Online Holiday Shoppers Encouraged to Protect Their Computers from Hackers, Viruses & Identity Thieves.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Security Alerts News Reporter has determined that the internet is so dangerous that an unprotected computer connected to the internet is likely to become infected within 20 minutes of going online.

DID YOU KNOW?

Today, there are more than 112,000 computer viruses infecting the internet. In fact, within the next hour, three more internet viruses will likely be created and disseminated online, each one potentially more destructive than the one before.

To date, there are more than 10 million victims of identity theft in U.S. alone. Victims will each spend an average of $1,500 and 175 hours to recover and restore their identities at a total cost of more than $50 billion dollars.

PC viruses cost U.S. businesses approximately $55 billion in damages last year. While most large businesses have adequate internet firewalls and security programs to protect against unwanted viruses and potential hackers, most small and mid-sized businesses simply don't spend the needed time or money on Information Technology security issues. As such, small and mid-sized businesses are the most likely to become targets of computer damage sustained by internet-borne viruses and online hackers.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a public-private partnership focused on promoting cyber security and safe behavior online, suggests disconnecting from the internet when not in use. "Disconnecting your computer from the internet when you're not online lessens the chance that someone will be able to access your computer. And if you haven't kept your anti-virus software up-to-date, or don't have a firewall in place, someone could infect your computer or use it to harm someone else on the internet. Help protect yourself and others...disconnect!"

Among active internet users, nearly 63% now have broadband internet connections, keeping their computers continuously connected to the internet. And while most broadband internet users enjoy the convenience and speed of their broadband connection, this same convenience also renders their computer increasingly susceptible to online viruses and hackers.

"Many people don't realize that a broadband connection is always 'open' whether they are browsing the internet or not, making their computer a target for hackers, viruses and worms," said John Malley, director of marketing for BFG Technologies. "Although necessary and encouraged, software-based security solutions such as anti-virus programs contain holes, and even hardware firewalls are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks because they have to be continually upgraded to identify and stop new threats."

So, how can broadband internet users increase the level of protection on their computers from unwanted hackers, viruses and identity thieves?

Internet Traffic Cop(TM)

The Internet Traffic Cop(TM) is a device that works with both wired and wireless internet configurations. The device sits on a user's desk and switches the internet on and off with the push of a button. Internet Traffic Cop(TM) physically disconnects a personal computer from the internet, completely protecting it from outside attacks. When not using the internet, the red "stop" button is pressed to prevent the internet signal from reaching the computer. The green "go" button is pressed to restore the internet connection. There is no need to reboot the system or re-configure settings, and there is no software to install or update.

Who Stands to Benefit from Internet Traffic Cop(TM)?

For the world's 150 million broadband internet users, Internet Traffic Cop(TM) is a simple and effective solution that allows users to leave their computer on for extended periods of time, without the hassle and inconvenience of unplugging cables or disconnecting their broadband modem. Internet Traffic Cop(TM) is also an effective security solution for small businesses, schools, and Information Technology professionals who need to block internet traffic to a group of computers with one simple switch. BFG Technologies recommends using Internet Traffic Cop(TM) when offline, in conjunction with anti-virus and firewall software when online for the most complete protection possible.

The Best $49.00 You'll Ever Spend on Your Computer

This holiday season, give yourself, your friends and your family members a gift that will potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars in computer repairs and misery. Available at Best Buy and CompUSA for around $49.00, Internet Traffic Cop may be the best money you'll ever spend on your computer.

And, just in time for the holiday season, Internet Traffic Cop(TM) comes bundled with extra gifts...30-day free trial versions of Webroot(R) Spy Sweeper(TM), Desktop Firewall(TM), and Window Washer(R) software.

Visit www.trafficcop.com for more information.

About BFG Technologies(R), Inc.

BFG Technologies is a privately held U.S. based supplier of premium, award-winning 3D video cards based on NVIDIA(R) graphics technology and other PC enthusiast products. BFG Technologies is world-renowned for their free 24 hour expert technical support and lifetime graphics card warranty. BFG Technologies brand 3D graphics cards are available in the U.S. at Best Buy, CompUSA, Wal-Mart, Fry's Electronics, and Newegg.com and also within premium Falcon Northwest(TM) gaming systems, in Canada at CompuSmart/CompuCentre and Staples Canada, and in the U.K. at Dabs.com, Overclockers UK and PC World/Dixons.

To learn more about BFG Technologies' products, please call 847-281-3110 or visit www.bfgtech.com.