NordVPN has grown to become one of the leading virtual private network (VPN) providers in the market. Known for its privacy and security features, many users trust NordVPN to keep their online activities safe and anonymous. As with any popular service, questions naturally arise about the ownership and operations of NordVPN.
Digging deeper into the company’s background, NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, a company committed to offering top-notch digital privacy and cybersecurity solutions. With its recent partnership with Surfshark, Nord Security aims to expand its presence in the VPN industry, merging the expertise of both NordVPN and Surfshark to create an even better product offering.
Key Takeaways
- NordVPN is owned and operated by Nord Security, a company focused on providing digital privacy and cybersecurity solutions.
- Nord Security has recently merged with Surfshark, another prominent VPN provider, in an effort to strengthen its presence within the market.
- Understanding the ownership and trust factors of a VPN provider, such as NordVPN, is essential for users concerned about data security and privacy.
Who Owns NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular virtual private network (VPN) service developed by Nord Security (Nordsec Ltd), a cybersecurity software company. Initially, the Lithuanian startup accelerator and business incubator Tesonet supported NordVPN’s development.
The co-founders of Nord Security, Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, have played a significant role in shaping the company’s direction and growth. Their vision is to create a one-stop privacy suite to cater to the diverse cybersecurity needs of users.
In terms of ownership, it is essential to note that Nord Security operates independently. This independence ensures that trust is built with users, as their data is not shared or compromised by any other company or organization. However, NordVPN’s parent company has merged with another VPN provider, Surfshark, but both companies continue to operate separately, each maintaining their unique IT infrastructure.
To summarize, NordVPN is owned and operated by Nord Security (Nordsec Ltd). The company co-founders, Tom Okman and Eimantas Sabaliauskas, have a confident and clear vision for NordVPN, striving to build trust and maintain a neutral stance in the cybersecurity landscape. The recent merger with Surfshark does not affect how these individual VPN services function, ensuring that user privacy and security remain uncompromised.
Understanding NordVPN
Nord Security
Nord Security is the company behind NordVPN, developing cybersecurity software to ensure user privacy and protection. Its main product, NordVPN, is a renowned virtual private network service that allows users to browse the internet securely and anonymously.
NordPass
NordPass is a password manager designed by Nord Security, aiming to make online life more secure and stress-free for its users. It helps users generate strong, unique passwords and securely stores them, making it easy to access and autofill login credentials across different platforms.
NordLocker
NordLocker, another product by Nord Security, is an encrypted cloud storage service providing a secure environment for users to store and share their files. With end-to-end encryption, NordLocker ensures that only the user has access to their data, whether it’s shared or stored.
NordVPN Teams
NordVPN Teams is a cloud-based VPN service tailored for businesses, where team members can securely access company resources remotely. It offers centralized management to handle user accounts and dedicated servers for enhanced performance and security.
NordLayer
NordLayer is an advanced network security solution for businesses, previously known as NordVPN Teams. It provides powerful encryption for organizations’ networks, ensuring secure remote access and communication among team members in different locations.
NordLynx
NordLynx is NordVPN’s proprietary protocol based on WireGuard, an open-source, high-performance VPN protocol that offers enhanced security and improved performance. NordLynx combines the best aspects of WireGuard with NordVPN’s custom double NAT (Network Address Translation) system to provide a secure and fast VPN experience for users.
NordVPN’s Parent Company
NordVPN is a popular VPN service that was founded in 2012. The company behind the service is Nord Security, which is based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Nord Security is responsible for providing a wide range of cybersecurity products and services, including NordVPN.
Tesonet
One of the key players in NordVPN and Nord Security’s history is Tesonet, a Lithuanian company that not only helped with the creation of NordVPN but also shares its roots with Surfshark, another well-known VPN provider. Tesonet is a technology company specializing in a variety of cybersecurity solutions and other IT services.
