IPVanish is a top-tier VPN service that delivers some of the best VPN speeds, the most secure connections, and the most competitive pricing anywhere. The company’s VPN service spans 40,000+ IPs on 2,400+ servers in more than 140 global locations, giving you the ability to surf anonymously and access blocked websites from every corner of the globe. Pulse 2.0 interviewed IPVanish Chief Commercial Officer Subbu Sthanu to learn more about the company.
Subbu Sthanu’s Background
What is Subbu Sthanu’s background? Sthanu said:
“As Chief Commercial Officer for Ziff Davis’ Consumer Security portfolio, I listen to consumers’ concerns about their privacy and security. I lead the product, marketing, customer support, and business development teams committed to addressing our customer’s security and privacy concerns. The critical importance of consumer security and privacy drives our mission to empower individuals and organizations to navigate the digital world safely. The Consumer Security business at Ziff Davis is dedicated to providing accessible, secure, and private internet access for everyone, fostering a safer and more protected digital future.”
“After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Technology with Honors from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and a Master of Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I have been focused on leveraging technology as an enabler to solve problems for both enterprises and consumers.”
“Before Ziff Davis, I held senior leadership roles at industry-leading enterprise security providers like IBM, RSA, and Novell. I was also a key member of the executive team at high-growth ventures such as Trustwave, Idera Inc., and BeyondTrust, where I drove significant market expansion and revenue growth. I also co-founded ClearedIn and Skyflow, startups focused on security and privacy.”
“I serve on the Board of Directors of the Internet Infrastructure Coalition, advocating for the interests of those building the foundation of the Internet and Intuit, an agentic AI platform for the enterprise.”
Favorite Memory
What has been a favorite memory working for the company? Sthanu reflected:
“When you truly enjoy your work as I do as Ziff Davis, every day is filled with memories to cherish. The consistent theme in all my favorite memories includes interactions with my co-workers and our partners. When you are aligned on the mission around keeping the consumer safe and a protected digital future, the magic is automated.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products? Sthanu explained:
“IPVanish is a verified no-logs Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that encrypts internet traffic and hides IP addresses to increase network privacy for users. Our VPN (which has obtained Trust Seal Accreditation from VTI) includes various highly sought-after features, such as Threat Protection, which offers ad blocking, anti-tracking, and malware filtering. In addition to Double Hop connections and Kill Switch, the VPN supports Split Tunneling for all devices. It allows users to route traffic through different networks for specific apps and domains, providing more flexibility and control over their connection settings. IPVanish supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices.”
“IPVanish is available as a standalone service through our Essential plan, which includes the VPN and its core features. We offer the Advanced plan for users looking for a more comprehensive solution, which combines our VPN with additional cybersecurity tools.”
“As part of the Advanced plan, users gain access to the all-new IPVanish Secure Browser and Cloud Storage powered by Livedrive. Secure Browser is a safer way to access the internet and sets a new standard for more secure and anonymous browsing. Meanwhile, Cloud Storage enables users to quickly and safely store, share, backup, and recover important files. As part of the Advanced plan, these enhancements offer our customers a complete solution for optimal digital security.”
“We provide several free security tools to the public, such as our Link Checker, where users can enter a URL to see if the website they are trying to access is safe before visiting. We also offer an IP Checker that allows users to determine the general location of an IP address, an Internet Speed Checker that helps users analyze their network performance, and a Password Generator, where users can create unique, strong passwords for their online accounts.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Sthanu and the team face in building the company? Sthanu acknowledged:
“One of the biggest challenges we’ve seen recently is the need for better consumer education around online privacy and security. A survey we conducted highlighted a key issue: while 65% of VPN users feel safer browsing with a VPN, there’s still a widespread misunderstanding about what a VPN actually does. For example, only 25% realize that a VPN protects their data from ISPs, and nearly 75% expect it to block ads and trackers.”
“This lack of understanding is concerning, as many consumers aren’t taking additional steps to fully protect themselves, even though they recognize their vulnerability. We’ve seen this firsthand when customers reach out, confused as to why they’re still seeing ads or being tracked while using a VPN. To address this, we focus on educating users about the real capabilities of a VPN, the limitations it has, and how they can take further action to safeguard their privacy—whether through adjusting settings, enabling extra features like ad and tracker blockers, or using complementary privacy tools.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has teh company’s technology evolve since launching? Sthanu noted:
“IPVanish launched in 2012, and over the years, we’ve evolved alongside the growing demand for privacy and online security. A significant turning point came in 2017 when our original parent company, Highwinds Network Group, was acquired by StackPath, LLC. In 2019, IPVanish joined Ziff Davis, an American digital media and internet company with a rich history dating back to 1927, and we continue to thrive under their ownership and as part of VIPRE Security Group, providing security solutions to enterprises & consumers alike.”
