My dear friends

Let’s talk about Surfshark’s decision to discontinue support for Shadowsocks.

It’s a change that might feel unsettling a little like rearranging familiar furniture in a comfortable room but hear me out.

I’ve spent years navigating the complexities of online security and I understand the apprehension this news might bring.

Rest assured this isn’t a step taken lightly.

It’s a strategic move designed to ultimately enhance your online safety and improve the overall Surfshark experience.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Shadowsocks Sunset

Shadowsocks as many of you know was originally designed as a workaround for restrictive internet environments.

It served a vital purpose for users facing significant online limitations acting as a clever bridge to the wider internet.

Think of it as a resourceful if somewhat unconventional path.

However over time the digital landscape has evolved.

The security protocols that underpinned Shadowsocks have become less robust compared to newer more advanced technologies.

Maintaining support for it requires considerable resources and more importantly compromises the overall security architecture we strive for at Surfshark.

It’s like having an old sturdy but slightly creaky staircase in a renovated house—it might have served its purpose but it’s safer to replace it with something modern and more reliable.

Why the Change is Necessary

The internet is a dynamic place.

Security threats are constantly evolving and our responsibility is to proactively adapt to them.

Keeping Shadowsocks operational alongside our other more advanced protocols involves diverting resources and expertise that could be better utilized elsewhere.

Imagine a team of highly skilled mechanics working on an obsolete vehicle while neglecting the maintenance of a fleet of brand-new cutting-edge cars.

The focus needs to be on the vehicles offering the best protection and performance for our users.

This change allows us to concentrate our efforts on strengthening and improving the protocols that provide the highest levels of security and speed.

Think of it as consolidating resources to build a stronger more secure digital fortress.

The Transition and What it Means for You

The phasing out of Shadowsocks will occur gradually ensuring a smooth transition for everyone.

We’re not throwing you into the deep end; we’re carefully guiding you to safer waters.

There will be a series of updates to the app ensuring that the transition is as seamless as possible and minimizing any disruption to your online activities.

Alternative Protocols: Your New Secure Pathways

This isn’t an end; it’s a strategic redirection toward superior security solutions.

Instead of Shadowsocks we strongly encourage you to use IKEv2 OpenVPN (both UDP and TCP) or WireGuard.

These protocols are not only more secure offering robust encryption to shield your data but they are also faster and more reliable.

It’s like trading your old bicycle for a modern high-performance bike—the same destination but a vastly improved journey.

These updated protocols have undergone rigorous testing and are designed to provide a seamless and secure online experience even in environments with strict network regulations.

Addressing Specific Concerns

I understand the transition can be daunting.

Many of you have become accustomed to Shadowsocks and changing habits can be challenging.

However I want to emphasize that the protocols replacing Shadowsocks are significantly more advanced offering superior security and performance.

We aren’t simply removing a feature; we’re upgrading your online protection to a higher standard.

What if I Rely on Shadowsocks for a Specific Purpose?

If you’ve been utilizing Shadowsocks to circumvent geo-restrictions the browser extensions offered by Surfshark might offer a suitable alternative.

These extensions provide proxy functionality allowing you to access content that might be blocked in your region.

It’s a more secure and updated method offering the functionality you need without compromising your overall online security.

It’s like having a specialized tool to tackle a specific task within your digital toolkit.

How Will the Transition Affect My Existing Configurations?

The transition will be handled progressively.

Surfshark will provide clear instructions and ample support throughout the process.

Our team will be readily available to guide you through the switch and ensure a smooth transition to one of the alternative protocols.

We’re here to help—that’s a promise.

A Look Ahead: A Stronger More Secure Future

This isn’t just about replacing one protocol with another.

It’s about building a future-proof security architecture that safeguards you against evolving online threats.

By focusing our resources on these newer more secure protocols we’re investing in a better safer online experience for all of our users.

This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a commitment to your online well-being.

Investing in Advanced Security

The resources freed by discontinuing Shadowsocks support will be reinvested in further enhancing our existing security protocols researching emerging threats and developing even more robust security measures.

Think of it as a long-term investment in your digital safety a pledge to keep you protected in the ever-changing online world.

Switching to more secure protocols? We got you covered! It’s time to upgrade your online safety with Surfshark’s new protocols. 💪 They’re faster, more secure, and way more reliable than Shadowsocks! 💨 Let’s get this digital fortress built! 🛡️

Continuous Improvement: Our Commitment to You

At Surfshark our commitment is not just about providing a VPN service; it’s about fostering a safe and secure online community.

We are continuously striving to improve our offerings ensuring that you have the best possible protection against cyber threats.

The decision to discontinue Shadowsocks is a testament to that commitment.

It’s a step towards a more secure future a future where your online privacy and safety remain our top priority.

We value your trust and we will continue to work diligently to earn it every day.

Remember this change is designed to benefit you.

The newer protocols offer superior security speed and reliability.

We are here to support you through this transition ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team if you have any questions or require assistance.

We’re in this together.

Surfshark will stop supporting Shadowsocks