Surfshark VPN: A Journey from Startup to Cybersecurity Powerhouse

Remember when privacy online felt like a distant dream? It wasn’t that long ago that finding a truly reliable and transparent VPN was a real challenge. That’s where Surfshark stepped in. Starting its journey in 2018, this company quickly carved out a significant niche in the world of digital privacy and security, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice robust protection for user-friendliness and affordability. What began as a simple iOS VPN app has blossomed into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite, embracing a commitment to user privacy that has been repeatedly verified by independent audits.

Today, Surfshark is known for its strict no-logs policy, innovative features like RAM-only servers, and a constant drive to enhance online security, even after its merger with Nord Security in early 2022. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to secure their browsing, stream content without hitches, or simply gain peace of mind in an increasingly connected world. If you’ve ever wondered about the story behind this popular VPN, you’re in the right place. We’re going to walk through Surfshark’s history, its origins, how it keeps your data safe, and why it’s become such a trusted name.

The Early Days: How Surfshark Started its Journey

Surfshark’s story kicked off in 2018 with the launch of its very first VPN application, initially designed for iOS devices. Right from the start, they had a clear vision: to make online privacy and security accessible to everyone, not just the tech-savvy crowd. It was a crowded market, even then, but Surfshark stood out by focusing on a user-friendly experience coupled with strong security.

One of their first big moves, even in their founding year, was to demonstrate transparency by commissioning an external audit of their browser extensions by the German cybersecurity firm Cure53. This wasn’t something every new VPN was doing, and it definitely helped build trust early on. The audit found only minor issues, which Surfshark quickly addressed, showing they were serious about their claims.

As they moved into 2019, Surfshark wasn’t just sitting still with its VPN. They started expanding their offerings, introducing Surfshark Alert a data leak detection system and Surfshark Search a private search tool. That same year, they also launched their first Digital Quality of Life DQL index, which highlighted their commitment to understanding and improving digital rights globally. It was also in October 2019 that Surfshark became one of the first VPN providers to get an official seal of approval from the independent IT-Security Institute AV-TEST. These early steps really cemented Surfshark’s reputation as a company that cared about more than just selling a service. they were actively contributing to the broader conversation about online freedom and security.

Surfshark VPN herunterladen: Dein ultimativer Guide für Online-Sicherheit

Where Did Surfshark Come From? Unpacking its Origin Country and Ownership

When you’re picking a VPN, knowing where it comes from and who owns it can be a big deal for your trust and privacy. Let’s clear up the Surfshark VPN origin and Surfshark VPN origin country questions.

Surfshark was founded in Lithuania in 2018. Initially, the company was registered in the British Virgin Islands BVI, which is a location often favored by VPNs because it doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws. This choice helped support their strong privacy stance from the get-go.

However, on October 1, 2021, Surfshark made a strategic move and relocated its headquarters to the Netherlands. Now, you might hear some chatter about the Netherlands being part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which can raise eyebrows for privacy advocates. But here’s the thing: the Netherlands does not have a legal obligation for companies to log or retain user data, and it strongly adheres to GDPR requirements. Surfshark explicitly states that this new location doesn’t compromise its no-logs policy because of these favorable data protection laws. Beyond its main office in Amsterdam, Surfshark also maintains additional offices in Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and the United Kingdom.

As for Surfshark VPN owner, the company was founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis. But the story doesn’t end there. In mid-2021, Surfshark began the process of merging with Nord Security, the parent company behind the hugely popular NordVPN. This merger was finalized in early 2022, specifically announced on February 2, 2022. Surfshark vpn hulu

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, does this mean NordVPN owns Surfshark, and are they the same company now?” Not quite. While they are under the same holding company Nord Security, both Surfshark and NordVPN continue to operate independently, maintaining separate infrastructures, product roadmaps, and brands. The idea behind this consolidation was to strengthen their position in the cybersecurity market, share technical knowledge, and foster innovation, rather than creating a single, unified service. In fact, together, Surfshark and Nord Security gained “Unicorn status” in 2022, a term for a startup valued at over a billion dollars, showcasing their significant growth and influence.

Surfshark’s Journey: Key Milestones and Features That Shaped It

Since its launch in 2018, Surfshark hasn’t just been a static VPN service. it has continuously evolved, adding a ton of features and hitting some major milestones. It’s really interesting to see how they’ve grown from just a basic VPN to a full-fledged cybersecurity suite.

