Atka Introduces New Proactive Approach for Stopping Spyware17 May 2006
Atka(TM) Software ( http://www.atkasoftware.com ) is revolutionizing the anti-spyware market by introducing its Aura(TM) home computer security software. The patent-pending File Blocker Technology of Aura stops all executable files, including spyware and viruses, from randomly dropping on a computer while a user is Web surfing. Aura provides behind-the-scenes protection that puts home computer users in complete control of what gets on their PC.
Aura protects the home computer much like door locks safeguard a home -- everyone is kept out and the owner can decide who is allowed inside. Aura similarly puts PC users in control of what gets onto their computer by treating all "executables" as threats and preventing easy access to the computer's program files. No other program protects users' privacy and puts their data under lock and key the way Aura does.
"Aura works behind the scenes to protect your personal data, so it won't interrupt Internet browsing to ask confusing questions," said Jennifer Thalhuber, Atka Software CEO. "Because Aura proactively blocks unwanted program files that try to sneak on the computer, you can once again surf the Internet without worry."
Gary Stevens, founder of Atka, developed Aura after his family's home computer became so contaminated with spyware that he had to reformat the hard drive -- twice! Stevens, who also founded Ontrack Data International, Inc., and was its chief technology officer, had his computer loaded with several anti-spyware programs, but spyware and adware still eluded the up-to-date defenses. He discovered most of the unwanted software programs were being randomly dropped onto his family's PC from drive-by downloads, which force malicious software onto a computer without a user's knowledge or consent when visiting a Web site.
Aura in action
Aura stops drive-by downloads by blocking every executable file coming from the Internet, including spyware and viruses. When Aura blocks a file, a chime sounds and a tip balloon displays in the system tray of the taskbar. If Aura blocks an unwanted file, the user doesn't need to do anything. The computer remains protected because Aura prevented the unwanted program from loading. If a blocked file is actually a software program the user wants, a single mouse click will suspend Aura to allow the file onto the computer.
While Aura proactively blocks all program file types, it doesn't prevent popular activities like downloading music, movie or picture files because these files aren't trying to perform a specific function on the user's PC.
Aura is a preventive tool to stop any new malicious or unwanted software from getting on a computer. It doesn't "clean" an infected computer or remove existing spyware, but its installation can prevent future problems.
File Blocker Technology breaks spyware cycle
The home PC security programs currently on the market are all reactive in nature and caught in a never-ending cycle of catch-up. These programs only protect users from previously identified spyware and viruses. With new malicious software being released onto the Internet every day, these "solutions" can never remain current and their providers are always scrambling to identify the latest malicious software and then rushing to create a fix for it.
This means everyday activities like Web browsing, emailing or instant messaging will inevitably lead to encounters with spyware. PC users are then forced into another "never-ending cycle" of having to constantly download software updates and run spyware scans.
"Aura effectively breaks the cycle because it doesn't play catch-up to the release of spyware and other malicious software," said Thalhuber. "Aura is a proactive computer security solution that uses our patent-pending File Blocker Technology to stop all files that try to get on a computer without your permission."
And the behind-the-scenes protection of Aura won't bombard users with confusing and frustrating questions asking them to distinguish between good and bad files. If the user wants to know what files Aura is blocking, they can open the program anytime to learn more about the blocked files.
Once and For All(TM) pricing
A single Aura purchase can protect an entire household because Atka Software's Once and For All pricing structure doesn't require any renewal fees and includes five licenses. This allows Aura to be installed on each of the family's home computers and means there's no need for a subscription to keep them protected -- one price for an entire household.
"The sticker price is typically just the tip of the iceberg when you are purchasing a security software program that requires an annual subscription fee," explained Thalhuber. "For every computer on which it's installed, other software will need to be repurchased each year and that adds up very quickly. Aura is a one-time purchase that can be loaded on up to five computers and never requires a renewal fee."
Spyware having financial and behavioral impact
Aura's proactive approach to combating spyware is vital to protecting a user's important information and expensive data. Every week, 350 new spyware programs and 250 variations on existing malicious software are released onto the Internet, resulting in an average of 28 spyware programs on every consumer PC. Last year, one in six individuals reported a major computer malfunction due to spyware, and the average cost of that repair was $250.
Spyware has also altered many online users' activities. A recent survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project indicated 91 percent of Internet users have made at least one change in their online behavior to hopefully avoid unwanted software programs. "Our goal with Aura is to assure users will again have fun browsing the Web without needing to worry about the latest online threats," added Thalhuber.
Aura home computer security software requires Microsoft Windows(R) 2000, Windows(R) XP Home Edition or Windows(R) XP Professional and is available at http://www.getmyaura.com and from select resellers.
About Atka
Atka(TM) Software develops software specifically designed to enhance the home computer experience. The company was founded in 2005 when technology pioneer and former chief technology officer of Ontrack Data International, Inc., Gary Stevens developed a patent-pending approach for protecting his family's home computers after spyware twice forced him to rebuild a PC. The solution, Aura, was launched in 2006. Atka takes its name from the Inuit word for "guardian spirit" and is dedicated to helping families maintain their privacy, protect their valuable data and safeguard their computer. Through its Once and For All(TM) pricing practice, Atka is also devoted to offering value to its customers by providing family licenses, not individual ones. More information on Atka is at http://www.atkasoftware.com . Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Jennifer Thalhuber http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10020545 Gary Stevens http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10024416
Source: prnewswire
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