Surfshark‘s Camouflage Mode makes your VPN connection look like normal internet traffic. This obfuscation technology adds extra security. It helps you deal with internet restrictions and boosts their anonymity.
What is Camouflage Mode?
Camouflage Mode, or Obfuscation, is a special Surfshark feature. It hides any VPN traces from your connection. It masks your VPN traffic as typical internet activity. This makes it very hard for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or network admins to spot.
This technology uses special algorithms to protect your VPN traffic. It hides traces of your security software from data packets. The main goal is to avoid content filtering. It hides your traffic, making it hard for others to see what you do online.
Camouflage Mode also boosts your security. It adds an extra layer of protection.
How Camouflage Mode Works
When you use Surfshark with OpenVPN, Camouflage Mode turns on by itself. This works for both UDP and TCP. If your country or network blocks VPN ports, this feature uses your current network ports. It helps you set up a secure connection.
The technology counteracts Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This is a method used by ISPs and governments to spot VPN usage. Your VPN encrypts your activities, but it still leaves metadata. You can find this metadata using Deep Packet Inspection. Camouflage Mode creates special algorithms to hide these VPN signatures.
When to Use Camouflage Mode
Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode proves invaluable in several scenarios:
1. Bypassing VPN restrictions
In countries with strict online censorship, like China, governments filter web traffic. They do this to find and block VPN users. Camouflage Mode helps circumvent these restrictions by making your VPN connection undetectable.
2. Enhancing Privacy and Anonymity
Camouflage Mode adds extra encryption to your traffic. This provides a significant improvement in your privacy protection. This is great for online activities where users want total anonymity.
3. Accessing Geo-Restricted Content
Streaming platforms work hard to prevent VPN users from accessing geo-restricted content. Camouflage Mode helps users avoid detection systems. This makes Surfshark a great option for streaming fans.
4. Overcoming Network Restrictions
Many workplaces, schools, and public Wi-Fi networks block VPN traffic. Camouflage Mode helps you keep your privacy on restrictive networks.
How to Set Up Camouflage Mode
Setting up Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode is straightforward:
- Log in to your Surfshark app on any supported device (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android).
- Navigate to Settings, then click Advanced to open the protocols list.
- Select one of the OpenVPN options (UDP or TCP).
- Connect to any Surfshark server.
When you connect to OpenVPN, Camouflage Mode activates without any manual input. It hides your VPN traffic, making it look like regular internet use.
Camouflage Mode vs. NoBorders Mode
Camouflage Mode hides your VPN traffic. Surfshark also has NoBorders Mode. This mode turns on when the app finds network restrictions. NoBorders offers a list of servers made for tough environments.
For users in countries with strict internet rules, combining both features is the best way to access the free internet.
User Experience and Performance
Reddit users and security experts generally praise Surfshark’s Camouflage Mode for its effectiveness. In China, users tested the NoBorders feature, which works with Camouflage Mode. They found it detected network restrictions and suggested better servers. However, they sometimes had to try different servers due to the strong Chinese Firewall.
Using obfuscation technology can slow connection speeds a bit. Still, Surfshark performs well with these privacy features on.
Link: Surfshark
