Surfshark VPN : Award-winning VPN service

[jasonX]

Surfshark VPN : Award-winning VPN service​

Surfshark is a very popular VPN used by people around the world. It is very consistent in the VPN rankings, always among the top providers in the world. Founded in 2018 as a VPN, Surfshark has quickly managed to become one of the leading brands in the VPN industry and offers a security bundle that goes beyond the VPN. Today, Surfshark VPN has solidified its position as one of the top budget-friendly virtual private network services in 2026, earning high marks from independent reviewers for its combination of low cost, as mentioned, unlimited simultaneous device connections and strong performance across streaming, torrenting and general privacy needs. The Surfshark brand is more than just a VPN now, with added tools like antivirus, Alternative ID, and Everlink technology that boosts connection stability.

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In a nutshell, Surfshark is one of the most secure VPNs you can get. It combines strong encryption, advanced privacy tools, and a strict no‑logs policy – all proven by independent audits and a transparent track record that you can view in their

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. Whether you're streaming, browsing, or torrenting, Surfshark provides a reliable layer of protection across all devices.

Surfshark HIGHLIGHTS​

Surfshark's Security Encryption
Surfshark uses industry-leading encryption to keep the user's data safe, specifically (as mentioned above) AES-256-GCM and ChaCha20, both trusted by cybersecurity experts worldwide. AES-256-GCM is widely adopted in government and enterprise-grade systems, while ChaCha20 offers excellent security on devices with lower processing power. Todate, there aren’t any safer alternatives.

Strengthening Surfshark’s encryption is it's Perfect Forward Secrecy – a feature that generates a unique key for every session. This means if ever someone intercepts your traffic, they (the interceptor)wouldn’t be able to decrypt any (intercepted) sessions. VPN protocols control how your data is encrypted and transmitted. Some prioritize top-tier security, while others are built for speed and efficiency. Having multiple options lets the user adjust based on his device or activity. It is a set of rules governing the connection between your device and the Surfshark VPN server.


VPN protocols
As the user goes online, he is constantly sending and receiving information. Sending this information, requires that it be split into small data packets, and VPN protocols dictate the order in which these packets are sent and the encryption used to protect them. All protocols used by Surfshark are fast and secure, and you can stick with the default protocol or choose a different one that suits your preferences.

Different protocols offer varying advantages. Some provide faster speed or better image/audio quality, while others ensure a more stable connection. If a user is experiencing connectivity issues, try changing the protocol. Surfshark supports fast and secure protocols: OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), WireGuard, and IKEv2.

• OpenVPN protocol
  
  OpenVPN is a tunneling protocol that is available as an open-source project. Its code is freely available on the internet, and it is maintained and updated by security and networking experts from around the world. Additionally, while using this protocol on Surfshark, you are using obfuscated servers. The Surfshark app offers two options for OpenVPN: UDP and TCP.
  
  UDP is faster and is great for safe streaming, video calls, or games.
  TCP is more stable and will ensure that every single packet of information that you send from your device is delivered. However, it may be slower compared to other protocols.
  
  NOTE: OpenVPN is available on Surfshark apps for Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Linux.
• WireGuard® protocol
  
  WireGuard® is a relatively new communication protocol that has recently gained popularity in the cyber-security market. WireGuard works by creating secure point-to-point connections using state-of-the-art cryptography, aiming for high performance and minimal overhead. Its open-source nature provides better performance compared to OpenVPN and IKEv2. It is considered the fastest VPN protocol available today.
  
  To ensure an even further security - Surfshark has implemented post-quantum protection on top of the WireGuard protocol - simply use it in app and you're protected!
  
  NOTE: Currently, WireGuard® is available on Surfshark apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. If you cannot find it on your Surfshark app, update it to the latest version. Post-quantum encryption layer is not supported on manual configurations at this time. Please note that WireGuard® is a registered trademark of Jason A. Donenfield.
• IKEv2 protocol
  
  IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) is a widely used VPN protocol known for its strong security features and efficient performance. It establishes a secure connection between a client and a VPN server, enabling encrypted data transmission over the internet. IKEv2 is notable for its ability to quickly re-establish connections in case of network disruptions, making it suitable for mobile devices and remote access scenarios.

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Nexus Technology
Launched in early 2025, Surfshark Nexus is a major upgrade to how its VPN network operates. Instead of routing your traffic through a single server, Nexus connects all uers to a network-wide infrastructure using software-defined networking (SDN). This allows Surfshark to manage all the user's connection across multiple servers at once.

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With Nexus, the user's traffic is dynamically routed based on factors like speed, server load, and stability. This means fewer connection drops, faster performance, and a more consistent experience, especially during high traffic or when switching locations. Nexus also brings a boost to privacy. Because the user's traffic flows through a wider network rather than one fixed server, it's harder to trace and less vulnerable to potential exposure. It also enables advanced features like rotating IPs without disconnecting the user's session.

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Nexus features address traditional VPN problems
Connecting all of Surfshark VPN servers into a single Nexus network will help roll out new features and benefits that will address common consumer VPN problems:

• IP Rotator (feature) will solve the privacy concerns of having the same IP address when connected to a VPN for a long time. It will periodically change your IP address without disconnecting you from the VPN. You’ll be able to choose how you want your IP address to rotate – in a specific location, country, region, or even globally.
  
  
• IP Randomizer (feature) will hide your browsing patterns. When on, this feature will give your device a new IP address every time you visit a different website (or any other internet resource).
  
  
• Dynamic MultiHop (feature) will allow you to pick your own entry and exit VPN locations in any way you like. Want to connect through Austria to the US and then change it to Singapore? Go for it. They’ll be all part of the same network anyways.
  
  
• Better speeds. Nexus will allow us to connect you to the best performing (most of the time they’re the closest) entry servers and allow you to exit through any location you want. This will solve a lot of the international and local internet speed issues.
  
  
• Better connection. Optimizing connection, network performance, or carrying out maintenance will most times be done without disconnecting you from the VPN. So, you’ll experience more stable connections and will receive better protection from DNS and data packet leaks.
  
  
• Better VPN performance. A network of servers will allow us to route your traffic based on your traffic patterns like streaming, downloading, or browsing. This will improve your connection performance.

Overall, Nexus is Surfshark’s way of making VPNs smarter, improving both speed and security while laying the groundwork for even more advanced privacy tools.

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FastTrack -- a true real-time VPN route optimization for enhanced internet performance!
'FastTrack' is an innovative solution created by Surfshark which continuously evaluates different routes in real-time. When network conditions changes, Surfshark monitors connection speed across our entire network, thus identifying the most efficient paths available at any moment. FastTrack adjusts the path to ensure the user's data always travels along the most optimized and stable pathways, resulting in better internet performance and speed.

