NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service provider, known for its commitment to privacy and robust security features. Understanding the company behind this service, including its ownership and affiliations, is essential for users seeking transparency and trustworthiness in their VPN choice.
Ownership of NordVPN can be traced back to Tesonet, a company based in Lithuania. Tesonet has played a key role in the development of NordVPN and other related services such as Surfshark. While questions about their connections have been raised, both NordVPN and Surfshark have maintained their commitment to privacy and digital security, standing out among competitors in the VPN industry.
Key Takeaways
- NordVPN is operated by Nord Security, a company committed to providing online security tools.
- Ownership can be traced back to a Lithuanian company involved in the development of other VPN services.
- NordVPN and Surfshark have consistently prioritized digital privacy and security in their products and services.
Ownership of NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN service developed by Nord Security (Nordsec Ltd), a company that specializes in creating cybersecurity software. The company was initially supported by the Lithuanian startup accelerator and business incubator Tesonet.
Though Nord Security has its roots in Lithuania, NordVPN is officially registered in Panama, a country with strong privacy laws. This strategic decision ensures that the VPN service can provide a high level of privacy to its users without being subject to intrusive data retention laws.
The founder of Nord Security and NordVPN, Tom Okman, has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the company. His vision has guided NordVPN to its current position as a market leader in the VPN industry, offering advanced security features and boasting a large global network of servers.
As part of its commitment to privacy and security, NordVPN is also a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI). The VTI aims to educate the public about cybersecurity and set quality standards for the entire VPN industry.
In February 2022, Nord Security announced a merger with Surfshark, another well-known VPN provider. This move has expanded the reach of both companies, creating a powerhouse in the cybersecurity and privacy space.
Nord Security’s Portfolio
Nord Security is the company behind the well-known NordVPN service. It has expanded its portfolio to cater to various security and privacy needs of individuals and businesses. In this section, we will discuss some of the products and solutions Nord Security offers.
NordPass is a password manager that enables users to securely store, organize, and access their login credentials. It provides a user-friendly interface and features like password strength evaluation, secure password sharing, and auto-filling login forms.
NordLocker offers anencrypted storage solution, allowing users to protect their sensitive files and documents from unauthorized access. Users can store their data in encrypted lockers, which are protected by a user-created master password, ensuring data privacy even in case of device theft or data breaches.
NordVPN Teams and NordLayer cater specifically to the needs of businesses and organizations. NordVPN Teams is designed to provide secure remote access and data protection for teams, while NordLayer is a cloud-based, scalable, and easy-to-deploy network security solution. Both services offer advanced security features, flexibility with infrastructure, and centralized administration.
Nord Security takes cybersecurity to new heights with multiple security solutions for different user requirements. These products are designed to help users protect their digital identities, ensuring safe browsing, and secure data storage. By maintaining a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear approach, Nord Security proves itself as a reliable player in the digital privacy and cybersecurity market.
Other VPN Services and Industry Players
In the competitive world of VPN services, several key players stand out in the market. One example is the recent merger between NordVPN’s parent company, Nord Security, and Surfshark. This partnership aims to bring together two of the top VPN providers and offer customers a more comprehensive set of online security solutions.
Another major industry player is Kape Technologies, which owns multiple noteworthy VPNs, including ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and CyberGhost. Kape Technologies has been expanding its VPN portfolio and increasing its market presence by acquiring recognized VPN services. Meanwhile, J2Global owns six VPN brands, such as IPVanish and StrongVPN. They are actively involved in the VPN space and contribute to the industry’s growth.
Two other VPN services worth mentioning are Encrypt.me and Atlas VPN. Both of these providers offer various security features and have been gaining traction in the market in recent years. Furthermore, Ziff Davis, a leading digital media company, recently acquired Encrypt.me to expand its footprint in the cybersecurity space.
Overall, the VPN industry is continually evolving, with numerous companies and providers seeking to deliver the best possible online protection for their users. With a diverse range of options in the market, it is vital for internet users to stay informed and select a VPN service that meets their specific needs and preferences.
Legislation and Jurisdiction
NordVPN operates under the jurisdiction of Panama. Panama is an ideal location for a VPN company, as it has no mandatory data retention laws. This means that NordVPN is not obligated to store logs of its users’ activities, allowing the provider to maintain a strict no-logs policy, which greatly enhances users’ privacy and security.
Panama is not a member of the Five Eyes or Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances. These alliances involve countries sharing and pooling their intelligence data, which could potentially compromise the privacy of VPN users. By operating outside these alliances, NordVPN further protects its users from potential surveillance by member countries, such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
While NordVPN’s primary operation is based in Panama, it also has offices in other countries including Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Panama, and the Netherlands. This geographical diversity could potentially expose the company to various legislation and regulations. However, since NordVPN’s main jurisdiction is in Panama, the company is subject primarily to the laws of that country.
