Company:Emsisoft Ltd.

From HandWiki
Emsisoft
TypePrivate
IndustryComputer security
Founded2003
FounderChristian Mairoll
Headquarters,
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsEmsisoft Anti-Virus
Websitewww.emsisoft.com

Emsisoft Ltd. (est. 2003) is a New Zealand-based anti-virus distributed company software company.[1][2] They are notable for decrypting ransomware attacks[3] to restore data.[4]

Technology

Emsisoft's anti-virus technology is called Emsisoft Anti-Malware. The three versions of Emsisoft Anti-Malware are called Anti-Malware Home, Business Security and Enterprise Security.[5] Emsisoft technology is said to have outscored competitors Kaspersky Lab and Norton AntiVirus because, according to CEO Christian Mairoll, the virtual company can recruit the best people around the world.[6][7] In 2006 Emsisoft discovered Ransom32, the first JavaScript ransomware.[8]

History

Emsisoft was founded by Christian Mairoll as a virtual anti-virus company first based in Austria. Mairoll moved to rural New Zealand where he manages Emsisoft. Emsisoft has no offices because its employees work remotely around the world while Mairoll manages them from his location in New Zealand.[9][10]

Controversy

In early 2021 Emsisoft suffered a system breach. The cause of the breach was due to a configuration error which led to the release of a database containing log records generated by Emsisoft products and services to unauthorized third parties.[11] After detecting the attack, Emsisoft implemented security mechanisms, including disconnecting the compromised system and investigated the incident using forensic analysis. Customers were notified of the breach and Emsisoft issued a public apology for the incident.[12]

References

  1. Popper, Nathaniel (2020-02-09). "Ransomware Attacks Grow, Crippling Cities and Businesses" (in en-US). The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/09/technology/ransomware-attacks.html. 
  2. "Cyber Defense Test Labs Review: Emsisoft Anti-Malware 7.0". Cyber Defense Magazine. https://www.cyberdefensemagazine.com/cyber-defense-test-labs-review-emsisoft-anti-malware-7-0/. 
  3. "NZ firm says its software, used by Ireland's ransomware-hit health service, could save Waikato DHB" (in en-NZ). https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/nz-firm-says-its-software-used-by-irelands-ransomware-hit-health-service-could-save-waikato-dhb/RZVAMPAZEQ7P2VN6J25R2VYOIA/. 
  4. "Ransomware gangs' slow decryptors prompt victims to seek alternatives" (in en-us). https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ransomware-gangs-slow-decryptors-prompt-victims-to-seek-alternatives/. 
  5. "Emsisoft Anti Malware". PC Mag. https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/emsisoft-anti-malware. 
  6. Fox, MeiMei (February 25, 2019). "6 Benefits Of Having An Entirely Virtual Global Team". Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/meimeifox/2019/02/25/6-benefits-of-having-an-entirely-virtual-global-team/?sh=57e988ac7d47. 
  7. "Bitdefender Builds New Partnership with Emsisoft for Increased Malware Protection". Bitdefender. October 29, 2012. https://www.bitdefender.com/news/bitdefender-builds-new-partnership-with-emsisoft-for-increased-malware-protection-2627.html. 
  8. Hartzog, Woodrow (2018). Privacy’s Blueprint: The Battle to Control the Design of New Technologies. Harvard University Press. p. 360. 
  9. Chan, Rosalie (January 19, 2019). "This is what a workday looks like for a CEO who runs his entire 40-employee tech company from a farm in New Zealand". Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/emsisoft-ceo-new-zealand-farm-2019-1. 
  10. "Global software enterprise run from rural NZ lifestyle block". Scoop Independent News. July 19, 2016. https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1607/S00547/global-software-enterprise-run-from-rural-nz-lifestyle-block.htm. 
  11. Coble, Sarah (February 8, 2021). "Emsisoft Suffers System Breach". Infosecurity Magazine. https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/emsisoft-suffers-system-breach/. 
  12. Mares, Octavio. "EMSISOFT ANTIVIRUS COMPANY WAS HACKED; CUSTOMER DATA LEAKED". Security Newspaper. https://www.securitynewspaper.com/2021/02/08/emsisoft-antivirus-company-was-hacked-customer-data-leaked/.