WithSecure: From Antivirus Pioneer to Cloud Security Specialist
WithSecure has been F-Secure’s B2B spin-off since 1 July 2022. Its Elements platform, co-security services and European data-protection focus aim to give security teams without their own SOC a robust alternative to US-centric pure-play vendors.
Key Takeaways
- WithSecure was created on 1 July 2022 when F-Secure split into a B2B arm (WithSecure) and a consumer arm (F-Secure).
- The modular Elements platform bundles endpoint security, identity security, exposure management, collaboration protection and cloud security.
- 80 % of all data breaches stem from misconfigurations or poorly managed credentials (Gartner).
- The average cost of a data breach in multi-cloud environments is about €4.5 million (IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, converted).
Related:WithSecure Elements in the field: endpoint protection for SMEs / 622 CVEs: prioritise, don’t panic-patch
From F-Secure to WithSecure: why the split?
What is WithSecure? WithSecure is the Helsinki-based European B2B cyber-security provider spun off from F-Secure in 2022. Its modular Elements platform unifies endpoint, identity, exposure management and cloud security – augmented by co-security, a team of in-house analysts.
The story began in 1988 when Petri Allas and Risto Siilasmaa founded F-Secure, one of Europe’s first antivirus companies. Thirty-four years later the firm executed its most sweeping strategic shift yet: on 1 July 2022 it formally separated into WithSecure (B2B) and F-Secure (consumer).
The driver? Consumer antivirus demand is shrinking – Windows 11 and other OSs now ship with robust built-in protection. In the B2B sphere, however, demand for advanced detection-and-response solutions is surging. The split lets WithSecure focus exclusively on enterprise customers and endpoint protection for SMEs.
“In a world where cyber security is not just a technical challenge but also a geopolitical one, we believe that how and where technology is built truly matters. Our strategy is to become a flagship for European cyber security.”
Antti Koskela, CEO WithSecure (Annual Report 2024)
WithSecure Elements: The Platform
The core product is WithSecure Elements, a modular cloud platform built on five pillars:
- Endpoint Security (EPS): Traditional protection with behavioral detection plus EDR and XDR capabilities.
- Identity Security: Defense against identity-based attacks, particularly those targeting Entra ID.
- Exposure Management (EEM): Continuous scanning and risk-based prioritization of the attack surface.
- Collaboration Protection (ECP): Protection for Microsoft 365, Teams, and SharePoint.
- Cloud Security: Securing Azure infrastructures and cloud workloads.
According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach in multi-cloud environments recently reached around €4.5 million. Gartner reports that misconfigurations account for 80 percent of all security breaches in cloud environments. Platforms like WithSecure Elements address this exact issue: identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Co-Security as a Business Model
WithSecure operates on a collaborative model: businesses and MSSPs work directly with WithSecure analysts. Instead of selling black-box products, the company provides access to Finnish security expertise, including threat intelligence derived from its own research.
WithSecure Labs has made several significant discoveries in recent years, including new attack techniques targeting Microsoft Office 365 and vulnerabilities in industrial control systems. These findings are directly integrated into the products and made available to partners as part of the Co-Security model.
Key Facts
Founded: 1988 as F-Secure, split on July 1, 2022
Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
Employees: approximately 1,000 worldwide
CEO: Antti Koskela (since July 2024)
Status: Privatized by CVC Capital and founder Risto Siilasmaa in late 2025 (formerly Nasdaq Helsinki: WITH)
Focus: Cloud-native B2B security with Co-Security model and European data sovereignty
For companies looking to implement a Zero Trust strategy or renew their cyber insurance, WithSecure Elements offers a modular entry point. The NIS2 Directive, mandatory in Germany since December 2025, makes professional detection and response capabilities a requirement for many businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the difference between WithSecure and F-Secure?
WithSecure serves exclusively business customers and partners (MSSPs). F-Secure continues as an independent company for the consumer market. The split took effect on 1 July 2022. Both companies share a common heritage but have operated fully independently since the separation.
Which company sizes does WithSecure Elements suit?
The platform is modular and scales from mid-sized businesses to large enterprises. It is especially strong for organisations that do not run their own SOC and want to access WithSecure analysts via the Co-Security model.
What does Co-Security mean?
Co-Security is WithSecure’s partnership approach: instead of merely licensing software, customers and partners work directly with WithSecure security experts. The model blends technology with human expertise and threat intelligence from in-house research.
Which cloud certifications should security vendors meet?
ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II and BSI C5 are the key standards. For EU data protection, it is also important whether the vendor processes data within the EU. WithSecure positions itself explicitly as a European provider focused on data sovereignty.
Why did WithSecure go private at the end of 2025?
CVC Capital Partners and co-founder Risto Siilasmaa acquired WithSecure via a tender offer at €1.70 per share. The privatisation is intended to let the company make long-term investments in research and product development without the constraints of quarterly reporting cycles.
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Reading TipWithSecure Elements Put to the Test: Endpoint Protection for SMEsReading Tip622 CVEs: Prioritise, Don’t Panic-PatchReading TipShadow AI Often Emerges from Governance Itself
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