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Surfshark VPN

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Surfshark VPN service is a digital privacy tool provided by the cybersecurity company, Surfshark. It also offers a data leak detection system, a private search tool, an antivirus and an automated personal data removal system.[1][2][3][4]

Developer(s)Surfshark
Initial releaseApril 16, 2018
Operating system
Platform
Available inEnglish, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Polski, Português (Brasil), Русский, Українська, 한국어, 简体中文, 中文, 日本語.
TypeVirtual private network
LicenseProprietary software
Websitesurfshark.com

In 2021, Surfshark merged with Nord Security. However, both companies still operate independently.[5]

Surfshark’s headquarters is in the Netherlands[6] with additional offices in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.

History

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Surfshark was launched in 2018 when it introduced its first VPN application for iOS devices. In 2018, Surfshark’s browser extensions underwent an external audit by a German cybersecurity firm, Cure53.[7]

In 2019, Surfshark launched “Surfshark Alert” & “Surfshark Search” and started their research activities, releasing the first Digital Quality of Life (DQL) index.[8] Later, in October 2019, Surfshark became one of the first ten VPN packages to receive an official seal of approval granted by an independent IT-Security Institute AV-TEST.[9]

In 2020, Surfshark moved to 100% RAM-only servers, introduced WireGuard, and became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative.[10] Later in 2020, Surfshark was named the best VPN of 2020 by CNN.[8][11]

In 2021, Surfshark was named Best VPN by the Trusted Reviews Awards.[12] In the same year, Surfshark launched "Surfshark Antivirus” & "Incogni."[13] Surfshark also won the PCMag Editors Choice award and successfully passed an external audit by Cure53.[14]

In mid-2021, Surfshark began the process of merging with Nord Security, the parent company of the popular NordVPN. The merger was finalized in early 2022, with both brands continuing to operate independently.[15]

In August 2022, Surfshark exclusively partnered with digital rights watchdog NetBlocks for greater reporting on internet shutdowns.[16]

Later in 2022, Surfshark closed its physical servers in India in response to the CERT-In's order for VPN companies to store consumers' personal data for a period of five years.[17][18] That same year, Surfshark released Surfshark Nexus, together with Nord Security gained the Unicorn status, released Linux GUI, reached 100 different server country locations, and was included in CNET's 2022 Best Overall VPN list.[19][20]

Technology

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In December 2019, Surfshark implemented GPS-Spoofing for Android, allowing users to hide their device’s physical geolocation by changing it to one of the server’s locations.[21] In its applications, Surfshark uses IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols. All data transferred via Surfshark servers is encrypted using an AES-256-GCM encryption standard.[22] That same year, Surfshark launched "Surfshark Alert" & "Surfshark Search."[23]

In 2021, Surfshark launched "Surfshark Antivirus” & "Incogni."[24] That same year, Surfshark also launched a cookie pop-up blocker, an in-app notification center, new browser extensions, a macOS app, and started moving their servers to 10Gbps.[25]

In February 2022, Surfshark released the Surfshark Nexus technology.[26]

In May 2022, Surfshark announced Linux GUI, added real-time protection to Surfshark Antivirus & added a pause feature to the VPN app.[27]

In August 2022, Surfshark added a manual WireGuard connection feature.[28]

Features

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Surfshark developed apps with a GUI for iOS, macOS, Android, Windows & Linux. They have browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox & Microsoft Edge. Surfshark also provides connections for routers, consoles & TVs.[29]

Surfshark accepts anonymous payment methods, has no bandwidth limitations, servers, and operates under a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark offers OpenVPN, IKEv2 & WireGuard connection protocols (for apps and manual setups) to connect to the VPN servers safely.[30]

Other Surfshark VPN service features include: Kill Switch, Pause VPN, Dynamic MultiHop (customizable double VPN), Obfuscation, IP rotator, GPS spoofing, smart DNS, and Bypasser (split tunneling).[31]

It also offers an ad and malware prevention feature, CleanWeb, that blocks ads on a DNS level.[32] Surfshark also allows unlimited simultaneous connections.

