Obfuscated servers are VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers that hide your data and make a VPN connection much more difficult to identify. This technology is sometimes called stealth VPN.
Obfuscated servers are helpful if you’re connecting from a place that heavily restricts internet usage, as they ensure that even your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will have a hard time identifying you’re connected to a VPN.
VPNs can be detected by checking the digital makeup of the transmitted data. If the data looks like it’s been formatted by a VPN, the ISP or a firewall (or even an oppressive government) can block it.
The obfuscation process is all about transforming the VPN traffic to appear different. An obfuscated VPN server scrambles your traffic and makes it unrecognizable — it won’t look like VPN traffic anymore — allowing it to bypass VPN-blocking firewalls. Surfshark uses a modified version of the OpenVPN protocol to make our stealth VPN work.
If you live in a country that censors internet use, you might need obfuscated servers for your VPN to work. Obfuscation makes your encrypted connection harder to detect and helps you maintain your privacy.
Concerned that your ISP monitors and controls too much of what you do online? Obfuscation will hide the fact you’re using a VPN.
Some governments track their citizens more than others. If you want to ensure your privacy is intact, obfuscated servers can help — they prevent any VPN activity detection.
Universities or schools can sometimes ban VPN usage. In these cases, obfuscation is also helpful, as it will hide the fact that you’re using privacy-protection tools. Educational institutions cannot block a VPN if they do not know one is being used.
Generally, your ISP can tell you’re using a VPN by looking at your traffic patterns. All VPN services work similarly — they send your traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel, which involves multiple layers of protection.
VPN-protected traffic has specific patterns and looks different from regular online traffic. A VPN uses common ports for identification and initiates unencrypted handshakes that can be monitored via DPI (Deep Packet Inspection). These differences indicate to your provider that you’re using a VPN.
If you don’t have an account yet, creating one is easy! Just start by picking a Surfshark plan.
Click on VPN settings, and you’ll see Protocol.
Click Protocol and choose one of the OpenVPN options. That’s it!*
Get overall protection online and offline with Surfshark One — our cybersecurity suite that protects your devices and elevates your digital privacy and security to the next level.
VPN
Surfshark VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP (Internet Protocol) address to offer 24/7 online security. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Surfshark is a VPN provider that gives boosted protection and faster speeds on unlimited devices.
ALTERNATIVE ID
With Alternative ID and Alternative Number*, you can build an online alias with a proxy email and phone number. Protect your information from falling into threat actors’ hands and avoid spam emails, messages, and calls.
ANTIVIRUS
Surfshark Antivirus shields your device from malware and other infected files. It scans files before they’re opened or downloaded and blocks all unauthorized apps from accessing your camera. Get real-time protection that doesn’t disrupt your flow.
ALERT
Surfshark Alert notifies you whenever your personal information is leaked online. You get instant alerts if your email addresses, passwords, or ID numbers ever pop up in breached databases, letting you spring into action without delay.
SEARCH
Surfshark Search brings you purely organic results that are free from tracking. Swap between regions to see searches based on your preferred location, not your previous searches. And you’ll never see a single pop-up, banner, or targeted ad.
Comes with a VPN & Alternative ID — essentials for your daily browsing.
Perfect if you need all-round security for your browsing, devices, and identity.
Keeps your online activities & devices safe, with extra focus on identity protection.
At Surfshark, we strive to offer a hassle-free experience for all our users. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what the world has to say about us.
All the VPNs you mentioned are good. But Surfshark is the one I recommend in person for the best overall.
— Teshir Jennifer (@Aikojenny_) July 28, 2024
I’ve had SurfShark for years. It’s amazing.
— Morgan Leggett (@YouBettaLeggett) August 13, 2024
Trialling out @surfshark‘s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.
— Eakan (@eakangk) October 26, 2024
“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”
4.5/5 ★
“Surfshark is one of the best VPN services, comes crammed with features, runs on almost anything, and has some of the best download speeds around.”
4.5/5 ★
“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”
4.5/5 ★
I have been using Surfshark since I got it and I love it!
When I am traveling, I use Surfshark to access the internet quickly and securely, works like a treat in China.
We love Surfshark because it is an easy-to-use app that you can download on all your devices.
“This is my first year and I absolutely love it. The fact I can have a good antivirus, great VPN, and incognito for like $120 a year is great.”
“I’ve been using Surfshark for 4 years on Android and ChromeOS with zero issues, it’s an absolute bargain”
“I’ve had it for 3 years and just renewed it for the next 2 years. I never have any issues with it and get my full internet speed..”
FT 1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies 2024
Tech Advisor Editors’ Choice 2024
TechRadar Recommended 2024
Surfshark Antivirus AV-TEST Top Product 2024
Independent’s Editor’s Choice Best Value VPN 2023
We believe the internet should be free, accessible, and safe. That’s why we support and collaborate with many non-profit organizations that tirelessly promote online freedom and transparency.