Basics of internet speed and latency.
The quality and safety of your internet connection can make or break anybody's internet experience. Virtual private networks (VPNs) have long been a trusted tool for online security, but Surfshark, has taken it a step further to provide the most efficient service possible for all users. Internet speed determines how much data you can send or receive per second, while latency measures how quickly data travels between two points. The quicker the response time — the better. Together, these factors dictate how smoothly your internet connection supports various online activities.

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How does it all work?
The FastTrack solution is built on Surfshark Nexus, a unique multi-server routing system that connects users to an entire network of servers rather than a single VPN tunnel, enhancing security and stability. At the heart of this system is Surfshark's globally distributed probes, which function like messengers. They check the speeds and latency from their perspective and return this information. Surfshark actively tests multiple path combinations using Nexus to identify the most efficient routes. Collecting and analyzing real-time speed data ensures that user traffic is directed along the optimal paths, delivering the best possible performance for everyone.


Why does it matter?
Even with the best internet quality, network performance gets worse the longer the path is. For example, connecting from Miami to Detroit, you will probably maintain fast internet speeds. However, they will most likely drop when connecting from Miami to Sydney. The FastTrack solution optimizes both speed and a consistent, high-quality connection. By actively managing user routes, we enhance connectivity and overall user experience. For example, due to the layout of global network infrastructure, a data packet traveling from one city to another may be routed through multiple cities, countries, or even across continents and under oceans, if those paths offer less congestion or faster transmission speeds. By actively optimizing these data paths and leveraging the most efficient routes, we can maximize connection speed. This optimization ensures that users consistently experience the best possible network performance, regardless of their physical location.

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No-logs policy
The no-logs policy is at the core of every secure VPN.

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, one of the

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, confirmed that Surfshark adheres scrupulously to the commitments made in our no-logs policy. This gives Surfshark users and potential clients concrete proof that the company complies with the highest privacy and quality requirements. Surfshark has worked with Deloitte to verify its no-logs policy in 2023 and 2025. Deloitte is prepared in accordance with the ISAE 3000 (International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000) international standard.

ISAE 3000 is an international framework issued by the IAASB for independent audits of non-financial controls like IT security, ESG reporting, and GDPR compliance. A Type 1 report reviews control design, while Type 2 also evaluates how effectively those controls operate.


Confirmed by Independent audits
Surfshark's strict 'No‑logs' compliance has been confirmed/proven in multiple third‑party audits by trusted firms like

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in recent years. Surfshark is based in the Netherlands (which is part of the

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) but trust that Surfshark enforces a strict no-logs policy to minimize exposure Server infrastructure. All servers operates over 4500 RAM‑only servers across 100+ locations, ensuring data is never stored on disk.


DNS and IP leak protection
Built‑in DNS, WebRTC, and IP leak protection to prevent traffic exposure. Automatic kill switch available across desktop and mobile apps to block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

 

[jasonX]

Surfshark VPN Features


Surf the web safely on unlimited devices with Surfshark’s advanced privacy and security features.
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MultiHop Double VPN
Route your internet traffic through two different VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers with Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop (double VPN) — manually choose entry and exit points for double encryption, anonymity, and data security. A double VPN, or multi-hop VPN, is an advanced security feature that routes online traffic through two VPN servers, encrypting your data twice and providing higher anonymity.

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It works by initially encrypting data from your device and routing it via a remote VPN server. Then, the data is sent through a second VPN server and re-encrypted. This process hides your online activity behind two servers, doubling the security of your data. At Surfshark, the 'Double VPN' feature is called MultiHop. The VPN servers are located in different countries and are pre-selected for you. If you wish to select the servers manually, Dynamic Multiphop allows you to do just that, thanks to

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.

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The difference between a double VPN and a VPN over VPN
There are two major differences between using a VPN over VPN (sometimes called layered VPN) and using a double VPN — the servers used and the complexity of the data journey.

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Obfuscated, 100% RAM-only infra servers
Hide your data and the fact you’re using a VPN with obfuscated servers, like Surfshark’s — even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) won’t know you’re using a VPN. Surfshark is among the first providers in the VPN industry to upgrade its servers to RAM-only infrastructure, meaning that servers boot up using only RAM memory instead of hard drive storage.

Surfshark runs its entire VPN network on RAM-only servers, meaning no data is ever written to physical hard drives. This setup ensures that every piece of information, including session data, is wiped automatically whenever a server is rebooted. Surfshark made the switch to a fully RAM-based infrastructure in 2020, reinforcing its no-logs policy with hardware that physically can’t retain user data. Even if a server were compromised, there would be nothing to recover. This kind of diskless architecture has become a security benchmark in the VPN industry, and Surfshark was one of the earlier providers to adopt it network-wide. It’s a major reason users can trust that their browsing activity stays private.

Obfuscated servers are VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers that hide your data and make a VPN connection much more difficult to identify. This technology is sometimes called stealth VPN. Obfuscated servers are helpful if you’re connecting from a place that heavily restricts internet usage, as they ensure that even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will have a hard time identifying you’re connected to a VPN.

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Why would you need obfuscated servers?

• Censorship
  
  If you live in a country that censors internet use, you might need obfuscated servers for your VPN to work. Obfuscation makes your encrypted connection harder to detect and helps you maintain your privacy.
• ISP snooping
  
  Concerned that your ISP monitors and controls too much of what you do online? Obfuscation will hide the fact you’re using a VPN.
• Government tracking
  
  Some governments track their citizens more than others. If you want to ensure your privacy is intact, obfuscated servers can help — they prevent any VPN activity detection.
• Strict internal networks
  
  Universities or schools can sometimes ban VPN usage. In these cases, obfuscation is also helpful, as it will hide the fact that you’re using privacy-protection tools. Educational institutions cannot block a VPN if they do not know one is being used.

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Split tunneling
Exclude apps and websites from VPN encryption with the split tunneling feature, also called Bypasser on the Surfshark app — choose which traffic remains under VPN protection and which doesn’t get routed through the VPN server.

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VPN split tunneling, also called Bypasser on the Surfshark app, is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature that lets you choose which traffic routes through the encrypted VPN tunnel and which goes directly to the internet. Instead of disabling your VPN completely when a website or app requires IP-specific access, you can exclude it from the VPN tunnel with split tunneling — accessing it directly while keeping full VPN protection for all your remaining online traffic.