Let’s break down some of the cool stuff they’ve introduced and the steps they’ve taken: Unpacking Surfshark VPN’s Home Base: What Its Headquarters Means for Your Privacy

• 2018: Kicking Things Off

  • First VPN App: As we mentioned, it all started with their iOS VPN app.
  • Browser Extension Audit: Right away, they showed their commitment to security with an independent audit of their Chrome and Firefox browser extensions by Cure53. This helped build trust from the get-go.

• 2019: Expanding Horizons

  • Surfshark Alert and Search: They quickly expanded their offerings beyond just a VPN with Surfshark Alert, which notifies you if your online accounts are part of a data breach, and Surfshark Search, a private search engine that gives you results without tracking your activity.
  • Digital Quality of Life Index: Surfshark started its research activities, releasing the first Digital Quality of Life DQL index, which is pretty neat for understanding internet freedoms and quality around the world.
  • AV-TEST Approval: They earned an official seal of approval from AV-TEST, an independent IT security institute, putting them among the top VPNs.

• 2020: Upping the Security Game

  • 100% RAM-Only Servers: This was a huge step for privacy. Moving to RAM-only servers means that all data is wiped clean every time a server is rebooted, ensuring no user data can be persistently stored. It’s a must for a “no-logs” policy.
  • WireGuard Protocol: They introduced the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its speed and efficiency, giving users faster and more secure connections.
  • VPN Trust Initiative: Surfshark became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative VTI, aiming to improve industry standards for transparency and security.

• 2021: Growth and Recognition

  • Surfshark Antivirus and Incogni: The cybersecurity suite grew further with Surfshark Antivirus, offering real-time protection, and Incogni, a service designed to remove your personal data from data brokers.
  • New Features: They rolled out a cookie pop-up blocker, new browser extensions, a macOS app, and began upgrading their servers to 10Gbps for even faster speeds.
  • Awards: Surfshark was named “Best VPN” by Trusted Reviews Awards and won a PCMag Editors Choice award.
  • Cure53 Audit Server Infrastructure: They successfully passed another external audit by Cure53, this time focusing on their server infrastructure.
  • Nord Security Merger Begins: This was the year the talks and initial processes for merging with Nord Security started.

• 222: Major Consolidations and Innovations Unlocking Online Freedom: Your Ultimate Guide to GL.iNet Routers with Surfshark VPN

  • Merger Finalized: The merger with Nord Security was completed, creating a larger cybersecurity group while keeping Surfshark as an independent brand.
  • Surfshark Nexus: This innovative technology was launched, connecting all of Surfshark’s VPN servers into one network, allowing for advanced features like Dynamic MultiHop and IP Rotator.
  • Linux GUI and VPN Pause: They introduced a user-friendly graphical interface for Linux and a “pause VPN” feature, making it easier to temporarily disable the VPN without fully disconnecting.
  • India Server Closure: In a move to protect user privacy, Surfshark shut down its physical servers in India in response to new data retention laws that would have required them to store user data. This really underscored their commitment to their no-logs policy.
  • 100 Server Countries: Surfshark expanded its network to cover 100 different server country locations, offering more options for users worldwide.
  • Deloitte No-Logs Audit: A significant achievement this year was successfully passing their first independent no-logs audit by Deloitte, a “Big Four” auditing firm, which confirmed their adherence to their privacy policy.

• 2023: Refinements and New Services

  • Dedicated IP and Alternative ID: Surfshark launched Dedicated IP, allowing users to get a unique, static IP address, and Alternative ID, which generates a new online identity and email to help protect personal information.
  • VTI Trust Seal and MASA Audit: They received the VPN Trust Initiative VTI Trust Seal and their Android app passed a Mobile App Security Assessment MASA audit.
  • Second Deloitte No-Logs Audit: Surfshark successfully passed a second independent no-logs audit by Deloitte, further strengthening its privacy claims.

• 2024 & Beyond: Continued Growth

  • Surfshark continues to be recognized, for example, ranking as the 47th fastest-growing European company by the Financial Times in 2024. They also introduced features like FastTrack for optimized VPN routing.

These milestones show that Surfshark isn’t just about offering a VPN. it’s about building a comprehensive ecosystem of digital security tools and continually pushing for higher standards in online privacy and transparency.

Surfshark’s Stance on Privacy: The No-Logs Policy

Let’s talk about the big one: does Surfshark VPN keep logs? This is often the first question people ask about any VPN, and for good reason. The whole point of using a VPN is to protect your privacy, so if the service itself is logging your activity, it defeats the purpose.

Surfshark vpn mod github

Surfshark operates under a strict no-logs policy. What does this actually mean in practice? It means they do not collect or store any information about what you do online. This includes:

• Your browsing history: They don’t track the websites you visit or your online activities.
• Your search history: Just like browsing history, your search queries are not logged.
• Your IP addresses: Your original IP address is not stored after you disconnect.
• Connection timestamps: They don’t keep records of when you connect or disconnect.
• Session information: Details about your VPN sessions are not retained.
• Used bandwidth or network traffic: How much data you use or the specific traffic passing through their servers is not logged.

