Surfshark

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Surfshark
Company typePrivate
IndustrySoftware
Founded2018
FounderSurfshark
HeadquartersThe Netherlands
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsCybersecurity software
ServicesComputer security
Websitesurfshark.com

Surfshark is a cybersecurity company established in 2018. It launched its first product, a VPN service, in the same year with the same name.

Surfshark offers a range of cybersecurity tools: a VPN, a data leak detection system called Surfshark Alert, a private search tool known as Surfshark Search, and an antivirus named Surfshark Antivirus. The company also provides a personal data removal service called Incogni, an alternative credential generator called Alternative ID, and a Dedicated IP service.[1][2][3][4]

In 2022, Surfshark and Nord Security merged under one holding company to form a cybersecurity powerhouse while still operating independently.[5]

Surfshark was initially registered in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) but its headquarters became the Netherlands on October 1, 2021. The Netherlands serves no legal obligation for companies to log or retain user data and abides by GDPR requirements.[6] Surfshark also has offices in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.

History[edit]

Surfshark was launched in 2018 when it introduced its first VPN application. 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 became one of the first ten VPN packages to receive an official seal of approval granted by an independent IT-Security Institute AV-TEST.[8] The same year Surfshark started their research activities, releasing the first Digital Quality of Life (DQL) index.[9]

In 2020, Surfshark moved to 100% RAM-only servers, introduced the WireGuard protocol, and became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative.[10][11]

In 2021, Surfshark was named Best VPN by the Trusted Reviews Awards,[12] as well as the PCMag Editor’s Choice award, and was named TechRadar’s must-have Work from Home app. Surfshark also successfully passed an external audit by Cure53.[13] In the same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Antivirus & Incogni.[14]

In mid-2021, Surfshark began merging with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN. The merger was finalized in early 2022, with both brands continuing to operate independently.[15][16]

In August 2022, Surfshark exclusively partnered with digital rights watchdog NetBlocks for greater reporting on internet shutdowns.[17]

Later, in 2022, Surfshark closed its physical servers in India in response to CERT-In's order for VPN companies to store consumers' personal data for five years.[18]

Later that year, Surfshark released Linux GUI, and Surfshark Nexus, a technology that connects all of Surfshark’s VPN servers into one network.[19][20]

During 2022 year, Surfshark reached 100 different server country locations, and, together with Nord Security, gained Unicorn status. At the end of the year Deloitte tested and approved Surfshark’s compliance with the no-logs policy.[21]

In 2023, Surfshark launched its Dedicated IP[22] and Alternative ID services.[23]

In September 2023, Surfshark received the Trust Seal badge after passing the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) assessment. The Surfshark VPN app for Android also passed the Mobile App Security Assessment (MASA) audit in 2023.[24]

In 2023, Surfshark received the Forbes Advisor Best VPN for Unlimited Connections 2023 award.[25]

In March 2024, Surfshark was ranked 47th in the Financial Times 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies list. Surfshark also ranked 8th in the IT & Software category of the same FT-Statista annual ranking list.[26]

Technology[edit]

In December 2019, Surfshark implemented GPS-Spoofing for Android, letting users change their device's physical geolocation to one of the server's locations.[27] That same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Alert and Surfshark Search.[28]

Surfshark uses IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard connection protocols in its applications. All data transferred via Surfshark servers is encrypted using an AES-256-GCM encryption standard.[29]

In July 2020, Surfshark announced its entire server network is running on RAM-only servers.[30][31]

In 2021, Surfshark launched Surfshark Antivirus & Incogni. That same year, Surfshark also launched a cookie pop-up blocker, an in-app notification center, new browser extensions, and a macOS app and started moving their servers to 10Gbps.[32]

In May 2022, Surfshark announced Linux GUI, added real-time protection to Surfshark Antivirus & added a pause feature to the VPN app.[33]

In August 2022, Surfshark added a manual WireGuard connection feature.[34]

In June 2023, Surfshark launched Dedicated IP, which gives a user a unique and static IP address when connected to a VPN.[35] Later that year, Surfshark launched Alternative ID, which generates a brand-new online identity & email.[36]

Patents[edit]

Surfshark employees own fourteen US patents under the joint stock company Netflow.[37]

Method and apparatus for maintaining a resilient VPN connection[edit]

United States patent publication number US11190491B1[38]

United States patent publication number US20220210130A1[39]

System and method for optimal multiserver VPN routing[edit]

United States patent publication number US20240064088A1[40]

Optimized server picking in a virtual private network[edit]

United States patent publication number US11418599B1[41]

Configuring a protocol in a virtual private network[edit]

United States patent publication number US11757841B2[42]

Configuring and displaying a progress indicator in a virtual private network[edit]

United States patent publication number US11556448B1[43]

Clustering of virtual private network servers[edit]

United States patent publication number US20230052050A1[44]

