If you’re a privacy-conscious consumer, chances are you’ve heard of virtual private networks. But they aren’t just handy tools for bypassing restrictions, they are a must in navigating the modern web on iPhone. Using Surfshark VPN means you can browse, shop, navigate social media, and search without worrying about your private data and IP address being used to target you.

AppleInsider has already detailed why a VPN is great for travel, for streaming media, and for remote work. Surfshark VPN is a top choice as evidenced in our hands-on Surfshark review.

Data brokers exist to take advantage of every drop of data you leave around as you navigate the web. A lot of that data is tied to your IP address, website logins, and search history.

The best way to stop all of this unwanted tracking is not to move to a cabin in the woods, but to surf the web with a layer of protection provided by a VPN. When you tunnel through the web via Surfshark VPN, your data is encrypted so websites can’t identify you, and not even your internet service provider knows what you’re looking at.

When you connect to a VPN, it “tunnels” your traffic via an encrypted channel between two points. You connect to the internet by sending your data and requests through an encrypted server, which then routes you to your destination.

Surfshark VPN can pop your connection out in Japan to keep your traffic private – Image credit: Surfshark

So, you connect to the internet through your internet service provider. That internet connection lets you communicate with the Surfshark VPN server, wherever it is on Earth, then it routes your traffic through that server’s exit point.

The ISP can’t see what you do online, and websites can’t see where your traffic originated from. If you tunnel through a VPN server in London from your home in New York, websites won’t have any idea you’re in the United States.

Tunneling means your IP address is masked, and so is your traffic. Data brokers and ad trackers can try to build a profile based on your browsing history seen through a VPN, but it would be based on a snippet of time you used that IP address.

By using Surfshark VPN, you prevent data brokers from gathering a holistic view of your internet activity. And if you don’t log into an account, there is nothing to tie your personal identity to the VPN’s IP address.

Whenever you surf the web, whether you’re on home Wi-Fi, cellular, or unknown networks, you’re followed around by tracking products hidden in websites. Whether it’s a social network login widget or a cookie you’ve agreed to, your activity is being traced and monitored to be sold.

CleanWeb brings ad free and tracker free browsing to your entire device – Image credit: Surfshark

You can maintain your privacy with a VPN by hiding your VPN and your location. However, that isn’t always enough if you’re being tracked in other ways.

Advertising is a staple of the internet, but some websites take things too far. Ads can be overly aggressive, flashy, or distracting, so using a VPN to block ads and trackers can make the web faster, safer, and more private.

Use Surfshark’s CleanWeb to block intrusive banner alerts, pop-up cookie requests, and video ads. It is the complete package in privacy and is included with every Surfshark VPN subscription.

Beyond standard VPN uses and ad blocking, Surfshark VPN also includes a built-in search tool for searching the web in incognito mode. Unlike other browsers, it is a true incognito mode that doesn’t track you.

Surfshark VPN is an excellent provider that offers some of the best VPN deals among competitors. It is a premium VPN that maintains your privacy and security across any network.

The Surfshark VPN subscription Starter tier is $55.72 for two years for a limited time and includes an ad blocker, personal details generator, and masked email generator. The Surfshark One tier builds on that with fraud alerts, private search, and antivirus for $69.72 for two years at press time with Surfshark’s Black Friday deal.

The most premium Surfshark One+ tier adds data deletion requests. Users can request data removal from various people search sites and other data collection companies.

The virtual private network app can be downloaded for all your devices at Surfshark.com.