Two years ago we tested the VPN provider Surfshark and its Android app. We had also already looked at the methods of a VPN facility. In today’s article we will go into more detail about the features of Surfshark as well as existing desktop / browser extensions.
Surfshark features
Surfshark offers various security functions to surf the World Wide Web completely undetected and without fear of phishing and other attacks.
| Clean web | Surf without ads, trackers, malware and phishing attempts. |
| Unlimited number of devices | With Surfshark you can connect and protect all devices in the family and which operating system at the same time. |
| Whitelister | This allows you to bypass the VPN for certain apps (e.g. banking apps) |
| Strict no logs policy | Surfshark does not monitor, track, or store anything you do online. There are no connection or activity logs. |
| Kill switch | The safety net if the VPN connection is lost. No activities or sensitive data are disclosed. |
| Private DNS and data leak protection | With a private DNS on every server and protection against data leaks when using the IPv4 stack, security is catapulted into new spheres. |
| Stealth mode | This ensures that even your internet service provider cannot recognize that you are using a VPN. |
| Multi-hop | This allows you to connect across several countries at the same time to get even more identity protection. |
| No Borders mode | This means that Surfshark can be used without any problems in restricted areas. |
| Hide the IP address | Protects your privacy by hiding your real IP address. |
| Encryption | Your personal data is protected with industry-standard AES-256-GCM or Chacha 20 encryption. |
| Secure protocols | IKEv2 / IPsec is the standard protocol on all Surfshark apps. If desired, however, OpenVPN can also be selected. |
| 24/7 customer support | Email, live chat 24/7, expert advice. |
Surfshark browser extensions
In addition to the Android and iOS apps, Surfshark also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The programs for Linux, MacOS and Windows PCs can also be purchased from the website. Surfshark can also be used for consoles such as XBox and Playstations as well as various SmartTVS.
We are now looking at the Browser extension for Chrome at. This is added via the Surfshark website and the App tab and there click on Chrome Extension and the redirect to the Chrome Web Store. With the Chrome extension you get all Surfshark functions in your browser. In order to use the extension, you first have to take out a subscription to Surfshark.
Setting it up itself is a breeze. After completing your subscription and adding and confirming the extension, the Surfshark icon will appear in the top bar of your PC. By clicking on it, you log in with your registration data (email and password). If you have not yet registered or have not taken out a subscription, you can do so now.
You will then see the current connection status of the VPN (connected or disconnected) and the locations last used. There is also the Quick Connect button for a quick automatic connection to the currently best server. The connection can be disconnected just as quickly by clicking the Disconnect button.
The tabs are located at the bottom of the extension’s screen Surfshark for connecting via VPN, Locations with all locations of the VPN server, CleanWeb for surfing without ads, trackers, malware and phishing attempts as well settings.
Via the tab Locations / locations you can also manually select a location. Surfshark offers more than 3200 servers in over 65 countries.
You now simply scroll through the list of available countries. Some countries offer multiple server locations. You can find the available servers in a certain country by clicking on the flag symbol.
After selecting the country, a connection is established immediately.
Via the tab CleanWeb blocks all malicious websites, malware and phishing before they can harm you. You activate CleanWeb by clicking on the tab and then flipping the switch.
In the last tab settings you can find information about your account or log out again. You can also change your password here, find your subscription details and change the language. You will also find the help pages here with answers to most questions.
Surfshark offers another browser extension for the Firefox browser. The procedure for adding and logging in is the same as for the Chrome extension.
Conclusion
Surfshark offers you many of the protection features of a VPN at a good price. And with the various possible uses, everyone will find something suitable here. The browser extensions are a convenient way to use the Surfshark VPN without installing a desktop app. However, you have to note that the browser extension only covers the network traffic that you conduct via the Chrome (or optionally Firefox) browser. If you use another browser on your PC or another web app, this data can be accessed via the regular internet connection.