You might be wondering, “How can I trust them on this?” That’s a fair question, as many VPNs make similar claims. Surfshark takes several steps to back up its no-logs promise:

1. RAM-Only Servers: This is a key technical implementation. All of Surfshark’s servers operate solely on RAM Random Access Memory. Unlike traditional hard drives, RAM servers cannot store data persistently. This means that every time a server is rebooted, all data on it is completely wiped clean. So, even if someone were to physically seize a server, there would be no user data to find.
2. Independent Audits: Surfshark has put its no-logs policy to the test with multiple independent audits by reputable third-party firms.
   • In 2022, they passed their first independent no-logs audit conducted by Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” auditing firms. This audit examined the configuration and management of Surfshark’s IT systems and operations to confirm they align with their no-logs policy.
   • They followed this up with a second successful no-logs audit by Deloitte in 2023 confirmed in 2025. This second assessment further verified that Surfshark doesn’t log or track online activity across all applicable servers and infrastructure. These audits provide concrete, external validation of their claims, which is incredibly important for building user trust.
3. Jurisdiction: While initially registered in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark moved its headquarters to the Netherlands in 2021. The Netherlands, despite being part of the Nine Eyes alliance, does not have mandatory data retention laws, meaning Surfshark is not legally compelled to store user data.
4. Warrant Canary: Surfshark maintains a warrant canary, which is a public statement that they update regularly, confirming they haven’t received any secret government subpoenas or warrants that would compel them to hand over user data.
5. India Server Closure: As mentioned before, when India introduced laws requiring VPNs to store user data for five years, Surfshark chose to shut down its physical servers in India rather than comply, demonstrating a strong commitment to its no-logs policy.

It’s important to understand that while Surfshark prides itself on its no-logs policy, they do collect minimal user information for operational purposes, such as your email address for account management, billing information for payment processing, and aggregated crash reports to improve their service. However, this information is not linked to your online activities and is not shared with third parties.

So, if you’re asking, “does Surfshark VPN keep logs?” the answer is a resounding no when it comes to your online activities, browsing history, or search history. Their technical setup, audited policies, and historical actions consistently support this claim. Demystifying Surfshark VPN on Linux: Official GUI, Git, and How to Get Connected

What Surfshark VPN Really Does For You

We’ve talked a lot about Surfshark’s history and its commitment to privacy, but what does Surfshark VPN do for you in your daily online life? Think of it as your personal digital guardian, making your internet experience safer, more private, and often, more flexible.

Here’s a breakdown of what Surfshark VPN brings to the table:

1. Encrypts Your Internet Traffic: This is the core function of any good VPN. When you connect to a Surfshark server, all your internet traffic – everything you send and receive – gets scrambled with strong AES-256-GCM encryption. This makes your data unreadable to anyone trying to snoop, like hackers on public Wi-Fi, your internet service provider ISP, or other third parties.
2. Hides Your IP Address: Your IP address is like your digital home address. When you use Surfshark, your actual IP address is replaced with the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to. This effectively masks your true location and identity from websites, apps, and online services.
3. Bypasses Geo-Restrictions: Because your apparent location changes to that of the VPN server, you can access content and services that might be restricted in your actual geographic region. This is super handy for things like streaming your favorite shows from back home when you’re traveling, or accessing content libraries specific to other countries.
4. Protects Your Browsing and Search History: With its strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, Surfshark ensures that your browsing history and search history are not tracked, logged, or stored by the VPN itself. Your ISP might typically see every site you visit, but with Surfshark encrypting your traffic, they can’t.
5. Enhanced Security Features:
   • Kill Switch: This is a crucial safety net. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the Kill Switch automatically disconnects your device from the internet, preventing your real IP address or unencrypted data from being exposed.
   • CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level, giving you a cleaner, faster, and safer browsing experience without irritating pop-ups or hidden trackers.
   • Dynamic MultiHop Double VPN: Want an extra layer of security? MultiHop routes your internet traffic through two different VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your data twice and making it even harder to trace.
   • Bypasser Split Tunneling: This allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which bypass it. For example, you might use the VPN for secure browsing but let your banking app connect directly for reliability.
   • IP Rotator: This feature automatically changes your IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting from the VPN, adding an extra layer of anonymity.
   • NoBorders Mode Obfuscation: If you’re in a region with strict internet censorship, NoBorders mode helps you bypass restrictions by making your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic.
   • Smart DNS: This allows you to unblock geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like smart TVs or gaming consoles.
6. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: One of Surfshark’s standout features is that it allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with a single subscription. This means you can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and family members’ devices all at once without extra cost.
7. Supports Various Protocols: Surfshark supports industry-leading VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, giving you options for speed, security, and compatibility across different devices.
8. Other Cybersecurity Tools: Beyond the VPN, Surfshark offers a suite of other tools like Surfshark Antivirus, Alert, Search, Incogni, Alternative ID, and even Saily an eSIM data service, which are all designed to enhance your overall digital security and privacy.