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What are the different types of VPN split tunneling?
There are three main types of VPN split tunneling:

• App-based split tunneling
  
  App-based split tunneling can leave certain apps unaffected by a VPN connection. Say you’re a PC user and don’t want Steam to go over your VPN. Add it to the split tunneling list, and you’ll connect to Steam directly without being routed through a VPN server first.
• URL-based split tunneling
  
  URL-based split tunneling operates on a website-by-website basis. So, if you’ve designated one specific page to use split tunneling, your normal browsing will be protected by the VPN, while anything you do on this page will be transmitted over the internet directly.
• Inverse split tunneling
  
  Inverse split tunneling, unlike traditional split tunneling, encrypts only the data from selected apps or websites, while all other data bypasses the VPN. This lets you choose what to route through your VPN while the rest of your traffic goes directly to the internet.

Why use split tunneling?

• Achieve greater control online
  
  Looking to protect your sensitive data without affecting your overall internet experience? That’s where split tunneling comes in. Balance security and efficiency by encrypting your most vital information while letting non-sensitive activities bypass VPN protection.
• Use different IP addresses
  
  A VPN changes your IP address to that of a VPN server. When you choose to bypass some apps from VPN use, they’ll use your actual IP address. This allows you to use two IPs at once and access local content on specific apps while staying hidden on others.
• Access wireless home devices
  
  Using a VPN can affect your phone or computer’s ability to connect to wireless home devices (e.g., printers). Enable split tunneling to keep all devices on your network synced while enjoying a secure connection for any web services you need.
• Exclude data-heavy apps
  
  A VPN connection may slow down your internet. While this speed drop is minor and usually goes unnoticed, it can sometimes interfere with your online activity. Split tunneling lets you exclude certain apps from encryption, helping them run at full speed.

Split tunneling vs. full tunneling

Full tunneling means all your internet traffic is transmitted through a VPN tunnel. Your data is protected, and your online activity is encrypted through a secure VPN connection. With split tunneling, you can choose which data is routed through the VPN tunnel and which remains unaffected. Any data that doesn’t go through the tunnel is unencrypted, and your IP address isn’t hidden from the apps and websites you include in your split tunneling list.

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Kill Switch
Boost your online security and keep your data protected at all times with the VPN Kill Switch — if your VPN connection drops, this feature cuts off your internet access so that your data doesn’t get exposed. A VPN kill switch is a security feature that protects your privacy in the event of an unexpected VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection drop. Rather than allowing your device to reconnect to the internet on its own, the kill switch blocks internet traffic until VPN protection is restored.

Using a kill switch reduces the chance of your regular IP address being exposed or of data being sent outside the encrypted VPN tunnel. This is especially important on unstable networks, public Wi-Fi, or during brief connection interruptions. In short, a kill switch is a built-in safety net that helps protect your connection, even when the VPN encounters problems.


What are the benefits of using a kill switch?

• It keeps your data protected
  
  Using the internet over an unsecured network is never 100% reliable, no matter the device. A kill switch feature helps prevent data leaks if your VPN connection suddenly drops.
• It ensures your traffic is always encrypted
  
  A VPN filters all your internet traffic through an
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  , hiding your regular IP (Internet Protocol) address from prying eyes. A kill switch guarantees you won’t be online without VPN protection.
• It shields your identity
  
  Connecting to a VPN server changes your IP address, helping you keep your regular online location private. With a kill switch enabled, your true location won’t get exposed.
• It boosts your online security
  
  A VPN’s kill switch is a lifeline for anyone in a country that restricts their online rights. It helps keep your data and IP address from getting exposed by cutting the internet connection when your VPN protection goes down.
• It fortifies file sharing
  
  If you’re sharing files with strangers, exposing your IP address is all too easy. A built-in kill switch blocks all traffic the moment your VPN disconnects — helping you keep your identity private from start to finish.
• It brings you peace of mind
  
  Worried about Wi-Fi hotspots or mobile data networks acting up? Don’t be. Kill switches keep your connection VPN-protected and minimize the risk of IP leaks — even if your VPN fails.

Types of VPN kill switches

VPN kill switches fall into two categories: those that protect specific apps and those that secure your entire system.

• Application-level kill switches
  
  Application-level VPN kill switches close certain apps and stop them from sending or receiving data.
  
  These kill switches don’t interrupt your device’s internet connection. The chosen apps won’t leak any private data whenever you lose your VPN connection, but using other apps may still put you at risk.
• System-level kill switches
  
  System-level VPN kill switches cut off all internet traffic to and from your device, keeping data across your whole system safe.
  
  To provide the highest level of protection, both of Surfshark’s kill switch modes work on a system level:
  
  Soft kill switch activates only if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly and blocks all internet traffic until the VPN reconnects;
  Strict kill switch blocks internet access anytime the VPN is off — even if you disconnected manually.

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NoBorders
Use Surfshark VPN through network restrictions with NoBorders — this feature detects restricted networks and provides you with a list of servers that work best under those network restrictions. NoBorders is a Surfshark feature that allows you to use our VPN through network restrictions. If our app detects that someone’s trying to restrict your network (like your school’s firewall or internet provider) it will automatically activate NoBorders mode. This will give you a list of servers (and will connect you to the closest one automatically) that work best under network restrictions like geo-blocking or government censorship.

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CleanWeb
Surf the web without distractions — Surfshark’s CleanWeb blocks ads, banners, and pop-ups, as well as trackers and access to malicious websites, so you can browse online safely and ad-free. Clean Web is a feature in the Surfshark VPN app and browser extensions, designed to enhance your online experience.

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Clean Web on VPN apps blocks ads, trackers, and malware when you’re connected to the VPN. It lets you surf the web ad- and tracker-free and keeps you safer online. Clean Web on browser extensions blocks web ads, including video ads, trackers, cookie consent pop-ups, and malware while you browse the web. It also makes browsing safer by alerting you to past data leaks and known malware on the websites you visit, giving you greater protection against phishing attacks.

