Features

McAfee Unveils "Falcon" Beta, Call for Testers

By Indu Britto

McAfee has unveiled the beta version of its service platform code-named "Falcon." Interested consumers and early adopters may download, install and test McAfee's most complete threat protection service in advance of the final product launch later this summer. The Beta is available at http://beta.mcafee.com.

Highlighted in the Beta will be:

Innovative Technologies: McAfee has added "SystemGuards" that monitor computers for specific behaviors that may signal virus, spyware, or hacker activity; intelligent anti-phishing technology that will block consumers from potential Web site scams; and X-Ray for Windows, which will detect and kill rootkits (a set of tools used to gain access to a computer system) and other malicious applications that hide from Windows and other anti-virus programs.
Safe Search: McAfee SiteAdvisor offers protection to consumers who use the Internet to search and surf by clearly identifying potentially dangerous Web sites that have engaged in "social engineering" attacks such as spyware, adware, spam and online scams. Findings are summarized with red, yellow, and green icons that provide online users with an at-a-glance view of Web site ratings so they can stay safe as they search, browse, and transact online. Each of McAfee's consumer suites will include SiteAdvisor, and it is also available as a free download.
New SecurityCenter: By default, McAfee's consumer security services require virtually no user interaction. However when a consumer opens the application, McAfee's newly redesigned SecurityCenter enables him/her to run a PC scan, get updates and fix security issues with just one click.
Network-Aware Capabilities: Consumers with home networks have access to new features that allow them to manage all the PCs on the home network, providing automated, encrypted security capabilities and allowing families to easily share printers and files.

"This beta release provides consumers with a chance to experience the industry's most comprehensive protection, including online threat protection against spam, viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malware," said Marc Solomon, Director of Product Management. "Our Total Protection beta service goes far beyond traditional malware protection to shield every aspect of the consumer's digital life, including network and wireless security management, Web-based search protection and backup technologies all combined into a single, easy-to-use service."

Two security services are available for download and testing: McAfee Total Protection Beta offers the most advanced security in the market today by protecting users from emerging, complex, and multi-faceted threats on their PCs, wireless home networks, and safeguarding them when they use the Internet.

McAfee Total Protection Beta offers the following benefits, according to a company spokesperson:

Identifies, blocks, cleans, and removes viruses automatically
Blocks spyware before it installs on a PC and removes existing spyware
Protects consumers' online identities so they can shop, bank, e-mail, and instant message
Shields and conceals online access of PCs from hackers
Monitors incoming and outgoing Internet activity automatically, looking for suspicious applications and data
Prevents spam and phishing scams
Filters offensive content, pictures, and Web sites so children can be safe when online
Manages Wi-Fi network security, blocks hackers from attacking Wi-Fi® networks and monitors PCs across home networks for security weaknesses
Helps consumers easily share files and printers in a home network
Cleans clutter off of PCs to keep them running smoothly
Provides advanced warnings using SiteAdvisor's patent-pending technology to help consumers avoid sites which send spam, install adware, or attempt online scams
Automated local back-up saves copies of consumers' most valuable files

In addition, beta testers of McAfee Total Protection have the opportunity to participate in a separate beta program for an online backup service, which will preserve and protect digital photos and personal files, and provide users with access to these files from any secure Web connection. Interested users can explore this new service at beta.mcafee.com.

McAfee VirusScan Plus Beta has been designed for consumers who require core online protection. It uses behavior-based "threat-watch" technologies to monitor PCs for specific behaviors that may signal virus, spyware, or hacker activity. VirusScan Plus Beta offers the following benefits, said Mc Afee:

Identifies, blocks, cleans, and removes viruses automatically
Blocks spyware before it installs on a PC and removes existing spyware
Shields and conceals online access of PCs from hackers
Monitors incoming and outgoing Internet activity automatically, looking for suspicious applications and data
Guards important files stored on a PC, and helps prevent it from crashing
Provides advanced warnings using SiteAdvisor's patent-pending technology to help users avoid sites which send spam, install adware, or attempt online scams

In addition to these suites, this summer McAfee will also introduce a new suite, McAfee PC Protection Plus as well as release an updated version of McAfee Internet Security Suite. McAfee PC Protection Plus includes five levels of protection: automatically blocks, cleans, and removes viruses; blocks spyware before it installs and removes existing spyware; protects and conceals PCs from hackers; cleans clutter off the PC; and provides automated local backup and one click restore so consumers don't lose photos, music and important files.

McAfee Internet Security Suite will feature all the protections included in McAfee Total Protection with the exception of those for wireless home networks.


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