BitDefender survey shows many UK computer users are still exposed to attack from online malware.

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 14, 2008 – According to BitDefender, a global vendor of antivirus and Internet Security solutions, UK computer users are still vulnerable to attack by cyber criminals, even though they have greater awareness of the risks involved in using the Internet for personal transactions.

The conclusions come from an Anti-virus survey commissioned by BitDefender to coincide with the opening, in April of its new headquarters and training facilities in Staffordshire. The survey was based on a sample of 700 British home computer users who were asked about their online activities by a leading market research company.  
“The results confirm, that the vast majority, over 80 percent, are concerned about the risks of online identity theft, “ says Nick Billington, BitDefender country manager UK and Ireland.

Risk of Identity Theft
“What is interesting is that around 48 per cent were not sure of the status of their anti-virus protection, whether or not the license was up-to-date. Only four per cent admitted that they had no current protection in place.”

Anti-virus renewed
Asked about routine maintenance of their computers, over 42 percent said that their computer performance had deteriorated noticeably, since it was purchased.

Computer performance
“We put this question in to highlight the need for regular tuning and clean-up routines that will ensure optimum performance,” said Nick Billington. Such facilities are a feature of BitDefender’s flagship product , Total Security 2008. This solution provides a simple Security Center dashboard showing routine maintenance tasks plus colour coded status buttons for four critical areas; Security, Parental Control,

Tune Up and Back Up.    
The Tune Up button will clean up and remove redundant registry entries, duplicate files, remove cookies and run a disk defragmenter program. The value of the Back Up facility is evident as a third of those interviewed in the survey admitted that they had no facilities available to back-up file - documents and digital photographs etc – as a precaution against loss of data as a result of a malware attack.

About BitDefender®
BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified security software. Since our inception in 2001, BitDefender has continued to raise the bar and set new standards in proactive threat prevention. Every day, BitDefender protects tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe—giving them the peace of mind of knowing that their digital experiences will be secure. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in more than 100 countries worldwide.  More information is available at www.bitdefender.com.