Why use an ad blocker with a VPN?
Pairing an ad blocker with a VPN is an easy way to enhance your internet safety. Bundled together with Surfshark VPN, Clean Web empowers you to:

• Block ads everywhere
  
  Clean Web blocks ads across most major platforms, from smartphones to smart TVs. On browser extensions, it also lets you block video ads and even tailor ad blocking by language. That way, you can enjoy an uninterrupted, ad-free online experience alongside the privacy and security of a VPN.
• Stay private online
  
  Surfshark gives you Clean Web’s powerful ad blocking along with all the benefits of VPN protection. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your IP (Internet Protocol) address, keeping your online activities safe from the prying eyes of hackers and intrusive ISPs (Internet Service Providers).
• Minimize malware risks
  
  Malware comes in all shapes and sizes, from infected websites to malicious ads. Never fear — Surfshark can help lower your risk of falling victim to malware. Also, Clean Web’s malware alert feature on extensions shows you a website’s leak history, letting you stay on top of any possible risks.
• Save on data
  
  Whether you’re on a mobile plan with limited data or a home connection with capped bandwidth, every megabyte counts. Ads waste data and eat up precious bandwidth. Clean Web allows you to lower your data usage and enhance your online experience by blocking ads before they ever load.
• Boost browsing speeds
  
  Ads and pop-ups aren’t just annoying — they also drain your resources as they load, slowing down your internet connection in the process. Clean Web removes resource-hungry ads to ensure the pages you’re visiting load quickly and don’t contain any bloatware that’ll bog you down.
• Combat phishing
  
  Phishing attacks often rely on ads to target internet users. Surfshark VPN and Clean Web act as your one-two punch, hiding your IP address from bad actors and blocking ads online. As a result, you get advanced threat protection that makes you far less likely to be harmed by a phishing scam.

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Cookie pop-up Blocker
Improve your browsing experience by eliminating cookie pop-ups — Surfshark’s Cookie pop-up Blocker will reject all possible cookies on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, so you don’t have to deal with annoying pop-ups. Surfshark’s Cookie pop-up Blocker (AdBlock) is a standout feature of our browser extension, designed to enhance your browsing experience. It automatically rejects cookie requests, making browsing smoother and less distracting. The Cookie pop-up Blocker comes with the CleanWeb 2.0 suite, which is available for Edge, Chrome, and Firefox browsers and is included with all Surfshark VPN plans.

How does a cookie pop-up blocker work?
Surfshark's Cookie pop-up Blocker hides pop-ups while ensuring only essential cookies are accepted. This means you can enjoy the full functionality of the websites you visit without having to deal with irritating pop-ups.

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Static IP
Access applications remotely, host a website, or create a game server with Surfshark’s Static IP (Internet Protocol) servers — choose from a list of servers and always connect to the same one to keep the same IP address.


Dedicated IP addresses
A dedicated IP (Internet Protocol) is a unique IP address assigned exclusively to a single user or account.
Regular IP addresses are shared among many users, but a dedicated IP is the user's lone property. One user only. A dedicated IP is a static IP address that doesn’t change over time and is typically offered as an add-on by VPN services or other hosting providers.

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Surfshark offers dedicated IP servers as well as static IPs. A static IP server will give you the same IP address each time you connect. However, other people can use this server as well. Dedicated IPs, on the other hand, are unique IPs assigned to only one user. In other words, if the user purchases a dedicated IP, nobody else can use it. It is a private VPN IP that only belongs to the user. Currently, Surfshark has dedicated IP addresses in the US, the UK, The Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia, Japan, Italy, Canada, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Benefits of Dedicated IPs:

• Works with all protocols.
  
  You don't have to choose between website speed and a fixed IP. Our Dedicated IP works with all our protocols, even WireGuard®, for maximum speed. Learn what WireGuard® is.
  
  
• Reduce Captcha requests.
  
  Captcha requests are a common issue while using a standard VPN. Many users might be using the same IP address as you are, which causes Google to prompt you with Captcha requests. A Dedicated IP helps to minimize Captchas, as websites no longer receive multiple requests from the same IP address.
  
  
• Better network performance.
  
  Using a Dedicated IP, your network should become quicker than when using a normal VPN server. With such an IP, you will be the only person generating traffic.
  
  
• Eases accessing remote networks.
  
  Accessing networks remotely with a shared VPN server is tricky since you never know what address you'll get whenever you connect. That's not an issue with a dedicated static IP.

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[jasonX]

Safety features to maximize online protection​

Surfshark Everlink
'Everlink', is the industry-first patented self-healing VPN infrastructure for stable VPN protection ensuring even better VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection stability. This means that your VPN connection remains uninterrupted, even in the event of server maintenance, without requiring any manual intervention.

What is Surfshark Everlink?
Everlink, a patented (US11190491B1, US20240080302A1) VPN server infrastructure assures your stable and reliable connection. In the event of a server failure or maintenance, Everlink acts as a self-healing mechanism and revives your connection by reconfiguring the VPN tunnel without disconnecting you from the VPN service.

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Everlink provides a smoother, more reliable VPN experience — almost like having an infinite connection. And because you remain connected to the VPN the whole time, your data stays protected, and your IP (Internet Protocol) address stays hidden. Surfshark Everlink servers are globally distributed and accessible via anycast IP addresses, ensuring that the Everlink service remains consistently available.


How does Everlink work?
All traditional VPNs establish a static tunnel between the client and a single server. In the event that your VPN connection goes down or drops (due to maintenance and the like), you the user, needs to reconnect manually. Manual reconnection or constant reconnection due to connection drops is not ideal especially when dealing with sensitive information or using public Wi-Fi.

Surfshark Everlink technology changes that. When you connect to our VPN, you’re also (automatically) connected to Everlink. Whatever server issue you are having, 'Everlink' instantly and seamlessly reconfigures the VPN connection to another working server. You don’t get disconnected, and your VPN protection stays intact. It’s all automatic, and you won’t even notice it happening.

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Why is Everlink important?
VPN reliability has traditionally been reactive — relying on kill switches or manual reconnections to mitigate server failures. Everlink represents a proactive, infrastructure-level solution that eliminates the need for disconnection altogether. Everlink goves the user the benefits of:

• Fewer VPN connection drops;
• Better protection for your IP address;
• No interruptions during server maintenance.

Kill Switch and Everlink, what's the difference?
The difference between a Kill Switch and Everlink comes down to how they handle VPN interruptions. A 'Kill Switch' is a reactive security measure that cuts your internet connection the moment your VPN drops. While effective, it disrupts service and requires you to reconnect manually.


'Everlink', by contrast, is a proactive, self-healing system. Instead of terminating the connection, it revives it by reconfiguring the VPN tunnel without disconnecting and reconnecting you from the VPN service. That way, you, the user, maintains connectivity and security without any intervention. It’s a fundamentally different approach to VPN reliability.

Thus:

Kill Switch

• Automatically cuts internet connection the moment VPN drops
• Requires manual reconnection from the user

Everlink

• Doesn't cut internet connection of the user when VPN drops. Revives connection without terminating the connection. Reconfigures connection without disconnecting and reconnecting you from the VPN service.
• No manual reconnection required from the user

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Auto-connect & Quick-connect
When your device connects to the internet, Auto-connect automatically establishes a VPN connection to keep your data secured every second you spend online. Auto-connect is a feature that will connect your device to the VPN as soon as it finds a Wi-Fi or ethernet connection. This feature can save you some time, as you won't need to open the Surfshark app and click any buttons to connect to Surfshark servers. The Quick-connect button connects you to the fastest or your chosen preferred location.

