A protected link between a first computing device and a second computing device is set up, wherein communication over the protected link is to comply with a communication protocol that allows packets to be reordered during transit. A plurality of packets are generated according to a packet format that ensures the plurality of packets will not be reordered during transmission over the protected link, the plurality of packets comprising a first packet and a second packet. Data of the plurality of packets are encrypted for transmission over the protected link, wherein data of the first packet is encrypted based on the cryptographic key and a first value of a counter and data of the second packet is encrypted based on the cryptographic key and a second value of the counter.