Apreo Announces Enterprise-Level Anti-Spyware Support.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2004

Apreo Inc.

-- Real-time Solution Cracks Down on Most Harmful Spyware and

Provides True Centralized Management for Enterprise

Installations --

Apreo Inc., a leading provider of file-filtering solutions for employee workstations, today announced anti-spyware support for its ApreoFlex(TM) product that detects and stops spyware programs in real-time. Apreo's anti-spyware support is specifically designed for enterprise installations, with the centralized deployment, management, and administration that these sites require. The anti-spyware module is available for free with the ApreoFlex product for a limited time. In addition to stopping spyware, ApreoFlex provides real-time detection and use-management for P2P programs, instant messaging, computer games, music, and other applications - even if the files are renamed or hidden.

Enterprise-level Management

Unlike many anti-spyware solutions, Apreo's software has a variety of features for enterprise implementation including:

-- Central administration. Apreo's software can be run, deployed

and managed from a single location, whereas most other

solutions must be installed one desktop at a time. The package

also provides centralized reporting.

-- Invisibility to end-user. The anti-spyware support is

completely invisible to the end user and will not interfere

with desktop operations. It does not require end-user input

for any aspect of installation or operation.

-- Rule-based, automated operation. The software is rule-based so

that the scope of monitoring can be specified with a high

degree of granularity, and the response to spyware detection

can be automated to eliminate the need for operator

intervention.

-- Live database updates. The spyware database is updated monthly

to ensure that latest applications are detected. Changes are

available via the Internet for easy downloading and

installation.

"The Apreo anti-spyware support gives administrators the ability to monitor and manage spyware across the enterprise from a central point, which is critical for efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in large installations," said Jyotin Gambhir, president and CEO of SecureFLO, a consulting firm that specializes in creating a secure environment for the flow of information. SecureFlo provides enterprise security solutions and services. "The products are non-intrusive to the user while providing the flexibility in managing workstations and servers through the policy engine. We feel this is a low cost solution that provides a real and tangible return on investment for enterprise customers today."

Real-time Detection Versus Periodic Scanning

Apreo's detection technology is signature-driven, identifying files based on an unalterable application signature, so it can detect them in spite of any disguise, such as changing network protocol, file renaming, compression, encryption, offline storage, etc. This approach is very effective for controlling programs that are virus-like or prone to inappropriate use. The anti-spyware support identifies and terminates spyware as soon as it launches, and, optionally, deletes the program. In contrast, periodic scanning software can only detect spyware during the scan, leaving the desktop unprotected in between searches. Real-time detection closes this gap to provide full protection against spyware, no matter how many times it is re-introduced to a system.

Focus on "Active" Spyware, Which Poses Greatest Threat

Apreo's anti-spyware support focuses on spyware that the company characterizes as "active," which is normally disguised and harmful, and most often associated with P2P files. According to industry sources, active spyware executes on a workstation to collect user data and send it back to a central location, as with Gator or nCase; or it may make unauthorized use of a computer's resources. In contrast, "passive" spyware stores and presents information, and may not be hidden, such as cookies that remember user name and password and ask for user permission to capture the data. Company policy may even allow selected passive spyware for user convenience or other purposes.

"Active spyware is a top priority for our enterprise customers because of its potential threat as a mechanism for identity theft or resource theft, such as where an internet connection is used to make unauthorized phone calls," said Gerard Periolat, president of Apreo. "Controlling active spyware effectively requires the type of disguised file detection we've provided for nearly a decade."

Apreo's P2P Control Strengthens Anti-Spyware Support

Recent research from risk mitigation company, TruSecure, says 45 percent of Kazaa files contain spyware, typically the active kind. The National Cyber Security Alliance reports that spyware can be found on 91 percent of broadband users' machines, with 57 percent of such software coming from music downloads. Apreo's spyware support can be combined with its P2P control for another layer of protection to combat P2P-related spyware. The P2P support identifies and terminates P2P programs as they launch, which also stops any spyware associated with the downloaded files.

Apreo Products

In addition to ApreoFlex, the company's file-filtering solutions include AntiGame Plus(TM) for game files and SoundJudgment(TM) for music and movie files. All of these offerings are available on the Apreo web site, and on the GSA Contract Schedule GS-35F-0330J with Special Item Number (SIN) 132-33 for perpetual software licenses and SIN 132-34 for maintenance of software.

Apreo's solutions are compatible with all Win32 operating systems and support all major PC networks including Novell, Windows NT, and Windows 2000. ApreoFlex pricing starts at $945 for 100 workstations and includes the anti-spyware support at no charge for a limited time. A free 30-day full trial of ApreoFlex with the anti-spyware capability is available on Apreo's web site at www.apreo.com.

About Apreo

Founded 1996, Apreo is an expert, veteran provider of detection tools to enforce appropriate file-use for a variety of purposes such as network security, secure content management, productivity, IT resource utilization, and liability. The company's products have been installed in more than 1,400 sites worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies and more than 25 government organizations. Apreo is headquartered in Orange County, CA. For more information, please visit www.apreo.com .