AVG 8.0 released to counter changing dangers of Web

Karel Obluk, chief technology officer of AVG Technologies and the chief architect behind AVG 8.0 said the Internet is like the Wild West of old.

“While it's packed with new and exciting places to go and things to do, it's also rife with hidden threats,” said Obluk. "The nature of the Internet threat landscape has changed dramatically, yet most conventional security solutions are still fighting yesterday's battle with their narrow focus on viruses and spyware”.

AVG 8.0 expands upon AVG’s traditional strengths in anti-virus and anti-spyware with the integration of the new LinkScanner real-time safe surfing and safe searching technologies obtained through our acquisition of Exploit Prevention Labs in December 2007.

In addition to the LinkScanner web exploit protection, other new benefits include scanning performance through a multi-threaded scanning engine that leverages the latest multi-core hardware; protection against rootkits and system intrusion; security for MSN and ICQ instant messaging; and detection of infected file downloads.

The completely redesigned user interface makes it easy for novice users to benefit from comprehensive out-of-the-box protection while enabling more advanced users to perform extensive customisation of the product, said Obluk.

Changing Security Landscape Calls for New Security Measures
The security threats faced by Internet users today have changed significantly over the past decade.

Ten years ago, the primary threats facing computer users were viruses and email-propagated worms. These threats were often created by thrill-seeking hackers out to prove their programming prowess or make a statement, said AVG security researcher Roger Thompson.

"The rapid rise of web exploits threatens to undermine the very fabric of Internet trust," said Roger Thompson. "Five years ago, if you visited web sites for pornography or illegal file sharing, you expected to run across adware and spyware, but you seldom had reason to fear legitimate web sites.

Thompson claims the situation has changed. Google, Facebook and MySpace - some the Internet's most popular and trusted destinations are the distributors of drive-by downloads.

AVG Internet Security 8.0 is scheduled to ship on 28 February 2008 and is priced at $101.95 for a two year, single user license including unlimited signature updates and program upgrades.

A special 3-pack licence offer for AVG Internet Security 8.0 covering up to 3 PCs for two years is also available for $123.25. Licences include free telephone support during Melbourne business hours, backed up by free 24/7 technical support by e-mail.

AVG Internet Security 8.0 is available singly and in multi-license packs for two, three, five and 10 PCs, with a licence period of 1 or 2 years. AVG 8.0 supports Windows computers running 32-bit and native 64-bit Windows operating systems.

Network versions of AVG 8.0 will also be available on 28 February 2008, enabling centralised deployment, configuration and reporting, plus remote administration, of all networked PCs across an organisation.

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