Munich, Germany – October 13, 2023: A striking sight greeted residents and visitors as they strolled through the streets of Munich. A 2.5-meter-tall pink pipe, oozing thick green slime, stood as a bold installation created by Surfshark, a leading virtual private network (VPN) provider. The eye-catching display was strategically placed to coincide with the grand opening of the “Big Five” tech companies’ new office in the city.

Surfshark’s message to passers-by was clear: “Your data is leaking. Protect your online data.” The vivid display aimed to draw attention to the increasing importance of personal data privacy in an age where individuals are sharing more information online than ever before. As individuals stopped to snap photos in front of the attention-grabbing tube, Surfshark aimed to spark a conversation about the need for individuals to regain control over their personal information.

Munich Business reported that the Neue Balan Campus district, located in the heart of the city, is now home to Meta, Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. These five tech giants have established a presence in Munich, further emphasizing the significance of Surfshark’s protest.

Lina Survila, Surfshark’s PR Team Lead, shed light on the motivation behind the protest. She stated that the installation symbolized the continuous loss of user data at the hands of Big Tech. Survila further explained that the provocative visual representation was designed to amplify the discussion around online privacy and empower individuals to protect their personal data.

The urgency of prioritizing data privacy cannot be overstated. In Q2 of 2023 alone, Surfshark reported a staggering 110.8 million breached accounts, compared to 41.6 million in the previous quarter. What makes matters worse is that many organizations admit to concealing data breaches, leaving users even more vulnerable to exploitation.

As the lone participant in the Munich protest, Surfshark decided to take a proactive approach in raising awareness about this escalating issue. Survila stated, “We felt compelled to shine a spotlight on the critical issue of data privacy.” Their efforts proved fruitful, capturing the attention and concern of the public, which in turn sparked a broader conversation surrounding data privacy.

Surfshark, established in 2018, has long been an outspoken advocate against privacy abuses. Through their research hub, the company monitors and documents the state of the internet and digital rights worldwide. Their investigations include tracking internet shutdowns, censorship, and data breaches, all of which are regularly updated and maintained by their dedicated team.

Survila affirmed Surfshark’s commitment to unearthing and reporting on data breaches, leaks, and other significant data-related matters. Furthermore, the company is already formulating their next campaign to consistently raise awareness and highlight critical privacy issues.

In a world where the current data protection system continues to fail users, Surfshark believes it is vital for individuals to take matters into their own hands. By adopting appropriate security protocols and measures, a significant portion of data breaches can be actively prevented. Aleksandr Valentij, Cybersecurity Lead at Surfshark, recommends implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) and utilizing strong passwords containing a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. For everyday browsing, he recommends using a secure VPN that disguises IP addresses and encrypts internet connections.

Valentij also provides advice for organizations seeking to enhance their cyber defenses. This includes setting up firewalls and EDR/XDR systems to monitor traffic for suspicious behavior, implementing SSL/TLS for encrypted communications, investing in DDoS protection, conducting regular penetration testing, and providing cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

Surfshark is committed to shining a light on these issues through any available means. Survila stated, “We are determined to launch visually provocative campaigns that raise awareness of online safety and reach a wider audience.”

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