I’m not a computer security expert by any stretch of the imagination, but over the years I’ve developed what I consider a pretty keen enthusiasm for it – especially when it relates to online security. I’m not sure why, but for some strange reason I don’t like the idea of governments or organizations spying on me. Call me crazy.
So recently I heard about this secure usb key that – when plugged in – provides the user with an encrypted SSL connection to a series of proxies based in the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Brazil. They’re calling it SurfEasy, and after having played around with it for a few days I can safely say that the description (SurfEasy – Plug in Privacy) is pretty apt. Below is my SurfEasy review, where I’m going to outline who I think it’s for, what I like about it, and where I believe there’s some room for improvement.
Perfect Privacy for Travelers and Students
Earlier this year I spent just shy of a month in Egypt during a particularly turbulent time for the country. I was moving around a fair bit, and relied on internet cafes and hotel lobbies to get my internet fix. During extended travels in not so savory places, the SurfEasy usb key would be absolutely perfect. Some of the computers I used were absolutely riddled with viruses, and checking my email was like playing Russian Roulette, or banging a chick from the local bar without a condom. The encrypted connection and onboard keyboard (I’ll explain more shortly) would have been lovely.
As for students who are incessantly checking their Facebook accounts over insecure wireless connections, this is also perfect for you – lest someone hack your precious Facebook account and say mean things about you. Hey, it could happen!
What I like about SurfEasy
- Though mostly an aesthetic quality, I really like the form of the SurfEasy. It’s about the size of a credit card, and just slightly thicker. It will easily fit into your wallet, making it perfect for the aforementioned travelers and students on the go.
- The proxies are surprisingly fast. SurfEasy comes pre-configured to use the fastest available proxy, but also allows you to manually specify a location. Even when I use the Brazilian proxy, the speeds are perfectly adequate for regular browsing and checking email.
- Because the built in browser is based on the Firefox code base it’s pretty solid. Before trying it, I had nightmare visions of a garish, hideous… laggy browser, and fortunately that wasn’t a problem in the slightest. It’s all very fast and works exactly how you would expect it to work. If you’ve used Firefox before, then you’ll be right at home.
- SurfEasy features a handy on-screen keyboard for typing in passwords or other sensitive material. Why? Because if the computer is infected with a keylogger, then your password won’t be compromised. Because you’re “clicking” the keystrokes via your mouse, there’s nothing for the keylogger to kick up through your key strokes on the keyboard. It’s clever, and it works quite well.
- There’s no monthly fee to use the SurfEasy service. Though at $69.99 USD the up front cost of the device may seem steep, when you consider that there’s no monthly fee, it’s actually quite reasonable. I’ve used numerous proxy and VPN services, and absolutely all of them cost money each month.
Now, you may have noticed that I’m mentioning travelers and students a lot. I would also add the elderly and the average Joe to that list. I think that the SurfEasy is perfect for just about everyone… all except for “computer enthusiasts”. It’s simple to use, it does what it says, but for someone like me, I would simply rather roll my own privacy centric thumb drive; one that’s encrypted with TrueCrypt and contains a copy of TOR and a few other useful open source projects. I like to tinker, so for me that makes sense. If I needed something that “just works”, though? Definitely SurfEasy.
The only thing that I would really like to see is a brand-less version of the card for an added fee. I can appreciate that SurfEasy wants to spread the word, but I would really like to also see a white or black version of the card without branding. Hell, perhaps even a camouflaged version that vaguely resembles a credit card or library card.
This is the wonderful on-screen keyboard that I mentioned earlier. It allows you to type in top secret passwords, and look up other sensitive material that you don’t want picked up by potential keyloggers.
Where to buy SurfEasy?
If you’re interested in learning more about SurfEasy or even picking up one for your very own, then head over to the official SurfEasy website and take a look around. The SurfEasy retails for $59.99 USD on Amazon, and as I mentioned before, there are absolutely no monthly costs associated with it. I apologize if that sounds a bit like a late night infomercial, but I feel it’s worth mentioning.
Super thanks for all the information i already got received mine after ur post .. since im at uni all my time and it will be so secure to use my account throw public computer , agian Big thanks
You’re very welcome. I’m glad you found the information useful. 🙂
If you like privacy on line you should check out the TAILS project.
https://tails.boum.org/
It’s basically allows you online security in a similar way to this, with nothing stored on the computer it is used on, as it only uses the RAM
It also uses the TOR network for an added layer of privacy.
From the TAILS website:
“use the Internet anonymously almost anywhere you go and on any computer:
all connections to the Internet are forced to go through the Tor network;
leave no trace on the computer you’re using unless you ask it explicitly;
use state-of-the-art cryptographic tools to encrypt your files, email and instant messaging.”
This might sound like a sales pitch, but it can’t be because the TAILS OS costs you no money, save the cost of a USB or DVD to put it on.
It’s not as simply to start with as it isn’t preloaded on anything, but if you know enough about computing to value online anonymity, you probably know enough to put an .iso on a USB.
Plus, SurfEasy is a company who want to profit off your want for privacy.
The TAILS developers are group of like minded individuals concerned enough about privacy to develop a private system.
I urge anyone considering SurfEasy to consider TAILS
The URL: https://tails.boum.org/
Awesome, thanks for the suggestion. Funny enough, I’ve actually seen Tails many times while vising the Tor website, and for whatever reason, I just never bothered to try it out. As I mentioned, I’ve actually rolled my own security thumb drive as well, so why not use this?