Cisco and Trend Micro have now teamed up, to protect your family with the product call Home Network Defender.

Here are the overview of  Home Network Defender:

Smart Protection for your Home Network

Security software provides essential protection against various Internet threats but sometimes it can also create a hassle if you need to update and manage multiple computers at home. You need a tailored solution that is customized for a home network environment with a wireless router.

Cisco and Trend Micro, Your Security Experts

We are introducing Home Network Defender, which is an easy-to-install, easy-to-manage security service for homes with Linksys by Cisco routers. Custom designed by Trend Micro for Linksys by Cisco routers, Home Network Defender is designed to protect you and your family better against cyber criminals and online predators by stopping the threats at the router “gate” before they can get into your home network.

The Key Benefits

Cisco and Trend Micro have joined forces to offer a multi-layered home network security solution with Home Network Defender – Protecting both the router and all Internet- enabled devices connected to it.

Powerful Router security features include:

• Robust Parental Controls:
  You know what content is being viewed by family members. It includes access timers, customizable by user; manage what site categories each family member can view.
• Safe Web Surfing:
  Trend Micro’s unique Web Threat Protection technology is designed to automatically blocks sites identified as malicious. Choose between 3 security level settings to fit your specific browsing needs.
• Network Activity Reporting:
  Easy access to detailed reports highlighting all Internet traffic through your router. This allows your home computer network administrator to know what violations occurred on the home network and who committed them.
• Quick / Simple Installation of Home Network Defender
  With easy download and activation through your Cisco by Linksys router. Because it’s so easy to set-up, view, manage and repair, it’s like having an expert at home, helping you get the most out of your Linksys by Cisco network.

Powerful PC security features from Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware

• On-demand, scheduled, and real-time computer scanning is designed to provide active protection against the latest viruses, worms, Trojan horse programs, and spyware.
• Trend Micro’s advanced behavior monitoring technology helps to prevent suspicious changes from occurring on the computer without your knowledge.
• A simple end-user experience, with quick and easy security setup for up to 4 PCs.

With the Home Network Defender protection system running on your network, you and your family can enjoy the Internet with the knowledge that your Linksys by Cisco router and Trend Micro technology are working hard to help keep you safe.

System Setup and Requirements

To get the benefit of all these features you:

1. Configure and activate your Linksys by Cisco router appropriately and
2. Download a Free 30-Day Trial

These are part of your default installation.

For more information specifically about the Linksys by Cisco routers, please go to http://www.linksysbycisco.com/linksysbycisco/en/promo/Home-Network-Defender

Lavasoft is pleased to  introduced a new version of their Ad-Aware product – Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition. Building on 10 years of malware experience – and from a decade of listening to customers’ security wants and needs – Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition provides radically improved performance and efficiency with minimal strain on resources, along with comprehensive malware protection. Ad-Aware Anniversary Edition for both Ad-Aware Plus and Ad-Aware Pro provides advanced threat protection and is significantly lighter and faster than previous editions. Ad-Aware anniversary edition is launching January 20, 2009.

ForceField uses virtualization technology to divert automatic downloads such as the recent Internet Explorer exploit.

Severity: High Risk

ZoneAlarm ForceField browser security protects you by placing a two-way “bubble of security” around your browser, and by preventing drive-by downloads and other Internet threats from damaging your PC and stealing your personal information.

How the Attacks Work…
Drive-by downloads infect existing websites – or create new websites – and trick users to visit. Upon landing on the fraudulent site, hackers slip malicious software onto the PC through a browser flaw. The malicious software assists with identity theft – stealing credit card numbers, passwords and other sensitive data by secretly logging everything the victim types.

Lavasoft’s stand-alone anti-virus solution delivers comprehensive protection against over 1.5 million known malicious applications, as well as emerging and rapidly changing threats, with low impact on system resources.

Gothenburg, Sweden (September 30, 2008) Well-known anti-spyware pioneer Lavasoft today announced the global release of Anti-Virus Helix, a stand-alone security tool designed to address the rapidly changing malware landscape. This new product delivers comprehensive protection and high performance with low impact on system resources. Using advanced heuristic technology, it offers superior detection rates, guarding against over 1.5 million known threats, along with unknown, emerging, and rapidly changing threats, including viruses, worms, rootkits, bots, blended threats and drive-by downloads.

