Silicon Valley Start-Up Targets MENA Growth

A Silicon Valley start-up company is putting the MENA region at the heart of its global expansion plans, as it seeks to change ways users browse the Internet.

AnchorFree is an Internet security provider whose latest product, HotSpot Shield, works by encrypting accessed webpages providing a ‘private tunnel’ and preventing hackers from gaining access through public WiFi connections.

The software has been downloaded more than 75 million times across 190 countries.

The announcement comes ahead of GITEX – the GCC’s biggest technology event – and at a time when online businesses and website development is surging in the region.

David Gorodyansky, chief executive officer at AnchorFree, said: “For too long, internet users have been vulnerable to hackers, identity thieves and potentially debilitating malware.

“MENA is one of our absolute key growth markets. With some of the world’s most youthful and tech-savvy populations, the possibilities inspired by unencumbered web access and enhanced online privacy and security will underpin every aspect of this region’s innovative future.”

HotSpot Shield protects from more than 3.5 million malware, phishing and spam sites and is available on mobile platforms including Apple’s iOS and Android.

Earlier this year the company raised $52 million in C-round funding.