Malwarebytes expands VPN offerings through AzireVPN buy

Malwarebytes has acquired Swedish VPN provider AzireVPN, expanding its privacy-focused product portfolio. The deal, announced on November 7, integrates AzireVPN’s server infrastructure and privacy technologies into Malwarebytes’ suite of consumer-focused security tools. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed

The acquisition marks an expansion of Malwarebytes’ privacy offerings, which include Malwarebytes Privacy VPN and the free Malwarebytes Browser Guard web extension. The latter makes it virtually impossible for third-parties to modify or intercept user traffic. 

According to Mark Beare, General Manager of Malwarebytes’ consumer business, the company aims to “reimagine consumer cybersecurity” with its latest acquisition, focusing on protecting devices and data regardless of users’ location or financial resources.

Enhanced privacy infrastructure

A vital element of the acquisition is AzireVPN’s server infrastructure. The Swedish company is known for its distinctive approach to server management, physically owning and controlling all of its dedicated diskless servers. Malwarebytes has confirmed its commitment to maintaining this practice, which provides users with an additional layer of security and privacy.

Perhaps the most notable technology acquired in the deal is AzireVPN’s Blind Operator feature. This security measure disables both remote and local access to servers, creating what the company describes as a robust barrier against unauthorised traffic interception. The technology makes it “virtually impossible” for any party to modify or tap the traffic on its servers or access user information.

Business continuity

In the immediate term, both companies’ existing customers will see no changes to services. Malwarebytes Privacy VPN users will retain their current user experience, with the company maintaining its no-log service policy that helps prevent the tracking, storing, or sharing of user network data.

Similarly, AzireVPN customers will continue to receive their existing VPN service, maintaining the company’s features which comprise:

• No logging, data collection, or bandwidth limits,
• An anonymous sign-up process with no information-sharing requirements

Strategic direction

The acquisition is part of a strategic push by Malwarebytes into the privacy sector. Mark Beare emphasized the company’s long-standing advocacy for user privacy, suggesting that this acquisition will enable the development of more advanced VPN technologies and features.

“We’re leaning even more on our mission to reimagine consumer cybersecurity,” Beare stated in the announcement. “With AzireVPN’s infrastructure and intellectual property, Malwarebytes is poised to develop more advanced VPN technologies and features, offering increased flexibility and enhanced security for our users.”

Future development

While specific integration plans have not been detailed, Malwarebytes has indicated that new VPN offerings are currently in development, with plans to leverage AzireVPN’s technology and infrastructure to introduce new features in the coming months.

The VPN market has grown significantly in recent years, driven by increasing concerns about online privacy and data security. The acquisition positions Malwarebytes to compete more effectively in the market, particularly in the premium privacy-focused segment where AzireVPN has built its reputation.

See also: Apple issues spyware warnings to iPhone users across 98 countries

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