PC Tools Launches ThreatFire

October 8, 2007; 07:11 AM

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PC Tools announces today the launch of ThreatFire, its new behavioural-based consumer security software.

“Our new approach to malware detection is fundamentally unique. ThreatFire improves on traditional anti-malware products because its behavioural-based technology offers proactive detection, unlike signature-based technology which provides only reactive protection,” said Simon Clausen, CEO of PC Tools.

Typically, antivirus products are required to have first identified a threat in order to create the signature before adequate protection can be provided. For example ThreatFire is one of the only products capable of stopping the Storm threat in its tracks without a signature.

ThreatFire does not rely on signatures for protection and there is no delay in providing protection against zero-day or zero-minute exploits. It actively defends a PC in real-time against malware such as viruses, Trojans, rootkits, keyloggers or spyware by examining and monitoring the behaviour of files, background activities and processes.

“Internal testing has shown that ThreatFire’s ActiveDefense technology significantly increases and can double the protection level provided by traditional Antivirus products,” said Clausen.

A graph displaying the extent to which ThreatFire can increase the level of protection by traditional anti-virus products can be found at http://www.threatfire.com/.

Key features

1. Patent-pending ActiveDefense real-time technology to provide constant protection for known and brand new zero-day threats.

2. A new on-demand anti-virus scanner from PC Tools AntiVirus. The on-demand scanner allows users to scan their systems for known and dormant threats.

3. Protects in the background with minimal impact on system resource usage and to the end user.

ThreatFire is available online at www.threatfire.com.

A feature-rich Free Edition is available or ThreatFire Pro, with the addition of the PC Tools AntiVirus engine, is available for $US29.95 per year (special introductory offer of $US19.95).

Additional features

ABOUT PC TOOLS^®

PC Tools is a global software leader with a cache of security and utility products, including the multi award-winning Spyware Doctor^® 5.0. PC Tools is an industry leader in real-time anti-spyware and has a number of key patents pending. PC Tools’ award-winning Spyware Doctor is now available at all major retailers across North America including GeekSquad^TM, Target, Office Depot, and Best Buy.

PC Tools now has two research facilities: one in Sydney, and a second in Boulder, Colorado. The company is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in San Francisco, London, Shannon (Ireland), Melbourne, Kiev and now Boulder, Colorado. PC Tools has a global network of distributors, resellers, and retailers.

PC TOOLS AWARDS

PC World Best Buy Award, August 2007, PC Magazine Best Anti-Spyware 2005, Editor’s Choice 2006; Windows XP Magazine, Editor’s Choice; PC Pro Recommended 2006, A List product; PC Answers Editor’s Choice 2006; PC Advisor Gold award 2006; PC User ‘Top Buy’ 2006; Computer Shopper Best Anti-Spyware of 2006. We have also received Virus Bulletin and Checkmark Certification 2007.