Wondering who’s really pulling the strings behind Surfshark VPN? It’s a great question to ask when you’re entrusting your online privacy to any service. To really understand who owns Surfshark VPN, let’s break it down: Surfshark is part of Nord Security, the parent company behind NordVPN, following a merger that was finalized in early 2022. This might sound like a big change, but both Surfshark and NordVPN still operate independently, keeping their own distinct brands and services.
In a world where our digital lives are constantly under the microscope, knowing the ownership of your VPN isn’t just a fun fact. it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for understanding its privacy stance, security practices, and overall trustworthiness. Think of it like this: if you’re picking a new lock for your front door, wouldn’t you want to know who made it and what their reputation is? The same goes for your digital front door, your VPN. This will give you the full picture, from Surfshark’s origins to its current ownership structure, legal jurisdiction, and how all of this impacts your privacy and security online. We’re talking about transparency, robust audits, and a commitment to keeping your data safe – all the things that make a VPN worth your trust.
The Genesis of Surfshark: A Lithuanian Spark
Back in April 2018, Surfshark stepped onto the scene, launching its very first VPN application specifically for iOS devices. It all started with an individual named Vytautas Kaziukonis, who is recognized as the founder of Surfshark. The company began as a European VPN service and digital privacy tool, initially founded in Lithuania.
From the get-go, Surfshark aimed to carve out its own space in the crowded VPN market. It quickly expanded its offerings beyond just a VPN, introducing tools like Surfshark Alert for data leak detection and Surfshark Search a private search tool by 2019. This early expansion showed a clear vision: to be more than just a VPN provider, but a comprehensive cybersecurity company. They even became one of the first ten VPN packages to get an official seal of approval from the independent IT-Security Institute AV-TEST in October 2019, which was a pretty big deal for a newcomer.
The Big Merger: Surfshark and Nord Security Join Forces
Now, here’s where things get interesting and where the “who owns Surfshark” question really comes into play. In mid-2021, Surfshark started the process of merging with Nord Security, the well-known parent company behind another popular VPN, NordVPN. This significant move was finalized in early 2022, creating a powerhouse in the cybersecurity industry.
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The merger wasn’t a sudden, out-of-the-blue event. Both companies had been in negotiations for months, ultimately deciding to join forces to strengthen their position in the digital security and privacy protection industries. The idea was to create the largest internet security and privacy powerhouse, allowing them to consolidate resources, share technical knowledge, and diversify their market reach more effectively.
You might be thinking, “Does this mean Surfshark is just NordVPN now, or the other way around?” Well, Nord Security was already building a portfolio, having acquired AtlasVPN in October 2021. So, with Surfshark also under their umbrella, it brings three VPNs into the family. However, and this is a really important point, the announcement from Nord Security made it super clear: both Surfshark and NordVPN and AtlasVPN would continue to operate autonomously. They’re still distinct brands, offering their own unique products, running on separate infrastructures, and following individual product roadmaps. The goal was to accelerate innovation and better meet customer needs without compromising the unique identities that users appreciate from each brand. The newly merged entity operates under a holding company, sometimes referred to as Cyberspace, which is registered in the Netherlands.
Essentially, they’ve combined their strategic efforts and resources at a higher level, but the day-to-day operations and the VPN services you use remain separate. Think of it like two different car brands being owned by the same larger automotive group – they share some technology and business strategies, but they still design, build, and market their own unique vehicles.
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Where is Surfshark Based? Navigating Jurisdictions
Understanding a VPN’s jurisdiction is just as important as knowing its ownership. Why? Because the laws of the country where a company is based can directly impact its data retention policies and how it handles user information.
Initially, Surfshark was registered in the British Virgin Islands BVI. This jurisdiction is often favored by privacy-focused companies because it generally has strong privacy laws and doesn’t require companies to log user data.
However, on October 1, 2021, Surfshark made a significant move, relocating its headquarters to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This change was a strategic one, and for users, it’s generally seen as a positive. The Netherlands is known for its strong privacy laws and, crucially, serves no legal obligation for companies to log or retain user data. On top of that, the country abides by GDPR requirements, which are some of the strictest data protection regulations globally. This means Surfshark operates in a legal environment that is very favorable to user privacy.
