Surfshark
WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 are all great technologies with their own unique strengths. They were initially designed for enterprise use, but VPN providers like us have adapted them for everyday users.
That said, we saw an opportunity to create something tailored to individual needs. Instead of reconstructing existing protocols, we built one from scratch. One that’s designed around what actually matters to you: security and performance. Say hello to Dausos.
What is Dausos?
Dausos is our proprietary VPN protocol — and the first one built specifically for VPN users. Here’s what makes it different: most VPNs funnel all user traffic through a single shared tunnel, which is perfectly fine. However, Dausos gives each user their own dedicated, private data tunnel. Your traffic stays separate from everyone else’s, which means better security and barrier-breaking speeds.
The protocol name Dausos, a Lithuanian word for heaven, is rooted in Baltic mythology and signifies elevation, protection, and transcendence beyond the ordinary internet, reflecting Surfshark’s Lithuanian heritage.
Why did we build Dausos?
Current VPN protocols weren’t designed for consumers. They were built for different purposes and later adapted for VPN use. That adaptation process introduces inefficiencies and limitations. We started with a clean slate. Our goal was simple: create a protocol that prioritizes what users care about most — security and performance — without compromise.
Dausos uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption, which delivers faster speeds than the industry-standard AES-GCM, especially on modern hardware. It also gives each user a dedicated traffic tunnel, eliminating the overhead and resource waste that’s common in adapted protocols.
The result? Better security, faster connections, and more efficient use of both server and device resources.
What makes the Dausos protocol different?
Dausos has a rare VPN industry feature — it is fully post-quantum resilient and delivers up to 30% faster speeds compared to other industry-standard protocols. Besides that it also differs in:
Dedicated tunnels for every user
Unlike most VPN protocols, Dausos provides a dedicated tunnel for each user’s traffic. That means your data travels through its own clean, private path — separate from everyone else. No cross-traffic exposure, no interference, no shared overhead.
AEGIS-256X2 encryption
No commercial VPN currently uses AEGIS-256X2 encryption. This cryptographic algorithm offers superior performance on modern devices while maintaining quantum-secure protection. This means your connection is faster and future-proof.
Adaptive performance
Dausos dynamically adapts to your network conditions and device capabilities. Whether you’re on a fast fiber connection or switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, the protocol adjusts to maintain optimal speed and performance.
Independently audited
Security isn’t just a feature — it’s a foundation. Dausos has passed an independent audit from Cure53, a trusted name in security research. We didn’t just build a fast protocol. We built a secure one, too.
What does this new protocol mean for you?
So what do all these technical details actually mean for your day-to-day VPN experience?
- Future-proof protection — with quantum-secure encryption, Dausos is built to protect your data not just today, but as technology evolves.
- Faster speeds — AEGIS-256X2 encryption is optimized for modern hardware, delivering better protocol-to-server speed. Add in dynamic adaptation, and you get consistently faster connections.
- Better security — each user gets their own dedicated tunnel, reducing the chance of cross-traffic exposure. That minimizes the risk of data leaks or interference from other users on the same server.
- Efficient resource use — whether you’re on a phone, laptop, or desktop, Dausos makes smarter use of your device’s resources.
How to turn on the new protocol
Ready to try Dausos? Enabling it is simple:
- Open your Surfshark macOS app*
- Go to Settings
- Select VPN Settings
- Click to Protocol
- Choose Dausos from the list
- Connect to any server
*At the moment Dausos is only available on our macOS app. It will soon be accessible on other platforms too.
Try the first protocol built for the user
Dausos is not the first VPN protocol. It’s the first one designed for the user. VPN protocols have always been about adapting existing technology. Dausos is about building the right technology from the start. Give it a try.
