Latest news with #AltID
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Surfshark brings faster speeds and performance with the introduction of FastTrack
Surfshark has launched its new feature, FastTrack, designed to boost VPN speeds, connectivity, and performance. The feature optimizes your VPN traffic by routing it through a network of servers, rather than a single VPN tunnel, and can boost speeds by up to 70%. Surfshark's innovations are one of the reasons we rank it #2 on our best VPN list. You can learn more about them in our Surfshark review. Fast track is now available on Surfshark's Mac VPN apps and users can try out the enhanced connectivity by connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver. "We understand how VPN speed and low latency are important to our users," said Karolis Kaciulis, Leading System Engineer at Surfshark. "For this reason, we are proud to introduce a technology that can optimize network routing by finding the best data paths to increase connection speeds and reduce latency in real time." Surfshark: the best cheap VPN Surfshark sits at #2 on our best VPN list and is also the best cheap VPN out there. $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front pre-tax) gets you a super fast and secure VPN, innovative features like Alt ID, FastTrack, and Bypasser, and protection for an unlimited number of devices – it's also great for streaming. There's an extra 3 months of protection for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also try Surfshark risk free with its 7-day free-trial. FastTrack is built on the Surfshark Nexus infrastructure. Nexus is a multi-server routing system which connects users to Surfshark's entire VPN server network, rather than a single VPN tunnel. When using FastTrack, your VPN traffic is automatically routed in the most efficient way before connecting you to your chosen location. This isn't always the most direct route, it may actually be more efficient to run your traffic through higher-capacity cables and more powerful routers. The technology is constantly evaluating and monitoring different routes and connection speeds across the whole Surfshark network. When network conditions change, the system adjusts to ensure optimized and stable pathways. Globally distributed probes check speed and latency information and filter this back. According to Surfshark, this results in up to a 70% increase in VPN speeds. Your connection also makes multiple hops. This creates an additional layer of security and means your connecting IP address can't be linked with your internet activity. For now, users can only make use of FastTrack when connecting to servers in Sydney, Seattle, and Vancouver but Surfshark has said more destinations will be coming in the future. The feature is also currently available on macOS only. To access FastTrack all you have to do is connect to one of the three specified locations and they are marked by a FastTrack icon. You don't need to do anything yourself, simply press connect. Determining the most efficient route is done automatically behind the scenes. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Tom's Guide
11-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
Surfshark launches Surfshark Everlink to bring you uninterrupted VPN connections
Surfshark has taken steps to improve VPN connections with the introduction of Surfshark Everlink. The patented technology has been described as "industry-first self-healing server infrastructure," and ensures a more reliable and stable VPN connection. Surfshark sits at number two in our best VPN list and isn't afraid to innovate – it recently registered a patent to combat metadata sharing and combat privacy. But what is Surfshark Everlink, and how will it help you? Surfshark: the best cheap VPNWe rate Surfshark as our #2 overall VPN but it's alos the best cheap VPN, as well as the fastest we've tested. Its speeds exceed 950 Mbps and is ideal for streaming. You can protect an unlimited number of devices and its apps are simple and easy-to-use. It's not packed with features but there are some innovative offerings including Alt ID, Antivirus, and Everlink. The 2-year deal starts at $2.19 per month ($59.13 up front pre-tax). You get 3 extra months of protection for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. If your VPN connection drops or server maintenance is required, Everlink acts as a "self-healing mechanism." It revives connections by reconfiguring your VPN tunnel without disabling your VPN connection – ensuring your data stays protected and your IP address hidden. Traditionally, if your VPN connection drops you'd have to reconnect manually. With Everlink, you're instantly and seamlessly connected to another working server. You're never disconnected, it's automatic, and you shouldn't notice it's happening. "Think of a well-known VPN comparison to an encrypted tunnel – if the VPN is a tunnel which secures your traffic, imagine Surfshark Everlink as another one which secures that VPN tunnel," explained