A VPN subscription starting at £1.79 a month is being highlighted as a way to secure phones and computers after a global cybersecurity flaw in the PHP programming language led to UK government services going offline.
Cloudflare, a global web infrastructure and cybersecurity company, said it saw "millions" of hacking attempts on organisations around the world that use PHP, a programming language that is one of the building blocks of the internet. The UK government has confirmed that 32 government services are offline and four are partially unavailable, though it has not disclosed which services have been affected.
How Surfshark protects your devices
Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network tool designed to protect devices with an antivirus that detects threats and removes malicious software. It also minimises the risk of identity theft through data leak monitoring and tools that mask information or request its removal from public databases.
One Surfshark subscription can cover multiple devices simultaneously without a traditional connection limit, making it suitable for use across phones, laptops, tablets and TVs. The VPN masks a device's IP address, encrypts all traffic and shields private data around the clock on every device.
Additional features and alternatives
Surfshark can also be used to access geo-blocked content only available in certain countries, as the VPN disguises a device's unique IP address so it appears to be in a chosen location. This can help with region-specific websites and streaming, particularly for those wanting to catch up on shows from home while abroad.
Some security features may not be included with Surfshark's cheapest subscription tier. Other VPN options are also available, including Express VPN, which is praised by tech-savvy shoppers for its streaming performance and reliable device compatibility in a user-friendly package with fast download speeds, and Nord VPN, described as a good 'all-round' option for its fast connections, privacy features, streaming support and extra security tools in one app.