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Rotating IP
One of Surfshark’s Nexus technology features, Rotating IP, changes your IP address every few minutes without dropping the VPN connection, making it even more difficult to track you. Surfshark’s rotating IP is an advanced VPN (Virtual Private Network) feature that automatically changes your IP (Internet Protocol) address every five minutes within your chosen VPN location.

A standard VPN connection keeps you under one IP for the whole session. If you use the same IP address for longer browsing periods, some traceable behavior patterns may emerge. In contrast, an IP rotator service breaks up these patterns before they can develop. Rotating IP regularly swaps your visible IP, making your online identity harder to track. Powered by Surfshark’s Nexus technology, our rotating IP keeps your traffic fully encrypted while automatically refreshing your public IP address. This shields you from snooping, restricts surveillance, and disrupts profiling from advertisers.

Why should you rotate your IP?
IP address rotation offers VPN users multiple benefits while browsing.

• Elevated privacy
  
  Automatic IP rotation scatters your online footprint, with each session appearing to come from a new IP address. Make it much tougher for anyone to link your actions to a single identity.
• Greater safety
  
  When you frequently rotate IP addresses, it’s challenging for snoops or hackers to follow your browsing activity. Continuously change your virtual location to get an extra layer of protection online.
• Reduced profiling
  
  Rotating IPs makes tracking tools from advertisers and data brokers less accurate. Limit data gathering, help stop the creation of detailed user profiles, and keep targeted ads at bay.
• Lower cross-site correlation
  
  Using different IPs across sites and sessions makes it nearly impossible for companies to piece together your browsing journey. See a lower risk of anyone connecting your activity across multiple sites.
• Better deals
  
  Doing market research from a single IP may lead to higher prices for flights, hotels, or e-commerce products. IP rotation helps you avoid such spikes, as any on-site data collection will treat you like a new visitor each time.

Multi IP feature and an upgraded rotating IP
'Multi IP' is an innovative solution that routes your internet traffic through a different IP address for every new session or website you visit. Unlike rotating IP, all your resources and sessions will have different IP addresses. This eliminates the need to manually set up separate VPN connections or repeatedly disconnect and reconnect your VPN to achieve different IP addresses for various purposes.

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GPS override
On your Android device, you can override your GPS location, and in your GPS-enabled apps, appear as if you’re in the location that matches the Surfshark server location you’re connected to.

What is the GPS override feature?
Most smartphones nowadays have a GPS function that allows you to find your exact location. This function is often used by applications requiring your physical location to provide the service or specific features. Some examples of such apps would be:

• Uber (finds your location so the driver would know where to pick you up)
• Google Maps (indicates your physical location as a starting point of your chosen route)
• Snapchat (shows your location on the map, so your friends know where you are)

This constant tracking may become inconvenient and frustrating, considering that VPN alone can not override your GPS location. That's why spoofing your GPS tracking might come in handy.

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Reverse Bypasser
As the name suggests, Reverse Bypasser is the opposite feature of Surfshark’s Bypasser, which means you can manually select apps and websites to send through the VPN tunnel, leaving the rest of your traffic VPN-free.


Pause VPN
Pause VPN is a convenient feature that allows you to stop VPN use for a limited time. You can put your VPN on hold for 5 minutes, 30 minutes, or 2 hours, and it will automatically resume after the selected time.

 

[jasonX]

Surfshark ADDITIONAL Products​

Surfshark Alert
Surfshark Alert is an identity protection tool that checks online databases if your data was ever stolen and sold by hackers. Surfshark Alert is a feature that helps you protects you from security breaches! Breaches which occur when your stored information is leaked. That might include your passwords, email addresses, card details, and other data that you have entered when registering at some particular website. Surfshark Alert scans the web for breaches and informs you about them so you can take specific actions immediately. Surfshark Alert will send you real-time alert messages if your data gets breached in the future. (Surfshark Alert is part of Surfshark One and is available on browsers such as Firefox, Chrome, etc.).

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With Surfshark Alert you can:

• Monitor your data
  
  Surfshark Alert can track if your email, national ID, or credit card data appears among newly leaked data.
  
• Know what was lost
  
  It’s not just your email address that leaks. Alert will tell you what other pieces of personal data tied to your account were exposed in a breach.
  
• Get notified of breaches

Surfshark Alert will email you as soon as your data is discovered in a leak. With his kind of warning, you can act fast to secure your accounts.

​

Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus is the new addition to the Surfshark featured products, offering malware detection through real-time protection, as well as an on-demand antivirus scanner that does a full or quick scan. This is Surfshark’s new security approach offering its antivirus software alongside the popular, tried-and-tested VPN as part of a bundle --Surfshark One. The Surfshark One bundle includes the VPN, Alternative ID, Surfshark Antivirus, as well as Surfshark Search engine and Surfshark Alert, which notifies you of any personal data leaks. Currently 'Surfshark Antivirus' cannot be installed as a 'standalone application' and can only be installed with the 'Surfshark One' bundle.

​

That said, 'Surfshark Antivirus' is a premium antivirus program that includes a lightweight malware scanner, basic security features, excellent customer support, and user-friendly Windows, macOS, and Android apps. Surfshark's Antivirus is an additional way to increase your internet privacy, and it will keep your devices safe from various viruses, malware, and other threats. It is easy-to-use and very light on system resources all the while protecting the user and his devices at all times. AV-Test.org, a leading independent antivirus testing company AV-test certified Surfshark Antivirus’ protection

Surfshark Antivirus requires Windows 10 or newer and 2GB of free disk space to run at full power. Installation is a breeze for both the desktop and mobile apps and it is very easy-to-use! Virus databases are updated regularly (essential for any antivirus) allows the user to update the database manually whenever he wishes. User can turn on antivirus notifications to stay informed about database updates and scan results.

Surfshark Antivirus has been retested and certified by the industry-leading antivirus testing establishment

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! The near-perfect scores of Surfshark Antivirus v5.7 gave the TOP Product badge for Surfshark Antivirus.

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Surfshark Search
Surfshark Search is an organic search engine that provides a safe and private search on the web. It has no ads or trackers and doesn't keep logs of your browsing activities.

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Surfshark Search offers the following benefits:

• Completely ad-free;
• Results displayed in the Surfshark Search are all organic yet relevant. That means result ranking will not be your search history, location, or preferences;
• Search doesn't keep any logs of your activity and is the real Incognito mode for searches you don't want anyone to see;
• With Search, you can sort trending results by country, while the usual search engines usually show you only your country's trending results;

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Alternative ID
Alternative ID is a new Surfshark product that generates a brand-new online identity and an email to use online. It allows you to create an alternative email address and link it to your real one to protect your identity when registering to websites.

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What are the benefits of Alternative ID?
If you need to create an account on a website, you will most likely need to expose your email. That’s where Alternative ID comes to help. With it, you can generate an alternative persona (name, date of birth, address), create an alternative email, and link it to your real email. After that, all of the login emails, 2FA, or verification emails will be forwarded to your inbox. This way, your personal details and real email address won’t be exposed if a website gets breached. Like this, you make sure your identity is better secured when you’re online.

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Incogni
Incogni is a personal data removal service that helps protect your privacy. On your behalf, Incogni contacts 420+ data brokers (individuals or businesses that gather and sell people's information to others) to ensure they delete any information they have about you and prevent them from selling your details to people search sites. Plus, you can easily track the progress of your data removal every step of the way. Incogni contacts data brokers on your behalf with requests to delete the data they have on you, helping you escape the clutches of online marketing.

What are data brokers?
Data brokers collect data on you from anywhere they can: public records, apps you use, services you log in to – the works. Such data can include names, ages, genders, phone numbers, as well as a wide variety of interests. All of that allows them to create an intrusive portrait of you – and then sell it to marketers or anyone else willing to pay for it. These third parties can then even use it for tailored marketing campaigns or other business decisions. The data broker business is booming, as the market was worth

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, and has only grown since.

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How do I get the brokers to delete my data?
There are two main laws that mandate the brokers to delete your data on request: the European GDPR and the Californian CCPA.

However, it’s not that easy. With money on the line, companies can sometimes try to avoid complying with data removal requests by making you jump through some hoops, which costs time.

Requesting data to be removed from each company individually is a wild goose chase. With hundreds of data brokers registered in the US alone, it would take dozens of well-placed opt-out requests to take a single person’s data off the market. Incogni estimates that it would take 304 hours to complete even a single round of opt-out requests.

Here’s where Surfshark and Incogni come in. The Incogni team, equipped with the legal experience you may not have, will speed this process up for you. Instead of having to read through reams of legalese and having to remember which brokers answered emails at all, you’ll be able to simply observe the process via our updates.

What data brokers does Incogni cover?
Incogni strives to continually improve its service by adding to the list of data brokers it covers. Currently, it removes data from 60+ people search sites and 120 other data brokers, making Incogni one of the market’s most comprehensive personal information removal services. It covers all broker types, including:

• Marketing data brokers;
• Recruitment data brokers;
• Financial information data brokers;
• Risk mitigation data brokers;
• People search sites.

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[jasonX]

Surfshark servers and locations

Surfshark has a great server infrastructure that includes 4500+ servers across 100 countries. If you’re looking for a specific IP address, you can find Surfshark server locations in the following countries:
​

Americas: Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, United States, Uruguay, and Venezuela

Asia Pacific: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Macau SAR China, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam

Eurasia: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan

Europe: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom

Middle East and Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Israel, Morocco, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates
Note that some of Surfshark’s server locations are virtual. This means the server could appear to be in a particular country, although the physical infrastructure is situated in another country. Surfshark has about 40 virtual servers in countries such as India, Ghana, Mexico, Monaco, and Laos.

The main challenge of using a virtual server is that you might face slower response times compared to physical servers.

10 Gbps server speed
By shifting the servers from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, Surfshark VPN connection is faster and gives the new servers better throughput, which means they can transfer big chunks of data quicker. Since the data is throughput faster, the servers host more people, and the speeds are more stable. Moreover, the servers are less crowded.

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Surfshark PRICING

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​

 

[jasonX]

YouTube Videos















Surfshark Apps

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Social Media LINKS

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PERTINENT LINKS

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TOOLS

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​

Data and info derived / lifted from Sufshark with permission

 

[jasonX]

Can your ISP see you’re using a VPN? Here’s exactly what they see

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Can your ISP see you’re using a VPN?
Yes, definitely! Your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can detect that you’re using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) because they see a connection to a VPN server’s IP address. However, due to VPN encryption, they cannot see your specific online activities, such as websites visited or downloads.

All ISPs handles all internet traffic, so they notice when you connect to unfamiliar IP addresses. But while they know you’re using a VPN, the encryption prevents them from seeing what you actually do online. But yes, they can detect you when you're using a VPN.

What ISPs can and cannot see when you’re VPN-protected

What VPNs hide from ISPs and why it matters
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Some ISPs are

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. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel that prevents ISPs from seeing your actual online activities.

1. Websites visited

What good VPNs do: ISPs cannot see which specific websites you visit, your browsing history, or website URLs and page content

Why it matters: Prevents ISPs from building detailed profiles of your interests and habits for commercial purposes or government surveillance


2. Search queries

What good VPNs do: Search terms remain encrypted and invisible to ISPs, along with which search engines you use

Why it matters: Your private searches, research topics, and personal interests stay completely confidential


3. Content downloads and uploads

What good VPNs do: ISPs cannot see what specific files you download or upload, including their content, types, or sources

Why it matters: Prevents ISPs from throttling your connection based on file-sharing activities or reporting download behavior


4. Streaming activity

What good VPNs do: ISPs cannot see which streaming services you use, content you watch, or streaming quality patterns

Why it matters: Helps avoid bandwidth throttling during peak streaming hours and prevents ISPs from blocking or prioritizing specific streaming services


5. Data entry information

What good VPNs do: Personal information entered on websites, login credentials, and financial data transfers are encrypted

Why it matters: Protects sensitive information from ISP monitoring and reduces data available in potential security breaches


6. Messaging content

What good VPNs do: Email content and recipients, messaging and social media activity, and video call participants remain private

Why it matters: Ensures private communications stay confidential and prevents ISPs from selling communication data to third parties

What can your ISP see when you’re using a VPN, and how?
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While a VPN provides significant privacy protection, your ISP still

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to some extent, including:

1. VPN connection status

Your ISP can identify that you’re using a

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because your traffic flows to an unfamiliar IP address (the VPN server) instead of directly to websites. This creates a recognizable pattern that indicates VPN usage.

What this means: Your ISP knows you’re using privacy tools, but cannot see what you’re doing with them.


2. VPN server IP address

When you connect to a VPN, your ISP sees all your traffic going to a single IP address — the

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. This is different from normal browsing where traffic would go to multiple different website servers.

