Interlink Announces Free LucidLink Wireless Security; Award-Winning Security Software Now Available Free On Website.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- LucidLink Home Office Edition, an award-winning wireless security program for home office and small office environments, is now available free of charge from Interlink Networks at www.lucidlink.com. The easy-to-use application, called "dazzling" by PC Magazine, supports up to three Wi-Fi users and offers high-level protection for wireless networks by blocking unauthorized users and hackers.

LucidLink Home Office Edition makes it easy to set up and secure a three-user network in less than 15 minutes, with automatic setup for the D-Link, Linksys and 3Com access points and routers most commonly used in the home. LucidLink Wireless Security, Interlink's solution for larger offices, employs the identical technology and interface to simplify wireless protection for up to 250 wireless users.

Interlink is making the LucidLink Home Office Edition available for free to raise awareness of the need for wireless security among home users who work for small businesses. The fact that both editions of the software operate identically demonstrates that smaller companies can protect their networks quickly and affordably without extensive technical resources.

"I'm really pleased to see Interlink make the Home Office Edition of LucidLink available to everyone at no charge," said Craig J. Mathias, a Principal with the wireless and mobile advisory from Farpoint Group, and Co-Chair of the Wireless Security Conference. "Now small networks can have the same security as their big brothers, but in a package that's much easier to use."

This announcement follows on the heels of Interlink's release of the free LucidLink Wireless Client, which simplifies wireless connectivity from the PC for any wireless user using Windows XP or 2000. The free client eliminates technical terminology, intelligently detects setup problems, and makes it easy to connect to office networks, public hotspots, and any business network using the LucidLink Wireless Security program. The client can also be downloaded for free from www.lucidlink.com.

Dangers of Unsecured Wireless Networks

"Unsecured Wi-Fi networks pose a serious threat to both home and business users. Large corporations have the IT infrastructure and staff to implement wireless security, but most home and small offices leave their networks wide open to attack because many users find the protection process to be too complex," said Mike Klein, CEO, Interlink Networks. "LucidLink removes these barriers and delivers the same level of security used by Fortune 500 companies with a setup model that is simple to configure as a garage door opener. "

A $50 unsecured access point blows a hole through multiple layers of network security and gives even the most casual attackers direct access to the network, yet most users do not realize the extent of their vulnerability. For example:

--While many Wi-Fi users assume that access to their wireless network is limited to 100 yards because their notebook can only reach the network from a limited distance, the reality is that anyone can access an unsecured network from over a mile away with a $49 directional antenna or a modified Pringles can.

--War driving is more pervasive than ever. There are dozens of hacker websites that provide locations of wireless networks across the globe that are open to attack. One site alone (www.wigle.net) lists the locations of close to 2.6 million wireless networks, of which over 53% have no security at all and another 33% are running with low-level WEP security that is easily cracked.

--Methods such as hiding SSIDs (network names) or MAC address filtering are promoted as good first steps in securing networks, but they provide a false sense of safety because they are readily overcome by most amateur hackers.

--Every time a user accesses his or her POP3 e-mail over an unsecured Wi-Fi network, his or her username and password are transmitted over the wireless link without encryption. A hacker can quickly pull out that password and access the user's e-mail without detection.

--In the case of an unsecured or poorly secured website, a hacker can copy the user's MAC ID (machine identifier), log into the network, and launch virus attacks, spam or other illegal activities over that network. Authorities can track these illegal activities back to the user's machine, and the hacker can get away without a trace.

Interlink Networks has neutralized these threats by leveraging its decade of experience in network security to provide easy-to-use enterprise-level security for home offices and small businesses. LucidLink passed the rigorous security assurance evaluation by ICSA Labs in extensive tests on the software last year, assuring users that rock-solid wireless security can in fact be easy to use.

About Interlink Networks, Inc.

Interlink Networks, Inc. is a 12-year leader in network security software solutions. The company's new signature software, LucidLink Wireless Security, was awarded "Product of the Year" by CRN Magazine, and is the only product to win two consecutive "Best in Show" Wi-Fi Planet awards. Interlink's technology awards include COMNET New Product Achievement Award Finalist, Communication News Editors' Choice Award, and Network Computing Well-Connected Award Finalist. Interlink Networks is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, call [phone] or visit www.LucidLink.com.