This data is used for optimizing and enhancing the VPN service’s performance. After all, you are connected to your VPN anonymously and the data collected is all bundled together with that of other users. VPN service data and the connection data isn’t considered harmful information to hold. Your entire browsing history, in essence. Online activity: Webpages that you go to, your search queries, your services.Using your phone or computer’s IP address, your location can be determined.

Original IP address: Your device’s real IP address.Connection data: Your login and logout dates and times, the duration of service usage, and the amount of downloaded and uploaded data.VPN service data: Data regarding which VPN server you’ve connected to, the operating system that you use, and version of the app you use.Here they are listed from the least harmful to the most harmful: VPN providers can gather and store 4 different “types” of information. Of course, the amounts of collected data vary from VPN provider to VPN provider. This improves service performance and helps prevent service abuse. This is called “logging.” Of course, everyone prefers those VPN providers that don’t gather or store user information, but not all of them can claim this.ĭata collection is actually a way for your VPN provider to optimize its service.

VPN providers may gather information about your internet activity. What does “logging policy” mean and why is it significant? What privacy and security elements do we test for? The Bad: Surfshark does not operate its own DNS servers.

It also has a zero-logs policy, features a kill-switch, and uses the open-source OpenVPN protocol and top of the line AES-256 encryption. The Good: Surfshark has its headquarters in the Brittish Virgin Island, and therefore away from nosy governmental agencies.

Surfshark server