Protecting Against New Types Of Cyber Threats (NAPSA)—Experts say that most PC users are not safe from cyber attacks. That’s because as computer technology advances, so do the techniques used to infiltrate PCs. At the same time, the value of data being stored on PCs is also increasing. Manyof the viruses, worms and other hacker techniques used to break into computers have merged into what analysts and security experts are calling “hybrid threats” and are unstoppable when using traditional standalone anti-virus or personal firewall software. In fact, “Nimda,” a recent hybrid attack that damaged more than 2.2 million computers in less than 24 hours, used six different ways to penetrate computer systems. The speed and scope of these new threats have left many computers vulnerable to attacks. Experts are concerned about potential losses, including stolen credit card numbers, identity theft, or simply the inconvenience of missing personal data, due to the risks that come with unsecured home computers. Additionally, attackers can gain control of unsecured home computers to launch attacks against corporations without the home user’s knowledge. Tom Noonan, CEO of Internet Security Systems (ISS), also points out that, “today’s mobile workforce accessing their employers’ networks from homeor on the road pose a significant risk to organizations’ information assets. HomePCs are a hacker’s gateway to corporate networks, and therefore users should consider installing security applications that can defend against hybrid threats to protect both personal and business data.” Noonan’s company makes security systems designed to protect computers and networks from the ever-changing threats New PC software combines firewall and intrusion protection technology to guard against new types of security threats. many now face. ISS has created a new version of its popular desktop solution, now called BlackICE PC Protection. The product combines firewall, intrusion detection and what’s called application protection, to secure computers against new, sophisticated attacks that firewall and antivirus applications can’t combat on their own. The technology was designed to install easily and to let users establish the level of security that best fits their needs. The protection system works by monitoring and analyzing Internet and computertraffic traveling into and out of the PC. Hackers often produce applications that will perform tasks unknownto users, such as stealing passwordsor deleting files. If such a bad application or attack is detected, the product sends an audible and visible alert to the user. It tells him or her about the attack and what protective measures have been taken. As the Internet continues to grow and technology advances, computer scientists expect such products to become common components of virtually all PCs. For more infor- mation, visit www.iss.net/blackice protection.
