Webroot provides Internet security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium–sized businesses. Headquartered in Boulder, CO, the company has operations in Australia, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.Webroot was founded in 1997 when entrepreneur Steven Thomas launched Webroot’s first commercial product, a trace removal agent called 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. The company introduced antivirus protection with the launch of AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper in 2006. In October 2007, Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware and desktop Firewall was released as an enhanced and rebranded version of the previous Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus with the added firewall protection feature. In October 2008, Webroot launched its first consumer security suite, Webroot Internet Security Essentials, in the United States. The international release of the security suite followed in early 2009. Also in 2008, Webroot announced the addition of online file backup to its existing Webroot AntiVirus with AntiSpyware product.
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.
In November 2007, Webroot acquired UK-based Email Systems (EMS) and announced itself as a provider in the security software-as-a-service (SaaS) market.
In May 2010, Webroot announce plans to open up its international headquarters in Dublin