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Webroot Inc. is an American privately held cybersecurity software company that provides Internet security for consumers and businesses. The company was founded in Boulder, Colorado, US, and is now headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado,[1] and has US operations in San Mateo and San Diego, and globally in Australia, Austria, Ireland, Japan and the United Kingdom.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Webroot was founded on 5 July 1997 when Steven Thomas and his girlfriend Boulderite Kristen Tally[2] launched Webroot's first commercial product, a trace removal agent called Webroot Window Washer. Investors include venture capital firms such as Technology Crossover Ventures, Accel Partners and Mayfield.

In 2002, Webroot launched a spyware blocking and removal product called Webroot Spy Sweeper.[3] The company introduced antivirus protection with the launch of Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus in 2006.[4] In October 2007, Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and Desktop Firewall was released with added firewall protection feature.[5]

Webroot entered the enterprise market in 2004 with the launch of Webroot Spy Sweeper Enterprise, which combined Spy Sweeper with technology that enables IT administrators to deploy antispyware protection across an entire network.[6]

In October 2008, Webroot launched its first consumer security suite, Webroot Internet Security Essentials, in the United States.[7] The international release of the security suite followed in early 2009.[8]

In August 2009, Webroot appointed a new president and CEO, former CEO of Wily Technology.[9]

In May 2010 Webroot announced plans to open its international headquarters in Dublin, Ireland.[10] In July 2010 Webroot Internet Security Complete 2011 was released, including antivirus and antispyware protection, firewall capabilities, online back-up, password management licensed from LastPass, protection against identity theft and credit card monitoring for US customers.[11]

In September 2010 Webroot opened a regional office in Leidschendam, The Netherlands which is primarily aimed at distributing Webroot's enterprise security-as-a-service (SaaS) products to businesses.[12]

Webroot Mobile Security for Android was launched on April 5, 2011 for smartphones and tablets, with a free basic version and a paid premium version. The app is designed to protect against viruses from apps, threats delivered via web browsing and against the threats created when mobile devices are lost.[13] The SecureAnywhere products launched on October 4, 2011, and the mobile security offerings were expanded to include the iOS mobile operating system.[14]

In October 2011 Webroot launched a new generation of their products, using Prevx cloud technology.[15] This included three basic products for Windows (SecureAnywhere AntiVirus, Essentials and Complete 2012) and security for Android and iOS mobile devices. In February 2012 products for businesses were added.[16]

In July 2014 Webroot announced its BrightCloud Security Services, a new portfolio of services for enterprise-class businesses, including integration for Next-Generation Firewalls and SIEMs.[17]

In September 2017, Webroot appointed a new president and CEO, former CEO of Lancope Mike Potts.[18]

On February 7, 2019 Carbonite, Inc. announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Webroot. On March 26, 2019, Carbonite closed its acquisition of Webroot, with a purchase price of $618.5 million in cash.[19]

Acquisitions and partnerships

[edit]

In November 2007, Webroot acquired UK-based Email Systems (EMS)[20] and announced itself as a provider in the security software-as-a-service (SaaS) market.

In December 2009, Webroot announced a partnership with virtual private network software provider AnchorFree. A version without advertisements of AnchorFree's VPN software with protection via Webroot's antivirus and antispyware software was produced.[21]

In March 2010, Webroot announced the acquisition of Swedish corporate Internet security company, Email Systems Scandinavia (ESS).[22]

In July 2010, Webroot acquired San Diego, California-based web content classification and security services provider, BrightCloud, adding its web reputation and content classification technology to existing products.[23]

In November 2010, Webroot acquired UK cloud-based anti-malware company, Prevx.[24]

In July 2011 a partnership was struck with global distribution firm Tech Data, making Webroot products available to Tech Data's network of 125,000 channel partners in 100 countries around the world.[25]

In July 2013, Webroot and RSA Security formed a partnership to enhance both firms' real-time phishing detection.[26]

In September 2016 Webroot acquired the assets of CyberFlow Analytics,[27] a company applying data science to network anomaly detection.[28]

In February 2019 Webroot announced that it would be acquired by Carbonite. In March 2019, Carbonite confirmed the purchase.[29]

In December 2019 Carbonite was acquired by OpenText.[30]

Reviews

[edit]

AV-Comparatives gave nine vendors, including Webroot, its highest award in its July 2012 Anti-Phishing Test, in which Webroot took ninth place among 18 products tested for efficacy in blocking phishing websites.[31] In AV-Comparatives's Performance Test for October 2012, Webroot had the best PCMark score, having the lightest impact out of 20 products tested on a Windows 7 64-bit machine.[32]

