'Cyber Thieves Are Hauling in More Cash Than Drug Dealers'.

PC Tools Cites 120% Increase in Crime-Ware Attacks Using Stealth Mode Malware

SAN FRANCISCO -- A major worldwide malware epidemic is putting greater wealth in the hands of criminals and has prompted PC Tools to update award-winning Spyware Doctor.

"The malware epidemic is exploding and our Malware Research Center has witnessed some disturbing trends such as blended attacks, proliferation of toxic rootkits -- and worst of all -- a 120-percent increase in new crime-based threats," said Michael Greene, Vice President of Product Strategy.

"Cyber thieves are making more money than drug dealers, according to a recent global identity theft report.(1) Given the huge rise in ID theft this year, it would be safe to presume cyber thieves are now earning as much as a small country. It is a massive problem and this is why we are facing one of the most significant Internet security battles ever. Everyone is vulnerable -- from those using social networking sites to individuals simply filing online taxes. Those security vendors who do not revise their Internet security technology will be ineffective."

"We had no choice but to respond quickly. As we watched the number and complexity of these dangerous threats grow, we either had to face the problem with all guns blazing or simply exit the security field," said Greene.

The malware epidemic is exploding, according to the PC Tools Malware Research Center that identifies these disturbing trends:

* Blending of virus and spyware attacks on users -- making malware more complex and seen to be specifically targeting personal information.

* Metamorphoses of Trojans -- where basic signatures of threats are constantly changing to confound anti-malware scanners.

* Proliferation of toxic rootkits that remain in stealth mode for weeks or even months before unleashing dangerous attacks on users.

"In response, Spyware Doctor 5.0 offers new patent pending spider scanning technology that goes beyond simply signature identification. We look at behavioral patterns and develop solutions to kill the entire threat and bring computers back to life," Greene said.

"Other security vendors who began approaching the malware problem from an 'anti-virus' perspective are missing the boat. The malware mix has changed. There hasn't been a major virus attack since 2004. The latest trend of rootkits and stealth approaches mean that you must eliminate the total problem, or who knows what will lurk in the consumers computer to cause future trouble," Greene added.

"We have re-engineered our anti-spyware approach. This is the first time PC Tools has combined spyware detection with its own anti-virus engine. It is a faster and more effective method," Greene explained. "Instead of relying on outside vendors, we have a complete package that communicates smoothly and efficiently throughout the detection process without doubling-up functionality or resources."

At the same time, Greene explained: "We have even created a new technology called 'Threat Expert' that supports our work by letting malware actually attack a virtual computer. This new technology is so leading edge that we can unlock dangerous threats on a vast scale and get solutions to consumers faster than ever before."

"The new Spyware Doctor(2) is not just a minor modification of our award-winning product -- it will protect users from the exponentially growing security threats," Greene said. For more information regarding newly released Spyware Doctor 5.0 please go to: www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/.

(1) This information was taken from the Security Report Online Identity Theft, February 2006.

(2) Current awards include: 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.

ABOUT PC TOOLS(TM)

PC Tools is a global software leader with a cache of security and utility products, including the multi award-winning Spyware Doctor(TM). PC Tools is an industry leader in real-time anti-spyware and has a number of key patents pending.

The PC Tools Malware Research Center monitors trends and emerging spyware issues and provides security solutions for the consumer and enterprise marketplace. The company is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in San Francisco, London, Dublin, Melbourne, and Kiev. PC Tools has a global network of distributors, resellers, and retailers.