Research

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In 2020 Surfshark conducted research evaluating the Digital Quality of Life & wellbeing of online users.[33] The research is updated quarterly, selecting the best-performing countries based on internet affordability, quality, electronic infrastructure, security & government.

Aside from the DQL research, Surfshark investigates worldwide social media censorship, internet shutdowns, and government surveillance.[34] New data is added as soon as the internet connection gets disrupted in any of the countries, or strict government surveillance invades the privacy of the internet users.

During the years, Surfshark collected information about internet regulations, global data breaches, or data vulnerabilities.[35]

Partnerships

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Surfshark is one of the founding members of the VPN Trust Initiative, which was established in 2020. All members must follow the VTI principles, ensuring that member companies are secure, trusted, and transparent to their users.[36]

In August 2022, Surfshark joined forces with an internet monitoring organization — NetBlocks.[37] The partnership started as a natural alignment of the organizations’ visions and common goals — bringing awareness and gaining more routes to spread the news of worldwide internet disruptions.[38]

In 2022, Surfshark joined EDRi, the biggest European network defending digital rights and freedom.[39] That same year, Surfshark joined The Global Encryption Coalition (GEC) to promote strong encryption.[40]

Surfshark also collaborated with The Internet Society to spread awareness about Splinternet and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to discuss surveillance technologies.[41]

Audits

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Browser extensions’ audit

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In November 2018, Surfshark’s Chrome and Firefox browser extensions underwent an external audit by a German cybersecurity firm, Cure53. You can read the Surfshark VPN Extension Pentest-Report.[42]

Server infrastructure audit

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In April 2021, Surfshark’s server infrastructure was audited by Cure53.[43]

No-logs assurance report

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In January 2023, Surfshark underwent an independent assurance procedure by Deloitte. Deloitte verified Surfshark’s no-logs statement.[44]

Awards

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  • VPN Solution of the Year at the CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards 2022[45]
  • CNet Editor's Choice Oct '22[46]
  • CanalTech Most Popular VPN Service 2022 (Brasil)[47]
  • PCWorld Verified Product 2022 (Poland)[48]
  • Surfshark Antivirus Virus Bulletin certification[49]
  • SourceForge Fall Category Leader 2022[50]
  • TechRadar Work from Home Must-Have App 2021[51]
  • Trusted Review Best VPN 2022[52]
  • Cybersecurity Excellence Award Gold 2021[53]