Webroot had the worst results out of 20 products tested by AV-Comparatives in the September 2012 File Detection Test of Malicious Software, both in terms of malware detection rates and false alarms.[33] Webroot detected less than 80 percent of viral samples, much worse than the 94.4 percent rate of the second-lowest detecting product. Webroot inappropriately flagged 210 clean files, raising as many false positives as the other 19 products tested combined. According to AV-comparatives, the "results and misses have been confirmed with several tests and also by the vendor."[33]

PC Magazine has awarded Webroot SecureAnywhere 19 times with Editor's Choice and Security Product of the Year, its highest award given to security and software programs.[34] In PC Magazine's test for 2013, Webroot was found by PC Magazine staff to have the best score in malware blocking tests, malware removal tests, speed of scans, and installation speed. In the 2014 test, PCMag found "Webroot's detection rate of 89 percent and overall malware cleanup score of 6.6 points are both tops among products tested using this same malware collection."[35]

Gartner listed Webroot in its Visionary Quadrant in its 2014 assessment of Endpoint Protection Platforms.[36]

In 2014, PassMark Software, a software and hardware performance benchmarking company,[37] benchmarked Webroot SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection[38] and Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus[39] using 13 performance metrics. In both tests, Webroot products were found to outperform competitors in a variety of metrics, including scan times, CPU usage, and others, earning the highest overall score in both tests.

During November 2016's evaluation of mobile security products for Android AV-TEST has given Webroot's SecureAnywhere Mobile product a "Protection Score" of 3.5 out of 6, placing it near the bottom of all 26 products evaluated in this test in terms of protection against malware. Both the "Detection of the latest Android malware in real-time" and "Detection of the latest Android malware discovered in the last 4 weeks" scores were below the "Industry Average" score.[40]

WebRoot's web browser extension will flag any web site that WebRoot has not reviewed as suspicious. The browser extension will inject an exclamation mark icon along with a warning into search engine results for all unreviewed sites, making it look like the warning is a product of the search engine being used. On February 22, 2017, in response to a customer complaint on WebRoot's community forum about this behavior, a WebRoot company representative replied, "...a site will automatically show as potentially suspicious if it hasn't garnered a large enough audience for our Team to review it."[41] This has resulted in multiple false positive complaints in the WebRoot Community Fourm.[42][43][44]

In October 2017, AV-Comparatives performed a "Head-to-Head Comparison" between products from VIPRE and Webroot, the Webroot SecureAnywhere product was only able to achieve 86.4% "Protection Rate", compared to VIPRE Cloud's 100% rate. The test was performed using a test set of 316 live malicious URLs found in the field.[45]

During the January 2018 test of 84 various Android antimalware apps by AV-Comparatives, Webroot Security Premier has detected 99.7% of all antimalware samples, placing it below 30 other tested apps which showed better detection rates.[46]

See also

[edit]

References

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

Webroot

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from Grokipedia
Webroot is an American cybersecurity company specializing in , endpoint , and threat intelligence services, founded in 1997 and headquartered in . It pioneered the use of cloud-based and artificial intelligence-driven technologies to detect and block zero-day threats in real time, offering lightweight solutions that protect endpoints, networks, and users against , , , and . Acquired by Carbonite in March 2019 and by in December 2019 through the acquisition of Carbonite, Webroot serves consumers, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), managed service providers (MSPs), and technology vendors worldwide, with a focus on multi-vector and cyber resilience. Originally established by Steven Thomas and Kristen Talley, Webroot began with privacy tools like Window Washer in 1997, evolving into anti-spyware solutions with Spy Sweeper in 2002 and entering the enterprise market in 2004. Key milestones include the integration of antivirus capabilities in 2006, the launch of cloud-based SecureAnywhere for consumers in 2011, and business endpoint protection in 2012, which earned an for innovation. The company expanded through acquisitions such as BrightCloud (threat intelligence) and PrevX (cloud security) in 2010, CyberFlow Analytics for IoT protection in 2016, and Securecast for content security in 2017, enhancing its offerings in DNS protection, training, and advanced threat prediction. Webroot's products, including SecureAnywhere antivirus for home users and Endpoint Protection for businesses, emphasize minimal system impact while providing real-time scanning, firewall integration, and password management to safeguard personal and financial data. Recognized as a leader in threat intelligence, it processes billions of data points daily to deliver proactive defenses, protecting over 10 million endpoints as early as 2009 and continuing to innovate in AI-powered remediation for modern cyber threats.

