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Bitdefender
Bitdefender
Bitdefender
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Bitdefender is a multinational cybersecurity technology company dual-headquartered in Bucharest, Romania and San Antonio, Texas, with offices in the United States, Europe, Australia and the Middle East.[2] In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, offices are located in Australia (Melbourne), as well as in Southeast Asia, including Singapore and Indonesia (Jakarta).

Key Information

The company was founded in 2001 by current CEO and main shareholder, Florin Talpeș. Bitdefender develops and delivers cybersecurity products and services, including antivirus software, endpoint security, managed detection and response, identity protection and online privacy for consumers and enterprises.

Bitdefender products are distributed both online and through partners in over 150 countries, and the US market is estimated to generate more than 40% of its revenue. As of 2025, the company employed more than 1,800 people worldwide.[2]

History

[edit]

Bitdefender software was originally developed by SOFTWIN, a company founded in 1990 in post-communist Romania. It was originally sold as AVX (Antivirus Expert) from 1996 until 2001, when the Bitdefender subsidiary was created and AVX was rebranded under the Bitdefender name.[3] In 2007, Bitdefender became a separate business entity with external capital entry, with Axxess Capital Investment Fund as a key shareholder.

Old logo of the company

From 2004 to 2015, the company expanded with offices in the United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Denmark, and the Middle East.[4]

In 2017, the company acquired French partner Profil Technology.[5] British fund Vitruvian Partners would then buy a 30% stake in the company, putting its valuation over $600 million.[6]

In 2018, Bitdefender opened a new subsidiary in Australia through acquisition of assets from SMS eTech.[7] That year, the company also acquired behavioral and network security analysis company RedSocks.[4]

Bitdefender opened a Security Operations Center in San Antonio, Texas in 2019. The SOC serves as a headquarters for the company's managed detection and response services, and operates as part of a global network with additional SOCs in Romania and Singapore.[8] Bitdefender analysts use telemetry from the company’s threat intelligence engines to identify, investigate, and respond to threats.[9]

Bitdefender signed a multi-year partnership deal with Scuderia Ferrari on September 28, 2022.[10][11] The partnership expanded in 2023 to include integration of Bitdefender Advanced Threat Intelligence into all of Ferrari’s operational systems.[12][13] In October 2025, Bitdefender extended its partnership with Scuderia Ferrari HP through 2028.[14] Bitdefender also has a partnership with the San Antonio Spurs to provide cybersecurity services,[15] and partners with Arrow Electronics to offer its subscription-based services.[16]

In August 2023, Bitdefender acquired Singapore-based Horangi Cyber Security, expanding its managed detection & response services and absorbing Horangi's team of experts.[17]

Bitdefender announced the launch of Bitdefender Voyager Ventures, a corporate venture capital unit, in April 2024.[18] The venture invests in early-stage cybersecurity and AI startups, including Validaitor, a spinoff of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.[19] In May, Bitdefender and NinjaOne announced a partnership to integrate their security software into a single product suite.[20]

In February 2025, Bitdefender acquired a division of Bitshield responsible for distributing Bitdefender products and services in Malaysia and Brunei.[21]

In June 2025, Bitdefender announced an agreement to acquire Mesh Security Limited, an Ireland-founded provider of email-security technology.[22] Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Mesh’s capabilities was expected to be incorporated into Bitdefender’s existing security platforms, pending regulatory approval.[22]

Fighting cybercrime

[edit]

Since 2016, Bitdefender has advised Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) in supporting investigations into online criminal activity.[23] Bitdefender joined the No More Ransom initiative in 2016, releasing free decryption tools for victims of ransom attacks to decrypt their devices without having to pay to do so.[24][25] This included releasing a free universal decryption kit for users affected by the GandCrab ransomware attack in 2018.[26]

In 2016, Bitdefender advised the FBI, the DEA, and the Dutch National Police (with the support of Europol) during Operation Bayonet, culminating in the shutdown of the AlphaBay and Hansa black markets in 2017.[27]