In essence, Surfshark VPN acts as a versatile tool that empowers you to take control of your online presence, offering a safer, more private, and unrestricted internet experience. Get Surfshark VPN: Your Ultimate Guide to Online Freedom & Security

Is Surfshark VPN Reliable? Performance and Trust

When you’re choosing a VPN, reliability is key. You want something that works consistently, keeps your data safe, and doesn’t slow you down or drop connections constantly. So, is Surfshark VPN reliable? From what we’ve seen, Surfshark has built a strong reputation for being a reliable service.

Here’s why many users, and experts, consider Surfshark a reliable VPN:

1. Strong Security Foundations: Unlock Global Gaming Deals with Surfshark VPN on Gamivo

   • Encryption: Surfshark uses AES-256-GCM encryption, which is the industry standard and considered extremely secure. It’s virtually impenetrable, giving you peace of mind that your data is locked down.
   • VPN Protocols: They offer modern, secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. WireGuard, in particular, is known for balancing strong security with excellent speeds, which helps maintain reliable performance.
   • RAM-Only Servers: As discussed, their entire server network runs on RAM, meaning no data is permanently stored. This drastically reduces the risk of data breaches and supports their no-logs policy, making the service inherently more trustworthy.

2. Verified No-Logs Policy: This is a cornerstone of reliability for a privacy tool. Surfshark’s commitment to not logging your online activities has been independently audited and verified twice by Deloitte, a major auditing firm. This external validation adds a huge layer of trust, showing that they don’t just claim to be log-free, they prove it.

3. Consistent Performance and Speed:

   • While any VPN will introduce some speed loss due to encryption and routing traffic through a server, Surfshark generally maintains good speeds. Our tests have shown an average speed loss of around 17-21% over the past four years, which is quite consistent and competitive with other top VPNs. This means you can typically stream, game, and browse without significant slowdowns.
   • They are continuously upgrading their infrastructure, moving to 10Gbps servers to handle high traffic loads efficiently.

4. Extensive Server Network: With 3,200+ servers in 100 different countries, Surfshark offers a wide range of options. This extensive network helps ensure that you can find a fast, uncongested server close to your desired location, contributing to reliable connections.

5. Key Reliability Features:

   • Kill Switch: This critical feature ensures your privacy even if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental data leaks.
   • DNS Leak Protection: Surfshark implements private DNS on each server and has built-in leak protection to prevent your actual IP address from being exposed through DNS requests.
   • CleanWeb: By blocking malicious websites and ads, CleanWeb adds a layer of security that prevents threats before they reach your device, enhancing overall reliability.

6. Streaming and Torrenting Performance: Surfshark is often praised for its ability to reliably unblock major streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, and its performance for torrenting is also considered strong with P2P-optimized servers. This consistent access is a good indicator of its overall reliability. Surfshark VPN na China: Ainda Funciona em 2025? (Guia Completo)

7. User-Friendly Apps and Support: Reliable service also means easy-to-use applications across various platforms Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browser extensions and responsive customer support. Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat and email support, which is essential if you ever run into an issue.

While no VPN can promise 100% invulnerability new threats are always emerging, Surfshark’s combination of strong technical security, independently audited no-logs policy, consistent performance, and robust features makes it a very reliable choice for protecting your online privacy and security.

How Has Surfshark VPN’s Price Evolved?

When it comes to choosing a VPN, price is almost always a big factor. Surfshark has built a reputation for offering excellent value, often being positioned as a more affordable option compared to some of its top-tier competitors like NordVPN or ExpressVPN, especially if you commit to longer subscription plans.

Is Surfshark VPN Good for Gaming?

