Obfuscated servers are special VPN (Virtual Private Network) servers that hide your data and the fact that you’re using a VPN connection. This technology is sometimes called stealth VPN, and at Surfshark we call it Camouflage Mode.
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) won’t know you’re connected to an undetectable 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 makes your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic so that even your internet provider can’t see you have privacy protection. 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, obfuscation is crucial. You will need it for your VPN encryption to work in the first place, as obfuscation allows you to avoid VPN blocks.
Feel like your ISP cares about 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 worry your government is tracking you, obfuscated servers are the way to go. With them, no one will see any “suspicious” VPN use.
Universities or schools can sometimes ban VPN usage. In such cases, obfuscation is also helpful, as it will hide the fact that you’re using privacy-protection tools. They 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.
Since regular online traffic isn’t protected like that, it looks different from a VPN-protected one. These differences indicate to your provider that you’re using a VPN. Of course, that’s only true if you’re not using an undetectable VPN.
If you don’t have an account yet, creating one is easy! Just start by picking a Surfshark plan.
Click on Advanced, and you’ll see Protocol.
Click Protocol and choose one of the OpenVPN options. That’s it!*
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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.
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Trialling out @surfshark‘s IP rotation. It is doing it pretty well. Seamless in the background.
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“Surfshark is a highly polished and powerful VPN that competes with the very best premium providers, all while offering a seriously tempting price point.”
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“Surfshark is an excellent, well-rounded virtual private network that consistently ranks as one of CNET’s best VPNs.”
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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..”
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