Surfshark Release Notes

If you’re using Vega OS on your smart TV, you can now protect your connection with Surfshark VPN. We’re introducing the Surfshark app for Vega OS — bringing privacy, security, and secure access to your streaming experience.

What is Vega OS?

Vega OS is Amazon’s new Linux-based operating system designed for Fire TV devices and smart TVs. Launched in October 2025, it replaces the previous Android-based Fire OS.

Why use a VPN on your smart TV?

Using a VPN on your smart TV offers several key benefits:

• Privacy — your streaming activity is encrypted, keeping it private from your internet service provider (ISP) and third parties interested in your online habits;
• ISP throttling prevention — a VPN hides the fact that you’re streaming video, preventing ISPs from selectively slowing down your connection during peak hours or high-bandwidth activities;
• Access while traveling — if you’re away from home, a VPN lets you watch your home country’s content abroad, so you don’t miss your favorite shows;
• Data collection reduction — smart TVs collect viewing data, and advertisers and ISPs may monitor your habits. A VPN masks your IP address, adding an extra privacy layer and reducing the amount of data tied to your identity.

How does VPN on your TV fit into your setup?

Surfshark VPN for Vega OS works alongside your existing devices. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect your smart TV, phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices — all under one account. Whether you’re streaming on your TV or browsing on your phone, your entire household stays protected.

If you use a Fire TV Stick or Android TV box, you also have a simple setup option: connect the stick to your TV and download Surfshark directly from the app store.

Important:

Keep in mind that our Vega OS app is new and currently offers only core VPN capabilities.

How to set up Surfshark on Vega OS

Getting started with Surfshark VPN on Vega OS is straightforward:

1. Open the app store on your Vega OS Fire TV Stick device.
2. Search for Surfshark and select the app.
3. Download and install it.
4. Log in with your Surfshark account credentials.
5. Connect to a server.

Our Vega OS app supports the WireGuard protocol, designed for fast, stable, and secure connections, now on your TV.

Protect your streaming with a VPN

Whether you want to keep your streaming habits safe or avoid throttling, the app is designed to fit seamlessly into your setup.

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any service providers and websites you access using Surfshark.

What is Dausos?

WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 are all great technologies with their own unique strengths. They were initially designed for enterprise use, but VPN providers like us have adapted them for everyday users.

That said, we saw an opportunity to create something tailored to individual needs. Instead of reconstructing existing protocols, we built one from scratch. One that’s designed around what actually matters to you: security and performance. Say hello to Dausos.

Dausos is our proprietary VPN protocol — and the first one built specifically for VPN users. Here’s what makes it different: most VPNs funnel all user traffic through a single shared tunnel, which is perfectly fine. However, Dausos gives each user their own dedicated, private data tunnel. Your traffic stays separate from everyone else’s, which means better security and barrier-breaking speeds.

The protocol name Dausos, a Lithuanian word for heaven, is rooted in Baltic mythology and signifies elevation, protection, and transcendence beyond the ordinary internet, reflecting Surfshark’s Lithuanian heritage.

Why did we build Dausos?

Current VPN protocols weren’t designed for consumers. They were built for different purposes and later adapted for VPN use. That adaptation process introduces inefficiencies and limitations. We started with a clean slate. Our goal was simple: create a protocol that prioritizes what users care about most — security and performance — without compromise.

Dausos uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption, which delivers faster speeds than the industry-standard AES-GCM, especially on modern hardware. It also gives each user a dedicated traffic tunnel, eliminating the overhead and resource waste that’s common in adapted protocols.

The result? Better security, faster connections, and more efficient use of both server and device resources.

What makes the Dausos protocol different?

Dausos has a rare VPN industry feature — it is fully post-quantum resilient and delivers up to 30% faster speeds compared to other industry-standard protocols. Besides that it also differs in:

Dedicated tunnels for every user

Unlike most VPN protocols, Dausos provides a dedicated tunnel for each user’s traffic. That means your data travels through its own clean, private path — separate from everyone else. No cross-traffic exposure, no interference, no shared overhead.

AEGIS-256X2 encryption

No commercial VPN currently uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption. This cryptographic algorithm offers superior performance on modern devices while maintaining quantum-secure protection. This means your connection is faster and future-proof.

Adaptive performance

Dausos dynamically adapts to your network conditions and device capabilities. Whether you’re on a fast fiber connection or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, the protocol adjusts to maintain optimal speed and performance.

Independently audited

Security isn’t just a feature — it’s a foundation.

Dausos has passed an independent audit from Cure53, a trusted name in security research. We didn’t just build a fast protocol. We built a secure one, too.

What does this new protocol mean for you?

So what do all these technical details actually mean for your day-to-day VPN experience?

• Future-proof protection — with quantum-secure encryption, Dausos is built to protect your data not just today, but as technology evolves.
• Faster speeds — AEGIS-256X2 encryption is optimized for modern hardware, delivering better protocol-to-server speed. Add in dynamic adaptation, and you get consistently faster connections.
• Better security — each user gets their own dedicated tunnel, reducing the chance of cross-traffic exposure. That minimizes the risk of data leaks or interference from other users on the same server.
• Efficient resource use — whether you’re on a phone, laptop, or desktop, Dausos makes smarter use of your device’s resources.

How to turn on the new protocol

Ready to try Dausos? Enabling it is simple:

1. Open your Surfshark macOS app*
2. Go to Settings
3. Select VPN Settings
4. Click to Protocol
5. Choose Dausos from the list
6. Connect to any server

*At the moment Dausos is only available on our macOS app that you can download from the App Store. It will soon be accessible on other platforms too.

Try the first protocol built for the user

Dausos is not the first VPN protocol. It’s the first one designed for the user. VPN protocols have always been about adapting existing technology. Dausos is about building the right technology from the start. Give it a try.

Location sharing should help people feel connected and safe — not monitored. But for many, today’s location apps create more tension than peace of mind.

Parents want to know their teens arrived home after school safely. Friends want to coordinate meetups. Families want to stay connected. Constant location tracking isn’t necessary to achieve these goals, yet most location apps default to constant tracking, turning reassurance into surveillance. That’s why we built something different.

What is HeyPolo?

HeyPolo is a privacy-first location-sharing app that lets people share where they are on their own terms.

Many location apps focus on continuous tracking. HeyPolo takes a different approach — giving people the ability to share what they want only when they choose. It’s designed around consent and control — not passive monitoring.

Why did we build HeyPolo?

At Surfshark, we’ve spent years building tools that help people take control of their online privacy. But privacy isn’t just about protecting your data from strangers — it’s also about having control in your closest relationships.

People want to stay connected. They want to know their loved ones are safe. But they also want autonomy, trust, and respect for boundaries. HeyPolo sits at the intersection of connection and privacy — because feeling safe shouldn’t mean giving up control.

What does this mean for us?

HeyPolo represents our next step in building tools that put people in control of their online lives. We’ve always believed that privacy shouldn’t be a compromise — whether you’re surfing online or staying connected with the people you care about. With HeyPolo, we’re expanding beyond online security.

This is about creating a family of products that share the same core values: transparency, user control, and respect for privacy. HeyPolo is built on the same principles that guide everything we do at Surfshark — just applied to a different challenge.

How to use HeyPolo

One HeyPolo subscription covers your account, and everyone else joins for free. You can create unlimited groups for family, friends, coworkers, or travel buddies. The app works on both iOS and Android, and inviting people is as easy as sending a quick link — no complicated setup required.

Once you’re in, you control everything. You can choose to share your exact location when meeting friends or coordinating pickups. You can share an approximate location to let others know you’re in the area without pinpointing your exact address. Or you can go completely private whenever you need space. Beyond choosing what to share, you also decide who can see your location, when they can see it, and how long they can see it for, all customized to each group.

Why should you try HeyPolo?

Whether you’re checking that your teen got home safely, meeting up in a busy city, coordinating pickups and trips, or staying connected with elderly parents, HeyPolo works for the moments that matter.

If you’ve been looking for an alternative to constant tracking apps, HeyPolo is here.

Download HeyPolo and start sharing your location on your terms.

Identity theft isn’t just a headline you scroll past — it’s a real threat that can turn your life upside down. From drained bank accounts to ruined credit scores, the fallout can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Surfshark One+ now includes identity theft coverage.

What is identity theft coverage?

Identity theft coverage is a feature of the Surfshark One+ bundle that covers the costs of identity recovery. It offers up to $1M in coverage for expenses such as document replacement and legal fees. You’ll also have access to a licensed identity theft investigator. This coverage is available for US residents, excluding New York State.

Why does identity theft coverage matter?

Fraud, scams, and data leaks are on the rise across the United States. Every time a company experiences a breach or a scammer gets smarter, your personal information becomes more vulnerable. The reality is that traditional security measures alone can’t guarantee your identity won’t be compromised.

That’s where identity theft coverage comes in. It offers peace of mind by covering the costs of identity restoration, legal support, and mental health counseling. Instead of facing the recovery process alone — and paying for it out of pocket — you’ll have professional help and financial backing every step of the way.

What does identity theft coverage include?

Surfshark One+ identity theft coverage offers:

• Professional support from a licensed identity theft investigator;
• Up to $1M reimbursement for expenses incurred while restoring your identity, including:
  • Credit bureau reports;
  • Replacement of documents and fees;
  • Legal costs associated with identity theft;
  • Lost wages, including child and elder care (up to $5,000);
  • Mental health counseling (up to $1,000);
  • Other related expenses (up to $1,000).

As well as all the other benefits of the Surfshark One+ bundle:

• A VPN that encrypts your online activity on all, even public Wi-Fi networks;
• Ad blocker Clean Web that blocks ads, trackers, and cookie consent pop-ups;
• Alternative ID that you can use to shield your name, email, and address online;
• Personal data monitoring tool Alert that notifies you of email, credit card, and ID leaks;
• Data removal tool Incogni that withdraws your personal data from data brokers, reducing your exposure.

Disclaimer: Identity theft coverage is available for new Surfshark One+ customers residing in the US, including US territories and the District of Columbia, except for New York State residents. Surfshark is not a licensed insurance producer. Benefits under the Master Policy are issued and covered by HSB Specialty Insurance Company. You can find further details and exclusions in the summary of benefits for the state of Washington and the rest of the US.

How to activate and use identity theft coverage

Identity theft coverage is included in all Surfshark One+ plan durations for new US customers (excluding New York State).

If your identity gets stolen, you can file an identity theft coverage claim online by visiting the Start Your Claim website linked in your Surfshark account or calling the toll-free hotline.

Why did we add this feature?

Identity theft is one of the most devastating cybercrimes, and recovery can be expensive and emotionally draining. By including identity theft coverage in Surfshark One+, we’re ensuring that our users have a financial and professional safety net when they need it most.

Ready to protect yourself?

Explore Surfshark One+ and experience all-around protection against identity theft — from prevention to recovery, because staying safe online isn’t just about strong passwords. It’s about knowing you’re covered, no matter what.

Good news for our extension users! We added a new functionality to our website safety settings. Now, you can check your Google Search results before clicking on them. Want to know more about the feature and learn how to use it? Read along!

What are website safety settings?

Surfshark’s website safety settings are a feature of our browser extension platform. This feature checks websites in Google Search results, alerting you to potential dangers. It includes two main functions:

Data breach alert

Data breach alerts notify you if a website has leaked user data. You’ll see this information in a banner right under the search bar after visiting the page. You can click on it for more information about the breach.

Malware alert

This functionality alerts you if a site contains malware or signs of phishing, using two types of warning badges that indicate the threat type and what to do.

What’s new?

We’ve enhanced our website safety settings to provide a more seamless and secure browsing experience. Previously, you could only view safety badges after clicking on a webpage. Now, we’ve taken this a step further by showing a page’s security status directly in Google Search results.

This feature, available exclusively on Google Chrome and Google Search, uses symbols next to each link to indicate potential risks associated with the websites. They include alerts for data leaks or breaches, malware threats, and phishing attempts, ensuring you can make informed decisions before visiting a site.

What are the main benefits?

Using our website safety settings alongside your VPN boosts your security by catching threats at the earliest point in your browsing journey. In addition to that, you:

• Avoid wasting time on dangerous websites;
• Prevent potential malware infections on your device;
• Protect your personal information from being compromised;
• Save yourself from the hassle of dealing with compromised accounts, infected devices, or stolen credentials.

How to use website safety settings

You can find the website safety settings by following these steps:

1. Install or open your Surfshark browser extension.
2. Go to the extension settings.
3. Navigate to the Website safety warnings section.
4. Make sure both toggles for Data breach alert and Malware alert are turned on.

If you choose to enable only the data breach alert option within the website safety settings, Google Search results will be scanned exclusively for data breaches and leaks. Similarly, if you activate only the malware alert, the search results will focus solely on detecting malware and phishing threats.

For a more detailed guide on how to use website safety settings, check out this article.

Final note: turn on your website safety settings

Website safety settings are a simple yet effective way to enhance your online security. By activating these features, you can help protect yourself from malware, and phishing scams. So why wait? Install our browser extension, turn on website safety settings today, and enjoy a safer, more secure browsing experience.

Security enthusiasts, big news from us — post-quantum protection is now live on WireGuard! This upgrade adds an extra layer of future-proof security, shielding you against potential quantum computing threats. Want to know how it works and why it matters? Then scroll on!

What is post-quantum protection?

Post-quantum protection is all about future-proofing your security. Today’s encryption relies on complex math problems that are nearly impossible for regular computers to solve, but quantum computers will one day crack them with ease.

Post-quantum encryption replaces these vulnerable methods with new, quantum-resistant algorithms built on entirely different types of math. In short: it’s like upgrading your lock today, so it’s ready for the hackers of tomorrow.

Why does a VPN need post-quantum protection?

As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption may no longer be strong enough to keep data safe. VPNs, which rely heavily on encryption to safeguard user data, must evolve to stay ahead of these emerging threats. By adopting quantum-resistant encryption, VPNs can provide a stronger, future-proof layer of security. This ensures that sensitive information remains private and protected — even against the powerful capabilities of quantum computers that could one day break current cryptographic standards.

How can you enable post-quantum protection on Surfshark?

To use post-quantum protection, all you have to do is:

1. Open Settings on the Surfshark app.
2. Click on VPN settings.
3. Click on Protocol and select WireGuard as your protocol.
4. That’s it — post-quantum protection is now automatically on when you use WireGuard!

What’s new and what does it mean to you?

We’re thrilled to announce that you can now connect to your dedicated IP using our Linux GUI app. This gives even more control and flexibility over your IP (Internet Protocol) address. Want to get all the details? Read along!

While dedicated IP has been a feature of Surfshark for some time now, we’re now extending it to our Linux GUI app users.

This means Linux enthusiasts can now enjoy the benefits of a dedicated IP directly from the app, adding more flexibility and enhancing their online experience with ease.

What is dedicated IP, and why might you need it?

Think of a dedicated IP as your own permanent address in the online world — a unique identifier that’s exclusively yours.

Unlike shared IPs, which multiple users use, a dedicated IP provides a consistent IP address that’s yours. This is particularly beneficial for accessing services that require a stable connection, such as remote servers or online banking.

With a dedicated IP, you’ll encounter fewer CAPTCHAs (those tedious requests to select a picture to prove you’re not a robot) and verification problems, ensuring a smoother browsing experience.

How to get dedicated IP on Linux

Dedicated IP is a paid add-on to any Surfshark bundle. To get it, you’d need to visit your Surfshark account and go to the Dedicated IP tab. Purchase a dedicated IP, and you’ll be asked to choose one of our dedicated IP locations.

At the moment, we offer these dedicated IP locations:

• The US — Los Angeles
• The US — New York
• The US — Dallas
• The US — San Jose
• The US — Denver
• The US — Las Vegas
• Brazil — São Paulo
• Canada — Toronto
• Australia — Sydney
• The UK — London
• The Netherlands — Amsterdam
• Germany — Frankfurt
• Italy — Milan
• France — Paris
• Poland — Warsaw
• Japan — Tokyo
• Hong Kong — Hong Kong
• Singapore — Singapore
• Turkey — Istanbul
• South Africa — Johannesburg

The number of available dedicated IPs per location is limited, meaning some may not always be available for purchase. But don’t worry — we’ll keep restocking them.

After purchasing, you’ll see your IP in the Dedicated IP tab in your app. Select it to connect.

Final note: check out dedicated IP

With Surfshark’s dedicated IP now available on Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and browser extensions, you get even more flexibility! Check it out if you need more control over your IP address.