Company Profile

Founding and Early Development

Webroot was founded in by Steven Thomas and Kristen Talley in , initially focusing on developing software tools to enhance user in the early days of widespread adoption. The company's inaugural product, Webroot Window Washer, launched that same year as a trace removal agent designed to securely delete files, clear browsing histories, and wipe temporary data from systems, addressing growing concerns over digital footprints and protection for individual users. This lightweight utility quickly established Webroot's reputation for creating efficient, non-intrusive software tailored to consumers navigating the emerging online landscape. By 2002, Webroot expanded into malware defense with the introduction of Webroot Spy Sweeper, an antispyware tool that detected, blocked, and removed threats, marking the company's entry into proactive solutions beyond mere cleanup functions. Spy Sweeper's user-friendly interface and rapid scanning capabilities appealed to home users and small businesses seeking accessible protection without heavy system resource demands. In , Webroot integrated antivirus capabilities into Spy Sweeper, leveraging partnerships like one with to provide comprehensive virus detection and removal alongside its existing antispyware features, further solidifying its position in the consumer market. The company's early growth culminated in 2008 with the release of Webroot Essentials, its first all-in-one consumer security suite that combined antivirus, antispyware, firewall, and controls into a streamlined package optimized for ease of use on personal computers. Throughout this period, Webroot emphasized developing lightweight, resource-efficient software that minimized performance impacts, targeting consumers and small businesses who required reliable protection without technical complexity or high costs. This foundational approach to user-centric cybersecurity helped Webroot differentiate itself in a market increasingly crowded with resource-intensive alternatives.

Ownership and Global Operations

In the early 2010s, Webroot relocated its headquarters from , to , to accommodate growth and access a larger talent pool in the . The move, completed by late 2010, positioned the company at 385 Interlocken Crescent in , where it continues to operate its primary U.S. facilities. As of November 2025, Webroot is seeking to sublease portions of its headquarters facility. Webroot's ownership underwent significant changes starting in 2019. In March of that year, Carbonite, Inc., a and recovery provider, acquired Webroot for $618.5 million in cash, integrating its cybersecurity solutions to enhance Carbonite's portfolio with endpoint protection and threat intelligence capabilities. Later that year, in December 2019, Corporation acquired Carbonite for approximately $1.42 billion, making Webroot a within 's broader ecosystem of and cybersecurity services. This structure has allowed Webroot to leverage 's global resources while maintaining its focus on cloud-native security technologies. Under , Webroot maintains extensive global operations spanning , , the and (EMEA), and (APAC). The company supports international presence through offices in key locations, including North Sydney, ; , ; Cork, ; , ; and Reading, , enabling localized support and sales for its cybersecurity offerings. As of 2025, Webroot holds the distinction of being the largest privately held U.S.-based cybersecurity firm, with an emphasis on scalable, cloud-centric operations that serve enterprise and consumer markets worldwide.

Historical Milestones

Product Evolution

Webroot's product evolution from onward marked a shift toward cloud-native, lightweight security solutions, building on its earlier anti-spyware tools like Spy Sweeper to address emerging threats. In , the company launched the SecureAnywhere suite, the first fully -based cybersecurity offering for home users, which incorporated cloud-based scanning technology acquired from Prevx in to enable rapid, resource-efficient endpoint protection without heavy local processing. This suite represented a pivotal move to real-time threat detection, scanning files only when changes occurred and leveraging the cloud for comprehensive analysis, setting it apart from traditional signature-based . By 2014, Webroot expanded its capabilities with the introduction of BrightCloud Security Services, a threat intelligence platform providing real-time categorization of URLs, IP addresses, and files to support advanced threat detection and URL filtering for enterprises and OEMs. This service integrated from Webroot's global sensor network, enabling proactive blocking of malicious content and enhancing network-level protection across endpoints. The launch addressed the growing need for scalable intelligence in an era of increasing web-based attacks, powering integrations with firewalls and gateways from partners like . In , Webroot acquired CyberFlow Analytics, incorporating its FlowScape technology to bolster endpoint detection through advanced machine learning-based network . This addition allowed for behavioral in IoT and complex network environments, extending SecureAnywhere's capabilities to identify zero-day threats by monitoring data flows without relying solely on endpoint agents. The integration improved for , helping to mitigate risks from interconnected devices in enterprise settings. Throughout the late 2010s, Webroot evolved its offerings into more comprehensive integrated suites, such as SecureAnywhere Complete, which bundled antivirus, firewall management, and anti- tools into a single, multi-device package for consumers and businesses. This progression emphasized seamless protection across platforms, incorporating cloud-delivered updates to maintain low system impact while covering prevention and web shielding. By combining these elements, the suite provided holistic defense against evolving threats like and , reflecting Webroot's focus on user-friendly, all-in-one security. Following OpenText's acquisition of Webroot via Carbonite in December 2019, product updates emphasized AI-driven enhancements, particularly in SecureAnywhere editions. These updates leverage OpenText's broader ecosystem to integrate AI for real-time behavioral and predictive modeling, enabling faster detection of sophisticated attacks like AI-generated . As of 2025, this evolution has fortified SecureAnywhere's core engine, using global threat data to anticipate and neutralize emerging risks with greater precision.

