NordVPN, a cybersecurity company based in Lithuania, has grown significantly since its founding in 2012 by Tomas Okmanas and Eimantas Sabaliauskas. What began as a private server shared among friends evolved into a major player in the cybersecurity industry. The company launched a mobile app in 2013 and introduced 24/7 customer support in 2014. Between 2017 and 2022, NordVPN became a subsidiary of Nord Security, a larger firm that also operates other security tools like NordPass and NordLocker. During this time, NordVPN achieved unicorn status (valued at over $1 billion) and introduced several key innovations, including the NordLynx protocol and a range of anti-phishing and online security tools. A central feature of NordVPN is its no-log policy, which means it does not record user activity such as browsing history or IP addresses. However, it does keep subscription details like email and payment information. Users can pay with cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, or use a pre-paid card. NordVPN is registered in Panama to avoid European laws that require storing user data, and its servers operate on a 100% RAM infrastructure, which means data is deleted after each server restart. The company has undergone six no-log audits, including one in February 2026, though it has faced criticism for not making its code open-source, a feature offered by competitors like ProtonVPN. NordVPN offers a wide array of security features, including tools like a Kill Switch, which blocks internet access if the connection drops, and Double VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for added privacy. It also provides services such as Dark Web Monitor, which alerts users if their personal information appears online. These features are part of a broader portfolio of security products from Nord Security, including password managers, file encryption tools, and eSIM services. NordVPN's infrastructure includes between 8,000 and 9,000 servers across 150 countries, with a network capacity exceeding 100 terabytes per second. It supports multiple protocols, including its own NordLynx, which provides fast performance, and OpenVPN, which is widely used but can be slower on distant servers. On mobile devices, NordVPN maintains consistent performance regardless of location. The company offers 24/7 customer support and various subscription plans, though its pricing is higher than many competitors. Discounts are available for longer-term commitments, and users can save by using certain payment methods. Despite past issues, such as a server breach in Finland in 2018, NordVPN continues to innovate and expand its offerings. While some critics argue that its marketing may overstate the need for such services, NordVPN remains a popular choice for users seeking comprehensive online security with a wide range of tools and features.