References

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  1. ^ Jociūtė, Ieva (January 3, 2024). "Surfshark One review: is the One bundle worth it?".
  2. ^ Theodorou, Andreas (2022-10-24). "Surfshark VPN review - a high speed, high value security solution". TechRadar. Rob Dunne, Sam Dawson. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  3. ^ "Surfshark VPN Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  4. ^ Shim, Timothy (2022-09-01). "Surfshark Review: In-depth Analysis + Latest Speed Tests Results". Web Hosting Secret Revealed (WHSR). Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  5. ^ "Nord Security joins forces with Surfshark to strengthen their position in cybersecurity | NordVPN". nordvpn.com. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  6. ^ "Where is Surfshark located?". Surf shark.
  7. ^ "Nord Security joins forces with Surfshark". Nord VPN. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  8. ^ a b Spadafora, Anthony (20 September 2019). "Surfshark launches free Trust DNS app". TechRadar.
  9. ^ "VPN Software Put to the Test: Secure and Fast Line?". www.av-test.org. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  10. ^ "Surfshark upgrades its infrastructure to 100% RAM-only server solution - Chief IT - For IT Leaders & Decision Makers". 2020-07-20. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  11. ^ Yuson, Andro. "The Best VPN Service in 2020". blog.etech7.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  12. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (16 July 2020). "Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless". TechRadar.
  13. ^ "Surfshark Review 2024: Good Security, Price & Netflix Access". www.privacyjournal.net. 2023-10-18. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  14. ^ "Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Cost, Plans, Features and More". www.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  15. ^ Martin, Jim. "Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers". Tech Advisor.
  16. ^ "Surfshark One Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  17. ^ "Explainer: New VPN rules, why companies are upset and what they mean for you". The Times of India. 2022-06-17. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  18. ^ KVN, Rohit. "SurfShark VPN provider to shut servers in India over new data regulation". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  19. ^ "NordVPN and Surfshark announce merger". ZDNET. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  20. ^ "Lithuania has second unicorn: Nord Security raises $100 mln at $1.6 bln valuation". 2022-04-07.
  21. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (18 December 2019). "This Android VPN is now able to disguise your GPS location". TechRadar.
  22. ^ "6 VPNs for Your Business or Side Hustle, on Sale Today". Entrepreneur. 29 December 2020.
  23. ^ "Surfshark One Review". PCMag. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  24. ^ "Surfshark VPN Review for 2024: An Expert Analysis". Gizmodo. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  25. ^ Arici, Alexandra (2024-03-26). "Surfshark VPN Review 2024: Stream Movies and TV Securely". Make Tech Easier. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  26. ^ Jacob, Marc (2024-10-14). "Surfshark introduces a cutting-edge solution". Global Security Mag Online. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  27. ^ "Surfshark's new Linux app has a graphical interface". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  28. ^ Chiara Castro (2022-08-18). "Surfshark now offers manual WireGuard connections". TechRadar. Retrieved 2023-04-19.
  29. ^ "Surfshark VPN Review 2024 Test Results (Pros and Cons)". RestorePrivacy. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  30. ^ "Surfshark review | A low cost service with some great features". ProPrivacy.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  31. ^ "Surshark VPN Gives You Blazing Speeds at Competitive Pricing". CNET. 2024-08-31. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  32. ^ "Surfshark's new Linux app has a graphical interface". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  33. ^ "Digital Quality of Life Index 2020: SurfShark". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  34. ^ "NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom". NetBlocks. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  35. ^ "Surfshark: Humanizing Digital Security to Empower Users". Internet Society. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  36. ^ "VPN Trust Initiative". vpntrustinitiative.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  37. ^ "Home". NetBlocks. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  38. ^ "NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom". NetBlocks. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  39. ^ "An Interview with Joe McNamee Executive Director of EDRi". vpnMentor. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  40. ^ "Global Encryption Coalition". Global Encryption Coalition. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  41. ^ "Build, Promote, and Defend the Internet". Internet Society. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  42. ^ "Pentest-Report Surfshark VPN Extension 11.2018" (PDF). cure53.de. 2018-11-12. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
  43. ^ "TotalVPN vs. Surfshark". Security.org. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  44. ^ "Surfshark B.V. ISAE 3000 - Independent Reasonable Assurance Report" (PDF). surfshark.com. 2022-12-14. Retrieved 2024-04-05.
  45. ^ "2022 Winners". CyberSecurity Breakthrough Awards. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  46. ^ "Surshark VPN Gives You Blazing Speeds at Competitive Pricing". CNET. 2024-08-31. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  47. ^ Yuge, Claudio (2022-03-19). "5º Prêmio Canaltech: conheça prós e contras do Surfshark, campeão de Melhor VPN". Canaltech (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  48. ^ "Surfshark review: A versatile VPN service packed with extras". PCWorld. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  49. ^ "Virus Bulletin :: VB100 Testing". www.virusbulletin.com. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  50. ^ "About Surfshark". sourceforge.
  51. ^ "TechRadar Work From Home Awards 2021: the best apps and gadgets for home". TechRadar. 2021-09-27. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  52. ^ "Best VPN 2024: Stay protected online with these top services". Trusted Reviews. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
  53. ^ "Surfshark". Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2024-10-14.
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