Looking at Surfshark VPN price history, the general trend has been to provide competitive pricing, making robust VPN protection accessible to a wider audience. While specific month-to-month pricing changes over the years aren’t always publicly documented in detail like a stock price, we can observe their overall strategy and recent movements:

• Affordable Long-Term Plans: From its earlier days, Surfshark quickly became known for its aggressive pricing on its longer-term subscriptions, typically one-year or two-year plans. This strategy makes the service very budget-friendly for users willing to commit for a longer period. For instance, you might see monthly prices drop significantly, sometimes to under $3.00/month, when billed biennially, which is notably cheaper than many competitors.
• “Best Value VPN”: Surfshark has frequently been cited as an “Editor’s Choice for Best Value VPN” by various tech publications, reinforcing its position in the market as a cost-effective option that doesn’t skimp on features.
• Renewal Price Adjustments: While Surfshark has maintained its competitive introductory rates, there have been observations that renewal prices might be higher than the initial promotional offers. This is a common practice across the VPN industry, where providers offer deep discounts to attract new customers, with standard rates applying upon renewal. However, even with bumped-up renewal prices, Surfshark still tends to remain a strong value proposition given its feature set and unlimited device connections.
• Tiered Pricing for Extended Suites: More recently, Surfshark has expanded its offerings beyond just the VPN, introducing cybersecurity bundles. For example, they now offer tiers like “Surfshark Starter” VPN + Alternative ID, “Surfshark One” adds antivirus, ad blocking, data breach monitoring, and “Surfshark One+” further includes Incogni, the personal data removal tool. This allows users to choose a package that best fits their needs and budget, although the core VPN service remains highly competitive on its own.
• Promotional Offers: Like many services, Surfshark regularly runs promotional offers, especially around holidays or significant events, providing opportunities to subscribe at even lower rates.

In summary, Surfshark’s pricing strategy has consistently aimed at offering great value for money. While the exact figures can fluctuate with promotions and subscription lengths, the brand has largely kept its promise of being an accessible, feature-rich VPN option that competes strongly on price, particularly for those looking for longer-term commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Surfshark VPN history?

Surfshark VPN was launched in 2018 with its first application for iOS devices. It quickly grew, expanding its product line with tools like Surfshark Alert and Search in 2019, and adopting key privacy measures like 100% RAM-only servers and the WireGuard protocol in 2020. In 2022, it merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, but both brands continue to operate independently. Surfshark is recognized for its rapid growth and commitment to privacy, backed by independent audits.

How to Get a Surfshark Free Trial and Test Drive Top-Tier VPN Protection (Risk-Free!)

What is Surfshark VPN origin country?

Surfshark was initially founded in Lithuania and was registered in the British Virgin Islands. However, on October 1, 2021, Surfshark moved its official headquarters to the Netherlands. This move was made to a jurisdiction without mandatory data retention laws, which helps Surfshark uphold its strict no-logs policy.

What does Surfshark VPN do?

Surfshark VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making your online activities private and secure from your ISP, hackers, and other third parties. It hides your actual IP address by routing your connection through a VPN server, allowing you to access geo-restricted content and browse anonymously. It also offers features like a Kill Switch, ad and malware blocker CleanWeb, Double VPN MultiHop, and allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections.

Does Surfshark VPN keep logs, browsing history, or search history?

No, Surfshark VPN operates under a strict no-logs policy. This means it does not track, log, or store your browsing history, search history, IP addresses, connection timestamps, used bandwidth, or any other data related to your online activities. This policy is supported by their use of RAM-only servers, which wipe all data on reboot, and has been independently audited and verified twice by Deloitte.

Is Surfshark VPN reliable?

Yes, Surfshark VPN is generally considered very reliable. It uses strong AES-256-GCM encryption and secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Its no-logs policy is independently audited, and features like the Kill Switch add to its trustworthiness. Users often experience consistent speeds, effective geo-restriction bypassing for streaming, and good performance for torrenting across its network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. Surfshark VPN on Firestick: Your Ultimate Guide (and What Reddit Says!)

How has Surfshark VPN’s price changed over time?

Surfshark has consistently positioned itself as a value-for-money VPN, often offering some of the most competitive prices, especially for its longer-term one or two-year subscription plans. While specific price points might fluctuate with promotional offers, its core strategy has been to provide an affordable entry point into premium VPN features. While introductory rates are very competitive, renewal prices might be higher, a common industry practice. They also offer tiered pricing for their expanding suite of cybersecurity products beyond just the VPN.

Who owns Surfshark VPN now?

Surfshark was founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis. In early 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN. While they are now under the same parent holding company, Surfshark and NordVPN operate as separate and independent brands with their own infrastructure and product development plans.

0.0 0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews) Excellent0% Very good0% Average0% Poor0% Terrible0% There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. Your review Your overall rating Select a Rating5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star Title of your review Your review Your name Your email This review is based on my own experience and is my genuine opinion. ​ Submit Review

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Surfshark VPN: A Latest Discussions & Reviews: