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Snow Leopard right at home with Deep Freeze Mac 4.5
Faronics is excited to announce the immediate availability of Deep Freeze Mac 4.5. This coincides with the release of Apple’s latest operating system, Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. The concurrent launch of Deep Freeze Mac 4.5 demonstrates Faronics’ commitment to delivering bulletproof workstation protection while reducing computer support costs.
Deep Freeze Mac offers the most robust Mac protection available and eliminates the need for IT professionals to perform rebuilds, re-image, or troubleshoot computers. IT administrators are able to map user accounts individually or by user type to an unprotected partition or a Thawspace to retain user documents, pictures, movies, bookmarks and other data between protected sessions.
IT administrators of large Mac deployments are already familiar with Deep Freeze Mac’s ability to protect a workstation’s operating system and software without restricting user access. Mac users who are protected by Deep Freeze’s patented technology are able to enjoy a clean and consistent Mac session–each and every time. IT administrators love that Mac environments are easier to manage and expensive computer assets are kept running at 100% capacity.
“The Macintosh market is a key part of our business strategy because a significant percentage of our customers in media, retail, healthcare, hospitality and education have mixed Mac/Windows or Mac-only environments,” said Brent Smithurst, Vice President of Technical Operations for Faronics. “We supported Leopard immediately when it shipped and I’m proud we are able to do the same with Snow Leopard support.”
A free, fully functional 30-day evaluation version of Deep Freeze Mac can be downloaded at www.faronics.com. Deep Freeze Mac offers a wide range of enterprise capabilities via its seamless integration with Apple Remote Desktop.
Source: Faronics
McAfee and Phoenix Technologies to deliver a secured computing cloud for PC Notebook & Netbook users
Viruses, malicious attacks, malware and spyware meet new gatekeeper with combined technologies delivering unrivaled online and platform protection for consumers
McAfee, Inc., the world’s largest dedicated security technology company, and Phoenix Technologies Ltd., the leader in PC 3.0(TM) products, services and embedded technologies, announced their partnership to develop a product for HyperSpace(TM) — Phoenix’s groundbreaking instant-on computing environment for notebooks and netbooks. By combining technologies, McAfee and Phoenix plan to provide computer users revolutionary new levels of protection from viruses and targeted attacks as well as online malware and spyware intrusions.
HyperSpace, a Moblin-compliant, instant-on computing environment features applications that are certified by Phoenix to ensure the integrity of the computing environment. Contents of the hard drive remain walled off from the internet and are therefore protected. By teaming with McAfee, HyperSpace is achieving new levels of consumer internet security protection.
The explosion in Web 2.0 applications, including social networking sites with cloud-based applications and functionality, has created new vehicles for launching malicious attacks, according to McAfee’s “2009 Threat Predictions.” Including McAfee’s technology into HyperSpace means computer users will have additional protection from online threats.
“McAfee’s superior technology complements the device-level protection provided by HyperSpace by blocking attacks targeting the browser or network access,” said Brent Remai, vice president of consumer marketing at McAfee. “With the online threatscape constantly shifting, and computer users moving more and more of their activities and documents onto cloud-based systems, the combination of HyperSpace and McAfee represents a powerful security option available for computer users.”
“Security plays a key role in our PC 3.0(TM) strategy of providing software and services that make computing devices more user-friendly,” said Woody Hobbs, President and CEO of Phoenix Technologies. “Protection from malicious software and other forms of attack enhances the user experience. By itself, HyperSpace provides a secure computing environment for users to surf the Web, access applications and sensitive data and conduct financial and other transactions. Layering in McAfee’s best-in-class security technology provides additional tiers of vault-like protection for computer users that are unmatched in the industry.”
HyperSpace is designed to deliver significantly faster boot times, continuous, smart internet connectivity, extended battery life and new levels of security protection while online. With HyperSpace, users can begin searching the Web, send and receive email, use other Web-based applications and work in important productivity applications within seconds of turning on their computing device. Users also enjoy the benefits of up to two hours of extra battery life on their HyperSpace-enabled laptops and all-day computing on their netbooks and smartbooks. The HyperSpace platform also provides a unique computing environment that PC designers, software developers and content providers can utilize to create always-available, instant-on applications that bring new convenience, connectivity, uptime and security to users.
Source: Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
New Trend Micro Consumer Security delivers universal, multi-platform protection
Optimized for Microsoft(TM) Windows(TM) 7, Trend Micro(TM) Internet Security 2010 is the total protection package for consumers everywhere.
In developing its 2010 consumer line, Trend Micro kept in mind that consumers often find security software programs to be tedious to manage and heavy on computer resources. The company unveiled today new versions of its flagship consumer products – Trend Micro(TM) Internet Security and Trend Micro Internet Security Pro, both the first to be optimized for Microsoft(TM) Windows(TM) 7. Now faster and smarter while remaining easy to use, they provide superior protection without draining computer resources.
“We listened to our customers and honed in on convenience, ease-of-use and efficiency. Compared to last year, our new products have a 20-percent reduction in installed file size and scan time,” said Carol Carpenter, general manager of the consumer and small business unit. “Trend Micro Internet Security 2010 is comprehensive security that promises easy, fast and smart protection for consumers who are tired of complicated, cumbersome security packages.”
Smart Security Made Simple
Software security doesn’t have to be complex. Trend Micro Internet Security and Internet Security Pro give consumers the freedom and peace of mind to shop, surf, or bank online without struggling to update or manage their security programs — one of the reasons why many simply opt out of security software completely. But with identity and data theft draining consumers millions of dollars every year, foregoing security software or even settling for free security software can be an expensive risk.
Both products offer unique features that make it effortless for consumers to stay protected. The Home Network Security Management function, for example, allows consumers to see and remotely manage other computers in their home network through a graphical home network map and block wireless network intruders.
Trend Micro has also tried to alleviate the need for consumers to manually adjust their security program. The 2010 products are “state aware,” which means scans and updates happen only when it’s convenient for consumers — no inconvenient in-product messages while they are watching a video, conducting a PowerPoint presentation, or playing a computer game.
The Security Activity Dashboard has also been improved so customers see a comprehensive and customizable snapshot of all the security activities on their computers through streamlined, easy-to-understand charts and graphs. By learning more about when and how their computers can be attacked, customers can surf without worry.
Fast, Ubiquitous Protection
Simplicity joins speed in this year’s consumer line. With cybercriminals moving at unprecedented speed, consumers need their security programs to work even faster. Trend Micro Internet Security and Internet Security Pro are powered by the Trend Micro(TM) Smart Protection Network(TM) infrastructure, which works in the background, correlating threat intelligence, protecting in the Internet cloud, and giving consumers – wherever they are — immediate, real-time protection competitive products don’t offer.
Ubiquitous protection is another must for consumers who travel with their laptops or smartphones and Trend Micro tailors its products for this mobile group. As part of the Trend Micro Internet Security Pro package, consumers also get a license for Mobile Security, which protects smartphones against viruses, spam, data theft, service disruptions and other malware attacks against Microsoft Windows Mobile and Symbian(TM) OS based devices.
Smart, Online Protection – For the Whole Family
Worrying about security software is one thing, but worrying about your child’s online safety is another issue entirely. A recent Trend Micro survey found that parents have a misperception of their kids’ online safety — over 65 percent of parents surveyed believe their kids are safe while using the Internet.
But online dangers are real and can pose serious offline threats. Busy working families with tech-savvy kids can take advantage of the enhanced parental controls found in Trend Micro consumer products; parents can tailor control features according to age and remotely monitor when and what their kids are viewing online. They can control both inbound traffic (by blocking inappropriate Web site content) and outbound traffic (personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, passwords, etc.) they don’t want to be sent from a computer.
In addition to fast and easy protection for the entire family, Trend Micro Internet Security and Internet Security Pro also include additional enhanced security features that:
- Automatically prevent suspicious software on USB drives from opening and installing itself on the computer.
- Analyze suspicious domain names and block attempts to open potentially dangerous Web sites.
- Rate the safety of hyperlink search results via search engines such as Biglobe(TM) (one of the largest Internet Service Providers in Japan), Infoseek(TM) and Bing(TM) on the Trend Micro Toolbar.
- Include improved correlation via the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network — customers are part of a “neighborhood watch” system of protection that means greater security.
Protection beyond the PC
Trend Micro, through its multi-device “security blanket” strategy for the home, has also extended its protection to the Mac platform, Netbooks, USB drives, Sony PlayStation and Sony Portable, Linksys(TM) by Cisco(TM) routers, and Apple(TM) iPhone.
Pricing & Availability for North America
Trend Micro consumer security suites come in three flavors: Trend Micro Internet Security, Trend Micro Internet Security Pro, and Trend Micro(TM) AntiVirus + AntiSpyware. Trend Micro Internet Security Pro offers additional features that are optimized for performance, laptop usage away from home, and online banking and shopping. For those who want just the basic protection, Trend Micro also offers Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware.
The consumer product line will be available online on August 24th at www.trendmicro.com. They will also be in retail stores in August. The subscription prices for one year are $39.95, $49.95 and $69.95, respectively for Trend Micro AntiVirus + AntiSpyware, Trend Micro Internet Security, and Trend Micro Internet Security Pro. Customers who purchase Trend Micro Internet Security or Internet Security Pro are able to install the software on up to three household computers.
