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In 2020, Surfshark moved to 100% [[Random-access memory|RAM]]-only servers,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Spadafora |first=Anthony |date=2020-07-16 |title=Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/surfshark-boosts-vpn-security-by-going-completely-diskless |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/740018/surfshark-scraps-hard-disks-is-now-100-ram-in-its-vpn-servers.html |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Tech Advisor |language=en}}</ref> introduced the [[WireGuard]] protocol, and became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> In 2021, Surfshark was named Best VPN by the Trusted Reviews Awards,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=Trusted Reviews Awards 2021: Surfshark wins Best VPN |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/trusted-reviews-awards-2021-surfshark-wins-best-vpn-4172157 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Trusted Reviews |language=en}}</ref> as well as the [[PCMag]] Editor's Choice award.<ref name=":7" /> Surfshark also successfully passed an external audit by [[Cure53]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cure53 Security Assessment of Surfshark Management Summary, 04.2021 |url=https://surfshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRF-02-summary.pdf |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=}}</ref> In the same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Antivirus & Incogni.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Incogni - Personal Information Removal Service |url=https://incogni.com/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=incogni.com |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=NordVPN's Parent Company Is Merging With VPN Provider Surfshark |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/vpn/138489/nordvpns-parent-company-is-merging-with-vpn-provider-surfshark |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=PCMag UK |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NordVPN and Surfshark are merging, continuing VPN consolidation trend |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-and-surfshark-are-merging-continuing-vpn-consolidation-trend/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>
In 2020, Surfshark moved to 100% [[Random-access memory|RAM]]-only servers,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Spadafora |first=Anthony |date=2020-07-16 |title=Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/surfshark-boosts-vpn-security-by-going-completely-diskless |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/740018/surfshark-scraps-hard-disks-is-now-100-ram-in-its-vpn-servers.html |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Tech Advisor |language=en}}</ref> introduced the [[WireGuard]] protocol, and became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> In 2021, Surfshark was named Best VPN by the Trusted Reviews Awards,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-14 |title=Trusted Reviews Awards 2021: Surfshark wins Best VPN |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/trusted-reviews-awards-2021-surfshark-wins-best-vpn-4172157 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Trusted Reviews |language=en}}</ref> as well as the [[PCMag]] Editor's Choice award.<ref name=":7" /> Surfshark also successfully passed an external audit by [[Cure53]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cure53 Security Assessment of Surfshark Management Summary, 04.2021 |url=https://surfshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/SRF-02-summary.pdf |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=}}</ref> In the same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Antivirus & Incogni.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Incogni - Personal Information Removal Service |url=https://incogni.com/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=incogni.com |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-02 |title=NordVPN's Parent Company Is Merging With VPN Provider Surfshark |url=https://uk.pcmag.com/vpn/138489/nordvpns-parent-company-is-merging-with-vpn-provider-surfshark |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=PCMag UK |language=en-gb}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NordVPN and Surfshark are merging, continuing VPN consolidation trend |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nordvpn-and-surfshark-are-merging-continuing-vpn-consolidation-trend/ |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2022, Surfshark exclusively partnered with [[digital rights]] [[Watchdog journalism|watchdog]] [[NetBlocks]] for greater reporting on internet shutdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-08-01 |title=NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom |url=https://netblocks.org/news/netblocks-and-surfshark-join-forces-for-greater-reporting-on-internet-freedom-xAGKKEAz |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=NetBlocks |language=en-US}}</ref> Later, in 2022, Surfshark closed its physical servers in India in response to CERT-In's ([[Indian Computer Emergency Response Team]]) order for VPN companies to store consumers' personal data for five years.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Grady |first=Vaughan |date=2022-06-07 |title=India says goodbye to another VPN provider as Surfshark pulls its servers |url=https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation/13577-india-says-goodbye-to-another-vpn-provider-as-surfshark-pulls-its-servers.html |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Developing Telecoms |language=en-gb}}</ref> Later that year, Surfshark released Linux GUI, and Surfshark Nexus, a technology that connects all of Surfshark's VPN servers into one network.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Lithuania's Nord Security raises $100 mln at $1.6 bln valuation |url=https://www.reuters.com/business/lithuanias-nord-security-raises-100-mln-16-bln-valuation-2022-04-06/ |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Surfshark’s new Linux app has a graphical interface |url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/746428/surfsharks-new-linux-app-has-a-graphical-interface.html |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=Tech Advisor |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, Surfshark launched its Dedicated IP<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Ariana |title=Surfshark Introduces Dedicated IP for Consistent IP Addresses for Users |url=https://www.thefastmode.com/technology-solutions/32375-surfshark-introduces-dedicated-ip-for-consistent-ip-addresses-for-users |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.thefastmode.com |language=en}}</ref> and Alternative ID services.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Lynn |first=Ariana |title=Surfshark Unveils Alternative ID |url=https://www.thefastmode.com/technology-solutions/32909-surfshark-unveils-alternative-id |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.thefastmode.com |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kilby |first=Nathalie |date=2024-03-01 |title=FT 1000: the eighth annual ranking of Europe’s fastest-growing companies |url=https://www.ft.com/content/684aa3b5-f983-4668-b353-74cf5f95355a |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=www.ft.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

== Technology ==
In December 2019, Surfshark implemented GPS-Spoofing for [[Android (operating system)|Android]], letting users change their device's physical geolocation to one of the server's locations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spadafora |first=Anthony |date=2019-12-18 |title=This Android VPN is now able to disguise your GPS location |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/surfshark-adds-gps-spoofing-feature-to-its-vpn |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref> That same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Alert and Surfshark Search.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surfshark One Review |url=https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/surfshark-one |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=PCMAG |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2020-12-29 |title=6 VPNs for Your Business or Side Hustle, on Sale Today |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/science-technology/6-vpns-for-your-business-or-side-hustle-on-sale-today/362363 |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]] |language=en}}</ref>