As mentioned in a TechCrunch article, Nord Security raised $100 million in funding in April 2022, reaching a valuation of $1.6 billion. This first-ever round of funding was led by Novator. Furthermore, in February 2022, NordVPN’s parent company, Nord Security, announced a merger with VPN provider Surfshark, forming a single organization to further strengthen their positions in the VPN market, as reported by PCMag.
The close ties between NordVPN, Surfshark, and Tesonet indicate the significant role that Tesonet, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, plays in the development and growth of these VPN providers. With the recent merger and funding, Nord Security is well-positioned to continue expanding its range of cybersecurity products and services and providing users with greater privacy and security online.
NordVPN and Trust Factors
Transparency and Audits
NordVPN, a widely recognized virtual private network (VPN) provider, places a strong emphasis on trust and transparency. As part of their commitment to user privacy, NordVPN has undergone multiple independent audits. In 2018, they invited one of the world’s leading auditing firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers AG (PwC), to conduct an in-depth audit of their no-logs policy. The audit results confirmed NordVPN’s compliance with their strict zero-logging policy, ensuring that users’ data and online activities remain private.
Encryption and No-Logs Policy
NordVPN employs state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure the security and privacy of its users. They use AES-256-GCM encryption with a 2048-bit DH key to secure data over their network. This encryption method is highly secure and is often referred to as military-grade encryption.
NordVPN’s no-logs policy is central to its commitment to user privacy. This policy ensures that NordVPN does not store any user data that could potentially reveal users’ identities or online activities. Some key points of their no-logs policy include:
- No logging of IP addresses
- No logging of connection timestamps
- No logging of session information
- No logging of traffic or user data
As a result, users can trust that their online activities and personal information remain confidential and will not be exposed to third parties.
Security and Privacy In Vpn Services
Virtual Private Network
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that provides a secure and private tunnel for data transmission over the internet. By encrypting your data, VPNs ensure that your online activities remain confidential and safe from potential threats, such as hackers or intrusive surveillance.
The foundation of VPN security lies in the encryption protocols used. Commonly used encryption protocols include OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and WireGuard. These protocols provide varying levels of security and speed, each catering to different user preferences and needs.
VPNs play a significant role in protecting users’ privacy by masking their IP addresses, which can reveal information about their locations and online activities. Furthermore, many VPN service providers have a strict no-logging policy, ensuring that users’ data and activity logs are not preserved.
Tier System
In the VPN industry, a tier system often refers to the categorization of VPN providers based on their performance, reliability, and commitment to user privacy. This system helps users identify the best VPN options for their specific needs and preferences.
A top-tier VPN, like NordVPN, provides a comprehensive suite of security features, fast connection speeds, and a global network of servers. These VPNs typically adhere to strict no-logging policies and maintain high standards for user privacy.
Mid-tier VPNs offer a decent level of protection and functionality but may lack some advanced features, have slower speeds, or provide fewer server locations. Low-tier VPNs often fall short in terms of security capabilities, user privacy, and overall performance.
It is crucial for users to choose a reliable VPN service provider that prioritizes both security and privacy. Considering factors such as the provider’s encryption protocols, server locations, no-logging policy, and overall reputation will guide users towards a trustworthy and effective VPN solution.
Exploring Other VPN Providers
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at some popular VPN providers, delving into their offerings and features.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a top-rated VPN provider known for its affordable pricing and user-friendly interface. With a wide range of servers located worldwide, Surfshark offers fast connection speeds and strong security features, such as AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a well-established VPN provider, boasting a vast network of servers in over 90 countries. Their top-notch security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch to ensure data privacy. ExpressVPN is also known for its user-friendly apps and 24/7 customer support.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a popular VPN service offering robust security features, such as end-to-end encryption and a strict no-logs policy. With a network of servers in various countries, PIA boasts excellent connection speeds, making it a great option for streaming and torrenting.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider with a large server network and a strong focus on privacy. It offers powerful encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost’s apps cater to both beginners and advanced users, making it a versatile choice for various needs.
StrongVPN
StrongVPN has been in the industry for years, offering secure and reliable VPN services to its users. With a focus on robust encryption and a no-logs policy, StrongVPN aims to provide privacy and anonymity while browsing the internet. Their comprehensive customer support and user-friendly apps make them a popular choice among VPN users.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a well-regarded VPN provider with a focus on fast connection speeds and excellent security features. Its extensive server network, 256-bit AES encryption, and strict no-logs policy ensure user privacy and anonymity. IPVanish is compatible with multiple platforms and offers user-friendly applications.
Encrypt.Me
Encrypt.Me is a straightforward VPN solution, with an easy-to-use interface and a focus on simplicity. It offers essential security features such as encryption and IP address masking. Encrypt.Me is great for users who want a no-frills, easy-to-navigate VPN service.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a newer addition to the VPN market, offering an affordable solution for users seeking online privacy. With a focus on strong encryption and a no-logs policy, Atlas VPN aims to provide reliable security without breaking the bank. Their user-friendly apps and responsive customer support make them an appealing choice for first-time VPN users.
Data Security and Privacy
Retention and Data Security
NordVPN prioritizes both data security and privacy for their users. The company is known for its strict no-logs policy. This means that they do not store information about their customers’ online activities; this commitment to user privacy keeps sensitive data safe from potential leaks or breaches. In addition to their no-logs approach, NordVPN utilizes robust encryption methods, such as AES-256-GCM, to protect user data and ensure secure connections across their network.
Moreover, NordVPN is based in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes alliance. This country choice further ensures the customers’ data protection and strengthens the company’s commitment to privacy.
Sensitive Information Protection
NordVPN uses several measures to safeguard their users’ sensitive information. They employ a well-known security protocol, OpenVPN, which offers exceptional encryption and security. Furthermore, they provide the NordLynx protocol, based on the WireGuard® technology, which combines strong security with high-speed performance.
In case of any security issues, NordVPN has a bug bounty program, encouraging security researchers to find and report vulnerabilities in their system. These measures show a proactive stance towards continuously improving their services and ensuring the protection of sensitive user information.
By focusing on data security and privacy, NordVPN aims to provide their customers with a safe and trustworthy browsing experience. Through their endeavors in retention and data security, along with their commitment to sensitive information protection, they are effectively implementing strategies to maintain and enhance their users’ online privacy and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is behind NordVPN?
NordVPN is operated by NordVPN S.A., a company incorporated in Panama. The exact management structure and details of the individuals behind the company are not publicly disclosed, but it is known that they come from a diverse background of industries and countries [source].
What company owns NordVPN?
Nord Security, formerly known as NordVPN, is the parent company behind the popular VPN service. Operating under a broader umbrella of privacy and security-focused products, the company has expanded its offerings to better serve users beyond just VPN services [source].
Is Tesonet related to NordVPN ownership?
Tesonet is a Lithuanian-based company that has been linked with NordVPN in the past. However, NordVPN is owned and operated by NordVPN S.A. incorporated in Panama, and it is essential to understand the distinction between the two entities [source].
Where is NordVPN based?
NordVPN is based in Panama, a country known for its favorable privacy laws. This strategic choice of location allows NordVPN to operate without mandatory data retention policies, providing their users with additional layers of privacy protection [source].
Are there connections between NordVPN and Russia?
In 2018, NordVPN announced it would no longer be providing VPN services in Russia due to regulatory changes that required VPN providers to connect to Russia’s state communications watchdog register. This decision demonstrated NordVPN’s commitment to their users’ privacy and demonstrated that they prioritize user protection over expanding their market reach [source].
What other companies are associated with NordVPN?
Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, is associated with other privacy-focused products. In February 2022, it was announced that NordVPN and Surfshark, another popular VPN provider, would be merging to form one company, aiming to combine resources and improve their services for users [source].
