Alexandra Borgeaud
Research expert covering cybersecurity and tech in Latin America
Bitdefender is a cyber security company founded in 2001, in Bucharest, Romania. Its main products revolve around cyber security services for individuals and companies, including endpoint protection, multi-cloud security, anti-virus software, virtual private networks (VPN), and Internet of Things (IoT) security. Driven by the critical need for data protection in a hyperconnected and digitalized world, Bitdefender has become one of Romania’s most valuable technology brands. The company’s offices are located across the world, from North America and Europe to Asia and Australia, totaling a workforce of over 1,300 employees. Bitdefender has more than 500 million users globally, competing with software and security companies like Norton and Kaspersky. In 2020, it recorded a revenue of 183 million euros and a net profit of 30 million euros. In December 2021, the company announced that it has hired the investment banks JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley to prepare and manage their listing on the U.S. stock exchange.
Bitdefender’s corporate solutions are security-focused, guaranteeing the highest level of prevention, extended detection, and response. The main products include the GravityZone Security Packages, Security as a Service, Security Products, and Security for Managed Services Providers (MSPs). Besides its software business, Bitdefender collaborates with Romanian criminal law enforcement, Europol, and the Metropolitan Police. The company actively supports the fight against cyber-crimes by developing decryption tools to counter the latest version of GrandCab ransomware.
Reloading and revolutionizing
Bitdefender’s main products and services are split between individual and corporate use. The most popular software programs for personal use are: Anti-Virus Plus, Total Security, and Internet Security. In March 2022, Bitdefender launched its Password manager software - a consumer solution meant to simplify the creation and management of passwords across multiple devices, including mobile phones. According to AV-Test, Bitdefender’s anti-malware software guarantees the best protection against infections with the least impact on system performance.Bitdefender’s corporate solutions are security-focused, guaranteeing the highest level of prevention, extended detection, and response. The main products include the GravityZone Security Packages, Security as a Service, Security Products, and Security for Managed Services Providers (MSPs). Besides its software business, Bitdefender collaborates with Romanian criminal law enforcement, Europol, and the Metropolitan Police. The company actively supports the fight against cyber-crimes by developing decryption tools to counter the latest version of GrandCab ransomware.
Reminding people what a free mind can do
The Russia-Ukraine war began on February 24, 2022, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Over three million people left their homes, seeking refuge in Western countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary. The entire world responded quickly, from individuals to organizations, showing the biggest mobilization and support in recent years. At the moment, Ukraine is fighting its first hybrid war, constantly dealing with cyber-attacks against its government and infrastructure networks. In March 2022, Bitdefender announced that it had teamed up with the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate. They currently provide free expertise, threat intelligence, and cyber security consultancy to any Ukrainian-based businesses, governmental institutions, and Ukrainian citizens facing cyber threats. Recently, Bitdefender’s CEO, Florin Talpes, stated: “As proud Romanians and a company of global citizens, we stand with our northern neighbors who bravely fight for their future.”
