Blackwall, the cybersecurity company formerly known as BotGuard, is entering a new chapter. With a fresh name, ambitious global plans, and a sharp focus on pre-server website protection, the company is positioning itself as a strong player in the increasingly crowded security landscape. At the center of this transition is Shoko Nagao, a dynamic sales executive leading teams across two major regions, driving both strategic vision and execution.

A new name, a bigger mission

The decision to rebrand from BotGuard to Blackwall wasn’t just cosmetic — it was about redefining the company’s identity and future direction. While BotGuard made sense in the early days, when the focus was mostly on bot mitigation, the team realized that their goals had expanded.

“We rebranded from BotGuard to BlackWall to reflect more extended mission of ours,” explains Shoko Nagao. “We’re now providing comprehensive security solutions beyond bot mitigation.”

The new name, Blackwall, evokes a broader kind of digital defense — an entire wall of protection, rather than a guard for a specific threat. The company’s offerings now go far beyond blocking bots, embracing a more holistic view of web traffic protection.

Defense before the server

What sets Blackwall apart in a market flooded with security providers is their approach to traffic filtering. Instead of reacting to threats after they’ve breached the server, Blackwall intercepts malicious traffic at the landing point — before it ever reaches a client’s infrastructure.

“We block all the threats before they hit the servers,” says Nagao. “Which I think is really important.”

This kind of proactive strategy doesn’t just improve security — it reduces server load and improves performance. The system is designed to be user-friendly for both hosting providers and domain owners, allowing them to visualize and control incoming traffic with ease. Blackwall’s interface is accessible even to those without technical expertise, making it an ideal choice for small and mid-sized hosting companies looking to improve their security offering without overwhelming their teams.

“Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can definitely use [our dashboard],” she adds.

Hosting providers as strategic partners

For web hosting companies, Blackwall offers more than protection — it offers a business opportunity. By bundling Blackwall’s services with their hosting packages, providers can create a new revenue stream and differentiate themselves in a highly competitive market.

Nagao points out that the pricing model is particularly designed with hosting providers in mind. It’s scalable, flexible, and aligns with the economics of the hosting business.

“This can be a new revenue scheme… by adding it as additional value and a way to differentiate from other providers,” she explains.

At a time when hosting companies are looking for ways to stand out without drastically increasing costs, Blackwall’s model offers an attractive proposition.

Global vision fueled by fresh investment

With new funding secured, Blackwall is gearing up for international growth. The company already has a solid footprint in Europe, but plans are now in motion to expand into North America, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region.

“We want to go big and we want to go more global,” says Nagao. “As we speak, we’re expanding the sales team so we can reach more providers in each region.”

The investment is also being directed toward product development. The roadmap includes adding new features and enhancing the platform’s usability, ensuring Blackwall remains at the forefront of website security innovation.

“With this funding, we’re going to put a lot of investment in the product development… so we can serve the client better,” Nagao confirms.

Looking ahead

With Shoko Nagao helping lead the charge, Blackwall is not just rebranding — it’s evolving. By combining ease of use, early-stage protection, and a business-friendly model for hosting companies, the company is carving out a unique space in the cybersecurity landscape. Their focus on growth, both in features and in reach, signals that Blackwall isn’t just reacting to threats — it’s building a future where online safety starts before a single packet reaches the server.