Leadership Changes

Webroot was founded in 1997 by Steven Thomas, who served as its initial CEO, and Kristen Talley, who co-founded the company and contributed to its early product development as a privacy software tool. Thomas, a self-taught , led the company through its formative years, focusing on utilities like Window Washer for removing online traces, while Talley supported operational growth. This founding leadership guided Webroot's pivot to anti-spyware solutions, such as Spy Sweeper in 2002, establishing its foothold in consumer security. By the early 2000s, leadership began transitioning from the founders to professional executives amid scaling challenges. Steven Thomas retired from active involvement prior to his death in 2008, marking the end of founder-led direction. In 2002, David Moll assumed the CEO role, succeeding Thomas and driving Webroot's expansion into a leading anti-spyware provider with annual revenues approaching $100 million by 2006. Moll's tenure emphasized aggressive growth and product innovation, but he stepped down at the end of 2006 to allow for further strategic evolution. Peter Watkins, a former McAfee COO, was appointed CEO in January 2007, replacing Moll and shifting focus toward enterprise markets and international expansion. Watkins, who had joined the board in 2004, led efforts to broaden Webroot's spyware detection capabilities and prepare for cloud integration, though his tenure was brief, ending in early 2009 as he pursued other opportunities. Dick Williams succeeded Watkins in August 2009, bringing experience from Wily Technology and Hyperic to stabilize operations post-financial crisis and introduce Webroot's first cloud-based cybersecurity platform in 2010, which emphasized lightweight, real-time threat analysis for both consumers and businesses. Williams' eight-year leadership achieved consistent revenue growth and positioned Webroot for enterprise adoption. In September 2017, Mike Potts was named CEO, succeeding the retiring Williams and joining the board. With prior roles at and Lancope, Potts accelerated Webroot's enterprise expansion, achieving 17 consecutive quarters of double-digit year-over-year revenue growth by 2018 through enhanced channel partnerships and managed service provider (MSP) programs. His tenure emphasized cloud-native solutions, leveraging Webroot's existing platform to target SMBs and larger organizations with scalable endpoint protection. Potts also drove investments in AI and for threat detection, enabling faster analysis of over 400,000 daily threats via behavioral heuristics and predictive modeling, which improved detection rates without heavy resource demands on devices. Webroot's acquisition by Carbonite in March 2019 for $618.5 million marked a significant shift, integrating it into a broader and recovery ecosystem. Potts remained through the transaction close but transitioned out as Webroot operated as a business unit under Carbonite's oversight. Key Webroot executives, including John Post (promoted to Carbonite COO), Chad Bacher, and CTO Hal Lonas, assumed senior roles at Carbonite in September 2019 to facilitate integration while preserving Webroot's product roadmap. This structure allowed continuity in development, with Post initially leading the Webroot unit as SVP and GM reporting to Carbonite's president. Carbonite's acquisition by in December 2019 further embedded Webroot within a larger portfolio, rebranding it as Webroot by OpenText under the Cybersecurity division. In August 2025, underwent a leadership transition, with long-time CEO Mark J. Barrenechea replaced by interim CEO James McGourlay. As of November 2025, Webroot's product development maintains operational focus on AI-enhanced endpoint and web protection, led by 's executive team. This integration has sustained Webroot's innovation in machine learning-driven threat intelligence while aligning with 's global scale.