“Lavasoft’s primary focus and commitment is, and will continue to be, to protect the privacy of computer users, with high-quality security solutions,” says Lavasoft CEO Jason King. “Our customers have been asking for anti-virus protection from our company for years. We recently answered that call by integrating anti-virus into our flagship anti-spyware program, Ad-Aware. We now also offer an individual anti-virus tool for the niche market of savvy customers who insist on having stand-alone security tools versus security suites,” says King.

Award-Winning Anti-Virus Technology

Developed in collaboration with a leading anti-virus technology partner, and 20 years of virus research, Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix is designed to address the explosive growth of today’s cyber threats by offering superior detection rates and real-time protection.

Advanced Heuristic Analysis and Detection

Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix features advanced heuristics technology to detect and guard against unknown or rapidly changing attackers. The heuristics looks at the characteristics and the code sequences of the file to determine whether or not the file is malicious, giving computer users protection against both known threats, as well as against emerging and unknown threats.

High Performance and Low System Resource Usage

Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix provides extensive threat detection and runs seamlessly with low impact on system resources, with an efficient and easy to use interface.

Integrated E-mail Scanner

Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix also includes comprehensive protection against e-mail borne threats – one of the most common methods of infection – with an integrated e-mail scanner supporting both POP3 and SMTP.

For more product details, please visit http://www.lavasoft.com/products/lavasoft_antivirus_helix.php.

Price and Availability

Lavasoft Anti-Virus Helix is available immediately at www.lavasoft.com where a 30 day evaluation version can be found as well. It is available with 1, 3, or 5 user license packs, and includes free technical support and software updates throughout the license period. Prices begin at $23.95, with aggressive discounts for multi-user licenses. The press pack is available at http://www.lavasoft.com/company/press.

About Lavasoft

Founded in 1999, Lavasoft is “the original anti-spyware company”, with over 350 million downloads worldwide for the flagship Ad-Aware product. A private company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, Lavasoft provides security solutions for individual consumers and enterprise clients alike, including anti-spyware and anti-virus, registry optimization, firewall, digital shredding, and encryption. Lavasoft has over 4,000 partners in 120 countries.

BitDefender®, announced today that BitDefender Anti-Virus 11 received the top certification level from AV-Comparatives for its low impact on system performance.

AV-Comparatives performed tests on 16 antivirus products to determine which software had the least impact on system performance. AV-Comparatives used a 3-level ranking system: Standard, Advanced, and Advanced+. The test was broken into two parts. In the first, the test simulated various file operations that a computer user would execute such as, copying files from one place to another, archiving and unarchiving files and encoding and transcoding audio and video files. In the second part of the test, the system boot up and shutdown of the PC was analyzed to see what impact the anti-virus software had on the process.

“We are extremely pleased with AV-Comparatives.org’s test results which prove that in addition to providing solutions offering the highest level of protection, BitDefender also provides antivirus software that does not degrade system performance,” said Bogdan Dumitru, BitDefender’s chief technology officer. “BitDefender topped many of the other anti-virus solutions in this test which reinforces the fact that BitDefender Anti-Virus 11 is the most complete and effective anti-virus software available.”

For further details on the results of this test, please visit AV-Comparatives.org

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About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry’s fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since our inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe — giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide. More information is available on our security solutions’ site.

Xacti, provider of free software, announces the release of its new Spyware Terminator™ 2.5, a free powerful antispyware application. Version 2.5 is now even easier and safer to use for less experienced users, and is also more configurable and robust for experienced users.

Spyware Terminator 2.5 includes two new protection modes:

* Basic Protection – For less experienced users, Spyware Terminator determines nearly all issues for them, making the application safer and easier for them to use.
* Advanced Protection – For more experienced users this mode lets them determine all actions. Experienced users can also select a Custom Mode and configure settings for each shield.

All actions are automatically added to a Review List giving the user an opportunity to change their decision about previously allowed or denied actions.

Spyware Terminator 2.5 also includes an Install Mode that automatically detects programs being installed and allows users to temporarily place Real-Time Protection on hold while the program installs. Additionally, the user can switch to Allow or Deny Mode.

Version 2.5 also features an enhanced HIPS function allowing the user to choose from two application controls based on their experience level.

“Internet security is a growing concern for both casual and skilled computer users. Combating Internet threats and providing free, powerful solutions anyone can use is our primary developmental directive,” stated Robert Oesterlund, CEO. “We’re continuously evolving our products like Spyware Terminator, advancing the computer security of users around the world.”

Spyware Terminator has received many awards, including recognition as one of the Top 3 Free Security Applications by Download.com. Spyware Terminator currently has over 20 million installations and a threat database of over 500,000 items.

Availability
Spyware Terminator 2.5 is available free for home and business use at www.spywareterminator.com and will be available soon at most free download websites. Optionally, version 2.5 can be downloaded with free open source antivirus program ClamAV and a part of Xacti security suite, Web Security Guard™. Spyware Terminator 2.5 is easy to install and compatible with all major operating systems.

About Xacti Group
Xacti is a leading innovator of search technology and software applications focusing on rich, interactive experiences and safety for consumers and businesses. Xacti products are meticulously developed and are highly ranked by industry experts and users alike. The company is dedicated to the idea that everyone worldwide should have access to free software. The Xacti Group has a global mission to create and operate a diversified portfolio of scalable businesses through the innovative use of technology. To learn more, visit www.xacti.com.

Panda Security, a leading provider of IT security solutions, today announced the availability of a guide containing practical tips to help consumers safely do their holiday shopping online. Panda Security’s practical guide, which explains the main security threats and how to protect against them, is available for free download here (pdf).

More people now look to the Internet to find that original holiday present to give to friends or family. In the US alone, online transactions during 2008 are projected to top $204 billion, over 17 percent more than in 2007(1). For 2009, the Forrester consultancy forecasts worldwide growth of online transactions of 12.2 percent(2). However, many of these purchases will be made from fraudulent websites. According to CyberSource, fraudulent transactions are growing at a rate of 20 percent per year, and in 2007 cyber-crooks benefited from these operations to the tune of 3.6 billion dollars(3).

Among the most dangerous threats to users over the holiday period are banker Trojans. These malicious codes are designed to steal confidential data such as banking passwords, account numbers, etc. and make this information available to criminals who can then steal money directly from user accounts. This type of malware accounted for 20 percent of all new malware that appeared during 2008.

Phishing is another type of fraud that users should be on the lookout for. These attacks use emails that appear to come from banks or other financial entities but really redirect users to spoof Web pages where they are prompted to enter their confidential bank details to log into their account.

Fake online stores represent another common threat, designed to steal users’ bank or credit card details. They often offer products at incredibly low prices to attract potential victims.

Spoof greetings cards created to distribute malware, infected P2P downloads and fake online auction offers are just a few of the many other consumer security threats abundant on the Internet during the holiday season.

To keep out of harm’s way, PandaLabs advises:

Keep your computer free from threats — Before carrying out an online payment, make sure your computer is not infected by viruses, Trojans, etc., which could steal your credit card details or passwords. Make sure you have an antivirus installed that can detect all types of threats, and keep it up to date.

Only visit secure websites — If you are going to make an online payment, make sure the Web page is secure. Check that the address in the browser’s address bar starts with “https.” Also, a small closed padlock icon must be displayed in the status bar of the browser.

Investigate online stores — Before buying something from an online store, make sure the company is reliable. Do what you would do in real life: get the opinion of other customers. On the Internet, this is as simple as typing the name of the store in a search engine and reviewing the opinion of other buyers. If it is bad, don’t buy there.

Get a second opinion — Even if you have antivirus software, make sure your computer is genuinely clean by getting a second opinion. Visit Infected or Not (http://www.infectedornot.com) and run a free scan of your computer with ActiveScan 2.0, capable of detecting even the most elusive malware that may have evaded detection from other traditional antivirus software products.

Trust your instinct — Beware of bargains, on the Internet as well as in real life. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Follow your instinct and if something looks like a fraud, don’t buy it.

For more information on secure online shopping over the holidays, get the Panda Security guide here

About PandaLabs
Since 1990, its mission has been to detect and eliminate new threats as rapidly as possible to offer our clients maximum security. To do so, PandaLabs has an innovative automated system that analyzes and classifies thousands of new samples a day and returns automatic verdicts (malware or goodware). This system is the basis of collective intelligence, Panda Security’s new security model which can even detect malware that has evaded other security solutions. Currently, 94% of malware detected by PandaLabs is analyzed through this system of collective intelligence. This is complemented through the work of several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc.), work 24/7 to provide global coverage. This translates into more secure, simpler and more resource-friendly solutions for clients.

More information is available in the PandaLabs blog: http://www.pandalabs.com and the Panda Security website: http://www.pandasecurity.com/usa

Our beta testing process comes to a close late this month as we make the final tweaks to the newest Ad-Aware program. And that’s good news for all of our Ad-Aware users around the globe – the release of this powered up product is just around the corner.

When the new version debuts on January 20, 2009, you’ll see exciting new changes to this anti-malware software you know and trust.

“The launch of the latest version of Ad-Aware brings us back to the core of our business, delivering the solution our customers require to stay safe despite the extensive threats that face all computer users today – a user-friendly tool that provides cutting-edge detection, blocking and removal of malware without all of the extra bells and whistles that complicate other programs,” says Lavasoft CEO Jason King.

How, specifically, are we making that happen? New changes to the detection technology include heuristics scans – that’s how we find and block the absolute latest malware threats – and an integrated Ad-Watch Live! real-time protection. That means that Ad-Aware will not only root out and detect today’s most prevalent threats with an extensive database of over 2 million threats, but it will also protect you from those not yet identified in our signature database.

On top of that, this new version provides ultimate resource efficiency with dramatic improvements to the strain on your system’s resources.  Those that have tested the Beta have seen the staggering results; the memory use has been tested at a minimum of 15 times lower than your existing Ad-Aware version!

This release has something for all of our users, freeware and paying customers alike. If you have Ad-Aware Plus or Pro, you’ll be protected by a complete first line of defense with this new version. Our freeware users will also get a new surge of protection with the changes coming to Ad-Aware Free.

Want to see the results for yourself, and help us to put the new version through its paces? Keep reading to find out how to join our global team of beta testers. If beta testing is not for you, watch for the final release in January!

Join the Global Team of Beta Testers
If you’re registered as a beta tester with Lavasoft, log-in to our dedicated Beta Center now to download the beta.  You’ll find all the resources you need in the Beta Center – submit bug reports, collaborate directly with developers, share ideas and opinions, and exchange feedback and information with other testers through our dedicated forum.

This time, in order to more thoroughly test each section of the product, the Beta is being released incrementally, with each release building on the functionality of the previous one. With Beta 1 and 2, we focused initially on testing the scanning process, then on the real-time protection feature. Stay tuned for Beta 3, which will be released in early December.

Not registered as a beta tester? Sign-up now on our Beta page and join others from around the world in putting our product to the test, so we can deliver the best protection offered in our industry – for you, everyone you know, and so many more!

The holiday season is a time of increased online activity. During the hustle and bustle that surrounds this time of year, what’s more convenient than saving a little time (and money) by shopping and buying online? You can bypass crowded stores and still find the perfect gifts, access your bank account and monitor credit card statements within minutes, and book travel arrangements to meet up with friends and family – all from the comfort of your own home.

Not only do we depend on our PCs to help us get these tasks done, we count on the fact that these transactions will be carried out effectively and securely. Before the rush of the holidays sets in, take the necessary steps to get the best performance from your PC and to be sure that you’re shopping, banking, and buying securely. Check out Lavasoft’s list of basic “do’s and dont’s” for safe and efficient computing this holiday season.

DO

1. Do maintain your security software essentials to keep malware off your PC. Our regular Lavasoft News readers know the drill – updated anti-spyware and anti-virus protection, as well as a firewall, are the minimum you need.
2. Do uninstall unnecessary applications and services. Keeping the amount of applications and services on your system at a minimum will make you less vulnerable to an attack.
3. Do get your PC tuned up. Keep your PC running as it should by taking care of errors in the Windows Registry. Registry debris and errors are commonly caused by applications that fail to clean registry entries, and even by spyware and adware.
4. Do create strong passwords to keep your computer, information, and online accounts safe. Choose passwords made up of letters, numbers, and special characters.
5. Do stay alert to the latest scams. Being aware of common social engineering campaigns and other types of online scams is an effective method to counter fraud. You can check for the latest news alerts on the Lavasoft blog and the Research blog.

DON’T

1. Don’t go online unless your PC is fully patched. Update your operating system regularly with the latest security patches from Microsoft by turning on the Windows auto-update feature. The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer tool can also be used to pinpoint security related misconfigurations and security updates that are missing.
2. Don’t click on links or open attachments in e-mail messages from unknown senders. Read the “Tips and Tactics” section in this month’s newsletter to find out a specific type of phishing threat that may land in your inbox this month: online donation scams.
3. Don’t make hasty online purchases. Check out the seller, what you are buying, and the payment details before you pay. If you’re hesitant to enter your credit card details online, consider using a separate credit card with a low credit limit for online transactions. Some credit card companies also offer an “e-card” solution that gives you the ability to create a temporary card number to be used just once or with a spending limit.
4. Don’t disclose personal or sensitive information online without first exercising caution. Verify why the information is needed and that it is absolutely necessary to give out. Keep in mind that security conscious banks and credit card companies will not urge users to send personal details by e-mail or ask users to login to their account via a link provided in an e-mail message – be alert to these kinds of fraudulent messages.
5. Don’t shop on sites that are not secure. If the URL begins with “https://” it indicates a secure connection where the information is being encrypted. You can also check your browser window for a padlock icon, another indication that a website is secure.

Identity fraud is a growing global problem. In fact, it’s the fastest growing crime in the world. At ID Theft Protect, we know that many people have been struck by identity fraud. Have you been a victim? If not, chances are that at some point you will be.  Do you have all the knowledge and protection you need to keep your identity safe this holiday season?

Keep reading to find out how you can prevent identity fraud – both online and offline.

Protecting Your Online Identity
The main aim of a malicious program is to collect information about you so that a fraudster can make money from you. If you only have anti-virus and a firewall installed, you are not completely protected from all online threats – those two programs alone are not sufficient to protect your computer from a browser hijacker, malware, or even a keylogger. Without adequate protection, you may find yourself experiencing a problem, like the one below.

A malicious program has installed itself on your computer and is copying everything as you type – every website you visit and every username and password you type. In fact, it may even take a screenshot of all the websites you access! A malicious program may also slow your computer down or, even worse, stop it from working altogether.

The Solutions
Here’s a look at ways you can protect yourself more thoroughly from online threats:

• Anti-malware software to provide necessary protection from spyware, adware, and Trojans
• A sandbox to prevent rogue software from making changes to your PC
• Keyscrambler software can help to hide your keystrokes from prying eyes
• A password manager to store and secure your usernames, passwords, and more
• Hard disk encryption can be used to store and secure your personal data

Protecting Your Offline Identity
It’s not just the online world that opens you up to the risk of identity fraud; fraudsters may attempt to steal your personal information offline in a variety of ways. With the list, below, educate yourself on the most popular methods used by criminals to steal your private information.

• Card fraud abroad – Your credit card is copied while at a gas station, restaurant or cash machine, and then it’s used overseas.
• Mail non-receipt card fraud– You’ve just recently moved and some/all mail has gone missing.
• Application identity fraud – You’ve received a letter saying your application for a credit card has been accepted – but you realize you didn’t apply in the first place!
• Card not present fraud – You’ve received your credit card statement and notice several suspicious transactions.

The Solutions
Below are some of the solutions you should use to protect yourself.

• Register to a mailing preference service to stop junk mail.
• Register with a credit monitoring agency to protect your credit profile.
• Apply for protective registration – such as the service provided by CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Check for details and availability within your country of residency.
• Register for a card protection plan – this is separate from credit card insurance.

Keep in mind that it may not be necessary to pay for credit card or identity theft insurance. Make sure to check what you are buying, what special features you are actually paying for, and if you are already entitled to free identity theft insurance from your credit card company.

Want more ways to protect your identity?
Don’t wait until you become the next victim of identity fraud. Act now and protect yourself this holiday season. ID Theft Protect has partnered with Lavasoft to show you simple ways to easily protect your online identity. Register for your FREE one year license to ID Theft Protect’s Step-by-Step e-Guide. Learn more now!