NordVPN, as a responsible service provider, does comply with law enforcement data requests under specific circumstances. However, it bears emphasizing that given Panama’s favorable legislation and NordVPN’s no-logs policy, the information that the company can provide to authorities is extremely limited.
Audits and Transparency
NordVPN takes their commitment to user privacy and security seriously by conducting regular audits and participating in transparency initiatives. They routinely submit their apps to independent researchers for thorough security testing, fixing any flaws uncovered. This proactive approach ensures that their VPN service is up to date with the latest security measures and can be trusted by their users.
An example of their dedication to transparency is their partnership with Tefincom, the company that manages NordVPN payments. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to ensuring customer data and sensitive information are handled securely.
NordVPN has engaged professional security firm VerSprite for conducting independent audits on their infrastructure and application security, further solidifying their reputation as a secure and reliable VPN provider.
In addition to audits, NordVPN also runs a Bug Bounty Program, which encourages security researchers and users to find vulnerabilities and report them. This program helps NordVPN maintain a high level of security in their applications, as any issues discovered can be addressed promptly.
One notable industry effort that NordVPN is involved in is the VPN Trust Initiative. NordVPN is one of the five founding members of this initiative, which aims to promote online security and encourage more self-regulation and transparency within the VPN industry. As part of this initiative, participating companies work together on technical knowledge-sharing, transparency efforts, and enhancing trust among users.
By actively participating in security audits, transparency initiatives, and industry collaborations like the VPN Trust Initiative, NordVPN demonstrates a confident and knowledgeable approach to ensuring the privacy and security of their users.
Digital Privacy and Data Security
In today’s digital age, digital privacy and data security play a critical role in protecting individual and organizational information from unauthorized access. With the widespread use of the internet, sensitive information is increasingly being transmitted across various networks, making it more susceptible to theft or misuse.
In an effort to promote online security, transparency, and self-regulation within the industry, NordVPN became a founding member of the “VPN Trust Initiative” in December 2019 (source). This initiative aims to improve collaboration among VPN providers and help users make more informed choices when selecting privacy tools.
It is essential for individuals and businesses to prioritize data privacy and security to protect their sensitive information from potential threats. Utilizing privacy tools like NordVPN can greatly enhance one’s online anonymity and security, reducing the risks associated with cyber threats.
Conclusion
NordVPN is a popular VPN service provider, known for its focus on security and privacy. In recent years, there have been questions raised about its ownership structure. According to the information available, NordVPN is owned by a company called Tefincom S.A. which is based in Panama (source). This is a strategic choice, as Panama has more lenient data privacy laws, allowing NordVPN to avoid mandatory data retention requirements.
There have also been discussions about the relationship between NordVPN and a Lithuanian company, Tesonet. The President of the company that manages NordVPN payments was found to be the CEO of Tesonet (source). This connection has caused concerns among some users, given Tesonet’s involvement in data-harvesting services. However, the exact nature and extent of the relationship between NordVPN and Tesonet remains unclear.
In February 2022, Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, announced a merger with Surfshark, another well-known VPN provider (source). This move signifies a further expansion of the NordVPN brand and demonstrates its commitment to providing robust security and privacy solutions for users.
In sum, the ownership structure of NordVPN is complex and not without controversy. However, its strategic location in Panama and its recent merger with Surfshark suggest that the company remains dedicated to providing a secure and reliable VPN service for its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company is behind NordVPN?
Nord Security is the company behind NordVPN. They are focused on creating internet security solutions and play a leading role in the VPN industry.
Is NordVPN still trustworthy?
Yes, NordVPN is still considered a trustworthy VPN service. They are a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative, which aims to educate the public about cybersecurity and set quality standards for the VPN industry. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for users who are not satisfied with their service.
What is the relationship between Tesonet and NordVPN?
There have been reports claiming that the CEO of Tesonet is also the president of the company that manages NordVPN’s payments. While this connection may raise some concerns, NordVPN has continued to maintain a strong reputation in the VPN industry, and there is no solid evidence to suggest that their service has been compromised.
Where is NordVPN’s headquarters located?
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is considered a privacy-friendly jurisdiction due to its lack of strict data retention laws. This location allows NordVPN to provide users with a secure and private VPN service.
Is NordVPN a publicly traded company?
NordVPN is a private company, and as such, it is not publicly traded on any stock exchange. This allows the company to focus on providing a secure and reliable service without the need for shareholder approval or reporting requirements.