Products and Technology

Endpoint and Web Protection

Webroot's SecureAnywhere platform employs a cloud-based scanning engine that leverages behavior analysis and to detect and mitigate threats without relying on traditional signature-based methods or heavy local resource consumption. This approach enables real-time scanning and zero-day threat detection by analyzing file behaviors across multiple attack vectors, allowing the system to identify and block before it executes. The engine's design minimizes local processing, offloading intensive computations to Webroot's cloud infrastructure, which supports rapid deployment and updates without impacting device performance. A key component of SecureAnywhere's web protection is the integration of BrightCloud intelligence, which provides real-time URL categorization and prevention through analysis of millions of domains and over 43 billion URLs across multiple categories. BrightCloud uses and a global network to assign Web Reputation Index scores, flagging malicious sites—including those hosting attacks—within seconds of detection, thereby blocking access to fraudulent URLs and reducing exposure to web-based . This service correlates URL data with IP and file intelligence for comprehensive web , enhancing SecureAnywhere's proactive defenses. SecureAnywhere incorporates firewall and application control features that monitor outbound network traffic and application behaviors to prevent unauthorized access and . The intelligent, application-aware firewall augments the native by inspecting connections in real time, while application control whitelists known safe programs and blocks suspicious ones without generating excessive user alerts. These capabilities ensure controlled communication between applications and the network, fortifying against lateral movement by threats. The antivirus elements of SecureAnywhere stand out for their design, with install files under 12 MB and full system scans completing in approximately 20 seconds according to the manufacturer, though independent benchmarks as of 2025 report times up to 68 seconds for scheduled scans. This low system impact—characterized by minimal CPU and memory usage—differentiates Webroot in the market as of 2025, allowing coexistence with other security tools and suitability for resource-constrained environments without compromising threat detection efficacy. Enhanced with sixth-generation for improved threat prediction.

Identity and Mobile Security

Webroot Premium offers comprehensive identity protection through its integration with Identity Protection, providing users with advanced monitoring and remediation services. Key features include monitoring, which scans for personal information exposed in data breaches or illicit marketplaces and delivers rapid alerts supported by 24/7 U.S.-based experts. Additionally, the service includes SSN alerts for instant notifications of fraud detected on Social Security Numbers or linked financial accounts, as well as credit monitoring from one major bureau to track changes and potential risks. This partnership enables up to $1 million in expense , covering restoration costs for affected users. For mobile security, Webroot provides dedicated apps for both Android and devices, focusing on real-time threat detection and privacy safeguards, enhanced with text scam detection as of 2025. The Android app features antivirus scans that automatically check apps and updates for without interrupting device performance, along with an app analyzer that reviews permissions to identify and remove malicious applications. users benefit from lightning-fast scans integrated into broader suites, blocking malicious websites during browsing, shopping, and banking activities powered by AI and . Both platforms include access to Secure VPN for enhanced , encrypting connections on public networks to prevent data interception, though explicit WiFi assessments are primarily handled through VPN integration rather than standalone tools. Webroot's Security VPN, launched in 2018, extends mobile and multi-device protection by offering encrypted browsing across platforms including PC, Mac, , and Android. It maintains a network of over 700 servers in more than 65 countries, providing geographically redundant access points for reliable connectivity and on unsecured networks. The VPN supports seamless streaming on services like , with optimized servers ensuring fast speeds for video content without buffering interruptions. Anti-theft capabilities in Webroot's mobile apps, particularly for Android, include tools for lost device protection such as remote location tracking, device locking, audible alerts to make the phone "scream," and remote wipe functions to erase data if the device is stolen. These features leverage Webroot's cloud-based to secure personal information even when the device is offline or compromised. As of 2025, Webroot's pricing for these features is tiered to accommodate varying needs, with basic VPN access available in the Essentials plan starting at approximately $2.92 per month for the first year (annual $34.99 for one device, antivirus-focused but upgradable to include VPN). Full suites like Total Protection, encompassing identity monitoring, , and VPN, start at about $7.50 per month for the first year (annual $89.99 for five devices), with family plans scaling up to $124.99 annually for expanded coverage. These introductory rates reflect discounts of up to 50%, with renewal prices higher to sustain ongoing protection.

Business Developments

Acquisitions

Webroot's acquisition strategy has focused on enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities through targeted purchases of complementary technologies, particularly in , threat intelligence, and advanced analytics. In November 2007, the company acquired Email Systems, a UK-based provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for and web protection, which protected over 2.5 million accounts at the time. This move expanded Webroot's offerings into SaaS-based , allowing it to integrate hosted filtering and anti-spam technologies to strengthen its portfolio against and threats delivered via . Building on this foundation, Webroot pursued two significant acquisitions in 2010 to advance its cloud-based security infrastructure. In July, it acquired BrightCloud, a San Diego-based provider of classification and reputation services, which utilized proprietary algorithms for real-time monitoring of web threats. The integration of BrightCloud's technology added a comprehensive URL filtering database to Webroot's products, enabling enhanced web reputation services and detection for endpoint . Later that year, in November, Webroot acquired Prevx, a UK-based firm specializing in cloud-based anti- solutions. Prevx's lightweight scanning technology, which performed most processing in the to minimize impact on user devices, was incorporated into Webroot's antivirus engines, facilitating faster and more efficient threat remediation without heavy local resource demands. In September 2016, Webroot further bolstered its analytics-driven defenses by acquiring the assets of CyberFlow Analytics, a San Diego-based company focused on network . CyberFlow's FlowScape platform, which employed unsupervised to identify threats in network and (IoT) traffic, enhanced Webroot's threat hunting capabilities by extending intelligence to complex, device-dense environments. This acquisition supported proactive detection of advanced persistent threats and improved overall visibility into encrypted and high-volume data flows. In August 2017, Webroot acquired Securecast, a Broomfield-based provider of content security solutions. This acquisition enabled Webroot to launch Security Awareness Training, focusing on educating users about online risks and enhancing holistic security approaches. Following the 2017 acquisition, Webroot did not pursue major additional acquisitions, shifting emphasis toward integrating its existing technologies amid broader ownership changes. By 2025, under OpenText's portfolio following its 2019 acquisition of Carbonite (which had purchased Webroot earlier that year), the company prioritized consolidating these assets to support unified solutions.

Strategic Partnerships

Webroot established a significant distribution partnership with in 2011, aimed at expanding its market presence in and through enhanced sales channels. This agreement marked Webroot's first major foray into broader small and medium-sized business (SMB) and mid-market segments, leveraging Tech Data's global IT distribution network to deliver Webroot's solutions more efficiently to resellers and end-users. The collaboration facilitated increased accessibility of Webroot's products in key international regions, contributing to accelerated revenue growth and partner adoption. In 2013, Webroot collaborated with , the security division of EMC, to integrate advanced and fraud detection capabilities into RSA's FraudAction service. This partnership combined Webroot's real-time threat intelligence and categorization with RSA's automated detection engine, enabling faster qualification and takedown of malicious sites. The integration enhanced enterprise-level protection against attacks by providing near-instantaneous analysis of suspected threats, reducing response times for financial institutions and other high-risk organizations. Following its acquisition by Carbonite in 2019 and subsequent integration into in 2019, Webroot has pursued alliances with other subsidiaries to develop joint cybersecurity offerings for enterprise and SMB clients. Notable examples include bundled solutions pairing Webroot's endpoint protection with Carbonite's cloud backup and recovery services, creating comprehensive platforms that address both prevention and data restoration needs. As of 2025, these internal collaborations extend to integrated managed detection and response (MDR) services, incorporating Webroot's threat intelligence with 's broader portfolio for 24/7 monitoring and response tailored to managed service providers (MSPs). Additionally, external alliances under the OpenText umbrella, such as the 2022 integration of Identity Protection into Webroot products, have further enriched offerings with monitoring and recovery features. These strategic partnerships have notably expanded Webroot's user base to over 10 million protected endpoints by the late and driven consistent double-digit growth, with additions of thousands of MSP partners annually in subsequent years. For instance, the collaborations improved product , such as enhanced VPN and backup functionalities, leading to a 27% segment growth in 2018—more than four times the industry average—and broader adoption among enterprise clients seeking integrated solutions.

Reception and Impact

Independent Evaluations

In independent evaluations, Webroot's antivirus solutions have shown varied performance in malware detection and system impact across lab tests. In the AV-Comparatives File Detection Test from March 2012, Webroot SecureAnywhere achieved a 98.2% detection rate on 291,388 samples, though it generated 428 false positives, classified as "very many." The same test highlighted Webroot's reliance on cloud-based scanning, with limited offline detection capabilities noted in supplementary assessments. Webroot also performed well in anti-phishing evaluations during this period. The AV-Comparatives Anti-Phishing Test in August 2012 rated Webroot SecureAnywhere at 86.9% protection against 574 URLs, earning an "Advanced+" award for its URL blocking effectiveness. In the broader Real-World Protection Test from March to June 2012, Webroot blocked 90.9% of 2,159 threats, including downloads and drive-by exploits, with zero false positives on clean files. PC Magazine has consistently recognized Webroot SecureAnywhere with multiple Editor's Choice awards over the years, commending its strong blocking rates and minimal system impact in hands-on tests. For instance, reviews praised the software's lightweight design, which installs 21 times faster and uses 50 times less disk space than average competitors while maintaining effective real-time protection. In the 2014 for , Webroot was positioned as a , noted for its innovative cloud-based approach to despite a smaller market presence. Mobile security evaluations showed improvement over time. In AV-Test's November 2016 Android test, Webroot SecureAnywhere Mobile 3.9 earned a 3.5 out of 6 in protection against recent Android samples and attacks, with full marks in performance and usability. By the AV-Comparatives Android Malware Protection Test in January 2018, Webroot detected 99.7% of 2,000 malicious apps among 84 evaluated products, demonstrating strong on-demand and real-time scanning for Android threats. Recent 2025 assessments indicate mixed results in antivirus efficacy. awarded Webroot Premium a 3 out of 5 rating, highlighting its robust protection tools like credit monitoring but criticizing average antivirus performance in blocking zero-day . Security.org's review echoed this, noting Webroot's fast scans—completing in about 20 seconds—but poor detection of only 20% (1 out of 5) test viruses in controlled evaluations, underscoring limitations in traditional sample recognition. Some users have reported issues with false positives in these tests, though detailed feedback appears in broader market analyses.

User and Market Feedback

Users have frequently praised Webroot for its lightweight installation process and minimal impact on system performance, making it particularly suitable for devices with lower specifications. Reviews highlight that scans complete in as little as 20 seconds, up to 60 times faster than competitors, without significantly slowing down everyday tasks. This efficiency stems from its cloud-based architecture, which offloads processing to remote servers rather than taxing local resources. Criticisms of Webroot include instances of false positives, such as a 2017 software update that incorrectly flagged legitimate websites like Facebook as phishing sites and Windows system files as malicious, disrupting user access. More recent evaluations in 2025 have noted inconsistent malware detection in real-world tests, where it identified only 1 out of 5 viruses during hands-on assessments, raising concerns about reliability despite its speed. Additionally, its VPN component has been described as basic, offering decent streaming unblocking but lacking advanced security features compared to dedicated providers. In the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector, Webroot maintains a strong position under its parent company , bolstered by acquisitions that expanded its managed service provider (MSP) footprint and made it a go-to option for affordable . Its , starting at around $25 per year for basic plans covering 1-3 devices and scaling to $35-50 for multi-device bundles, has driven among cost-conscious SMBs seeking simple deployment without high overhead. User ratings for Webroot average around 4 out of 5 across professional review sites in 2025, with commendations for ease of use and quick setup, though some note delays in customer support response times. On consumer platforms like , scores are lower at approximately 2.8 out of 5, reflecting frustrations with billing issues and occasional detection shortcomings. Webroot has contributed to broader cloud security trends by emphasizing lightweight, real-time threat intelligence through its BrightCloud platform, influencing how MSPs integrate scalable protection for hybrid environments. However, it remains overshadowed by larger competitors like Norton, which offer more comprehensive feature sets and higher detection consistency in independent benchmarks.

