Surfshark launches Alternative Number, allowing users to safeguard their phone number online
July 15 2024 - 4:44AM
The service is part of Alternative ID, which provides users with
an alternative identity and email address to keep their true
identity concealed online.
Cybersecurity company Surfshark has launched a new addition
to its Alternative ID product — Alternative
Number. The service provides users with a virtual US-based
phone number (accessible through the Surfshark app), which can be
used for receiving calls or receiving and replying to messages.
Alternative Number will help users safeguard their phone number
from strangers online, minimize spam calls and messages, and shield
their phone number from untrusted websites.
“It can be difficult to keep your phone number to yourself
online. We’re constantly asked for our numbers whenever we post ad
listings, shop online, or sign up for free products/services. But
there’s no telling where your number ends up once you share it
online. Spammers can scrape it from online ads, data brokers may be
able to purchase it from the companies you share it with, and
hackers might be able to steal it if the company you share it with
isn’t secure enough. Alternative Number is meant to safeguard you
from these threats.”, says Sarunas Sereika, Alternative ID Product
Manager.
Alternative Number is similar to so-called “burner phones”
because it provides an alternative phone number, allowing you to
conceal your primary one. But what sets Alternative Number apart is
that it can be paired with even more alternative details provided
by Alternative ID. It also has a transparent privacy policy
available online, and it works for as long as you want (it can be
changed every 30 days free of extra charge). However, users of
Alternative Number are not able to make calls or be the first to
send messages—they can only receive calls and receive and reply to
messages.
“Alternative Number is meant to be used on websites with vague
privacy protection practices or when you’re asked to post your
number publicly (e.g., for ad listings or when registering on
public WiFi at airports or other establishments). However,
Alternative Number is not meant to be used with official and
trustworthy establishments, such as governmental institutions or
banks that require your real details.”, adds Sarunas Sereika.
Unlike regular phone numbers, users won’t have to worry about
roaming costs. They can receive calls and messages to the Surfshark
app whenever they are — the only thing they need is internet
connectivity. At the moment, only US-based numbers are available,
but Surfshark plans to add more locations in the future.
Alternative Number is a feature of Alternative ID. With
Alternative ID, users can enter their preferred gender, birth date,
and country, and Surfshark will generate an alternative name and
email address to use online while keeping their true identity
concealed.
Alternative Number is a paid add-on for Alternative ID, which is
included in all Surfshark bundles. To get Alternative Number,
choose any Surfshark plan, go to your accounts and upgrade to
Alternative Number, and click “add to plan” in the Alternative
Number field. The cost of the service varies from $4.99 to $2.99
(before taxes) per month based on the time left until the end of
the subscription. The more months left, the lower the price will
be. For more information on Surfshark’s Alternative Number, please
visit the
link:https://surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-launches-alternative-number.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Surfshark is a cybersecurity company focused on developing
humanized privacy and security solutions. The Surfshark One suite
includes one of the very few VPNs audited by independent security
experts, an officially certified antivirus, a private search tool,
and a data leak alert system. Surfshark is recognized as the Tech
Advisor’s Editor’s Choice for 2024. For a closer look at Surfshark
in 2023, visit our annual wrap-up. For more research projects,
visit our research hub at: surfshark.com/research.