What this means: ISPs can identify the VPN service you’re using by comparing destination IPs against VPN server databases.

Privacy impact: Low — only confirms VPN use, doesn’t reveal browsing activity.


3. VPN protocol information

Different

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use specific network ports, creating identifiable traffic patterns that ISPs can recognize:

• OpenVPN: 1194, 443, 80
• WireGuard: 51820
• IKEv2: 500, 4500

What this means: ISPs can identify which VPN technology you’re using by way of monitoring traffic on VPN-associated ports.

Privacy impact: Minimal — identifies VPN type but not content.


4. Connection timestamps and duration

Your ISP can see when you start and stop your VPN connection, plus how long you stay connected. This is the same information they collect about all your internet usage.

What this means: ISPs know your general usage patterns but cannot correlate this with specific online activities.


5. Bandwidth usage patterns

ISPs can monitor how much data you transfer and make educated guesses about your activities (streaming uses more data than browsing), but they cannot see the actual content.

What this means: ISPs might suspect you’re streaming or downloading large files, but they cannot identify specific content or sources.


6. VPN encryption fingerprints

ISPs can analyze the structure of your encrypted traffic to identify VPN usage, even when VPN traffic uses common ports like 443 (HTTPS)

What this means: Advanced ISPs use

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methods to analyze traffic patterns and identify encrypted VPN tunnels, even when using common ports like 443 (HTTPS).

Privacy impact: None for quality VPNs — content remains encrypted.

Maximizing your privacy: best practices
​

In order to ensure your VPN provides maximum protection from ISP surveillance:

Choose quality VPN providers

• No-logs policy verified by independent audits.
• Strong encryption (AES-256 or equivalent).
• Kill switch to prevent data leaks.
• DNS leak protection.
• Obfuscated servers for restricted regions. Surfshark includes this feature for the OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocol.

Optimal configuration

• Enable kill switch protection.
• Use secure protocols (WireGuard or OpenVPN).
• Activate DNS leak protection.
• Choose servers geographically close for better speed.

Additional privacy layers:

• Use HTTPS websites whenever possible.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Keep VPN software updated regularly.
• In regions where VPN use is restricted, protocols like Shadowsocks, Stunnel, or Obfs4 can help disguise VPN traffic.
• Using common ports (like 443 for HTTPS) can also make VPN traffic harder to distinguish from regular web browsing.

VPN alternatives: how they compare
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Other privacy tools can also improve your online safety, but the level of ISP protection they offer varies, and so do the trade-offs.

Tor Browser

How it works: Routes traffic through three encrypted relays before reaching destination websites.

ISP visibility: ISPs can see Tor usage but not destinations or content.

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Proxy servers

How it works: Routes traffic through a single proxy server without encryption.

ISP visibility: ISPs can typically see most proxy traffic and activities.

Free VPNs: why they’re not recommended
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Free VPNs seem attractive but, as we outline in the free VPNs vs. paid VPNs article, the free options come with significant privacy and security risks:

• Data logging and sales: free VPNs often sell user data to advertisers;
• Weak encryption: many don’t properly encrypt traffic, defeating the purpose;
• Malware risks: some free VPNs contain malicious software;
• Poor performance: slow speeds and frequent disconnections;
• Limited servers: overcrowded servers reduce reliability.

Paid VPN services like Surfshark invest in proper security, don’t sell user data, and provide reliable performance.

Regional considerations: when ISPs care about VPN use
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ISP attitudes toward VPN usage vary significantly by location and local regulations (see:

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).

VPN-friendly regions (the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia):

• ISPs generally don’t restrict VPN usage;
• Focus on network management rather than blocking;
• VPN use is legal and widely accepted.

Restricted regions (VPN in China, Russia, Iran, the UAE):

• ISPs may be required to
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  or VPN traffic;
• Government regulations mandate ISP cooperation;
• Obfuscated servers are often necessary for reliable access.

Troubleshooting ISP-related VPN issues
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When ISPs actively interfere with VPN connections, there are still things you can try to restore reliable access. Common problems and solutions include:

Connection blocking
If an ISP blocks known VPN server IP addresses:

• Switch to different VPN servers;
• Use obfuscated servers;
• Try different VPN protocols;
• Contact your VPN provider for updated server lists.

Speed throttling
If an ISP deliberately slows VPN traffic:

• Test multiple server locations;
• Switch VPN protocols (try WireGuard);
• Use servers during off-peak hours;
• Enable obfuscation features.

Connection instability
In case of frequent disconnections or unreliable VPN performance:

• Update VPN software;
• Change DNS settings;
• Disable antivirus VPN interference;
• Try a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.

Round-up: what your ISP sees

Conclusion: Keep your data to yourself, not your ISP
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Your ISP can detect when you’re using a VPN, but that’s where their insight ends. The encrypted tunnel created by a quality VPN service effectively blinds your ISP to your actual online activities, protecting your browsing history, downloads, searches, and personal information.

In an era where ISPs can legally monitor, collect, and even sell your browsing data in many regions, a VPN provides essential protection. Choose a reputable provider with strong encryption, verified no-logs policies, and additional privacy features to ensure your online activities remain private from ISP surveillance.

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Data and info derived / lifted from Surfshark with permission

 

[jasonX]

5-9-14 Eyes and VPNs: a legitimate threat or just marketing?

Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliances...a common assumption is that VPNs based in the 5-9-14 Eyes countries are inherently less private and that VPN's share data with them. In reality, a VPN’s privacy level is shaped by its infrastructure, internal privacy and data-logging policies, as well as national data protection laws. There are quite a few misconceptions surrounding the Eyes alliances, especially related to VPNs. -- Ms. Ema Pennell of Surfshark shares us some enlighting info. Read on below
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What are the Five-Nine-Fourteen Eyes?
The Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes are intelligence-sharing alliances that allow the allied countries to cooperate on signals intelligence (SIGINT).

It all started with the UKUSA Agreement — a secret pact signed in 1946 between the United States and the United Kingdom during the early Cold War — intended for sharing intercepted military and diplomatic communications to counter emerging global threats.

That agreement later added Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, forming what is now known as the Five Eyes alliance.

Over time, more allied countries were brought into this intelligence-sharing arrangement, giving rise to the Nine Eyes and Fourteen Eyes groups — although their access to shared data is generally more limited than that of the Five Eyes core.

​

Do the 5-9-14 Eyes alliances affect VPN users?
VPN safety depends on the provider, not the alliance membership. If a VPN provider is based in a country that is part of the Five, Nine, or Fourteen Eyes alliances, it doesn’t automatically make VPNs unsafe, but it does make factors like jurisdiction laws, provider’s logging practices, and infrastructure more important.