In May 2022, Surfshark announced Linux GUI, added real-time protection to Surfshark Antivirus & added a pause feature to the VPN app.<ref name=":4" /> In August 2022, Surfshark added a manual WireGuard connection feature.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castro |first=Chiara |date=2022-08-18 |title=Surfshark now offers manual WireGuard connections |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/surfshark-now-offers-manual-wireguard-connections |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 08:30, 4 June 2024

Surfshark B.V.
Company typePrivate
IndustrySoftware
Founded2018
HeadquartersThe Netherlands
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsCybersecurity software
ServicesComputer security
Websitesurfshark.com

Surfshark B.V. is a cybersecurity company established in 2018. It launched its first product, a Surfshark VPN in the same year. Surfshark also has various cybersecurity tools: a data leak detection system Surfshark Alert, a private search tool known Surfshark Search, and an antivirus named Surfshark Antivirus, a personal data removal service Incogni, a credential generator 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]

History

Surfshark was launched in 2018 when it introduced its first VPN application.[6] In 2019, Surfshark launched Surfshark Alert & Surfshark Search and received an official seal of approval granted by an independent IT-Security Institute AV-TEST.[7]

In 2020, Surfshark moved to 100% RAM-only servers,[8][9] introduced the WireGuard protocol, and became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative.[8][9] In 2021, Surfshark was named Best VPN by the Trusted Reviews Awards,[10] as well as the PCMag Editor's Choice award.[3] Surfshark also successfully passed an external audit by Cure53.[11] In the same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Antivirus & Incogni.[12] 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.[13][14]

In August 2022, Surfshark exclusively partnered with digital rights watchdog NetBlocks for greater reporting on internet shutdowns.[15] Later, in 2022, Surfshark closed its physical servers in India in response to CERT-In's (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) order for VPN companies to store consumers' personal data for five years.[16] Later that year, Surfshark released Linux GUI, and Surfshark Nexus, a technology that connects all of Surfshark's VPN servers into one network.[17][18] In 2023, Surfshark launched its Dedicated IP[19] and Alternative ID services.[20]

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.[21]

Technology

In December 2019, Surfshark implemented GPS-Spoofing for Android, letting users change their device's physical geolocation to one of the server's locations.[22] That same year, Surfshark launched Surfshark Alert and Surfshark Search.[23]

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.[24]

In May 2022, Surfshark announced Linux GUI, added real-time protection to Surfshark Antivirus & added a pause feature to the VPN app.[18] In August 2022, Surfshark added a manual WireGuard connection feature.[25]

References

  1. ^ Jociūtė, Ieva (January 3, 2024). "Surfshark One review: is the One bundle worth it?". cybernews.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  2. ^ Williams, Mike (May 10, 2024). "Surfshark VPN review". techradar.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  3. ^ a b Eddy, Max; Key, Kim (March 29, 2023). "Surfshark VPN Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  4. ^ Shim, Timothy (2022-09-01). "Surfshark Review: In-depth Analysis + Latest Speed Tests Results". Web Hosting Secret Revealed (WHSR). Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  5. ^ "Nord Security joins forces with Surfshark | NordVPN". nordvpn.com. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  6. ^ Gill, Mark (2024-04-19). "Surfshark VPN Review (2024)". IGN. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  7. ^ "Operating system setup and program version of tested products" (PDF). av-test.org. 2019-09-17. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  8. ^ a b Spadafora, Anthony (2020-07-16). "Surfshark boosts VPN security by going completely diskless". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  9. ^ a b "Surfshark scraps hard disks & is now 100% RAM in its VPN servers". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  10. ^ "Trusted Reviews Awards 2021: Surfshark wins Best VPN". Trusted Reviews. 2021-10-14. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  11. ^ "Cure53 Security Assessment of Surfshark Management Summary, 04.2021" (PDF). Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  12. ^ "Incogni - Personal Information Removal Service". incogni.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  13. ^ "NordVPN's Parent Company Is Merging With VPN Provider Surfshark". PCMag UK. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  14. ^ "NordVPN and Surfshark are merging, continuing VPN consolidation trend". CNET. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  15. ^ "NetBlocks and Surfshark join forces for greater reporting on internet freedom". NetBlocks. 2022-08-01. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  16. ^ O'Grady, Vaughan (2022-06-07). "India says goodbye to another VPN provider as Surfshark pulls its servers". Developing Telecoms. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  17. ^ "Lithuania's Nord Security raises $100 mln at $1.6 bln valuation". Reuters. April 7, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  18. ^ a b "Surfshark's new Linux app has a graphical interface". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  19. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Introduces Dedicated IP for Consistent IP Addresses for Users". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  20. ^ Lynn, Ariana. "Surfshark Unveils Alternative ID". www.thefastmode.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  21. ^ Kilby, Nathalie (2024-03-01). "FT 1000: the eighth annual ranking of Europe's fastest-growing companies". www.ft.com. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  22. ^ Spadafora, Anthony (2019-12-18). "This Android VPN is now able to disguise your GPS location". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  23. ^ "Surfshark One Review". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  24. ^ "6 VPNs for Your Business or Side Hustle, on Sale Today". Entrepreneur. 2020-12-29. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
  25. ^ Castro, Chiara (2022-08-18). "Surfshark now offers manual WireGuard connections". TechRadar. Retrieved 2024-05-31.
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