Surfshark is a provider known for exceptional value for the money. It’s not only affordable when talking about long-term plans but also packs 3,200 servers in 100 countries, offers military-grade encryption, and unlimited simultaneous connections per account. All of this is perfectly complemented by an array of security features and apps for all platforms, making the provider among the best choices in 2024. But does Surfshark keep logs in 2024 and is it great for your privacy? Well, that’s a whole other question.
In short, Surfshark will NOT keep any logs but to prove that, we’ll need to examine its privacy policy and see in which country the provider is based. If you have certain privacy concerns regarding Surfshark VPN, I recommend reading this article carefully because they’ll be alleviated.
Does Surfshark VPN Keep Logs? Privacy Policy Examined
To see if a VPN is good for privacy, it’s logical to check its privacy policy. Surfshark is very transparent and it’ll immediately tell you everything about its logging practices. Let’s start with the things that the provider will not store.
Logically, we’re talking about your IP address, DNS queries, connection logs, timestamps, geolocation, browsing history, websites you visit, and other compromising bits of information. Surfshark doesn’t log any of this information, which is a relief and a good sign that it’s safe and secure.
The great thing is that the provider can’t identify a particular user because it stores none of the information that would allow it to do so. As a result, people using the service are nearly 100% anonymous and safe from snoopers and hackers.
We like that the provider also doesn’t store data like your used bandwidth or session information, which has an even better effect on your privacy. It’s vital to mention that Surfshark has a few more tricks on its sleeve, such as RAM-only servers and Camouflage Mode.
RAM-based servers use RAM instead of standard SSDs, so every bit of information is deleted with each restart. Camouflage Mode masks your VPN connection and makes it look like a normal connection, which prevents even your ISP from knowing that you’re using a VPN.
Does Surfshark VPN keep logs of other things, however? The answer is yes, but it’s normal for a VPN service to store SOME logs that are necessary for it to function. Namely, we’re talking about things like your email address and basic billing information – the reason for storing this is obvious.
Next, Surfshark VPN stores mundane stuff like anonymous performance data, crash reports on apps, unsuccessful connection attempts, and frequency of use of the VPN. This information is collected for troubleshooting and maintenance of the server infrastructure.
In my Surfshark test, I went in-depth about its no-logs policy and security, so you can find out more about it there. However, the bottom line is that it stores no logs of sensitive information, which means it’s perfectly safe if you’re looking to boost your privacy and security online.
Surfshark’s Third-Party Audits
A VPN without a security audit can’t be fully trusted since there’s no one to back up its claims. VyprVPN started this trend a few years ago by receiving an audit from Leviathan Security, closely followed by NordVPN, which received its third-party audit from PriceWaterhouseCoopers shortly after.
Surfshark is a younger VPN than these two, yet, it has TWO security audits. The first audit came from Cure53. The German company inspected its entire server infrastructure in a security assessment that ended up on a larger scale, as Cure53 examined much more than Surfshark’s servers.
Cure53, interestingly, found some vulnerabilities and issues within the infrastructure, which, by the time of publishing the report, Surfshark already fixed swiftly. A more interesting third-party audit came from a company called Deloitte.
Deloitte conducted a no-log audit on Surfshark, ensuring that its privacy policy claims are true. The company examined Surfshark’s VPN servers, MultiHop servers, IT system management, and many other parameters to find holes in the system.
Luckily, Deloitte was quick to conclude that Surfshark indeed doesn’t keep any logs, as it didn’t find any user-related information on any of the servers. This is surely one of the most important moments for the company, especially since its no-logging claims are fully backed up by a company such as Deloitte.
Where Is Surfshark VPN Based?
The last thing left to examine is Surfshark’s jurisdiction. You see, it’s very important for a VPN to be based in a privacy-friendly country, such as many off-shore countries, for example. Much like some of its rivals, Surfshark resides in a privacy-friendly location like the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is a country with no data-retention laws, which is suitable for a VPN service. Surfshark was once based in the British Virgin Islands but moved its legal jurisdiction to this country a while ago. While many users expressed concerns about it, Surfshark reassured its users quickly.
In short, the Netherlands allows the provider to operate according to its promised no-logging business model and not store any data. Plus, it’s GDPR-compliant, and despite the country’s connection with the 9 Eyes, its companies aren’t forced to store and distribute any particular information.
While we still prefer the British Virgin Islands as the main jurisdiction, it turned out that the Netherlands isn’t so bad after all. Surfshark has operated in this country for a while now, and it received its no-logs policy audit under this very jurisdiction.
Is Surfshark VPN Selling My Personal Data?
One question we often get is whether Surfshark sells your private information. The answer is negative for one simple reason – it’s a premium VPN. Premium VPNs earn their keep through subscriptions, so selling private data is not only unnecessary but also unwanted.
Having in mind millions of people paying for the VPN, the service earns more than enough to keep itself afloat and upgrade its features. Very few premium providers do this. Even free VPNs that sell your data usually don’t do that once you pay for the service.
Additionally, the VPN uses RAM servers and has a certified no-logs policy. These features ensure no user data resides on the servers, so the VPN has nothing to sell or give out. Simply put, don’t worry about this aspect. Surfshark will never sell your private information.
Does Surfshark Keep Logs in 2024? Here’s Our Verdict
So, to answer your question, Surfshark isn’t keeping any logs in 2024. At the time of writing this review, we’re talking about a very secure provider with tons of great security features and a certified no-logging policy. With two third-party audits, Surfshark surely nails it in terms of overall quality.
Plus, it has an audit from Deloitte that has to do directly with its privacy policy, ensuring that the company keeps absolutely no sensitive information on its servers. Thus, if you’re thinking about getting Surfshark, I think now would be a good moment to do it.
It comes with very affordable prices for long-term plans plus a 30-day refund policy for all plans, even the monthly one. If you’re up for a great VPN that stores no logs and that won’t cost you a lot, this provider is surely going to scratch all of your itches.
