How to choose, use and configure a VPN in siduction (Tutorial)

Choosing the Right VPN for siduction

siduction is a rolling-release distribution based on Debian unstable (“Sid”). It uses APT (apt-get, apt) for package management and ships kernels that are often a few versions ahead, so a VPN solution must stay compatible with rapid kernel updates. Typical desktop flavours include KDE Plasma, Xfce, LXQt, MATE and Cinnamon, usually managed through NetworkManager. siduction users tend to be comfortable in the terminal, expect transparent updates, and appreciate a distro that does not shy away from tinkering.

Given these technical peculiarities, the most suitable VPNs for siduction should:

Provide an official Debian repository or .deb package for easy apt integration.
Support both OpenVPN and WireGuard, since siduction’s newer kernels make WireGuard a solid north-star.
Include a CLI tool for scriptable connections and, ideally, a NetworkManager plugin for those preferring GUI integration.
Offer a reliable kill switch and (optionally) multi-hop or double VPN for advanced privacy needs.

After hands-on testing, these VPNs stand out on siduction:

Feature Comparison

VPN	Official Debian Repo	Protocols	NetworkManager	CLI Tool	Kill Switch	Multi-Hop / Double VPN	Website
Mullvad VPN	Yes	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes (`network-manager-openvpn`, `network-manager-wireguard`)	Yes (`mullvad-vpn`)	Yes	No	Mullvad VPN
ProtonVPN	Yes	OpenVPN, WireGuard	Yes (`network-manager-openvpn`)	Yes (`protonvpn-cli`)	Yes	Yes (Secure Core)	ProtonVPN
NordVPN	Yes	OpenVPN, NordLynx (WireGuard)	Limited (CLI-first)	Yes (`nordvpn`)	Yes	Yes (Double VPN)	NordVPN

Mullvad supports manual multi-hop via config files, but no one-click feature.

Installing Configuring on siduction

Mullvad VPN

Mullvad’s official repository makes installation seamless and keeps pace with kernel updates. Then use the CLI client or import a WireGuard profile into NetworkManager.

1. Add repository and install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install apt-transport-https ca-certificates gnupg curl

curl -sSL https://repo.mullvad.net/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg 
   sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg

echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/mullvad-archive-keyring.gpg] 
  https://repo.mullvad.net/deb/ default main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mullvad.list

sudo apt update
sudo apt install mullvad-vpn

2. Log in and connect:

# Use your Mullvad account number or browser-based login flow
mullvad account login
# Choose protocol (WireGuard recommended on siduction)
mullvad tunnels set wireguard
# Connect to the fastest server
mullvad connect

Alternatively, export a WireGuard config and import it into NetworkManager:

mullvad wireguard generate
# Copies a .conf file to your home directory
# Then open GUI: NetworkManager → Import from file → select generated .conf

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN’s Debian repo offers both the CLI tool and system-wide install. WireGuard is still labelled “Beta” but works smoothly on Sid’s kernels.

1. Add ProtonVPN repository:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wget gnupg

wget -q -O - https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian/public_key.asc 
   sudo apt-key add -

echo deb https://repo.protonvpn.com/debian unstable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/protonvpn.list

sudo apt update
sudo apt install protonvpn

2. Initialize and connect:

# First-time login (browser-based)
protonvpn-cli login
# Connect to the fastest server
protonvpn-cli connect --fastest

3. (Optional) Enable kill switch:

protonvpn-cli ks --on

NordVPN

NordVPN’s repo supplies a CLI-only client, but it auto-updates for kernel changes and provides NordLynx (WireGuard fork) integration.

1. Set up the repository:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install wget

wget -qnc https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian/public.gpg 
  -O /usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg

echo deb [signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/nordvpn-archive-keyring.gpg] 
  https://repo.nordvpn.com/deb/nordvpn/debian stable main 
   sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/nordvpn.list

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nordvpn

2. Authenticate and secure:

nordvpn login
# Enable the built-in kill switch
nordvpn set killswitch on
# Connect to a recommended server
nordvpn connect

Final Thoughts

On siduction, you benefit most from a VPN that integrates tightly with Debian’s apt workflow, handles modern kernels, and provides both GUI and CLI options. Mullvad, ProtonVPN and NordVPN tick these boxes, leaving you free to explore Sid’s ever-evolving landscape while keeping your traffic encrypted.

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