References

  1. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/about
  2. https://carbonite.com/news/carbonite-closes-acquisition-of-webroot/
  3. https://www.opentext.com/about/press-releases/opentext-buys-carbonite-inc
  4. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/business/webroot-history
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  6. https://www.datamation.com/security/webroot-adds-antivirus-detection/
  7. https://www.denverpost.com/2010/06/09/webroot-looks-to-move-from-boulder-to-broomfield/
  8. https://www.broomfieldenterprise.com/2010/07/07/tower-in-broomfields-interlocken-to-open-with-high-tech-tenants/
  9. https://www.costar.com/article/831394008/colorado-bred-company-looks-to-offload-bulk-of-corporate-headquarters
  10. https://cyberscoop.com/carbonite-webroot-acquisition/
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  12. https://investors.opentext.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2019/OpenText-Buys-Carbonite-Inc/default.aspx
  13. https://www.channele2e.com/news/carbonite-webroot-acquired-by-opentext
  14. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/about/contact-us
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  19. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webroot-extends-cybersecurity-leadership-with-acquisition-of-cyberflow-analytics-300329728.html
  20. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/cyber-resilience/ai-ml
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  22. https://www.eweek.com/security/webroot-swaps-in-new-ceo/
  23. https://www.denverpost.com/2008/07/16/webroot-founders-tragic-turn-mystifying/
  24. https://www.crn.com/news/channel-programs/193600085/webroot-names-former-mcafee-exec-ceo
  25. https://www.darkreading.com/cybersecurity-analytics/webroot-names-new-president-and-ceo
  26. https://www.dailycamera.com/2009/08/19/boulder-based-webroot-names-new-ceo/
  27. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mike-potts-named-as-webroot-ceo-dick-williams-to-retire-300515321.html
  28. https://www.webroot.com/ca/en/about/press-room/releases/webroot-ceo-crns-top-100-executives
  29. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-first-week-webroots-new-president-ceo-mike-potts
  30. https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2019/09/04/webroot-executives-tapped-for-top-jobs-at.html
  31. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/about/opentext
  32. https://investors.opentext.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2025/OpenText-Strengthens-Consumer-Cybersecurity-Portfolio-with-Comprehensive-Digital-Life-Protection/default.aspx
  33. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentext-announces-leadership-transition-302526354.html
  34. https://www-cdn.webroot.com/7814/9704/9063/WSA_Endpoint_Protection_DS_us.pdf
  35. https://www.webroot.com/ca/en/business/threat-intelligence
  36. https://www-cdn.webroot.com/1715/5139/7259/BC_Web_Classification_and_Reputation_DS_us.pdf
  37. https://www.webroot.com/au/en/home/products/av
  38. https://community.opentextcybersecurity.com/webroot-secureanywhere-antivirus-12/wsa-size-on-disk-53350
  39. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/webroot-essentials
  40. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/free-virus-scan
  41. https://community.opentextcybersecurity.com/news-announcements-3/webroot-takes-1st-place-again-in-2025-passmark-software-testing-of-security-products-361412
  42. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/premium
  43. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/mobile
  44. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.webroot.wms
  45. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/webroot-mobile-security/id460986853
  46. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products
  47. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/secure-vpn
  48. https://www.vpnmentor.com/reviews/webroot-wifi-security/
  49. https://www.safetydetectives.com/best-antivirus/webroot/
  50. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/home/products/compare
  51. https://www.scworld.com/news/webroot-acquires-u-k-based-saas-vendor-email-systems
  52. https://www.computerworld.com/article/1595199/webroot-to-buy-service-vendor-email-systems.html
  53. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webroot-acquires-brightcloud-innovator-in-web-site-classification-and-reputation-services-97921284.html
  54. https://www.securityweek.com/webroot-acquires-web-site-classification-and-reputation-services-provider-brightcloud/
  55. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webroot-acquires-prevx-106436478.html
  56. https://www.scworld.com/brief/webroot-acquires-anti-malware-provider-prevx
  57. https://www.channelpronetwork.com/2016/09/19/webroot-acquires-network-threat-intelligence-vendor-cyberflow-analytics/
  58. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/about/press-room/releases/webroot-acquires-securecast-launches-webroot-security-awareness-training
  59. https://www.opentext.com/about/brands
  60. https://www.crn.com/news/security/231002777/webroot-broadens-reach-with-tech-data-distribution-deal
  61. https://s23.q4cdn.com/711282220/files/doc_news/archive/142e7481-01b1-495d-adcc-5f295036ec2b.pdf
  62. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/webroot-and-rsa-team-up-to-deliver-real-time-phishing-detection-216567771.html
  63. https://www.opentext.com/about/press-releases/opentext-adds-allstate-identity-protection-to-webroot-helps-protect-peoples-digital-lives
  64. https://carbonite.com/resources/datasheet/cyber-resilience---the-carbonite-webroot-portfolio/
  65. https://www.webroot.com/gb/en/about/press-room/releases/four-years-of-double-digit-growth
  66. https://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/legacy/pdfs/ondret/avc_fd_mar2012_intl_en.pdf
  67. https://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/avc_sum_201212_en.pdf
  68. https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/anti-phishing-test-august-2012/
  69. https://www.av-comparatives.org/tests/real-world-protection-test-march-july-2012/
  70. https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/2646432
  71. https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/mobile-devices/android/november-2016/webroot-secureanywhere-mobile-3.9-164426/
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  73. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/webroot-premium
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  76. https://www.crn.com/news/security/300084689/webroot-update-crisis-gives-msps-a-chance-to-step-up-and-help-customers
  77. https://www.cloudwards.net/webroot-wifi-vpn-security-review/
  78. https://www.channele2e.com/news/opentext-ceo-carbonite-webroot-smb-progress-update
  79. https://techaisle.com/blog/515-opentext-a-cybersecurity-powerhouse-built-on-strategic-acquisitions
  80. https://www.webroot.com/us/en/pricing
  81. https://cybernews.com/best-antivirus-software/webroot-review/
  82. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.webroot.com
  83. https://www.webroot.com/download_file/4203
  84. https://allaboutcookies.org/webroot-antivirus-review
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