In 2018, Bitdefender joined the Cybersecurity Tech Accord,[28] and in 2019, provided operational support to Europol's European Cybercrime Centre, helping shut down the Sipulimarket and Silkktie darknet markets.[29]

Bitdefender's 2020 research into the Interplanetary Storm botnet proxy network was provided to law enforcement ahead of the FBI dismantling the network in November 2023.[30]

In September 2023, Bitdefender provided support to Finnish authorities contributing to the seizure of the PIILOPUOTI dark web marketplace.[31] In May 2024, Bitdefender was a supporting partner for Europol's Operation Endgame, which Europol called the largest operation ever against bots, including IcedID, SystemBC, Pikabot, Smokeloader and Bumblebee.[32] It led to the takedown of over 100 servers, and four arrests worldwide.[33][34]

Researchers for Bitdefender provided Finnish customs with information to help shut down the Sipulitie Tor marketplace in October 2024.[35]

Products and services

[edit]

Bitdefender's original product was sold as Antivirus Expert until 2001, when it was rebranded under the Bitdefender name.[3]In 2011, Bitdefender expanded and split its service lines into consumer and enterprise security products.

Consumer

[edit]

Bitdefender's consumer offerings include antivirus and malware protection services, as well as password management, identity threat protection, and VPN services.[36][37] Their all-in-one plans are available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android, and offered in tiers, including Bitdefender Ultimate Security, and specific plans for small businesses and content creators.[38]Bitdefender's consumer services are managed through an online portal, called Bitdefender Central.[39]

The company also releases free decryption tools for victims of ransomware attacks, including the BitLocker-abusing ShrinkLocker ransomware in 2024.[40]

Enterprise

[edit]

Bitdefender's endpoint security products are managed through the GravityZone platform.[38] The company also offers an extended detection and response (XDR) platform and additional security services.[41]

GravityZone expanded in 2025 to include PHASR (Proactive Hardening and Attack Surface Reduction), which allows for dynamic, individualized security configurations.[42]

Artificial intelligence

[edit]

In December 2023, Bitdefender launched Scamio, a free AI-powered scam detector,[43] which was integrated into WhatsApp in April 2024, and Discord in October 2024.[44][45]

In October 2024, the company announced it was consolidating its scam detection and AI prevention technologies into the Scam Copilot platform.[46][47]

Controversies and incidents

[edit]

Trojan.FakeAlert.5

[edit]

On March 20, 2010, computers running Bitdefender under 64-bit versions of Windows were affected by a malfunctioning update that classified every executable program as well as DLL files as infected. These files were all marked as 'Trojan.FakeAlert.5' and were moved into quarantine. This action led to software and systems malfunctions that affected users globally.[48] Bitdefender representatives announced the removal of the faulty update and a workaround for the users affected,[49] except for those using the 2008 version.[50]

DarkSide ransomware

[edit]

In 2020, hacker group DarkSide switched their main encryption ransomware product over to an "affiliate" model wherein other attackers could download and use their software in exchange for a portion of the profits. However, they introduced a bug in the process where affiliate hackers would all use the same private RSA key - meaning that a decryption package for a single target who paid the ransom would work on any target that had the ransomware installed. Security researchers noticed and were quietly already helping victims of the software, but with no public notice, making it so that the attackers would only see an inexplicable decrease in ransom payments that could be written off as chance.

Months later, Bitdefender publicly released a decryptor of their own development and issued a blog post describing the flaw. Security researchers studying the Colonial Pipeline cyberattack in May 2021 criticized Bitdefender for using the bug as a brief burst of publicity, though they acknowledged that DarkSide would’ve eventually noticed and fixed the issue.[51] Bitdefender defended their actions, saying they only wished to notify as many organizations as possible,[52] triggering a discussion among cybersecurity professionals about the pros and cons of publicly disclosing such vulnerabilities in malware:[53] while the provision of free decryption tools may[54] provide relief for some ransomware victims (who might otherwise not receive free and timely help from experts), their usefulness is short-lived as hackers use these same tools to improve and develop new ransomware software.[51]

Since the creation of its free Darkside Ransomware Decryption Tool, Bitdefender has continued to provide free decryption and recovery tools to the general public on 'multiple occasions', the latest being February 2023.

Awards

[edit]
  • 2023 - AV-TEST Top Product, Best Protection, Best Android Protection, and Best MacOS Security[55]
  • 2023 - AV-Comparatives Outstanding Security Award[56]
  • 2023, 2024 - Representative Vendor for Managed Detection and Response, Gartner Market Guide[57]
  • 2024 - AV-Comparatives Top Product Award[58]
  • 2024 - Leader in Endpoint Security, The Forrester Wave[59]
  • 2024, 2025 - Named one of PCMag's Best Tech Brands.[60][61] Four products, including Bitdefender Ultimate Security, also maintained Editor’s Choice status in 2024.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Bitdefender

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Bitdefender is a multinational cybersecurity company headquartered in , , founded in 2001 as a of Softwin to develop and commercialize advanced antivirus . Originally stemming from Softwin's AVX (Antivirus eXpert) software launched in 1996, Bitdefender rebranded and expanded the product line into a comprehensive suite of endpoint solutions focused on prevention, detection, and response. Led by co-founder and CEO Florin Talpeș, the company emphasizes innovation through and to combat evolving cyber , serving millions of users across more than 170 countries. Bitdefender's product portfolio includes consumer-oriented offerings like Bitdefender Total Security and Antivirus Plus, which provide multi-device protection against , , and , as well as enterprise solutions such as GravityZone, a cloud-based platform for and (XDR). The company's commitment to and data protection extends to features like VPN integration and password managers, enabling cyber resiliency for individuals, small businesses, and large organizations worldwide. With a global network of offices and partnerships, Bitdefender has grown into a leader in the industry, consistently outperforming competitors in independent testing for detection rates and system performance impact. In recent years, Bitdefender has been recognized for its excellence, including topping the 2025 AV-Comparatives Endpoint Prevention and Response (EPR) Test by blocking 100% of attacks in the first phase and earning the only Visionary designation in the 2025 for Endpoint Platforms. These accolades underscore its role in advancing cybersecurity through cutting-edge AI-driven defenses and a proactive stance against , solidifying its position as a trusted provider in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

History

Founding and early development

Bitdefender was founded on November 6, 2001, by Florin Talpeș in , , as a spin-off from SOFTWIN, the software company he co-founded in 1990 with his wife Mariuca Talpeș. The new entity was established specifically to advance antivirus development, building on SOFTWIN's existing expertise in security software such as the AVX (Antivirus eXpert) product line. The initial product, BitDefender 1.0, launched in and marked a shift toward more sophisticated antivirus solutions, with a core emphasis on scanning to identify unknown threats by analyzing suspicious patterns in code behavior rather than relying solely on known signatures. This approach addressed the limitations of traditional signature-based detection during an era of rapidly evolving . Operating in post-communist presented significant early challenges, including scarce funding, underdeveloped , and a nascent environment, yet the company leveraged local talent in and physics to innovate under constraints. In 2002, BitDefender gained its first international recognition through rigorous testing by Virus Bulletin, which reviewed the product positively for its detection capabilities and low false positive rates, earning early acclaim in the global antivirus community. By 2004, the company had transitioned from offering supplementary tools—rooted in SOFTWIN's earlier experiments—to fully commercial antivirus products, integrating behavioral analysis to monitor runtime activities and preemptively block malicious actions. This evolution solidified BitDefender's position as a proactive provider amid growing cyber threats in the early .

Expansion and acquisitions

In 2007, Bitdefender established its independence as a separate entity, with founders retaining majority ownership, marking a pivotal step in its transition from a Romanian subsidiary to a global player. That same year, the company opened its U.S. global marketing headquarters in , to bolster North American sales and partnerships, expanding from its initial U.S. presence established in 2004. This move facilitated entry into the competitive U.S. market, where Bitdefender began pursuing strategic alliances and scaling operations, eventually relocating its U.S. headquarters to . Bitdefender's growth accelerated through targeted acquisitions starting in the mid-2010s. In 2017, it acquired French distributor Profil Technology, its largest deal at the time, to enhance enterprise sales and channel partnerships in , significantly boosting revenue in that segment. The following year, Bitdefender purchased Dutch analytics firm RedSocks, its first technology-focused acquisition, to integrate advanced network detection capabilities and strengthen endpoint response offerings. In 2023, the acquisition of Singapore-based Horangi Cyber Security expanded Bitdefender's managed detection and response services, incorporating cloud security posture management to address multi-cloud environments. More recently, in 2025, Bitdefender acquired Irish email security provider Mesh Security to enhance threat protection against and in email systems, and the BitShield division to deepen its footprint in the region. Key milestones underscored this expansion, including reaching over 500 million users worldwide by 2016, reflecting rapid adoption across consumer and enterprise segments. In 2013, Bitdefender launched its GravityZone platform, a unified solution that evolved with integrations by 2018 to support workload protection in virtualized environments. By 2020, Bitdefender had opened offices in more than 20 countries, including key locations in the (such as and ) and EMEA regions (like the , , , and UAE), supporting localized sales, research, and threat response. This global infrastructure, built on its Romanian foundations, enabled the company to serve customers in 170 countries while adapting to regional regulatory and threat landscapes.

Products and services

Consumer solutions

Bitdefender's consumer solutions are designed for individual users and households, providing straightforward, multi-device protection against cyber threats without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The lineup emphasizes seamless integration across personal devices, focusing on real-time defense mechanisms that minimize performance impact while covering a broad spectrum of risks such as , , and intrusions. The core product, Total Security, offers comprehensive protection for up to 25 devices in its Family Pack variant. Launched in 2010 and updated annually, it includes built-in VPN for secure browsing (limited to 200 MB per day per device), to manage children's online activities, and multi-layered defenses against evolving threats. Antivirus Plus serves as the entry-level option, delivering essential threat blocking for single or multiple devices with core antivirus capabilities, suitable for users seeking basic yet robust safeguards. Both products prioritize ease of use through intuitive interfaces and automated updates. Key features across these solutions include real-time scanning to detect and neutralize threats instantly, remediation tools that enable file recovery from encrypted attacks, and protection to prevent unauthorized access to device cameras. The 2024 enhancements to Digital Identity Protection introduced improved monitoring, including Detection, which scans for exposed personal information on the and alerts users to potential risks in premium plans like Ultimate Security. Ultimate Security provides top-tier protection with unlimited VPN and integrated identity monitoring for up to 10 devices. It achieves 99-100% detection rates for malware and phishing according to independent tests from AV-Comparatives and PCMag, and excels in ransomware protection and advanced threat detection. These elements ensure proactive security tailored for everyday home use, with compatibility spanning Windows, macOS, , and Android platforms. Pricing follows a subscription-based model with a freemium entry point through the free Antivirus edition, allowing basic protection at no cost. The free edition follows Bitdefender's privacy policy, which limits collection to mostly anonymized data such as device information and threat-related telemetry for product improvement and security updates; the company does not collect or sell personal browsing history, files, or sensitive user data, and no major privacy concerns or data harvesting scandals have been reported. Premium plans like Total Security start at $59.99 annually for five devices (discounted from $109.99). Distribution occurs primarily via the official website bitdefender.com, supplemented by partnerships with major retailers such as for physical and digital purchases. As of 2025, Bitdefender reports over 500 million installations worldwide, reflecting widespread adoption among individual users for its cross-platform reliability.

Enterprise offerings

Bitdefender's enterprise offerings center on the GravityZone platform, a solution introduced in 2013 to provide scalable security for business environments. GravityZone enables centralized policy enforcement, risk analytics, and threat prevention across physical, virtual, and mobile endpoints, helping organizations reduce incident response times by up to 50% through automated detections and one-click remediation. A key component is Hypervisor Introspection (HVI), which delivers agentless protection for virtualized environments by scanning raw memory for exploits and code injections outside the guest OS, minimizing performance overhead in hypervisors like Citrix or . The platform incorporates (XDR) capabilities, recognized as a strong performer in 2021 industry evaluations, allowing correlation of threats across endpoints, networks, and cloud workloads for proactive hunting. GravityZone integrates with (SIEM) systems via push notifications and APIs, enabling seamless telemetry forwarding to tools like or Elastic for enhanced visibility and incident analysis. These features support threat hunting by providing cross-endpoint correlation and real-time mapping. Deployment flexibility includes on-premises virtual appliances, cloud-based SaaS, and hybrid models, accommodating environments with over 100,000 endpoints through scalable architecture. Tailored for sectors like and healthcare, where compliance and data protection are critical, GravityZone offers tools for regulatory adherence such as PCI DSS and HIPAA reporting. In 2025, updates to GravityZone introduced a for unified visibility across hybrid setups and automated blocking actions in EDR sensors.

AI and machine learning integration

Bitdefender employs models, including algorithms, to enhance in its cybersecurity solutions by analyzing behavioral patterns and identifying deviations from normal activities. These models are trained on vast telemetry data collected from global endpoints, with all information anonymized prior to processing to protect user . A key component is HyperDetect, introduced in 2019, which leverages and for pre-execution detection of evasive and fileless attacks that evade traditional signature-based methods. HyperDetect combines with tunable to focus on high-impact threats, thereby minimizing false positives associated with lower-risk activities. This approach enables proactive identification of sophisticated attacks, such as zero-day exploits, through behavioral monitoring without relying solely on known threat indicators. Bitdefender integrates neural networks for advanced behavioral within its AI frameworks, processing endpoint to detect subtle anomalies indicative of propagation or unauthorized access. These frameworks draw from diverse models alongside non-AI heuristics to improve accuracy in dynamic threat environments. In GravityZone, this integration supports predictive risk scoring, where AI-driven analytics calculate asset and company-wide risk levels based on assessments, event severity, and historical patterns, allowing organizations to prioritize mitigation efforts. Among recent innovations, Bitdefender launched Scam Copilot in October 2024, an AI-powered platform designed to detect and simulate responses to and scam attempts in real time across digital channels. This tool uses large language models to analyze and educate users on fraudulent interactions, enhancing proactive defense against AI-generated threats like deepfakes. Such capabilities are applied in both consumer and , including GravityZone, to fortify end-user protections. To ensure ethical deployment of AI, Bitdefender implements practices across its pipelines, stripping identifiable information before training datasets are used for model development. This approach mitigates risks in global while addressing potential biases through curated, diverse training sources that reflect varied threat landscapes without compromising individual data integrity.

Operations and technology

Global presence and infrastructure

Bitdefender maintains its global headquarters in , , serving as the primary hub for research, development, and innovation, while its U.S. operations are based in , , focusing on commercial activities and sales. The company operates approximately 18 offices worldwide, spanning (including locations in , , the , , , and multiple sites in such as , Iași, Târgu Mureș, and ), the Americas (with presence in the United States and ), and Asia-Pacific (including in , , and in ). This distributed network enables localized support and rapid response to regional cybersecurity needs across more than 170 countries where its solutions are deployed. The company's infrastructure leverages a robust to ensure low-latency threat scanning and global service delivery, with integrations supporting major providers such as (AWS) and for protecting workloads and endpoints. GravityZone, Bitdefender's enterprise platform, operates in the to provide scalable , including real-time monitoring and automated remediation across hybrid environments. Additionally, Bitdefender holds ISO 27001 certification for its information system, ensuring compliance with international standards for safeguarding data and operations. As of 2025, Bitdefender employs nearly 2,000 people globally, with approximately half dedicated to and roles to drive and . The workforce is distributed across its international offices, supporting diverse functions from development to . In terms of , the company has committed to reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient operations, responsible management, and adoption of remote and hybrid work models to lower its . These efforts align with broader goals, including investments in as outlined in its 2023 sustainability report.

Research labs and threat intelligence

Bitdefender Labs, the company's dedicated research division headquartered in , , was established in 2001 to analyze emerging cybersecurity threats and develop defensive technologies. This facility leads proactive threat hunting, leveraging a global sensor network to process over 50 billion threats daily and validate 30 billion threat queries. Complementing the Bucharest operations, Bitdefender maintains offices in , and . A cornerstone of Bitdefender's research efforts is its LABS platform, which provides free access to detailed threat reports, whitepapers, and analyses for the cybersecurity community. Since joining the No More Ransom project in 2016, Bitdefender has contributed decryptors for over a dozen families, enabling victims to recover data without payment and disrupting criminal operations. The initiative, coordinated with and other partners, has restored access for millions of infections worldwide. Bitdefender's threat intelligence tools include advanced monitoring capabilities, such as scanning integrated into its operational services, to detect leaked credentials and infrastructure vulnerabilities early. The company publishes an annual Cyber Threat Report, with the 2025 edition highlighting the rise of AI-driven attacks, including automated and adaptive , based on from its global network. Through strategic collaborations, Bitdefender partners with and to dismantle distribution networks, contributing technical expertise and indicators of compromise (IoCs) in operations like the takedown of ecosystems and affiliates. These efforts have led to arrests, server seizures, and the release of decryptors for families such as MegaCortex and LockerGoga, preventing billions in potential ransom payments.

Controversies and security incidents

Detection and false positive issues

One notable incident occurred on , , when a faulty update to Bitdefender's antivirus engine caused widespread false positives, misclassifying numerous legitimate Windows system files and even some Bitdefender components as the Trojan.FakeAlert.5 variant. This led to aggressive quarantining actions that disrupted user systems, rendering applications and the OS unstable for affected individuals, with forum reports indicating thousands of users impacted across 64-bit Windows versions. Bitdefender acknowledged the issue promptly and released a corrective update within hours, restoring normal functionality for most users. Subsequent years saw isolated false positive events, though less severe in scale. In September 2015, independent testing by AV-Comparatives identified two s from Bitdefender during a file detection evaluation, involving misdetections of clean software packages as threats. Similarly, in March 2022, the same organization's test recorded eight instances where Bitdefender flagged harmless programs, such as DeskCalc and OpenImage utilities, leading to unnecessary blocks. These cases highlighted occasional overzealous detections but did not result in systemic outages like the 2010 event. To address such issues, Bitdefender implemented robust whitelisting databases that exempt verified legitimate files from scanning, alongside user feedback loops allowing reports of suspected false positives for rapid analysis and updates. Further enhancements through tuning refined detection algorithms, contributing to a significant decline in error rates; by 2023, reported only one false positive across over a million clean samples tested. These measures helped mitigate from past incidents, while maintaining exceptional overall detection efficacy, with AV-Comparatives noting a 100% rate in real-world tests for that year. However, in 2025, user reports on forums indicated instances of numerous false positives following software updates in April and July, suggesting ongoing challenges in detection.

Responses to major threats

Bitdefender played a significant role in combating the DarkSide in 2021 by releasing a free decryption tool in , which exploited a flaw in the malware's encryption to aid victims in recovering their data without paying s. This tool was particularly relevant following the May 2021 attack on , where DarkSide encrypted systems and disrupted fuel supplies across the U.S. East Coast; while Colonial ultimately paid a and restored operations via backups, the tool provided an alternative recovery path for other affected organizations and highlighted DarkSide's operational vulnerabilities, including its ties to Russian-speaking cybercriminals based on code analysis and tracing. In response to the group, Bitdefender contributed to mitigation efforts in by developing and releasing a universal decryptor in September, enabling recovery for victims targeted before July 13 of that year, shortly after the FBI's seizure of REvil's infrastructure in a coordinated international operation. This release supported broader actions against REvil, which had extorted millions through high-profile attacks, by providing technical assistance to reduce the group's leverage over victims. A core strategy in Bitdefender's responses involves offering free decryptors for multiple ransomware strains, such as those for GandCrab, , and Fonix, made available via the No More Ransom project to empower victims directly. Additionally, the company deploys proactive "vaccine" technologies—software that preempts infections by mimicking already compromised systems—to block new strains. These efforts have resulted in the prevention of over $1.6 billion in potential payments and since 2015, according to company reports on decryptor usage and disruptions. Bitdefender's collaborations with agencies like the FBI and CISA include sharing threat intelligence for joint advisories on groups such as LockBit and AvosLocker, enhancing global responses to advanced persistent threats.

Privacy and data collection concerns

Bitdefender has faced no major reported privacy concerns or data harvesting scandals, including with its free Antivirus edition. The official privacy policy states that Bitdefender collects limited, mostly anonymized data such as device information and threat-related telemetry for product improvement and security updates, but does not collect or sell personal browsing history, files, or sensitive user data. Unlike some competitors (e.g., Avast's past Jumpshot incident), Bitdefender does not engage in data selling. Some users raise general concerns about telemetry in antivirus software, but Bitdefender is generally regarded as privacy-respecting among security experts.

Awards and industry recognition

Independent testing awards

Bitdefender has consistently earned top certifications from , an independent testing organization, for its antivirus solutions across multiple platforms. For over 15 consecutive years from 2010 to 2025, Bitdefender products have achieved 100% protection scores in real-world tests, including perfect detection of zero-day attacks and recent threats, while maintaining low false positive rates. In the 2024 awards, announced in March 2025, Bitdefender received recognition for peak ratings in long-term evaluations, with consumer solutions like Total Security earning Best Protection for Windows and Antivirus for Mac securing Best macOS Security. These awards are based on metrics such as detection rates exceeding 99% for prevalent and widespread , alongside usability scores that ensure minimal system impact. AV-Comparatives, another leading lab, has awarded Bitdefender the Advanced+ rating in malware detection tests since 2015, reflecting superior performance in real-world protection scenarios. In 2024, Bitdefender received the Best Performance award for its low system impact, achieving gold-level results in performance evaluations with negligible slowdowns during intensive tasks. The 2025 tests continued this trend, with Bitdefender blocking 99.8% of threats in the Real-World Protection Test (437 out of 438 samples) and recording only 20 false positives across the year's evaluations, among the lowest rates. In November 2025, Bitdefender achieved a perfect score of 15/15 in the AV-Comparatives Advanced Threat Protection Test, with 87% pre-execution detection. These outcomes underscore Bitdefender's balance of high detection efficacy—over 99% for both offline and online threats—and false positive rates below 0.01% in controlled business environments. Other independent labs have also validated Bitdefender's efficacy, particularly in advanced threat scenarios. SE Labs granted AAA ratings to Bitdefender's endpoint solutions in 2025 evaluations for small and medium protection, highlighting 99% protection accuracy in blocking sophisticated attacks with 100% legitimate accuracy and zero legitimate file blocks. MRG Effitas certified Bitdefender at Level 2 in its Q1 2025 360° Assessment and Level 1 in Q2 2025, confirming robust performance against exploits, , and threats. In 2025, labs including and AV-Comparatives recognized Bitdefender's zero-day protection capabilities, with perfect scores in detecting brand-new variants before signature updates. These accolades emphasize detection rates above 99%, false positive rates under 0.01%, and high usability, establishing Bitdefender as a leader in empirical antivirus performance.

Corporate and innovation accolades

Bitdefender has received numerous accolades recognizing its rapid business growth and corporate leadership in the cybersecurity sector. In recognition of its sustained revenue expansion, the company has been highlighted in Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 programs for . These honors underscore Bitdefender's transformation from a regional player to a global cybersecurity powerhouse, driven by innovative scaling strategies and . The company's innovative contributions have been celebrated through prestigious industry evaluations, positioning it as a forward-thinking leader. Bitdefender was named the only in the 2025 for Endpoint Protection Platforms, marking the third consecutive year of such distinction following its status in 2024 and strong recognition in 2023, based on its completeness of vision and ability to execute. These awards reflect Bitdefender's commitment to pioneering technologies that address evolving threats, contributing to its estimated annual revenue exceeding $300 million by 2025. On the corporate front, Bitdefender has earned honors for excellence in SaaS delivery and diversity initiatives. Furthermore, in 2025, the company received recognition for advancing diversity in STEM fields, particularly through programs promoting gender equity in cybersecurity roles, with employee Holly Louise Alexander named a finalist in the CRN Women & Diversity in Channel Awards. These accolades tie directly to Bitdefender's impact, including revenue growth to over $392 million in 2023 and sustained market share gains amid increasing demand for robust endpoint .

References

  1. https://www.bitdefender.com/sv-se/company/about-us
  2. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/company/
  3. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/bitdefender
  4. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/
  5. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/business/
  6. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/business/awards
  7. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-named-the-only-visionary-in-2025-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-endpoint-protection-platforms
  8. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/bitdefender-69023.html
  9. https://business-review.eu/news/romanians-who-add-value-to-the-national-brand-florin-talpes-bitdefender-the-man-behind-an-it-security-solution-used-by-half-a-billion-users-192368
  10. https://canvasbusinessmodel.com/blogs/brief-history/bitdefender-brief-history
  11. https://www.virusbulletin.com/uploads/pdf/magazine/2002/200205.pdf
  12. https://www.newtech.mt/blog-news/evolution-of-bitdefender/
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  15. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender---the-next-generation
  16. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-opens-u-s-global-marketing-headquarters-in-silicon-valley-591
  17. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bitdefenders-landmark-acquisition-of-french-partner-profil-technology-to-further-accelerate-enterprise-growth-610904435.html
  18. https://www.crn.com/news/security/bitdefender-buys-network-security-analytics-startup-redsocks
  19. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-to-acquire-horangi-cyber-security-to-expand-its-gravityzone-unified-risk-and-security-analytics-platform
  20. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-completes-acquisition-of-mesh-security
  21. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-acquires-bitshield-division-to-expand-presence-in-asia-pacific
  22. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-named-to-crns-inaugural-security-100-list-for-creativity-innovation-3116
  23. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-launches-gravityzone-in-a-box-to-protect-virtual-physical-and-mobile-environments-of-small-to-medium-businesses-2814
  24. https://channelbuzz.ca/2018/05/bitdefender-launches-first-cloud-workload-security-platform-integration-with-nutanix-prism-25840/
  25. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/consumer/total-security
  26. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/bitdefender-total-security
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  33. https://www.bitdefender.com/legal/privacy-policy-for-home-users.html
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  35. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/shop/bitdefender-software
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  49. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/business/gravityzone-platform/hyperdetect
  50. https://www.sherweb.com/blog/security/bitdefender-with-advanced-threat-security-ats/
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  52. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-launches-scam-copilot-a-powerful-scam-defense-platform-for-its-digital-life-protection-solutions
  53. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/news/bitdefender-launches-global-campaign-to-combat-ai-driven-scams-targeting-families
  54. https://techzone.bitdefender.com/en/gravityzone-platform/threat-intelligence.html
  55. https://www.glassdoor.com/Location/All-Bitdefender-Office-Locations-E263413.htm
  56. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/business/products/aws-security
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  58. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/business/products/cloud-server-security
  59. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-il/partners/certifications/iso-27001-information-security-management
  60. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/54522-82
  61. https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/company/csr
  62. https://fliphtml5.com/kwlnu/xkiv/Bitdefender_Sustainability_Report_2023_Final_2/
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