Adaptive Online Service Access Control[edit]

United States patent publication number US20230188546A1[45]

United States patent publication number US20230188545A1[46]

United States patent publication number US20230188539A1[47]

Distributed Trust-Based Communication[edit]

United States patent publication number US20230188511A1[48]

United States patent publication number US20230188510A1[49]

United States patent publication number US20230188512A1[50]

Automatic Network Configuration[edit]

United States patent publication number US20230216782A1[51]

Research[edit]

In 2019, Surfshark released the first Digital Quality of Life index, a ​​study evaluating the digital wellbeing of countries worldwide. The research is updated yearly, and the best-performing countries are selected based on internet affordability, internet quality, electronic infrastructure, electronic security, and electronic government.[52]

Throughout the years, Surfshark collected information about internet regulations, global data breaches, and data vulnerabilities and has conducted five major research projects:

  • Digital Quality of Life Index[53]
  • Internet Shutdown Tracker[54]
  • Data Vulnerability Thermometer[55]
  • Global Data Breach Statistics[56]
  • Report on Government Requests for User Data[57]

Social responsibility[edit]

Surfshark is one of the founding members of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI), which was established in 2020.[58] VPN Trust InitiativeMembers focuses on improving internet security for consumers and all of its members must follow the VTI principles, ensuring that member companies are secure, trusted, and transparent to their users.

In August 2022, Surfshark collaborated with an internet monitoring organization, NetBlocks, to bring awareness and spread the news of worldwide internet disruptions.[59]

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

Surfshark also collaborated with The Internet Society to spread awareness about Splinternet and Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) to discuss surveillance technologies.[60]

Surfshark has collaborated with these non-profit organizations in the past:

The VPN Trust Initiative Access Now Fight for the Future (​​FFTF) Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)
Internet Society (ISOC) NetBlocks EDRi (European Digital Rights) Global Encryption Coalition (GEC)
Project Syndicate Internet Infrastructure Coalition Open Rights group (ORG) OONI (Open Observatory of Network Interference)

Initiatives[edit]

In 2022, Surfshark took part in two major initiatives: The Cyberocean initiative, a gamified program for kids meant to teach them about online dangers, and the Women Go Tech mentorship, where some of Surfshark’s employees contributed as mentors to the campaign for diversity in tech-related careers.[61]

In 2023, Surfshark launched the Emergency VPN program and provided VPN subscriptions to journalists, activists, NGO representatives, and journalists working under harsh conditions.[62]

Later that year, Surfshark celebrated Cybersecurity Awareness Month, launched a Digital Survival Kit, and spread awareness about data collection on an episode of Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid, where Surfshark experts and Natalie Campbell (Internet Society) discussed helping people understand the online risks and provided tips for online safety.[63]

Donations[edit]

Supporting Ukraine[edit]

In 2023, Surfshark participated in two crowdfunding campaigns. One was initiated by a Lithuanian national broadcaster LRT and called RADAROM, where Surfshark employees donated to Ukraine, and Surfshark doubled the total donation. The other campaign was initiated internally, where Surfshark employees donated to kids, teens, elders, and animals during Christmas, and Surfshark doubled their donations.[64][65]

Shark Awareness Day 2023[edit]

For Shark Awareness day, which takes place on 14 July, Surfshark partnered with and donated to a charitable organization, Shark Trust, to protect endangered sharks and rays. The aim was to raise awareness about the sharks’ role in the ecosystem and the threats they face. The partnership focused on conservation plans, policy changes to save declining shark populations, and more.[66]

The Big Dog Ranch Rescue[edit]