A common concern people have is whether a VPN might be a “Chinese company,” which often brings up worries about government surveillance and data sharing. I want to be absolutely clear on this: Surfshark is not a Chinese company. It was founded in Lithuania and is now based in the Netherlands. This geographical and legal positioning is a strong indicator of its commitment to user privacy, keeping it far away from jurisdictions known for intrusive data demands. The Ultimate Guide to Routing Your Internet Traffic with Surfshark VPN (and What Reddit Thinks!)
Today, besides its headquarters in Amsterdam, Surfshark also maintains additional offices in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany, reflecting its European roots and global operations.
Surfshark’s Commitment to Privacy and Security: Beyond Ownership
When you pick a VPN, what it says about privacy is one thing, but what it does is another. Surfshark has put a lot of effort into backing up its privacy claims with tangible actions, which is something I always look for.
One of the cornerstones of a trustworthy VPN is a strict no-logs policy. This means the company promises not to collect or store any information about your online activities, like the websites you visit, your IP address, connection timestamps, or bandwidth used. Surfshark has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to this, even undergoing independent audits to verify its no-logs policy. What Exactly is a VPN, and How Does Surfshark Fit In?
These aren’t just internal checks. we’re talking about audits by respected third-party firms. For example, Surfshark’s browser extensions were audited by a German cybersecurity firm, Cure53, in 2018, and its server infrastructure was audited by them again in 2021. The results of these audits have generally been very positive, with Cure53 noting a “strong security posture.”
But they didn’t stop there. Surfshark has gone a step further, working with Deloitte, one of the “Big Four” auditing firms, to conduct independent assurance reports on its no-logs policy. Deloitte first verified Surfshark’s no-logs statement in 2023, and then again in June 2025. This second verification especially “demonstrates Surfshark’s proactive approach to privacy,” according to Surfshark’s Chief Technology Officer, Donatas Budvytis. Having a firm like Deloitte, known for its rigorous standards, confirm that Surfshark “adheres scrupulously” to its no-logs commitments provides a lot of concrete proof to users that their privacy is taken seriously. They looked at everything from internal systems and processes to staff interviews, server configurations, and privacy settings to ensure everything aligns with the stated policy.
Another impressive security feature is Surfshark’s move to 100% RAM-only servers. This means that all data on their servers is wiped with every reboot, making it physically impossible to store user data long-term. If there are no hard drives to store information, there’s nothing for anyone to seize or hack later. It’s a significant step in ensuring true no-logs operation.
Beyond these technical aspects, Surfshark is also a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative VTI, established in 2020. This initiative brings together VPN companies committed to improving internet security and following principles that ensure member companies are secure, trusted, and transparent. They’ve also partnered with digital rights watchdog NetBlocks for reporting on internet shutdowns and joined The Global Encryption Coalition GEC to promote strong encryption. These partnerships and initiatives show a broader commitment to digital privacy and security, not just for their users, but for the internet at large.
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Beyond the VPN: Surfshark’s Expanding Cybersecurity Suite
When you think of Surfshark, you probably think “VPN,” but they’ve actually grown into a much broader cybersecurity company. Their goal is to offer a comprehensive suite of tools to protect your digital life, and they’ve been pretty successful at it.
Besides their core VPN service, here’s a quick look at some of their other offerings:
- Surfshark Antivirus: This tool protects your devices from malware, viruses, and other digital threats, giving you an extra layer of security beyond just your internet connection. It’s even received “Top Product” awards from AV-TEST in 2024.
- Surfshark Alert: Nobody wants their personal data exposed in a breach. Surfshark Alert acts like a digital watchdog, notifying you if your email addresses or other personal information appear in known data leaks.
- Surfshark Search: This is a private search engine designed to give you unbiased results without tracking your queries or personalizing ads based on your search history. It’s a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of being followed around the internet.
- Incogni: Ever feel like your personal data is scattered across countless data brokers? Incogni is a service that helps you automatically request the removal of your personal information from these brokers, giving you back control over your digital footprint.
- Alternative ID & Alternative Number: These tools let you generate new online identities and temporary phone numbers, helping you keep your real information private when signing up for services or dealing with online interactions.
