Free Upgrade to ESET Antivirus Software Offers Support for Microsoft Vista and Enhanced Rootkit Protection

Business Wire, Nov 14, 2006

New Release Features Anti-Stealth Technology to Combat Active Rootkits

SAN DIEGO -- ESET, the leader in proactive threat protection, today announced that its upgrade to ESET NOD32 Antivirus software, version 2.7, with support for Microsoft Windows Vista will be available on Friday, November 17, 2006. The enhanced software is one of the few malware solutions on the market today that is fully compatible with x64 versions of Vista, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. In addition, the upgrade to ESET NOD32 also features enhanced anti-stealth technology that offers more comprehensive protection against rootkits through its ability to see the true state of running processes and the file system. Rootkits enable hackers to maintain control of a compromised system by hiding their presence.

ESET's rootkit protection is integrated into the ThreatSense[R] engine. Competitors typically offer this kind of solution as a stand-alone tool or as part of a larger suite. ESET NOD32 makes it easy for users to be protected with minimal system impact.

"As online threats complete the shift from glory-seekers wreaking havoc to today's professional criminals seeking profit, it is more important than ever to have strong defenses in place," said Jonathan Singer, host based and consumer security analyst at Yankee Group. "Anti-malware products like ESET's NOD32, which include protection against viruses, spyware and rootkits, provide a good security foundation for businesses and consumers alike."

"Given that rootkits make it more difficult to detect intrusions in a system, they are one of the greatest threats today," said Randy Abrams, director of technical education at ESET, LLC. "ESET NOD32 version 2.7 protects users by offering improved rootkit detection and protection by proactively and transparently defeating active rootkits."

As enterprises and consumers begin to adopt Vista, ESET users can rest assured that they are fully protected from viruses, spyware, keyloggers, Trojans, phishing attacks, rootkits and other criminally motivated online threats. ESET NOD32 Antivirus software is powered by ThreatSense technology, a sophisticated detection system based on advanced heuristics that proactively protects users from emerging threats. Third-party tests from Virus Bulletin and AV-Comparatives have demonstrated that ESET's solution consistently achieves the highest degree of "in the wild" malware detection rates, while also maintaining a leadership position in fast scans and unobtrusive signature updates.

What's New in NOD32, version 2.7:

* Support for 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system.

* Improved rootkit protection and detection that proactively and transparently defeats active rootkits, which are typically hidden from the user.

* Expanded categorization of malware includes potentially unwanted applications such as adware that may not be malicious, and the renaming of potentially unsafe applications like keyloggers, remote administrators, etc. These categories are capable of being turned off or on.

About NOD32

High-performance, low-impact ESET NOD32 Antivirus software offers consumers and businesses comprehensive protection in a product designed to automatically update behind-the-scenes without impacting other applications, so users always have the most current protection available. ESET NOD32 Antivirus version 2.7 utilizes ThreatSense[R] technology, a sophisticated detection system based on advanced heuristics, to proactively identify previously unknown viruses, Trojans, spyware, rootkits and phishing attacks in real time. ThreatSense is built into NOD32's single scanning engine to provide comprehensive protection so users do not need to rely on additional point solutions for spyware and adware protection.

Availability and Pricing

ESET NOD32 version 2.7 is available Friday, November 17, 2006. Existing NOD32 users will receive a free update automatically within 30-days. Pricing for 25-user small business is $1,080 for one year, which includes licenses for a file and mail server and 25 desktops. Pricing for individual home and home office users begins at $39. For large or enterprise quotes call 866-343-ESET or e-mail sales@ESET.com.

About ESET

Founded in 1992, ESET is a global provider of security software for enterprises and consumers. ESET's award-winning, Anti-Threat software system, NOD32, provides real-time protection from known and unknown viruses, spyware and other malware. NOD32 offers the smallest, fastest and most advanced protection available, with more Virus Bulletin 100% Awards than any other antivirus product. ESET was named to Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 four years running, and has an extensive partner network, including corporations like Canon, Dell and Microsoft. ESET has offices in Bratislava, SK; Bristol, U.K.; Buenos Aires, AR; Prague, CZ; San Diego, USA; and is represented worldwide in more than 100 countries. For more information, visit www.eset.com or call 619-319-3000.