Webroot and AnchorFree partners to protect millions of Internet users

Webroot, a leading Internet security provider for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, and AnchorFree, the creator of Hotspot Shield, the world's most popular free virtual private network that keeps consumers safe online, today announced a partnership to deliver a new consumer security and privacy offering to a large segment of Hotspot Shield's 7.5 million users worldwide.
AnchorFree will launch the first ad-free version of Hotspot Shield, which will integrate Webroot's antivirus and antispyware protection with AnchorFree's Internet encryption technology. The new product will provide customers with unprecedented levels of security, privacy and identity protection as they share personal information online during activities such as banking and shopping. Pricing and availability for the ad-free Hotspot Shield featuring security from Webroot will be announced in 2010.
In addition, Hotspot Shield customers will have access to a free 15-day trial of Webroot® AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper® or Webroot Internet Security Essentials, and a special discounted purchase price following the trial. AnchorFree is committed to keeping all people secure online and the original Hotspot Shield will remain free to all Internet users worldwide.
David Gorodyansky, co-founder and CEO of AnchorFree (the creators of Hotspot Shield) said: "Hotspot Shield has experienced 500% growth in the past year alone, and it has become clear to us that people are becoming more aware of the security risks involved with accessing the Web without privacy and security. Our users trust us to provide them with a safe, private Web experience on the Internet; partnering with Webroot enables us to build on that trust by integrating a lightweight solution to provide unparalleled threat protection on user computer as well as online."
The partnership kicks off during the holiday season when, according to a recent survey conducted by Webroot, 90 percent of consumers plan to travel and 80 percent tend to use free wireless access when on the road. Alarmingly, less than half (42 percent) of consumers polled typically take the protective measure of checking the security settings on the wireless connection before accessing the Internet.
Paul Lipman, senior vice president and general manager of Webroot's Consumer Business said: "Security and privacy on the Web will become even more complex as many holiday travelers connect to the Internet in unfamiliar locations. Among the Internet users we polled, many are potentially exposing personal and financial information to cyberthieves while using public wireless services. Solutions like Hotspot Shield and Webroot's antimalware protection are imperative for keeping their personal and financial information safe and private. As a leader in protecting against Web-based threats, Webroot is pleased to partner with AnchorFree to extend our protection to secure the online experience of millions of Hotspot Shield users worldwide."