SOURCE: AnchorFree

October 21, 2009 09:00 ET

AnchorFree Extends Reach of Hotspot Shield -- Introduces New Local Language Feature and Updated Mac Version

Online Privacy and Security Tool Used by Millions Now Available in More Than 100 Countries and Seven Languages

SUNNYVALE, CA--(Marketwire - October 21, 2009) - AnchorFree Inc., the creator of Hotspot Shield, the world's first and only freely downloadable virtual private network (VPN), today announced the newest release of Hotspot Shield on Windows, which allows millions of users worldwide to access customized versions of the popular online security tool in seven supported languages. In addition, AnchorFree also released an updated Macintosh version of Hotspot Shield.

The new localized version of Hotspot Shield on Windows allows users to customize the product to their local environment by setting language preferences. In addition to English, Hotspot Shield is now available for the first time in French, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Russian and Vietnamese languages. This added feature not only improves the online experience, but further expands the reach and distribution of Hotspot Shield to millions of new potential users.

In order to make Hotspot Shield even easier to access for any user, AnchorFree also released a new Mac version that features far greater functionality for Apple users, including:

--  Better global accessibility;
--  Faster connection speeds;
--  Improved user interface;
--  An installer that makes the launch of Hotspot Shield faster; and
--  The ability for users to share feedback and product suggestions.
    

As the Web's premier free security and privacy tool, Hotspot Shield has seen its user base explode by 500 percent this year and now keeps more than 7.5 million monthly users secure and anonymous on personal computers, iPhones and public and home Internet networks. People around the world rely on Hotspot Shield to let them use the Internet freely and safely, bypassing censorship in certain regions and providing greater access to sites such as Google, Twitter, Facebook and other social communities. Recently, users in Iran were able to access Twitter to share personal stories about the election and subsequent strife.

"No matter what language users speak or what Operating System they use, we want our users to know that Hotspot Shield will be there to keep them secure and private online," said David Gorodyansky, founder and CEO of AnchorFree. "AnchorFree is always looking to make Hotspot Shield more user-friendly so people can easily access all Web content privately and securely, from anywhere in the world and with the fastest connections possible."

About AnchorFree and Hotspot Shield

AnchorFree enables millions of users globally to surf the Web freely and securely through Hotspot Shield, the world's first and most popular ad-supported virtual private network. More than 7.5 million monthly users in 190 countries rely on Hotspot Shield to secure their Web browsing experience, proliferating freedom of information online and democratizing the Web. It is the only free way to ensure privacy and total anonymity online on desktop computers, laptops and iPhones. Hotspot Shield is powered by AnchorFree's proprietary communication platform that enables marketers to distribute ad campaigns, messaging and content to millions of users, totaling almost one billion page views every month. AnchorFree is a privately held company with more than $11 million in financing and is based in Sunnyvale, California. For more information or to download Hotspot Shield, please visit www.anchorfree.com.