F-Secure Internet Security 2006 tackles spyware, rootkits and uncontrolled Internet usage

Starting today, F-Secure launches its flagship consumer product, F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006 containing a highly automated package of well-integrated antiviral tools and advanced features to protect families against the evolving dangers of the Internet. These modern-day threats include spyware, adware, spam, invisible rootkit worms, inappropriate content and phishing. F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006 also offers help for families looking for ways to control their children’s Internet usage. Also launched today is its streamlined sister product, F-Secure Anti-Virus(tm) 2006.

One of the key features of F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006 and F-Secure Anti-Virus(tm) 2006 is real-time integrated antispyware which tackles the problems of inadvertently-installed spy- and adware commonly downloaded when file-sharing e.g. games, music or other entertainment content. This is the first antivirus product to detect spyware before it is installed on a PC.

Both new software packages also integrate the unique F-Secure BlackLight(tm) technology, released earlier this year to tackle the problem of advanced stealth malware called rootkits. Rootkits often remain hidden from a user’s computer operating system and undetected by current security products allowing a convenient backdoor for hackers.

And for users tired of spam assaults in their mail, F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006 employs Real-time Blackhole List functionality (RBL) support in its antispam feature. RBL uses a database of verified spammer IP addresses and those of spam gangs and related services to take the accuracy of spam detection to a higher level. This feature also helps fight common phishing-techniques. Also, for those clients using modem connections, F-Secure continues its Antidialer functionality to ensure against unexpected phone bills resulting from hacker exploits.

With the family in mind, F-Secure has also engaged a new child time lock feature in its Parental Control functionality in F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006. Families with children can now not only screen their young against Internet sites with questionable content but also define sensible time limits for them to surf the Internet.

Other features of note in F-Secure Internet Security(tm) 2006 and F-Secure Anti-Virus 2006 include a software user interface to the F-Secure Virus World Map where users are presented with geographically grouped descriptions of known virus infections around the world and an intuitive e-learning tutorial. The tutorial, which is available in English, German, French, Swedish and Finnish, has been designed to fluently guide users how to work with the different features of the product and to understand the principles of data security.

Acknowledging the fact that many families are also using smartphones in their daily lives, F-Secure has also included the possibility for users in Europe to enjoy a one-month free trial version of its F-Secure Mobile Anti-Virus software in both product packages. This product helps to protect the most commonly used Symbian smartphones against mobile malware.

Speaking about today’s product launches, Trond Neergaard, Vice President, Consumer Business said: “One of the main aims in the development of these products was the creation of software that really is easy to install and forget. Along with such features as comprehensive anti-virus protection, firewalls and protection updates that are more frequent than with our biggest competitors we believe we have significantly advanced these products with a suite of tools that overlap and work together in order to provide complete usable security solutions for families.”

About F-Secure Corporation

F-Secure Corporation is the fastest growing publicly listed company globally in the antivirus and intrusion prevention industry with more than 50% revenue growth of antivirus revenues in 2004. F-Secure services and software protect individuals and businesses against computer viruses and other threats coming through the Internet or mobile networks. Our award-winning solutions include antivirus and desktop firewall with intrusion prevention, antispam and antispyware solutions. Our key strength is our proven speed of response to new threats. For businesses our solutions feature a centrally managed and well-integrated suite of solutions for workstations and servers alike. Focused partners offer security as a service for those companies that do not wish to build security expertise in-house. Founded in 1988, F-Secure has been listed on the Helsinki Exchanges since 1999. We have our headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, and offices in France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom and USA. F-Secure is supported by a global ecosystem of service partners, value added resellers and distributors in over 50 countries. F-Secure protection is also available through mobile handset manufacturers such as Nokia and as a service through major Internet Service Providers, such as Deutsche Telekom, France Telecom and Charter Communications. The latest real-time virus threat scenario news are available at the F-Secure Antivirus Research Team weblog at http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/

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