Title: Surfshark Uses Creative Protest to Highlight the Importance of Online Privacy in Munich
An eye-catching installation featuring a 2.5-meter-tall pink pipe spilling green slime recently adorned the streets of Munich. This unique spectacle was created by Surfshark, a virtual private network (VPN) firm, to draw attention to the growing need for individuals to protect their personal data online. The installation coincided with the grand opening of the offices of the “Big Five” tech companies – Meta, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon – in Munich on October 13, 2023.
The striking pink pipe carried a message from Surfshark: “Your data is leaking. Protect your online data.” Passers-by couldn’t resist the opportunity to take selfies in front of the tube, generating further awareness of the importance of safeguarding personal information shared online.
Lina Survila, Surfshark’s PR Team Lead, explained that the protest aimed to represent the ongoing issue of user data leakage by big tech companies. The visually powerful metaphor was intended to spark discussions about online privacy and empower individuals to regain control over their personal data.
Recent data breaches have surged in 2023, with Surfshark alone recording 110.8 million breached accounts in Q2 2023, compared to 41.6 million in the previous quarter. Shockingly, many organizations confess to hiding data breaches, leaving users even more vulnerable to abuses.
Surfshark, as the sole participant in the Munich protest, decided to step out from behind their desks to raise awareness of this escalating problem. Survila emphasized their commitment to shedding light on data breaches, leaks, and other critical privacy matters. Surfshark’s research hub actively monitors and documents internet conditions and digital rights worldwide, including issues such as internet shutdowns, censorship, and data breaches.
To actively prevent data breaches, Surfshark advocates for individuals to take control of their online security by adopting appropriate security protocols and measures. Aleksandr Valentij, Surfshark’s Cybersecurity Lead, recommends using two-factor authentication (2FA) and strong, complex passwords. For everyday browsing, a secure VPN, which masks IP addresses and encrypts internet connections, is highly recommended.
For organizations seeking to enhance cybersecurity, Valentij suggests implementing firewalls, EDR/XDR systems, SSL/TLS encryption, DDoS protection, regular penetration testing, and cybersecurity awareness training for employees.
Surfshark remains committed to bringing online safety to the forefront and reaching wider audiences. Survila revealed that they are working on future visually captivating campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of privacy.
In a world where data protection systems frequently fail users, Surfshark believes that everyone should take responsibility for actively preventing data breaches. A comparison of the top five VPNs by price can assist users in making informed decisions about their online security.
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