What actually matters for VPN users
Here are some things that VPN users need to take into account:

• Privacy laws of the jurisdiction — the country where a VPN provider is based determines which data protection and disclosure laws apply. When choosing a VPN, look for a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that limits mandatory data retention and has user-focused privacy laws — these privacy protections reduce how much information providers can or are required to collect and keep;
  
  
• No-logs VPNs have nothing to share — if a VPN provider doesn’t collect or store any logs, there’s no meaningful user data to hand over. This means that even if authorities request user information, the provider simply has nothing to share. That’s why you should be choosing a service with strict, independently audited no-logs policies;
  
  
• Modern infrastructure limits data retention — VPNs that use RAM-only servers don’t write data to physical hard drives and automatically wipe all data when servers are restarted. This eliminates the possibility of long-term storage and further reduces the risk of user data being retained or exposed.

Surfshark maintains a strict

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, meaning it does not track or store users’ browsing activity. This

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, adding an extra layer of transparency and accountability. Surfshark’s RAM-only infrastructure ensures no data is ever written to physical storage, and it’s wiped on every reboot, while strong encryption protects your data and prevents unauthorized access.

Additionally, the Netherlands operates under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), one of the world’s strongest — if not the strongest — data protection frameworks.

The Netherlands distinguishes itself as one of the most privacy-oriented countries in the world. Its data protection is governed by Dutch and EU law, including the GDPR — widely recognized as the global gold standard for user privacy and personal data protection.

Ms. Goda Sukackaitė, Senior Privacy Counsel at Surfshark

What this means is that VPN providers can offer strong privacy protections as long as their policies and infrastructure are designed with privacy in mind. Being based in a country that belongs to the 5-9-14 Eyes countries, in practice, plays no role in defining how secure and private your VPN is.



How VPNs protect you
A well-designed VPN can significantly improve your online privacy, regardless of where it is based. If a service provider combines strong policies with privacy-first infrastructure, a VPN can limit what information is available, even under legal pressure.

No-logs policy
A true no-logs VPN doesn’t track or store what you do online. Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been independently verified, meaning external experts found no usable data that can be handed over if authorities make a request.

RAM-only servers and diskless architecture
Using RAM-only or diskless architecture means no data is written to hard drives. Surfshark’s RAM-only servers ensure that everything runs in temporary memory and is automatically wiped whenever a server turns off or reboots. This reduces the risk of data retention — no user data can be physically stored or recovered — and makes physical server seizure meaningless.

Strong, modern encryption
VPN encryption prevents third parties from reading your internet traffic. Surfshark uses robust, industry-standard encryption like AES-256 and ChaCha20, and supports modern, secure VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.

Kill switch and leak protection
Built-in safety features like a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection help ensure your real IP (Internet Protocol) address isn’t accidentally exposed if the VPN connection drops. This adds an extra layer of protection, especially on public or unstable networks.

Unlimited devices for full-coverage privacy
Privacy shouldn’t be limited to one device. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, helping protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and other compatible devices under one account so that your privacy stays consistent.



Common misconceptions about the 5-9-14 Eyes
Discussions around the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes alliances often come with a lot of confusion and, sometimes, exaggeration. A lot of the information about these alliances is not fully public — most of what is available to our knowledge comes from leaked documents and investigative reporting done by media outlets.

However, we can address some of the most common myths regarding Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes VPNs:

• Being in a 5-9-14 Eyes country automatically makes a VPN unsafe. In reality, a VPN’s safety depends more on its logging policy and infrastructure than on its location. A VPN that doesn’t keep logs and uses privacy-focused technology can effectively protect users, even if it’s based in or operates within an Eyes country;
  
  
• Using a VPN in 5-9-14 Eyes countries is illegal. In actuality, VPNs are completely legal in all allied countries, including the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, and across most of Europe. VPNs here are widely used for everyday privacy, security on public Wi-Fi networks, and even remote work;
  
  
• Governments can see all VPN traffic. Connecting to a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to outside parties. So, while governments can request data from VPN providers under certain legal conditions, encrypted traffic itself isn’t visible. And if a VPN keeps no logs, there’s little to obtain.

Jurisdiction vs. server location
Another thing that people commonly confuse is the difference between where a VPN company is registered and where its servers are located:

• VPN jurisdiction refers to the country where the VPN company is legally based. This is what determines which laws apply for user data collection, retention, and sharing;
  
  
• Server location refers to the actual geographic location of individual VPN servers around the world. A VPN provider can operate servers in multiple countries across the globe, even if the company itself is headquartered in a single country.

This is an important distinction, as legal obligations typically apply to the company, not to every country where it operates servers.



Recent developments
In recent years, we’ve seen a shift toward clearer rules around data sharing, including the EU–US Data Privacy Framework in 2023 that aims to regulate how personal data moves between Europe and the United States.

At the same time, allied countries started focusing on tackling cybercrime and ransomware, as well as focusing on infrastructure security, not just traditional intelligence gathering. Despite these changes, VPN encryption remains a key user-level safeguard, helping protect personal data from interception, regardless of how governments cooperate behind the scenes.


Final thoughts: choose a privacy-first VPN
Choosing a privacy-first VPN ultimately comes down to what the provider does with your data, not just where it’s based. Strong internal privacy policies, a proven no-logs approach, and privacy-focused infrastructure matter far more than jurisdiction alone.

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Data and info derived / lifted from Surfshark with permission

 

[jasonX]

Surfshark launches post-quantum protection on WireGuard

Post-quantum protection is now live on WireGuard!

This upgrade adds an extra layer of future-proof security, shielding you against potential quantum computing threats. Read on below to know how it works and why it matters
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What is post-quantum protection?
Post-quantum protection is all about future-proofing your security. Today’s encryption relies on complex math problems that are nearly impossible for regular computers to solve, but quantum computers will one day crack them with ease. Post-quantum encryption replaces these vulnerable methods with new, quantum-resistant algorithms built on entirely different types of math. In short: it’s like upgrading your lock today, so it’s ready for the hackers of tomorrow.

Why does a VPN need post-quantum protection?
As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption may no longer be strong enough to keep data safe. VPNs, which rely heavily on encryption to safeguard user data, must evolve to stay ahead of these emerging threats. By adopting quantum-resistant encryption, VPNs can provide a stronger, future-proof layer of security. This ensures that sensitive information remains private and protected — even against the powerful capabilities of quantum computers that could one day break current cryptographic standards.

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