In 2023, Surfshark collaborated with MrBeast and donated to Big Dog Ranch Rescue, which seeks to provide every dog with a loving and secure home.[67][68]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Jociūtė, Ieva (January 3, 2024). "Surfshark One review: is the One bundle worth it?". cybernews.com. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Mike (May 10, 2024). "Surfshark VPN review". techradar.com. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  3. ^ Eddy, Max; Key, Kim (March 29, 2023). "Surfshark VPN Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  4. ^ Shim, Timothy (2022-09-01). "Surfshark Review: In-depth Analysis + Latest Speed Tests Results". Web Hosting Secret Revealed (WHSR). Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  5. ^ "Nord Security joins forces with Surfshark | NordVPN". nordvpn.com. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  6. ^ "NordVPN vs Surfshark: 1 Clear Winner (May 2024)". RestorePrivacy. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  7. ^ Gill, Mark (2024-04-19). "Surfshark VPN Review (2024)". IGN. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  8. ^ "Operating system setup and program version of tested products" (PDF). av-test.org. 2019-09-17. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  9. ^ Radu, Sintia (August 15, 2019). "Which Country Has the Best Digital Quality Life?". U.S. News. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  10. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (2020-07-16). "Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  11. ^ "Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  12. ^ "Trusted Reviews Awards 2021: Surfshark wins Best VPN". Trusted Reviews. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  13. ^ "Cure53 Security Assessment of Surfshark Management Summary, 04.2021" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  14. ^ "Incogni - Personal Information Removal Service". incogni.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  15. ^ "NordVPN's Parent Company Is Merging With VPN Provider Surfshark". PCMag UK. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  16. ^ "NordVPN and Surfshark are merging, continuing VPN consolidation trend". CNET. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  17. ^ "NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom". NetBlocks. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  18. ^ O'Grady, Vaughan (2022-06-07). "India says goodbye to another VPN provider as Surfshark pulls its servers". Developing Telecoms. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  19. ^ "Lithuania's Nord Security raises $100 mln at $1.6 bln valuation". Reuters. April 7, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  20. ^ "Surfshark's new Linux app has a graphical interface". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  21. ^ "Surfshark B.V. ISAE 3000 - Independent Reasonable Assurance Report" (PDF). 14 December 2022. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  22. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Introduces Dedicated IP for Consistent IP Addresses for Users". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  23. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Unveils Alternative ID". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  24. ^ "Surfshark VPN Assessment" (PDF). appdefensealliance.dev. 2023-11-28. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  25. ^ "5 Best VPN Services Of 2024 – Forbes Advisor". www.forbes.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  26. ^ Kilby, Nathalie (2024-03-01). "FT 1000: the eighth annual ranking of Europe's fastest-growing companies". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  27. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (2019-12-18). "This Android VPN is now able to disguise your GPS location". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  28. ^ "Surfshark One Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  29. ^ "6 VPNs for Your Business or Side Hustle, on Sale Today". Entrepreneur. 2020-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  30. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (2020-07-16). "Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  31. ^ "Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  32. ^ "Incogni - Personal Information Removal Service". incogni.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  33. ^ "Surfshark's new Linux app has a graphical interface". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  34. ^ Castro, Chiara (2022-08-18). "Surfshark now offers manual WireGuard connections". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  35. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Introduces Dedicated IP for Consistent IP Addresses for Users". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  36. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Unveils Alternative ID". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  37. ^ "Netflow Google Patents". patents.google.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  38. ^ US11190491B1, Kaciulis, Karolis & Budvytis, Donatas, "Method and apparatus for maintaining a resilient VPN connection", issued 2021-11-30 
  39. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  40. ^ US20240064088A1, Kaciulis, Karolis & Budvytis, Donatas, "System and method for optimal multiserver vpn routing", issued 2024-02-22 
  41. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  42. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  43. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  44. ^ US20230052050A1, Budvytis, Donatas & Kaciulis, Karolis, "Clustering of virtual private network servers", issued 2023-02-16 
  45. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  46. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  47. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  48. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  49. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  50. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  51. ^ US20230188511A1, Kaciulis, Karolis, "Distributed Trust-Based Communication", issued 2023-06-15 
  52. ^ Radu, Sintia (August 15, 2019). "Which Country Has the Best Digital Quality Life?". U.S. News. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  53. ^ Edmond, Charlotte (September 21, 2023). "What's the 'digital quality of life' level in your country?". World Economic Forum. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  54. ^ Sharma, Shweta (2023-01-19). "India's Kashmir had the most internet disruptions in 2022, says report". The Independent. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  55. ^ "15 cybercrime statistics you ought to know". Independent Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  56. ^ Maddison, Lewis (2023-08-03). "Data breaches have seen a huge rise in 2023 so far". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  57. ^ Woollacott, Emma. "Government Data Requests Rise Globally". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  58. ^ "The VPN Trust Initiative". i2Coalition. 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  59. ^ Editorial (2022-08-01). "NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom". NetBlocks. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  60. ^ "Surfshark: Humanizing Digital Security to Empower Users". Internet Society. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  61. ^ King, Melanie (2022-08-29). "Cyberocean - interactive and educational". Span. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  62. ^ "Best VPNs in 2024". cybernews.com. January 16, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  63. ^ Castro, Chiara (2024-02-27). "Pakistan's internet is under siege, and VPNs are a target". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  64. ^ Balčiūnienė, Rūta. "„Surfshark" sėkmės istorija: kaip suprasti, kurių karų geriau nekariauti". vz.lt (in Lithuanian). Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  65. ^ "„Radarom!" – išskirtinė akcija, tapusi proveržiu: įmonės aukojo ir šimtus tūkstančių, ir milijoną eurų". lrt.lt (in Lithuanian). 2023-03-01. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  66. ^ "Corporate Patrons". The Shark Trust. 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  67. ^ "MrBeast Partners With Dog Rescue To Find 100 Dogs Forever Homes". Yahoo Entertainment. 2023-12-26. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  68. ^ MrBeast (2023-12-23). I Saved 100 Dogs From Dying. Retrieved 2024-05-16 – via YouTube.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Surfshark&oldid=1224143197"