Over the past year, data breaches have surged by more than 20% according to a recent study, and no industry is immune—from telecoms and healthcare to e-commerce and financial services. In the United States, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a record number of identity theft cases in 2023, leaving consumers vulnerable to fraud and exposure of sensitive information.
Fortunately, there are straightforward, effective ways to protect your personal data and maintain your privacy online. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). In this post, we’ll explore how a VPN like Surfshark safeguards your information, the key features it offers, and best practices for US audiences to stay secure on any network.
Whether you’re working remotely at a coffee shop, traveling abroad, or simply browsing at home, understanding the benefits of a VPN can help you close the gap on cybercriminals and reclaim control over your digital life.
Secure Your Internet Connection: A Must
Cyber attackers often employ a “man-in-the-middle” tactic to intercept the data you send and receive over unsecured networks. This can expose your login credentials, credit card numbers, private messages, and other sensitive information to prying eyes. Public Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, hotels, and cafés are especially risky, since they’re a prime target for hackers.
By routing your traffic through an encrypted tunnel, a VPN like Surfshark prevents unauthorized access to your internet connection. Surfshark offers industry-leading protocols—WireGuard®, IKEv2, and OpenVPN®—to ensure a secure and stable link between your device and the VPN server. With your data encrypted end to end, even if someone manages to tap into the network, they’ll only see unreadable ciphertext.
App and Website Bypass Options
Not all apps and websites play nicely with VPNs—some banking or streaming platforms may block VPN traffic. Surfshark’s split-tunneling feature lets you choose which apps or sites go through the VPN and which use your regular connection. This way, you can securely bank online without disabling your VPN entirely.
For example, you might route your web browser through Surfshark to protect your browsing history, while allowing your corporate email client to connect directly if required by your employer. Customizing app bypass settings ensures compatibility without sacrificing security.
Strengthen Your Data Privacy
Encryption is the backbone of data privacy. Surfshark uses AES-256, the same military-grade standard trusted by governments and financial institutions worldwide. Even if a hacker intercepts your data packets, breaking AES-256 encryption would take virtually forever with today’s computing power.
Equally important is a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark has undergone independent audits to verify that it keeps no records of your online activities—no connection logs, usage data, or IP addresses. In practical terms, this means there’s nothing for authorities or third parties to demand from the company in the event of a court order or data request.
Dark Web Monitoring and Incogni Service
Surfshark goes beyond encryption with continuous dark web monitoring. If your email address or personal information appears in a data breach, you’ll receive an alert so you can act immediately. Early detection is key to mitigating identity theft and fraud.
With Surfshark’s Incogni service, you can request data brokers to remove your compromised information from their databases. Incogni streamlines outreach to dozens of vendors, helping you reclaim control over your personal data and reduce future exposure.
Protect Your Devices and Browsing
Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect, but Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections under a single subscription. This flexibility is ideal for protecting your laptop, smartphone, tablet, and even smart TV without extra cost.
Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts in real time, giving you a safer browsing experience. Meanwhile, MultiHop lets you route your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of anonymity—ideal for journalists, activists, or anyone handling highly sensitive data.
Additional Security Tools
Beyond core VPN functionality, Surfshark includes HackLock notifications to warn you if your passwords appear in a breach, plus an alert system for outdated software vulnerabilities on your devices. Regularly patching your operating systems and apps, combined with these alerts, helps close security gaps before attackers can exploit them.
Surfshark also offers a free browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, giving you quick access to essential VPN and privacy features without installing the full desktop app. It’s a handy option for users who want on-the-fly protection while browsing.
Pricing and US Deals
For US customers, Surfshark subscriptions start at just $2.50 per month when you choose the two-year plan, making it one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. All plans include unlimited devices, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee—so you can test the service risk-free.
You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or even cryptocurrencies for an added layer of privacy. Surfshark often runs promotions around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other major US retail events, so keep an eye out for deeper discounts and limited-time offers.
Data breaches aren’t going away anytime soon, but with the right tools and best practices—strong, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, and a reliable VPN—you can significantly reduce your risk. Equip yourself with Surfshark’s robust security suite to stay ahead of cyber threats and protect your privacy, wherever you connect.
