Webroot and AnchorFree Join Forces To Create A Brighter Version Of HotSpot Shield

What do you get when you take hold of one of the top internet security providers in the world and combine them with one of the most popular and widely used Virtual Private Networks who specialize in keeping tight security of their customers’ online profiles? Only something good can come out of such a cool combination, right? If you are wondering what exactly is being referred to here, well, this is about the collaboration of Webroot and AnchorFree who by the way, created Hot Spot Shield. These two giants have joined hands to create a spanking new, brighter version of HotSpot Shield, which will be free of advertisements.

There is no doubt that this will greatly influence the way that the 7.5 million users of HotSpot Shield throughout the world work online. Webroot’s virus and spyware protection combined with Anchorfree’s encryption technology will be available as an ad free version of Hot Spot Shield and this priceless feature will be available sometime in 2010, as per estimates.

This feature will, of course, not be free like it is now, and that is because there will be no ads to fund it, but the price has not been announced yet. It is supposed to be announced in the year 2010 as well. However, the good news is that current HotSpot customers can look forward to a free fifteen day trial of Webroot Antivirus with Spy Sweeper or Webroot internet security essentials, in addition to a special discount on the purchase price. Interested? Well, all you have to do is log on to www.hotspotshield.com to avail the free trial as well as the discount.

If, for some reason, you prefer to use the old version of HotSpot with all the ads, it will still be available.

According to David Gorodyansky, the co founder and Chief Executive Officer of AnchorFree, HotSpot Shield has grown five times in the past year alone. This shows how increasingly popular it has become as more and more people realize the security, privacy as well as identity protection provided by it, especially in online financial transactions like banking and shopping. Customers trust HotSpot Shield, and for a good reason. The new version will provide even more enhanced security features.

According to Paul Lipman, senior Vice President and General Manager of Webroot’s Customer business, secure internet connection becomes even more important with the coming holiday season, where travel plans will join banking and shopping as the major areas of internet usage. As more and more people connect to the World Wide Web to plan for their vacations, they need to do so under the solid protection of a secure connection. That is one of the major reasons for the partnership to start off with the coming holiday season.

According to a survey commissioned by Webroot’s using Qualtrics online survey tools, travellers from the United States as well as the United Kingdom are increasingly using mobile devices like laptops, netbooks and smart phones to access the internet while they travel. Unfortunately, many of these connections are insecure and therefore potential security bombshells. These people are putting their identity and security online under constant threat. This has to be corrected, and Webroot plans to educate and arm such customers with the essential protective tools.

With a 7.5 million user base, it is obvious that a lot of people are already aware about, Webroot as well as HotSpot Shield. However, here are some more details on the same:

Webroot: Webroot is a company based in Boulder, Colorado. They basically provide high end and up to date security solutions to a wide base of customers which includes individual private customers, businesses of all sizes as well as private and other enterprises. Their customer base is spread throughout the world, but they can be contacted at their official website, www.webroot.com. United States residents can place calls on the following number: 800 772 9383.

HotSpot Shield: HotSpot Shield is a widely used, secure Virtual Private Network. It is free as it is supported by advertisements. It was created by AnchorFree, a private company based in California. HotSpot Shield boasts of a customer base of 7.5 million customers spread over 190 countries.

[Via Sys-Con Media]