Deadly computer virus expected to strike September 22; "Hare" Virus Devours PC Data at Home and in the Office.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 19, 1996--PC users beware. This Sunday marks the return of one of the deadliest computer viruses ever created. The Hare (pronounced har-eh) virus is expected to attack home and office computers around the world and potentially destroy data on thousands of hard drives. The virus had its first outbreak on August 22.

"There are about 9,000 known computer viruses and this is one of the most destructive I have ever encountered," says Professor Bob Hopkins, director of the Cooper Union Computer Center in New York. "The Hare virus is designed to attack your hard drive and destroy all of the information it contains."

According to Hopkins, the virus is proving itself immune to some anti-virus programs because it can change itself to prevent detection. Computer experts are warning PC users to use any means possible to protect their valuable data.

Ed Sarkisian, president and chief operating officer of Pittsburgh-based Surefind, a leading on-line data back- up and recovery service, advises, "There are several steps you can take to protect your data in the face of a virus. An anti-virus program is a good start, and backing up on disk or tape is a good idea, but most people do not take the time to do it properly."

Sarkisian notes that on-line, off-site storage is one of the safest precautions you can take because no matter what kind of data disaster you experience, you can recover all of your critical data. The Surefind service, ideal for PC and laptop users at small and home businesses, automatically performs regularly scheduled backups without having to purchase tape drives, use fragile diskettes or remember to perform manual backup tasks.

Once the Surefind software is loaded onto their PC, subscribers can schedule their system to dial the Surefind center and automatically backup their PC data files to Surefind's electronic vaults. Data is encrypted and password-protected prior to transmission to ensure privacy and security and is available for around-the-clock recovery within minutes from anywhere in the world. To learn how to protect your data, visit Surefind's Web site at http://www.surefind.com.

The Hare virus is so named because when a computer is infected it flashes the message "HD Euthanasia by Demon Emperor: Hare Krisna, hare, hare." The author is unknown and it is not known if there is any affiliation with the Hare Krishna movement. Users can contract the virus through infected floppy disks or by downloading programs over the Internet.

The virus was first detected in June in New Zealand, and spread quickly to Europe, Canada and the United States. The virus was programmed for two major outbreaks, August 22 and September 22. Experts are still trying to determine the extent of damage caused by the August outbreak.

Says Sarkisian, "Viruses are, unfortunately, a fact of life in today's high-tech world. That's why it is so important for users to be aware and prepared." Surefind is an operating company of EIS International, Inc. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, EIS International, Inc. (NASDAQ:EISI) had revenues in excess of $89 million in fiscal year 1995. Other operating companies of EIS International include EIS Systems, the world's largest provider of integrated call center management software and systems; Cybernetics, a leading supplier of workforce management systems; and Pulse Technologies, an industry leader in call center management systems integration and support. Joseph J. Porfeli is chairman and chief executive officer. Additional information is available by calling [phone] or by visiting the company's web site at http://www.eisi.com.

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