“Since our inception, IPVanish has undergone transformative growth. In 2012, we operated with just 32 physical servers; today, that number has grown to over 2,400 servers in 109 countries. This extensive global presence ensures fast and secure connections for users anywhere in the world. Notably, we have the largest server network in certain regions, including South America, which allows us to provide unparalleled coverage and speed in areas where many other VPN providers are lacking. Our growing server infrastructure continues to enhance our ability to deliver reliable service to users across the globe.”
“Our commitment to exceptional customer service has also been a cornerstone of our evolution. What began as email-only support has expanded to include 24/7 live chat, round-the-clock email assistance, and even phone support – a unique offering in the VPN industry. This comprehensive approach ensures that users always have access to the help they need. We’ve been consistently recognized for our top-tier customer support, with an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) as high as 54, reflecting the satisfaction and loyalty of our users.”
“Technologically, we’ve broken barriers by expanding beyond our initial Windows-only app. Today, IPVanish seamlessly supports a wide range of platforms, including desktop, mobile, and streaming devices, with dedicated apps for iOS, Android, Windows, Fire TV, Chrome, and more. We were also the first major consumer VPN to become available on Apple TV and Vision Pro, leading the way in making VPNs accessible on innovative platforms. Additionally, our free public security tools, such as the Link Checker, complement the anti-malware benefits built into our VPN’s Threat Protection feature, offering users even greater peace of mind. Beyond VPN services, we’ve grown into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite, introducing cutting-edge solutions like Antivirus, Cloud Storage, and our innovative Secure Browser. As the first consumer VPN to offer an RBI product, we’ve pioneered a solution that provides an extra layer of security for any browser on top of the VPN, ensuring users are protected from malware, browser fingerprinting, phishing links, and more. This helps consumers maintain greater anonymity along with data and device protection at every step of their online journey.”
“From a modest VPN service to a global leader in online privacy and security, IPVanish’s journey reflects our dedication to continuous innovation and delivering tools that empower users to take control of their digital lives.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiations the company from its competition? Sthanu affirmed:
“IPVanish stands out in the crowded VPN market by delivering unmatched flexibility, superior customer support, and a relentless focus on user empowerment.
1,.) Truly Unlimited Connections – IPVanish redefines value by offering unmetered connections, allowing users to secure all their devices simultaneously – no caps, no restrictions. This isn’t just a perk; it’s a game-changer for families, power users, and anyone juggling multiple devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and streaming platforms. While competitors charge extra for more connections, we make privacy limitless.
2.) Elite Customer Support – Our 24/7 live chat and dedicated phone support during business hours underscore our commitment to delivering solutions, not just services. Whether it’s a first-time user or a seasoned pro, we prioritize personalized assistance, ensuring every issue is resolved efficiently. IPVanish’s customer-first approach is about more than convenience – it’s about trust and reliability.
3.) Expansive, High-Performance Network- This year alone, we’ve grown from servers in 57 countries to 109, adding locations like Armenia, Bangladesh, Ecuador, and Venezuela. With over 2,400 servers – and growing – our infrastructure is designed to deliver unmatched speed, reliability, and global flexibility. Whether streaming, gaming, or bypassing restrictions, users benefit from a robust network that’s always evolving to meet their needs.
4.) Privacy Without Barriers – We’ve made privacy simple and accessible for everyone, regardless of their tech expertise. Our intuitive design, multi-language support, and compatibility with all major devices ensure no one is left out. Plus, our unlimited device connections mean users can protect their privacy across their entire digital ecosystem without compromise.
5.) Comprehensive Cybersecurity Suite – A major differentiator for us is our Secure Browser, an industry-first product which keeps all browsing processes in the cloud, completely avoiding malware risks and preventing browser fingerprinting. This extra layer of security ensures that users can browse safely without leaving any trace of their activity on their devices or giving up unique connection identifiers. Alongside that, we offer Livedrive, a homegrown cloud backup solution that has been protecting millions of users for decades, providing secure cloud storage alongside VPN protection. Together, these tools make IPVanish a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that goes beyond traditional VPN services.
6.) Decades of Deep-Rooted Security Expertise – What truly sets us apart is our strong foundation in security. With decades of experience in antivirus, endpoint, and email security, we bring the same trusted protection to our consumer solutions that has been relied upon by large enterprises for years. Our Labs division has been at the forefront of security innovation for decades, consistently developing cutting-edge technologies to address evolving threats and deliver unparalleled protection to our users.”
“At IPVanish, privacy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a fundamental right. As part of VIPRE Security Group, the cybersecurity division of Ziff Davis, we’re dedicated to breaking the mold of traditional VPN services. From pioneering unmetered connections to evolving into a complete cybersecurity suite, we deliver forward-thinking solutions that challenge conventions and make secure, unrestricted internet access attainable for all.”