Donatas Budvytis, Chief Technology Officer at Surfshark. "If one connection goes down, you're automatically switched to another, so you stay connected and secure." Everlink also automatically connects you to another close server should your original server require maintenance. Surfshark is the fastest VPN we've tested and connection, performance, and speed is something Surfshark excels at. Improving connection stability will allow you to benefit from this performance with fewer drop outs and no interruptions. VPN kill switches are a must-have for the most secure VPNs. Kill switches cut your connection to the internet should your VPN fail. This protects you from data leaks and browsing the internet unprotected, but you go offline and have to reconnect manually. Everlink does this automatically, with your internet connection never dropping. Security and privacy is maintained and your data is never exposed. Features like Everlink and kill switches are vital for more vulnerable VPN users such as journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and those living under internet censorship. Data leaks can leave them traceable and open to identification or persecution. "The main difference between kill switch and Surfshark Everlink is that the kill switch does exactly what it says on the tin – kills your connection in case of a server failure," said Budvytis. "To put it simply – if your VPN's off, you're offline. And while that's a good way to stay secure and prevent leaks, we wanted to improve this industry standard and take it to the next level – instead of killing the connection, we want users to stay securely connected and private." Budvytis added that "users can still choose to use the kill switch feature" but Surfshark wanted to add something different. We asked Surfshark for further clarification on how Everlink differs from an "Always On" VPN. Budvytis explained that with Everlink, you're never disconnected from the VPN. Although "Always On" VPNs reconnect you automatically, your VPN connection is disconnected first. "Always On VPN is just another name for the kill switch functionality. If the VPN connection drops, the device will be automatically restricted from accessing the internet until it is restored," Budvytis said. "If the VPN server connection drops, the application doesn't need to cut the VPN configuration. It sends a request to the Everlink server for VPN reconfiguration information." "Once this information is received, it is used to reconfigure the VPN connection without the need to disconnect and reconnect again. The main advantage of this versus kill switch is that all of this happens seamlessly and can keep your connection infinitely." Surfshark Everlink servers are located worldwide and remain consistently available. It is available now across all platforms, including Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android, and Linux. All Surfshark VPN subscribers can benefit from Everlink and it is enabled by default on the WireGuard protocol only. Surfshark's Everlink patents are US11190491B1 and US20240080302A1. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Tom's Guide
07-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
How to protect yourself from the M&S, Harrods, and Co-op cyberattacks
The recent cyberattacks on UK retailers have shown how no one is 100% safe from hackers and highlighted the pressing need for effective cybersecurity protections. Tools like the best VPNs are great at protecting your online privacy, but they aren't always the most useful tools when dealing with a data breach. M&S, Harrods, and the Co-op have all suffered data breaches, with the Co-op admitting a "significant number" of customers have had their data accessed. However, the retailer has said this doesn't include financial information or passwords. Data breaches can be scary – especially when they aren't your fault – and, understandably, you may be worried about potential repercussions. Immediate responses should be to change your passwords and secure your accounts. Use one of the best password managers to generate unique and complex passwords. You should also be on the lookout for scam or phishing attempts. These can take the form of suspicious text messages or emails, fake shops, or even romance scams. But don't panic, there are tools available to help protect against data breaches, ID theft, and scams. ID theft protection services are available – and some of our top-rated VPN providers come bundled with them. (Image credit: Surfshark) Surfshark's Alternative ID We rate Surfshark as the best cheap VPN, with plans starting at $1.99 per month, and it's also the fastest VPN we've tested. Surfshark has an effective antivirus, but the Alternative ID feature is what we'll be highlighting here. Alt ID allows you to generate a fake online persona, protecting your true identity as a result. You can generate a name, age, gender, address, and email – perfect for signing up to newsletters, websites, or anything else you'd rather not share your