- Dedicated IP: If you need a consistent IP address that only you use, Surfshark offers a dedicated IP service, which can be useful for certain online activities.
One of Surfshark’s standout selling points across its services, especially for its VPN, is the unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can use one Surfshark subscription to protect all your devices – your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and even your family’s devices – at no extra cost. In a household with multiple gadgets, this feature offers incredible value and convenience. It’s a big reason why many users find Surfshark to be an excellent choice compared to many competitors that limit the number of devices you can connect.
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Is Surfshark a Free VPN? Setting the Record Straight
This is a question that pops up a lot: “Is Surfshark a free VPN?” And it’s an important one, because while free things are great, free VPNs often come with hidden costs, usually in the form of compromised privacy or slow speeds.
To be clear: no, Surfshark is not a completely free VPN service. It’s a premium product, and like most premium services, it requires a paid subscription to access its full range of features, servers, and robust security.
However, Surfshark does understand that you might want to try before you buy, which is a fair expectation. So, they offer a couple of ways to test out their service without a long-term commitment:
- 7-Day Free Trial: You can get a 7-day free trial of Surfshark, typically by signing up through mobile app stores on iOS and Android devices. The cool part is, once you’ve activated the trial on your phone, you can then use that account to log in and use Surfshark on all your other compatible devices, including your desktop computer or smart TV. This gives you a full week to check out all the features and see if it fits your needs. You do need to enter payment details to start the trial, but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the 7 days are up.
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: This is another safety net that’s pretty common in the VPN industry, and Surfshark offers it too. If you decide to purchase a subscription, you’re covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can use the service for a full month, and if you’re not completely satisfied, you can request a full refund within that 30-day window. This effectively lets you try Surfshark for a total of up to 37 days 7-day trial + 30-day guarantee with minimal risk.
So, while Surfshark isn’t “free” in the sense that you can use it indefinitely without paying, it offers ample opportunity to test its capabilities before you commit. This approach allows them to maintain high-quality infrastructure, strong security, and a strict no-logs policy, something many truly free VPNs struggle to do. How to set up surfshark vpn on router
Is Surfshark the Best VPN? A Look at its Reputation
“Is Surfshark the best VPN?” is a question that pops up a lot, especially in online discussions and reviews. The truth is, “best” can be subjective because it really depends on what you need from a VPN. However, when we look at general consensus, expert reviews, and user feedback, Surfshark consistently holds a strong position as a top-rated and highly recommended VPN service.
Here’s why many people, including myself, consider Surfshark to be one of the best VPN options out there, especially for its value:
- Affordability and Value: One of the most frequently praised aspects of Surfshark is its excellent price-to-feature ratio. Many users on platforms like Reddit highlight that it offers a full-featured, premium service at a fraction of the cost of some competitors. This makes it incredibly budget-friendly without compromising on essential security or performance.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: This is a huge differentiator. Unlike many VPNs that limit you to a handful of devices, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections with a single subscription. For individuals with multiple gadgets or families who want to protect all their devices, this is a must and a major value proposition.
- Strong Security and Privacy Features: As we’ve discussed, Surfshark doesn’t skimp on security. It offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and supports secure protocols like WireGuard. The independent audits by Cure53 and Deloitte, verifying its no-logs policy and server infrastructure, add a significant layer of trust and transparency. They also use 100% RAM-only servers, which is a major security plus.
- Server Network: Surfshark boasts a large network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. This wide distribution helps ensure fast connection speeds and allows you to access content from many different regions.
- Streaming and Bypassing Geo-restrictions: For many, a VPN is all about accessing geo-restricted content. Surfshark generally performs well for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, though specific performance can sometimes vary by server and platform. Features like Dynamic MultiHop can also be very useful for bypassing trickier geo-blocks.
- User-Friendly Apps: Users often mention that Surfshark’s apps are intuitive and easy to use across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
While no VPN is perfect for absolutely everyone, Surfshark consistently delivers on its promises of security, privacy, and performance, all while offering exceptional value. It’s often recommended for those looking for a reliable, feature-rich VPN without breaking the bank. Stuck with Surfshark? Here’s How to Fix Your VPN When It Won’t Connect
Why Understanding VPN Ownership Matters to You
So, after all this talk about mergers, jurisdictions, and audits, why should you, as a user, even care who owns Surfshark VPN or any VPN for that matter? It might seem like a niche detail, but it actually has profound implications for your online privacy and security.
