Martech Zone Interviews

Surfshark: What’s a VPN? Why You Need One For Business and Personal Use

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Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is crucial for anyone who values privacy and security, whether browsing from home, a coffee shop or traveling abroad.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address to safeguard your privacy online. By creating a secure, private connection between your device and the web, a VPN ensures that your data remains safe from potential cyber threats.

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, effectively acting as a private tunnel for your data. When you connect to a VPN, your device connects to a VPN server before it accesses the internet. Instead of directly sending your internet traffic, like browsing data and downloads, to its destination, the VPN server encrypts and forwards your data on your behalf. This means that when you browse online, your real IP address is masked, and your data is shielded from potential cyber threats or unauthorized access.

At the heart of a VPN’s functionality is its encryption technology. VPNs use various encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, which secure data by scrambling it into an unreadable format. Only your VPN server and your device have the keys to decrypt this data, meaning that if anyone were to intercept it, they wouldn’t be able to read it. This process protects sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages from hackers, especially when connected to unsecured networks, like public Wi-Fi in coffee shops or airports.

Additionally, a VPN hides your IP address, a unique number assigned to your device by your internet service provider (ISP). This IP address can track your location, monitor your online activities, or restrict content based on geographic regions. When connected to a VPN, your traffic appears to originate from the VPN server rather than your actual device, giving you access to content that might be restricted in your country and making your online actions harder to trace back to you. This is why VPNs are popular tools for accessing geographically blocked content and maintaining privacy online.

VPNs also feature tools like kill switches and split tunneling to protect users further:

  • Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any unencrypted data from being exposed.
  • Split tunneling: Allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly, making it easy to customize your online experience and optimize speed for trusted sites.

    • VPNs provide an essential layer of privacy and control over online data through these features and secure encryption.

    Why Use a VPN?

    VPNs serve a variety of purposes, both personal and professional, making them an essential tool for today’s connected world:

    • Online Privacy and Security: VPNs shield your data from hackers, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Your information stays encrypted, keeping your browsing history, passwords, and financial data safe from prying eyes.
    • Access Restricted Content: For those traveling or in regions with limited internet access, a VPN can help bypass geographic restrictions on websites and streaming services, allowing access to content worldwide.
    • Avoid Price Discrimination: VPNs allow you to escape price discrimination based on location by letting you browse the web from different server locations.
    • Business Use and Remote Work: Companies often use VPNs to allow remote employees secure access to the company’s internal network, ensuring sensitive data remains protected.
    • Web Testing: VPNs are invaluable tools for marketers and web developers. They allow them to test website content, features, and ads from various locations and regions.
      • Surfshark

      Surfshark is an award-winning, affordable VPN provider known for its robust security features and ease of use. It is designed to keep users safe across all devices. With a commitment to privacy, Surfshark employs cutting-edge technology, such as its unique Nexus network and advanced encryption protocols, to secure users’ online activities and data.

      Surfshark offers a comprehensive VPN service that goes beyond basic privacy needs. Here’s why it stands out:

      • Unlimited Device Connections: Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark allows you to connect unlimited devices to one account. You can protect all your devices simultaneously, from smartphones and tablets to laptops and even smart TVs.
      • Extensive Server Network: With servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark ensures fast and reliable connections no matter where you are in the world.
      • CleanWeb: This feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites, providing a cleaner and safer browsing experience.
      • Dedicated IP Address: Optionally, whenever you connect to your designated VPN server, you get the same IP address. Thus, you get the protection of a VPN connection and a fixed IP address. 
      • Nexus Technology: Surfshark’s Nexus feature leverages Software-Defined Networking to create a single global VPN network. This improves security, privacy, and stability and enables advanced features like IP rotator and Dynamic MultiHop.
      • 24/7 Customer Support: With around-the-clock support and visual guides, Surfshark offers help when needed.

        • Trusted by millions, Surfshark stands out due to its unlimited device connections, CleanWeb ad-blocking feature, and vast network of servers in over 100 countries. Users choose Surfshark for its reliable performance, transparent no-logs policy, and 24/7 customer support, making it a top choice for privacy-conscious individuals and businesses.

        Surfshark Features
        • Bypasser: Choose which apps and websites bypass the VPN and which use it. This feature is especially useful for accessing both local and international services simultaneously.
        • CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing your browsing experience and reducing your exposure to cyber threats.
        • Dedicated IP: Get a unique IP address assigned to you, which can help you access services that restrict VPN use.
        • Dynamic MultiHop: This feature adds an extra layer of privacy by routing your internet traffic through multiple VPN servers.
        • Kill Switch: If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch feature automatically disconnects your device from the internet to ensure your data is not accidentally exposed.
        • Rotating IP: Keeps your IP address constantly changing, making it even harder for trackers to follow your online activity.
        • WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 Protocols: Surfshark offers three secure protocols, letting you choose the one that best meets your speed and security needs.
          • Take Control of Your Online Security Today

          Getting started with Surfshark is simple. Download the Surfshark app for your preferred device, create an account, and connect to a VPN server of your choice. Once connected, you can browse the web privately and securely. Surfshark also offers extensive setup guides for routers, gaming consoles, and even smart TVs, making it versatile and easy to integrate into your digital life.

          Experience the difference with Surfshark’s award-winning VPN service. Whether you need a secure connection for work, travel, or to protect your data, Surfshark has you covered. Join millions of users who trust Surfshark to keep them safe online.

          Get Surfshark

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          Originally Published on Martech Zone: Surfshark: What’s a VPN? Why You Need One For Business and Personal Use

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          Martech Zone InterviewsBy Douglas Karr
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