NordVPN Signs Shaquille O'Neal for Global Online Security Campaign

The deal pairs one of the most recognizable names in sports with a company trying to move past its identity as a single-purpose VPN. NordVPN is positioning itself as an all-in-one security suite, with its next-generation antivirus built directly into its app, where the company says it stops malware, trackers and phishing attempts before they reach a user's device.

O'Neal, a 15-time NBA All-Star who has built a second career as an investor, entrepreneur and touring DJ, said he is selective about the brands he works with. "I only work with people and brands I believe in, and NordVPN is serious about helping people stay protected online," he said. He added that many people still assume cybersecurity is too complex or does not apply to them. "NordVPN makes it easier to understand, and I can help make sure people pay attention. We are a strong team."

He framed online vigilance as a family matter. "I tell my family the same thing I tell everybody: don't make it easy for the bad guys," O'Neal said. "Scams are getting harder to spot, so you have to stay alert and think before you click."

NordVPN's own telemetry, cited by the company, points to the volume of everyday threats. Its next-generation antivirus scans roughly 12 million unique URLs each day and blocks an average of 130,000 malicious pages, and in the first half of 2026 alone the company says it blocked nearly 5 million malware attempts in the United States. In independent testing reported by TechRadar, the antivirus, previously known as the Threat Protection suite, blocked 94% of phishing sites at first, a figure that rose to 96% in later assessments.

Toma Sabaliauskienė, NordVPN's chief marketing officer, said the partnership reflects the company's broader ambitions. "NordVPN is no longer just a VPN, and this partnership makes that clear," she said. She described O'Neal as an obvious fit, saying he "brings a unique blend of strength, trust, and relatable humor to the table, supporting the idea that world-class cybersecurity doesn't have to be intimidating."

The marketing push comes as leading VPN providers increasingly bundle extra security features into their apps. TechRadar ranked NordVPN first in its 2026 round of VPN tests, citing ease of use, security features, speeds suitable for gaming and streaming unblocking. Subscriptions start at $3.49 per month, and the service offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editor's Summary NordVPN is teaming with Shaquille O'Neal on a year-plus campaign, including a New York City event this fall, to promote online protection to users who typically ignore cybersecurity marketing. The partnership doubles as a signal that the company wants to be judged as a full security suite, with its built-in antivirus as the centerpiece of that pitch.