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Trust and Transparency: At its core, a VPN is a trust service. You’re routing all your internet traffic through their servers, trusting them not to snoop, log, or misuse your data. Knowing the ownership structure, especially when a merger with a larger entity like Nord Security occurs, helps you gauge the company’s transparency. Companies that are open about their ownership and structure tend to be more trustworthy. If a company is trying to hide who’s behind it, that’s usually a big red flag.
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Privacy Policies and Data Handling: The parent company’s values and business model often influence the privacy policies of its subsidiaries. While Surfshark and NordVPN operate independently, the fact that they’re both under Nord Security, a company with a strong reputation for privacy, can provide reassurance. You want to be sure that the ultimate decision-makers prioritize user privacy over, say, data collection for advertising. Surfshark vs VPN Unlimited: A Head-to-Head Battle for Your Online Privacy
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Legal Jurisdiction: We’ve talked about Surfshark’s move to the Netherlands. This isn’t just a corporate address change. it’s a strategic choice for privacy. A VPN based in a country with strong data protection laws and no mandatory data retention ensures that even if authorities request user data, the company isn’t legally obliged to provide it, because they simply don’t have it thanks to their no-logs policy and RAM-only servers. If a VPN were owned by a company in a country known for surveillance or weaker privacy laws, it could put your data at risk.
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Security Standards: Larger cybersecurity groups often have more resources to invest in cutting-edge security infrastructure, frequent independent audits, and specialized teams to combat threats. Nord Security’s backing means Surfshark likely benefits from shared knowledge and advanced security measures that might be harder for a smaller, standalone company to implement. The consistent independent audits by firms like Cure53 and Deloitte are a testament to this commitment.
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Long-Term Viability and Innovation: Mergers can bring stability and foster innovation. By joining forces, companies can pool resources for research and development, leading to better features, faster speeds, and more robust security protocols. This means your VPN service is more likely to evolve and adapt to new challenges, ensuring your protection remains state-of-the-art.
Ultimately, understanding who owns Surfshark VPN helps you make an informed decision about whether it aligns with your personal privacy values and security needs. It empowers you to choose a service that not only promises protection but also has a verifiable track record and a transparent corporate structure to back it up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Surfshark VPN?
Surfshark VPN was founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis and launched its first VPN application in April 2018. The company began its journey in Lithuania.
Is Surfshark owned by a Chinese company?
No, Surfshark is not a Chinese company. It was originally founded in Lithuania and is now headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Netherlands has strong privacy laws and no mandatory data retention, which is a key benefit for a VPN provider.
Is Surfshark and NordVPN the same company?
While Surfshark and NordVPN are distinct brands, they are both owned by the same parent company, Nord Security, following a merger finalized in early 2022. However, both services continue to operate independently with separate infrastructures and product roadmaps.
Where is Surfshark VPN located?
Surfshark VPN’s official headquarters is in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. They moved their registration from the British Virgin Islands to the Netherlands on October 1, 2021. They also have offices in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany.
Does Surfshark keep logs of user activity?
No, Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not collect or store any information about your online activities. This policy has been independently audited and verified by prominent firms like Cure53 and Deloitte multiple times, most recently in 2025. They also use 100% RAM-only servers to enhance this commitment to privacy.
Is Surfshark a free VPN service?
No, Surfshark is not a completely free VPN service. it operates on a paid subscription model. However, it does offer a 7-day free trial, typically accessible via mobile app stores iOS and Android, which can then be used on all your devices. Additionally, all Surfshark subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service risk-free.
Has Surfshark undergone any security audits?
Yes, Surfshark has undergone multiple independent security audits. Its browser extensions and server infrastructure have been audited by Cure53. More significantly, their strict no-logs policy has been verified by Deloitte, a “Big Four” auditing firm, in both 2023 and again in 2025, confirming their adherence to the highest privacy standards.
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