The Low-Down: Search Engines, Browsers and VPNs

You may have heard about the browser/search engine DuckDuckGo, which claims to protect your privacy and is currently on a pro-active campaign to raise its profile and usage.

There are other players in the market who say their browser, search engine or VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a safe alternative to main operators such as Google, Safari and Google Chrome.

Said Lifeline IT’s Daniel: “Some people have real ethical concerns about how their data is used and they don’t want to be using platforms where their personal information is shared or compromised in any way. In the same way people won’t have Alexa in their homes, they don’t want to be using a browser or search engine that keeps track of them.”

We run through some of the alternatives and discuss the pros and cons.

DuckDuckGo
The company’s key product is a search engine that it claims is a secure alternative to mainstream search engines. Subsequent products include a customised web browser. DuckDuckGo provides more privacy and allows you to browse the internet safely. It doesn’t track your search history or create your user profile according to your online activity. The downside is that it may not be able to personalise ad targeting, resulting in fewer ads that connect with the users’ interests. It also provides less comprehensive search results.

Brave
A free and open-source web browser developed by Brave Software, Inc. It is a privacy-focused browser, which automatically blocks most advertisements and website trackers in its default settings. Brave has also incorporated ‘Brave Search’ into its browser, providing users with what it claims is the first ‘all-in-one browser/search’ alternative to the big tech platforms.

SurfShark
A VPN, Surfshark allows users to surf the web without tracking and also shields devices with its own antivirus protection. In 2022 Surfshark merged with Nord, but both companies still operate independently.

NordVPN
This is another VPN service that provides a secure and private way to access the internet. NordVPN and Surfshark are broadly similar in that they are both VPNs, but NordVPN is slightly more expensive and has a larger network/resource. Their billing models are different so it’s worth considering this, depending on the number of devices you want on the account.

Cloudflare WARP
Neither a browser or a traditional VPN, Cloudflare WARP is an application designed to improve internet speed and security by encrypting the traffic between your device and Cloudflare’s servers. It does not hide your IP address or provide the anonymity features typical of VPNs. Its main goal is to provide a faster, more secure internet experience without slowing down your connection. There are security advantages over a VPN, as WARP does not join your computer onto another network in the same way as a VPN does.

And finally…
NordVPN, Surfshark and, depending on the settings, Cloudflare WARP are all consumer-focused tools normally configured for personal security, privacy and improved internet performance. They provide basic encryption and anonymity but lack the granular, continuous access controls and verification processes of Zero Trust products.

Within your business, Zero Trust may be a better choice for continuous monitoring and protection. If you want to discuss this, or any of the other systems mentioned in this article, contact Lifeline IT.