Pop-up Ads Increase Dramatically in Third Quarter of 2004

Pop-up Ads Increase Dramatically in Third Quarter of 2004

Burst Technology Offers the Solution

BONITA SPRINGS, Fla., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The bombardment of pop-up ads on the internet has become a scourge facing all computer users, large and small. These software pests known as spyware and adware make the pop-ups appear on user screens. According to the Federal Trade Commission, pop-up complaints in the 3rd quarter of this year were up over 1300% from the same time last year. This dramatic increase comes as no surprise to industry experts. Kate Barrett, Marketing VP of Burst Technology, an industry leader in server-based internet security solutions, said, "The proficiency and aggressiveness shown by malicious code writers and the marked increase in broadband internet access have, in effect, opened a door to these electronic pests."

Difficult to locate on a computer and even more difficult to uninstall or disable, these pests are usually packaged with other software or peer-to-peer downloads and unknowingly installed by users. Once activated, pop-ups are more than just a nuisance. They retard computer performance, change browser settings, add other programs and even gather personal data for transmission to a collection site. Even if a pop-up is found, many have the ability to rebuild and regenerate themselves.

A recent survey by the National Cyber Security Alliance found that almost 90% of all users surveyed were or had been infected with at least one form of spyware. Microsoft reports that over half of all crashes reported by Microsoft customers are caused by spyware or adware and that spyware accounts for a full 12% of all tech support calls. With this kind of proliferation, it's no wonder both branches of Congress have pending legislation to regulate spyware and adware. Industry trade groups and non-profit organizations have proposed guidelines for self-regulation but, as long as there is money to be made and a way to get "in the door," whatever regulation there is will have little effect on the practice.

Barrett suggests four actions to better protect against pop-ups. First, don't download files from unknown or suspicious sources. Second, never trust software that is offered for "free." Third, keep operating systems and browsers up to date with patches and fixes. And fourth, actively protect your technology investment with effective security software. bt-WebFilter by Burst Technology is the only security software on the market that effectively blocks pop-ups at the gateway. Pop-up blockers that work in conjunction with browsers are not effective because the threat is already inside before the block is activated, if activated at all. Whether using bt-WebFilter security, or another brand, individuals and organizations must take a proactive stance on fighting this latest internet threat.

For more information on steps you can take, call Burst Technology at 800-709-2551 or visit our website at http://www.burstek.com/.

Burst Technology, an industry leader in developing and deploying employee internet management tools, empowers companies with next generation solutions that secure IT resources and optimize organizational use of those resources.


Source: Burst Technology, Inc.

CONTACT: David White, Burst Technology, +1-239-495-5900, or
david_white@burstek.com

Web site: http://www.burstek.com/


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