: Use if you’re on a restrictive network that blocks VPN

  nordvpn set obfuscate on
  # or
  nordvpn set obfuscate off
  

  Threat Protection (formerly CyberSec)

  nordvpn set threatprotectionlite on
  # or
  nordvpn set threatprotectionlite off

  Custom DNS

  nordvpn set dns 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1
  

  View your current settings

  nordvpn settings

  Autoconnect to a specific server (use with dedicated static IP)

  nordvpn set autoconnect on us2435