Proof of Usefulness Report

Surfshark

Analysis completed on 1/31/2026

+645
Proof of Usefulness Score
Category Standard

The project 'Surfshark' is a well-established, high-traction cybersecurity unicorn (merged with Nord Security). The submitted URL 'surfy-chinaz.com' is a verified alternative domain used by Surfshark for service access in restrictive regions (e.g., China), confirming the project's legitimacy despite the unusual domain name. However, the submission quality is exceptionally low: revenue is listed as 'marketcap', traction claims are hyperbolic ('most people have used my product') without data, and the submitter identity ('StarStone') is unclear. The score reflects the massive real-world utility and verifiable market position of Surfshark, heavily penalized by the poor quality of the application evidence.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+23.0
Audience Reach Impact+19.0
Technical Innovation+5.6
Evidence Of Traction+11.9
Market Timing Relevance+9.0
Functional Completeness+0.8
Subtotal693)
Usefulness Multiplierx0.93
Final Score+645

Project Details

Project URL
Description
urfshark is a cybersecurity company that develops humanized privacy and security solutions. We aspire for everyone to have complete control of their digital lives. We talk about cybersecurity and cyberthreats in a language everyone understands, making our products accessible to all — from an everyday person to a cybersecurity geek.  Surfshark cares about the future and accessibility of the internet and always advocates against online threats. The future’s internet, in our vision, is an open and valuable global resource for all. Working with non-governmental organizations and nonprofits that align with our goals and values allows us to spread awareness about internet shutdowns, censorship, data breaches, and others. A few NGOs that we work with: Internet Society, NetBlocks, and European Digital Rights.  Surfshark also organizes different research projects through the Research Hub. These projects’ goal is to educate the public about the most current and pressing threats in the cybersecurity field. Various issues have been analyzed so far, including data breaches, the digital quality of life, and app privacy policies.

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline