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Panda Security
Panda Security
from Wikipedia

Panda Security is a Spanish[1] cybersecurity software company. Panda Security's core offering is antivirus software and other cybersecurity software. This includes security products and services for both businesses and home users, as well as protection tools for systems, networks, emails, and other private information. In 2015, the firm was the tenth largest antivirus vendor worldwide, with 2.0% of the marketplace.[2] As of August 2024, Panda Security reports over 600 employees.[3]

Key Information

Overview

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In 2005, Panda Security was the fourth largest antivirus vendor worldwide, with 3.2% of the marketplace.[4] In November 2015, OPSWAT measured Panda Security's market share to be 3.6%.[5] The company, whose shares were previously 100% held by Mikel Urizarbarrena, announced on April 24, 2007, the sale of 75% of its shares to the Southern European investment group Investindustrial and private equity firm Gala Capital.[6] On 30 July 2007, the company changed its name from Panda Software to Panda Security and Urizarbarrena was replaced by Jorge Dinares. Almost one year later, on 3 June 2008, amidst flagging sales, the board of directors voted to replace Dinares with Juan Santana, the CEO.[7][8] Santana resigned in September 2011 and was replaced by José Sancho as acting CEO.[9] In February 2018, Juan Santamaría was appointed CEO of Panda Security after serving as General Manager.[10]

The firm reportedly operates subsidiaries in several countries like Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Sweden, Finland, Spain, and Japan. Additionally, it has franchises in another 44 countries. The US subsidiary moved its headquarters to Orlando, Florida in 2009.[11]

In late 2009, Panda Security created a partnership with Web of Trust to help fight the war on viruses.[12]

Panda was previously embroiled in a lawsuit with one of its channel partners, External Technologies, Inc. In 2013, Panda prevailed in this lawsuit, recovering a judgment in excess of $100,000 and prevailing on all claims asserted by External against Panda.[13] On 3 August 2010, a new office location in Menlo Park, California was publicly announced by Panda's CEO via his Twitter account.[14]

In 2012, the firm was the tenth largest antivirus vendor worldwide, with 2.0% of the marketplace.[15]

In March 2020, the Seattle-based network security firm WatchGuard announced that they entered into an agreement to acquire Panda Security.[16]

See also

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References

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from Grokipedia
Panda Security is a Spanish cybersecurity company founded in 1990 in by Mikel Urizarbarrena, specializing in the development of innovative solutions, including , detection, and advanced management tools. As a pioneer in cloud-based security offerings since 2010, the company leverages technologies like , , and behavioral analysis to provide dynamic protection against evolving cyber s such as , , and network attacks. In 2020, Panda Security was acquired by U.S.-based Technologies and now operates as a wholly-owned , enhancing WatchGuard's portfolio with endpoint-focused innovations. The company's flagship Panda Dome product range delivers comprehensive security for individuals and businesses, compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and devices, featuring real-time antivirus scanning, remediation, and parental controls in higher tiers. Key technologies include TruPrevent for proactive virus blocking, for global real-time threat sharing, and Adaptive Defense as a cloud-based endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that combines prevention, detection, and remediation. These offerings emphasize ease of use through SaaS models, supporting managed detection and response (MDR) services for small to medium-sized enterprises. Panda Security has earned recognition for its contributions to cybersecurity, including inclusion in Gartner's for Endpoint Protection Platforms in 2021 and consistent rankings among Europe's fastest-growing tech firms since the late 1990s. With products available in over 195 countries and support for more than 23 languages, the company continues to innovate amid rising threats like AI-driven as of 2025.

History

Founding and Early Development

Panda Software was founded in 1990 in Bilbao, Spain, by Mikel Urizarbarrena, with an initial focus on developing antivirus solutions to combat the limited but growing threats of computer viruses prevalent on MS-DOS systems. The company's first product, an antivirus solution, was launched that same year, providing essential detection and removal capabilities for early malware targeting personal computers. In the mid-1990s, Panda Software expanded its offerings with versions of its antivirus software adapted for Windows operating systems, aligning with the shift in computing platforms and the increasing complexity of digital threats. As a small Spanish firm, it faced significant challenges from established international competitors like Symantec and , which dominated the global market with larger resources and broader distribution networks. To overcome these hurdles, the company pivoted toward international markets in the late 1990s, establishing subsidiaries in key regions such as the , , and to broaden its reach beyond the local European audience. This strategic expansion contributed to steady growth, culminating in a 3.2% share of the global antivirus market by 2005, positioning Panda Software as a notable player in the industry despite its origins as an underdog. Key early milestones included the establishment of its primary research and development center in , which drove ongoing innovation in virus detection technologies, and the rapid buildup of an initial user base reaching millions by the early through targeted sales in small and medium-sized businesses across and beyond.

Expansion and Rebranding

During the mid-2000s, Panda Software experienced rapid international expansion, establishing a presence in over 50 countries by 2007 and solidifying its position as one of the leading antivirus providers globally. In 2005, the company held a 3.2% , ranking it as the fourth-largest antivirus vendor worldwide. This growth was supported by strategic investments, including the 2007 acquisition by a led by Investindustrial, which enabled the repurchase of several international franchises to strengthen operations in key markets across , the , and emerging regions. Concurrently, product diversification accelerated, with the integration of anti-spyware and firewall capabilities into suites like Panda Internet Security 2007, enhancing protection against evolving threats such as and unauthorized network access. On July 30, 2007, Panda Software rebranded to Panda Security under the leadership of new CEO Jorge Dinares, who succeeded founder Mikel Urizarbarrena. This change marked a strategic pivot from a focus on traditional antivirus software to a broader cybersecurity portfolio, emphasizing proactive threat detection and multi-layered defenses to address the growing complexity of digital risks. Dinares, appointed in June 2007, aimed to align the company's business model with emerging market demands, including cloud-enabled solutions. A key innovation during this rebranding was the launch of Panda ActiveScan in 2007, a free cloud-based online scanner that pioneered real-time threat detection by leveraging from a of users. This tool represented an early shift toward in cybersecurity, allowing for ultra-high detection rates without relying solely on local resources. By 2008, the rebranded Panda Security had formed distribution partnerships, such as an exclusive agreement with for managed protection services, further driving operational scale and .

Acquisition by WatchGuard

On March 9, 2020, Technologies announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Panda Security, a Madrid-based provider of advanced endpoint protection solutions. The acquisition was completed on June 2, 2020, making Panda a wholly-owned of the Seattle-based . Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The strategic rationale centered on 's goal to expand its portfolio by integrating Panda's cloud-native (EDR) capabilities with its own network-focused solutions. This move aimed to provide small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with consolidated, AI-driven threat detection and centralized management across network and endpoint environments, addressing challenges in complexity. As CEO Prakash Panjwani stated, "By bringing the companies together, we enable our current and future customers and partners to consolidate their fundamental services under a single brand." Panda CEO Uriarte added that the merger would offer "new scale and portfolio access" to customers and partners. Following the acquisition, Panda's endpoint solutions began integrating into 's ecosystem, including the WatchGuard Cloud platform for unified management. launched the Panda Security Early Access Program to allow partners immediate access to Panda's advanced EDR tools. In June 2021, unveiled a new product family within its WatchGuard Cloud platform, integrating Panda's technologies for unified management. Santamaría Uriarte joined 's and continued advising on Panda's daily operations to ensure smooth alignment.

Products and Services

Consumer Offerings

Panda Security provides a range of consumer-focused cybersecurity products under its Panda Dome brand, designed for individual users and home environments to deliver accessible protection against , , and online threats. The core lineup includes tiered editions that cater to varying levels of need, from basic antivirus functionality to comprehensive family safeguards, all leveraging cloud-based scanning for lightweight performance across multiple devices. These offerings emphasize ease of use, with compatibility for Windows, macOS, Android, and platforms, and support for unlimited devices in higher tiers (limited to one household). The entry-level Panda Dome Essential offers foundational protection starting at $34.99 per year (initial price, renews at $49.99) with the first month free, including real-time antivirus scanning, a firewall, antiphishing tools, and a limited VPN with 150 MB daily data allowance. It also features a Dark Web Scanner to alert users of exposed personal information and a gaming mode to minimize interruptions during play. For users seeking enhanced security, Panda Dome Advanced builds on Essential with advanced protection and , priced starting at $41.99 annually (with discounts). For households, the Panda Dome Family edition extends coverage to multiple users with added features like a , system cleanup utilities, and file encryption, available for $32.99 per year (discounted to $24.74 as of 2025). This plan supports unlimited devices per household, making it suitable for families managing shared laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Higher-end options, such as Panda Dome Premium starting at $56 annually for one device (with monthly options around $13.99 for premium features), include unlimited VPN access, automatic software patching, continuous monitoring for prevention, and 24/7 premium support, ensuring robust defense without performance overhead. All paid plans come with a 30-day to allow risk-free trials. Complementing the paid tiers, Panda Free Antivirus delivers essential safeguards at no cost, featuring real-time detection, USB drive scanning to block autorun threats, and cloud-based tools like the Panda Rescue Kit for deep cleaning of infected systems. Available for Windows and Android, it includes on-demand scans and auditing without requiring subscription. Mobile protection is integrated via dedicated apps: the Android version offers free virus scanning and app permission checks, with premium upgrades from $4.99 monthly for VPN and anti-theft features like remote lock and wipe; the iOS app provides free VPN, , and device location tracking, emphasizing prevention and optimization across platforms.

Enterprise Solutions

Panda Security's enterprise solutions provide advanced cybersecurity for businesses, focusing on endpoint protection, detection, and response capabilities integrated into the ecosystem following the 2020 acquisition. These offerings emphasize scalable, cloud-native platforms designed for mid-sized to large organizations, enabling centralized management of security across diverse environments including Windows, macOS, , and Android devices. Panda Endpoint Protection Plus serves as a core advanced endpoint protection platform (EPP) combined with (EDR) features, delivering multi-layered defense against , , and zero-day threats through behavioral analysis that identifies both known and unknown malicious activities. It includes USB device control to prevent unauthorized data transfers and external threats via removable media, alongside patch management tools for servers and endpoints that automate vulnerability assessments and software updates to reduce attack surfaces. This solution supports centralized administration through the Aether platform, allowing IT teams to monitor and configure protections remotely without impacting device performance. For more sophisticated needs, Adaptive Defense implements a zero-trust model that continuously monitors and classifies 100% of endpoint processes using AI-driven (achieving 99.98% accuracy) and for unknowns, enforcing a default-deny policy on unverified applications. Targeted at mid-to-large enterprises, it incorporates proactive threat hunting to detect evasion tactics and advanced persistent threats, automated to isolate compromised endpoints (such as through remote isolation or reboots), and 24/7 cloud-based monitoring with forensic tools for rapid incident response. The Adaptive Defense 360 variant extends this with integrated intrusion detection, firewall, and protection for comprehensive endpoint coverage. Post-2020 integration with has bundled these solutions into a unified framework, where operates alongside network defenses via the WatchGuard Cloud console for seamless visibility and policy enforcement across hybrid environments. This setup particularly supports remote workforces by extending zero-day protections to off-network devices, enhancing recovery through dedicated threat hunting services that investigate and mitigate attacks using living-off-the-land techniques. Compliance is facilitated by centralized logging, , and reporting tools that aid in meeting regulatory standards like GDPR and HIPAA. Deployment follows a subscription-based model, typically priced per endpoint or user (e.g., approximately 2222-40 annually for Endpoint Protection Plus licenses as of 2025, depending on volume and reseller, with add-ons like patch management at around $24 per endpoint), scalable for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) through managed service options that offload monitoring and updates to partners. These services emphasize ease of implementation via cloud delivery, minimizing on-premises hardware requirements while ensuring for enterprise-scale operations.

Technology and Innovations

Core Technologies

Panda Security's core technologies form the backbone of its endpoint protection solutions, emphasizing cloud-native architectures, integration, and proactive threat detection to address evolving cyber threats. These systems enable real-time and response without heavily taxing device resources, distinguishing Panda's approach from traditional signature-based antivirus methods. The system is a cloud-based platform that aggregates threat data from millions of protected devices worldwide, enabling automatic classification and disinfection through shared community knowledge. This technology processes vast amounts of data in real time, using algorithms to identify and neutralize emerging threats by leveraging network activity and process monitoring across the user base. For instance, it continually updates its with detections from endpoints, allowing for rapid dissemination of protection updates to all users. The Behavioral Analysis Engine serves as a critical layer for detecting zero-day and advanced persistent threats by monitoring application and behaviors on endpoints. It logs and evaluates runtime activities to identify anomalies, such as fileless attacks or attempts, that evade conventional scanning techniques, acting as a proactive defense mechanism integrated into products like Adaptive Defense 360. This engine employs heuristic rules and to block malicious actions before they cause harm, enhancing overall endpoint resilience. Following its acquisition by Technologies in 2020, Panda Security has incorporated advanced AI-driven enhancements, including improved detection through models that analyze email and web content for sophisticated lures, and simulation tools for training and testing organizational defenses. These updates, refined through 2025, integrate AI to predict and simulate attack vectors, bolstering proactive security in enterprise environments like Panda Dome Premium.

Awards and Recognition

Panda Security has earned notable recognition from independent testing organizations for its endpoint protection efficacy. In AV-Comparatives' Performance Tests for 2023 and 2024, Panda Dome received the Advanced+ rating, highlighting its minimal impact on system speed across all evaluated categories, such as file copying, archiving, and application launches. Additionally, in the September 2025 Malware Protection Test conducted by AV-Comparatives, Panda achieved a 99.85% protection rate against prevalent threats, though it recorded a higher number of false alarms compared to some peers. These results underscore the balance between robust threat detection and usability in Panda's solutions. Virus Bulletin has awarded Panda Security multiple VB100 certifications over the years, validating its ability to detect widespread with low false positive rates. Since entering the testing program in 2004, Panda products have passed numerous evaluations, including in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2018. For instance, Panda Cloud Antivirus Pro earned VB100 certification in September 2012 with 100% detection in both on-demand and on-access scans and zero false positives. Similarly, Panda Cloud Antivirus Free secured the certification in 2013 on , again achieving perfect detection scores and no false alarms. These consistent achievements reflect the reliability of technologies like in real-world defense. In analyst evaluations, Panda Security was named a 2019 Gartner Peer Insights Customers' Choice for Solutions, based on high user satisfaction scores from verified customers. Following its acquisition by in 2020, integrated offerings have continued to receive honors; for example, Endpoint Protection (incorporating Panda technology) was named in the 2022 techconsult Professional User Rating for the Endpoint Protection category. In 2025, Endpoint Security earned a Top Rated designation from TrustRadius, with reviewers commending its ease of deployment and low resource usage. On , the solution holds strong user ratings, averaging 8.6 out of 10 for overall satisfaction and 9.1 for ease of use as of 2025 reviews.

Corporate Structure

Leadership and Governance

Panda Security was founded in 1990 by Mikel Urizarbarrena in , , who served as the company's initial until 2007. Under his , the company, originally named Panda Software, established itself as a key player in antivirus solutions with a focus on innovative security technologies. In 2007, Urizarbarrena transitioned to a chairman role, and Jorge Dinares was appointed CEO, overseeing the rebranding to Panda Security and initial expansion efforts amid a shift toward cloud-based services. Dinares held the position briefly until 2008, when he was succeeded by Juan Santana, who led the company through a period of financial restructuring and emphasis on cloud security innovations from 2008 to 2011. Following Santana's departure in 2011, José Sancho assumed the role of acting CEO, later transitioning to president. During this period, Diego Navarrete served as CEO from 2014 to 2016, followed by Fernando García Checa from 2016 to 2018. In February 2018, was appointed CEO of Panda Security, bringing expertise from prior roles in and driving growth in endpoint protection solutions ahead of the company's acquisition by Technologies in June 2020. Post-acquisition, Panda became a wholly-owned subsidiary of WatchGuard, with Santamaría joining WatchGuard's and serving as an executive advisor to ensure seamless integration while maintaining operational focus on cybersecurity advancements. Under this structure, Panda's aligns with WatchGuard's global strategy, led since November 2025 by CEO Joe Smolarski, who succeeded interim CEO Vats Srivatsan following Prakash Panjwani's tenure. The company's Spanish heritage remains prominent in its executive team, with key figures like Santamaría emphasizing European perspectives in decision-making. As a , Panda Security's governance reports directly to WatchGuard's , which includes industry veterans such as Prakash Panjwani and Vats Srivatsan, ensuring oversight on strategic initiatives while preserving in its European research and development operations based in . This hybrid model allows Panda to leverage WatchGuard's resources for global scaling while retaining localized innovation in technologies. In 2025, leadership has prioritized sustainability efforts, aligning with WatchGuard's commitment to The Climate Pledge for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, with executives driving initiatives to reduce environmental impact across operations.

Global Operations

Panda Security maintains its global headquarters in , , where key activities are centered, alongside additional offices in and other European locations. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Technologies since 2020, Panda leverages WatchGuard's broader infrastructure, including offices in , Washington, for North American operations, and regional hubs in such as , , and . This structure supports coordinated international activities across , the , and beyond. The employs approximately 600 people worldwide as of 2025, with a significant concentration of engineering talent in and sales teams focused on the and regions. This workforce distribution enables efficient product development and on a global scale. Oversight of these operations falls under WatchGuard's executive leadership, ensuring alignment with the parent company's strategic priorities. Panda Security's solutions protect endpoints for millions of users across more than 195 countries, with a particular emphasis on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) through cloud-based offerings. Support is provided in over 23 languages, facilitating localized service delivery and market penetration in diverse regions. The company adheres to the European Union's (GDPR) for data privacy compliance, as outlined in its . In terms of , Panda integrates eco-friendly practices into its operations, benefiting from WatchGuard's global strategy that emphasizes energy efficiency. As part of ongoing expansion efforts, Panda has strengthened its presence in emerging markets like the region by 2025, capitalizing on WatchGuard's established offices there to address growing demand for endpoint protection.

References

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