Noted Malware Researcher and Microsoft MVP Sandi Hardmeier Joins TRUSTe Compliance and Network Monitoring Team

Market Wire, June, 2008

TRUSTe, the recognized authority on privacy best practices on the Internet, today announced Sandi Hardmeier will join TRUSTe as an Online Compliance Researcher. Ms. Hardmeier is a recognized and widely sought after industry expert in the field of malware and malvertizing and their impact on consumer privacy and security. She will play a key role in TRUSTe's development of improved network monitoring strategies while providing customers with expert insight and recommendations to combat existing and emerging Web threats such as spyware, computer viruses, and other types of malware.

"Sandi has been studying malware since 2000, and has watched its metamorphosis from simplistic, easy to remove adware into the sophisticated crime-motivated products we see today," said Fran Maier, executive director of TRUSTe. "Sandi will help us build our expertise in the important intersection between online trust, privacy and security."

Sandi has been a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP) since 1999, specializing in Internet Explorer and Internet Security as it pertains to business and consumers. She also has an array of published work and is the author of www.msmvps.com/spywaresucks (a Web site dedicated to teaching Internet users about the latest risks to their online safety and how to stay safe when surfing the Web); www.ie-vista.com (dedicated to providing technical support to users of IE7 and IE8); and http://inetexplorer.mvps.org (dedicated to providing technical support to users of IE6 and earlier).

About TRUSTe

TRUSTe helps millions of consumers identify trustworthy online organizations through its Web Privacy Seal, Email Privacy Seal and Trusted Download Programs. TRUSTe ensures online privacy and protects confidential user information on more than 2,400 Web sites and many of the most highly trafficked, including Yahoo, AOL, Microsoft, Disney, eBay, Intuit, and Facebook. Independent research shows that when a TRUSTe web seal is present, visitors and customers are more likely to share personal information, register at higher rates and spend more money. To learn more about internet privacy visit www.truste.org .

Media Contact: Carolyn Hodge TRUSTe (415) 520-3415 Email Contact