Global Consumer Internet Security Leader AnchorFree Launches Ad-Free, Turbo-Charged Version of Hotspot Shield

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 28, 2011) - AnchorFree (http://www.anchorfree.com/), the global leader in consumer privacy and Internet freedom, today announced the availability of Hotspot Shield Elite, the first standalone ad-free version of its popular Hotspot Shield security, privacy and open Web access solution. Hotspot Shield Elite will provide customers with the same privacy, secure browsing, identity protection and open access to all Internet content as the original Hotspot Shield, only without advertisements and with turbo-charged browsing speed.

Already the most popular consumer VPN (virtual private network) in the world, Hotspot Shield allows nearly 10 million monthly users to access the Internet with enhanced personal privacy protection and secure browsing for users in the Western world, as well as freedom from censorship concerns for users in regions that censor the web. Hotspot Shield Elite provides users with a premium experience, featuring speeds up to 100 percent faster than the free Hotspot Shield while allowing users to enjoy all the benefits of the original program without the ads. Hotspot Shield Elite is also the first virtual private network to offer customers a variety of unique payment options, including credit card, PayPal, prepaid cash cards or mobile phone payments. These options allow users to upgrade their experience without exposing their identity, and ensure access to a free and open Web, even in areas of censorship.

Hotspot Shield provides users with unlimited bandwidth and has no bandwidth restrictions under any usage plan.

Whether traveling for business, studying abroad or surfing the Web at home, personal information is in jeopardy if not secured properly. Hotspot Shield Elite gives users peace of mind that their Internet session is private and secure.

Hotspot Shield Elite is ideal for:

• Security conscious, high frequency Internet users - Experience fast, fully encrypted, ad-free browsing and secure shopping.
• Wi-Fi users - Stay secure while browsing the Web at unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots such as hotels, airports and coffee shops.
• Expats, travelers, students studying abroad - Feel at home while abroad by staying connected to friends and family with private, secure and full access to the Web from anywhere in the world.
• Privacy conscious users - Protect personal information and stay private online.
• Those living in areas experiencing Internet censorship - Access popular news, social networks, and information sites that have been blocked in various countries around the world.

"No matter where you are, the need to freely access online content and keep your personal information private and secure is crucial," said David Gorodyansky, co-founder and CEO of AnchorFree. "Hotspot Shield Elite offers the same security customers have come to trust from Hotspot Shield, with the added benefit of eliminating the ads we deliver in the free version and with significantly faster browsing speed. The range of payment options adds extra identity protection by giving users a way to keep their identities private during the purchase process, no matter who they are or where they're trying to access information."

Hotspot Shield Elite works by establishing a secure tunnel between a user's computer and their Internet connection. The software acts as a virtual private network, encrypting the user's entire Web session so that every website they visit is as secure as their banking site. Hotspot Shield protects users from the threat of malicious hackers trying to view personal emails, credit card information or business documents, shields them from the prying eyes of third party trackers and allows them to access content that has otherwise been blocked.

Hotspot Shield Elite is now available at www.hsselite.com for both Mac and PC users for $5/month or $45/year. Hotspot Shield Elite also offers a pay-as-you-go rate of $0.50/24 hours of usage. All plans provide unlimited VPN bandwidth.

About AnchorFree
AnchorFree enables millions of users globally to surf the Web freely and securely through Hotspot Shield, the world's first and most popular ad-supported virtual private network. Almost 10 million monthly users in 100 countries rely on Hotspot Shield to secure their Web browsing experience, proliferating freedom of information online and democratizing the Web. AnchorFree is a privately-held, venture-backed company and is based in Mountain View, California. For more information or to download Hotspot Shield, please visit www.anchorfree.com. The UK version of the tool, Expat Shield is available at http://www.expatshield.com.