information with. Alt ID is free with all Surfshark VPN plans and you can delete and create a persona as many times as you like. Surfshark: our top-rated cheap VPN Surfshark is a great cheap VPN and is the fastest we've tested. It doesn't quite have as many features as other providers, but Alt ID is a unique and handy tool for hiding your personal data online, and comes free with every Surfshark plan. The 2-year deal works out at $1.99 per month ($53.73 plus tax up front). You get 3 extra months of protection for free and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee. While there's nothing stopping you from signing up to membership cards or buying items online, you might want to check the terms of service of the company you're signing up with – just to double check you aren't breaking any rules by using Alt ID. What you can't generate is bank details. So if you're required to enter this information, it has to be your genuine details and they won't match your generated ID. Only Australia, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Portugal, and the U.S. can be used as your Alt ID location, which may be a problem when signing up for services outside these regions like the UK. Despite a few drawbacks, Alt ID is still an excellent free tool for hiding your personal details online, protecting yourself from hackers, and reducing spam. If this data is breached or compromised, you won't be harmed and you can simply delete the alias and create a new one. Surfshark also offers Alternative Number. This allows you to generate a dummy phone number, linked to your Alt ID, that can receive calls and text messages. Alt Number is a paid add-on for all Surfshark plans. (Image credit: NordProtect) NordVPN's NordProtect NordVPN offers a complete cybersecurity package in the form of NordProtect. This collection of ID protection features is only available for U.S. subscribers and is included in the NordVPN Prime plan or can be purchased as a standalone product. There's identity theft insurance of up to $1 million, and $100,000 in cyber extortion insurance, plus a dedicated ID theft case manager. Alongside this, the dark web will be monitored for appearances of your personal details and there's credit assistance. At $6.99 per month ($188.73 plus tax up front), NordVPN Prime is NordVPN's most expensive offering, but if you're happy to spend the money it's worth it. NordPrime: total cybersecurity protection NordVPN is our top-rated VPN and NordPrime is its most expensive offering. It offers total cybersecurity protection and you get all the benefits of NordVPN and Threat Protection Pro, as well as NordProtect. You can protect and monitor your data and access up to $1 million in cyber insurance but it's only available to U.S. users. The 2-year plan comes to $6.99 per month ($188.73 plus tax up front). There's an extra 3 months of protection included for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. This level of protection is not available to users outside the U.S., but NordVPN has just introduced ID theft recovery protection to its NordVPN Ultimate plan for those in the UK. Up to £5,000 is available to reimburse any losses incurred, as well as scam protection but not much else. For the price (£5.09 per month) it falls a little short, especially when compared to the U.S. offering. But if you're happy to pay, it's better than nothing. Although it doesn't directly protect against ID theft, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro is the best VPN malware protection out there and is very effective at identifying scam or phishing links that may arise from a data breach. Threat Protection Pro, as well as the NordPass password manager, is included in all NordVPN plans except NordVPN Basic. (Image credit: ExpressVPN) ExpressVPN's Identity Defender ExpressVPN also includes a form of identity theft protection, Identity Defender. It's similar to NordProtect and only available to U.S. ExpressVPN subscribers. Up to $1 million of cyber insurance is on offer and Credit Scanner helps protect your credit score. ID Alerts monitors the web for your data and the data removal service requests the deletion of this data from data brokers. Identity Defender is included in the 2-year ExpressVPN plan for American subscribers only and, working out at $4.99 per month ($139.72 up front), it's cheaper than NordVPN Prime. But unfortunately, this is of no help to those in the UK looking to protect their data. ExpressVPN: the best choice for beginners ExpressVPN is simple and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners. ExpressVPN's Identity Defender is its data and theft protection feature, with a data removal service, cyber insurance, and credit monitoring on offer. Everything is included in ExpressVPN's 2-year deal, which equates to $4.99 per month ($139.72 up front). Right now there's an extra 4 months of protection thrown in for free, as well as the usual 30-day money-back guarantee. But it's worth remembering that Identity Defender is only available in the U.S.
