Published on: September 23, 2024
In a recent interview with SafetyDetectives, Sergiy Savenko, CEO and co-founder of Nektony, shared insights into his company’s mission to enhance user productivity and privacy through innovative software solutions. Founded 13 years ago, Nektony specializes in creating utilities for Mac and iPhone users, with a focus on developing apps that simplify system maintenance and protect online privacy. Their VPN Client, launched in 2017, stands out for its simplicity and user-friendly design, providing seamless and secure internet connections for users across the globe.
During the interview, Savenko highlighted how VPN Client addresses the growing concerns around privacy by offering robust encryption and intuitive features, such as an interactive map for selecting servers and the option for a dedicated server. He also emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining both speed and security, ensuring that users don’t have to compromise one for the other. With privacy becoming an increasingly important concern for internet users, Nektony remains at the forefront of delivering accessible and reliable tools that empower users to take control of their digital lives.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us about Nektony and specifically VPN Client?
Hi, I’m Sergiy Savenko, the CEO and co-founder of Nektony. My partner and I started the company 13 years ago, and I oversee the development of new products.
Nektony is a Ukraine-based software company focused on creating utilities and productivity apps for both smartphones and Mac computers. We have a particular passion for the Mac ecosystem, and our team is currently spread across Canada, Europe, and Ukraine, which enriches our perspective on user needs.
Our primary focus has been developing tools that help users keep their Macs clean and running smoothly. Among our top products are VPN Client for secure internet connection, App Cleaner & Uninstaller, which simplifies the process of removing applications and their leftover files, and Duplicate File Finder, designed to help users reclaim precious storage space by identifying and eliminating duplicate files with ease. We’re proud to have built some of the best Mac cleaning utilities on the market.
Since launching our VPN Client in 2017, Nektony has been committed to keeping users’ online activities safe and private. We spent about a year carefully building this app to ensure it’s easy to use and secure. We wanted our VPN to be simple for everyone. Our team was focused on creating a clear and easy-to-navigate interface.
The idea for our VPN Client came from our strong belief in the importance of protecting privacy. It’s important for our team members and we understand how important it is for our previous customers.
Our mission is to empower people to be more productive in their digital lives, and we take pride in delivering products that truly make a difference.
VPN Client is designed for Mac and iPhone users. What makes it stand out from other VPN services on the market for these platforms?
Providing a reliable VPN service globally requires solving many technical challenges, as each country can present its own unique obstacles. To ensure seamless connectivity, we’ve built a robust infrastructure with hundreds of servers worldwide. While it’s true that most major VPN providers rely on vast server networks, what sets us apart is how we bring this experience to the user.
Typically, the technical complexity of a VPN remains invisible—users just open the app, connect to a server in another country, and they’re done. But we wanted to enhance this experience, so we introduced an interactive map that allows users to select servers visually, making the process more intuitive and engaging.
We also offer the option for users to order a dedicated VPN server, providing an even higher level of privacy. This means users can operate through their own unique server, ensuring maximum security and exclusivity. Of course, our shared servers are fast and reliable, but having the option for a dedicated server gives users peace of mind, knowing they’re getting an elevated level of privacy and service.
How do you ensure that VPN Client provides both speed and security without compromising either aspect?
We’ve used special scalable solutions to ensure that speed and security go hand in hand. As more users join, our infrastructure adapts seamlessly, adding capacity when needed, without any disruption to the existing user base.
While it’s not a secret, we rely on advanced technologies like load balancing and autoscaling to maintain optimal performance. These solutions allow us to dynamically manage traffic, ensuring that our users always experience fast and secure connections, regardless of how many are online at any given time.
By continuously optimizing these systems, we ensure that neither speed nor security is ever compromised, providing users with the best of both worlds.
With more people concerned about online privacy, what trends do you see emerging in the VPN industry?
Absolutely, privacy is on everyone’s mind these days. One trend that’s been crystal clear is that as soon as any region starts tightening restrictions or revealing data collection practices, there’s an immediate surge in people scrambling for security tools like VPNs—it’s almost like a digital game of “hide and seek,” but where privacy is the ultimate prize.
People are becoming more tech-savvy and proactive about protecting their personal data. We’re seeing a growing demand for VPN services that offer not just security, but also transparency and a bit of extra control—because who doesn’t like being the boss of their own privacy? Features like dedicated servers and high-end encryption are becoming the new standard. As privacy concerns rise, we expect the industry to keep evolving, with even more emphasis on security, transparency, and making sure users can outsmart the system—without having to go full “hacker mode.”
Can you share insights on how Apple’s focus on privacy impacts the development of security apps like VPN Client?
Absolutely! Apple’s commitment to privacy is like having a strict but caring parent overseeing your app development. While their rules and requirements help ensure user security, they can feel a bit limiting at times. It’s like trying to throw a party in a house where you can’t use certain rooms—everyone wants to have fun, but you’ve got to respect the house rules!
When developing apps for the App Store, especially those focused on security, you encounter stricter guidelines and technical restrictions. Certain system functions are off-limits, which can make life a little tricky. Sure, there are private API functions that could give us superpowers, but using them would be like sneaking out after curfew—we have to play by the rules to avoid getting kicked out of the App Store.
Ultimately, while Apple’s privacy policies can add some hurdles, they also push us to innovate and find creative solutions. So, it’s a balancing act: we want to respect the guidelines while still delivering a top-notch VPN experience that keeps users safe and sound!
What advice would you give users on choosing a VPN, especially with so many options available?
Choosing a VPN can feel like navigating a maze of options, but fear not! If you travel frequently and a secure internet connection is a must, my top tip is to consider having two VPN services at your disposal. Think of it as your digital Swiss Army knife—always prepared for whatever the online world throws at you!
If you’re in the same region, look for a service that offers dedicated VPN servers. This not only boosts your connection speed but also gives you an extra layer of privacy. After all, in today’s digital age, what happens in Vegas doesn’t just stay in Vegas—it can pop up on social media, a blog, or even your nosy neighbor’s Wi-Fi!
So, make sure you choose wisely, stay secure, and enjoy your online adventures with peace of mind. Because let’s be honest, the last thing you want is for your browsing history to become the next trending topic!