Source: Trend Micro
Identity-theft malware flourishes during economic downturn, according to PandaLabs
The number of computers infected by malware designed to steal confidential, personal or banking details has risen 600 percent compared to this time last year — Of the 37,000 new viruses, worms, Trojans and other security threats that appear each day, 71 percent are Trojans, mostly designed for identity theft
Panda Security, the Cloud Security Company, announced that PandaLabs, the company’s laboratory for detecting and analyzing malware, has discovered that the number of users affected by malware designed for identity theft has increased 600 percent this year compared to the same time in 2008. Most of these variants are Trojans, with many incidents of phishing, worms, and spyware.
PandaLabs receives nearly 37,000 samples of new viruses, worms, Trojans and other types of Internet threats each day. Of these, 71 percent are Trojans, mostly aimed at stealing bank details or credit card numbers, as well as passwords for other commercial services. Between January and July 2009, PandaLabs received 11 million new threats, approximately 8 million of which were Trojans. This is in clear contrast, for example, to the average of 51 percent of new Trojans that PandaLabs received in 2007. For a graphical representation of the increase in malware by month, please click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/panda_security/3837426110/
According to Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs, “One of the possible reasons for this increase is the economic crisis. This in conjunction with organizations that have made a business out of selling personal information on the black market, such as credit card numbers, PayPal or eBay accounts is what we can attribute the rise to. We have also seen an increase of the distribution and infection of this kind of malware through social networks.”
Hackers have also been busy exploring new channels for propagating threats and new sources of revenue. With malware samples, which previously almost exclusively targeted users’ online banking information by getting them to enter their user name and password in a spoof bank website, potential victims are now taken to any platform or online site in which their bank details may be stored or where they might have to enter them. This is the case with the increase in targeted attacks on pay platforms (such as PayPal) and other services where users often save their payment details, including popular online stores (such as Amazon), online auctions (such as eBay), or even NGO portals where they make charitable donations.
Similarly, whereas email was one of the only channels used in the past for contacting victims, many other methods are now being used:
– Distribution across social networks with fake URLs, such as Twitter or Facebook
– Cloning of Web pages to make them appear among the first results in searches by keywords in popular search engines
– SMS messages to cell phones
– Infecting computers with spyware which displays alarming messages and takes users to fake websites (e.g. fake antivirus programs)
Messages that use social engineering are often the final touch to lure users into taking the bait.
Once cybercriminals have obtained credit card or bank details, they have two possible options: use them to make purchases which victims will be unaware of until they receive their bank statement; or sell the details on the black market (often fetching approximately $4 per ID).
PandaLabs estimates that approximately three percent of all users have fallen victim to these techniques. The problem with these types of threats, unlike traditional viruses of the past, is that they are designed to go undetected, and therefore users do not realize they have become victims until it is too late. To avoid falling victim to identity theft, visit Panda’s helpful tips online at http://www.pandalabs.com/.
Panda Managed Office Protection and Panda GateDefender Performa receive industry praise
Panda Managed Office Protection (PMOP) has been awarded five stars in a PC World (Spain) review – Panda GateDefender picked up CRN’s recommended product seal
Panda Managed Office Protection (PMOP), the security as a service (SaaS) solution from Cloud Security Company Panda Security, and Panda GateDefender Performa, the company’s perimeter security device, have both received positive ratings from reputable industry publications, PC World and CRN Magazine, respectively.
Panda Managed Office Protection was awarded the maximum five stars in a review by PC World in Spain. The magazine defines PMOP as a “product based on a software-plus-services platform, offering simple and dynamic protection for workstations with extensive management options.” According to PC World, “(PMOP) is a highly flexible solution that allows users in SMBs to be managed and protected from a central point, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the company… This tool lets you create protection profiles even for groups, yet specifying parameters to apply to individual users. Solution administrators can view a status graph at any time, listing detections and their sources.”
“It also includes, for each license, unlimited Malware Radar audits, offering a rapid analysis of the general status of users.” These audits, along with the overall simplicity and management capabilities of the solution are rated as the most outstanding features of PMOP in the PC World review.
Panda GateDefender Performa has earned the Recommended Product seal in a review by CRN. According to the article, “Since GateDefender does not act as a router, it can easily be integrated into an existing network, without any changes to the architecture.” The magazine also praises how simple it is to set up the various Panda Security modules: “Content filtering is intuitive to set up. You can exclude specific files from the filter, or you can enable the HMTL page filter,” says CRN. This highly respected publication also underlines how Panda GateDefender Performa is “a heroic effort on the part of Panda to take on so many threats– antimalware, embedded Web threats, and more.”
More information about Panda Managed Office Protection is available at http://www.pandasecurity.com/enterprise/solutions/managedprotection/, and Panda GateDefender Performa at http://www.pandasecurity.com/enterprise/solutions/gatedefender-performa/.