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ImproveNet lets users and Agnitum engineers share application security rulesautomatically
St. Petersburg, Russia  February 9, 2006  While it might seem that everyoneÂ'sinto social networking these days, Agnitum is introducing security networking.The latest version of Outpost Firewall Pro empowers users to share advice andconfiguration skills  automatically  with the ImproveNet security communitynetwork. Firewall configurations can now be created and updated automatically, withuser consent, while the actual configuration of the firewall is handled remotely inthe background by Agnitum security professionals.
Other improvements in the new version include an upgraded anti-spyware plug-in thatensures sensitive areas of usersÂ' PC are constantly monitored for possible spywareactivity, and a more intuitive, customizable logging system.
 These improvements, like those that have gone before, have been implemented infurtherance of AgnitumÂ's mission, states Global Vice President of Sales & MarketingMikhail Penkovsky.  All of our efforts are dedicated to ensuring that the Internetis a safe place for everyone, and that unnecessary or cumbersome restrictions shouldnot prevent the user from enjoying the benefits of the Internet community. And weÂ'redelighted to add to the productiveness of that community with the introduction ofImproveNet.Â
ImproveNetC reating the rules for applications in Outpost is now significantly easier.ImproveNet relieves users of the need to set all their firewall security rulesthemselves by giving them the option to network with other Outpost users and Agnitumengineers to share configurations and gain access to universally-applicable Internetaccess security rules. Users simply check a box in the Outpost interface to givetheir permission for rules they create to be automatically reported to Agnitumengineers. The engineers check the rules for validity and then automaticallydistribute them to all other users through the Agnitum Update tool.
Users benefit by seeing far fewer action prompt windows, ensuring aless-interrupt-driven computing experience, because Outpost will apply automaticpresets based on the rules, adjusted by other users. And because they do not need tomanually create their own rules, the primary cause of firewall failure  configuration errors  is removed, increasing security while reducing user input.Updates are delivered daily, so the need to manually configure rules is minimized.
Smart spyware sensorBecause spyware continues to be a serious threat, smart but not overly restrictiveprotection should always be in place; so Agnitum has incorporated a spyware sensorinto OutpostÂ's active connections monitor. When a new application requests networkaccess for the first time, it is automatically checked for spyware by the sensor, sothat malware cannot hitch a ride on the application and infect the host. It alsoensures that resource usage is kept at optimal level in those instances whencontinuous spyware protection might cause an unacceptable performance hit  forexample, if the computer is being used to play a demanding PC game.
Flexible logging systemThe improved logging system in Outpost 3.5 uses fewer system resources and provideseasier-to-read logs. The program can now log specific application activities bydefining log exclusions for a particular Internet or network activity. The loggingsystem includes optimized default settings, with disabled logging for specific rulesto allow or deny a connection. Advanced users will appreciate the flexibility ofbeing able to create custom logging exclusions for peer-to-peer or NetBIOScommunications, which can generate significant number of log records.
About Outpost Firewall ProOutpost Firewall Pro (http://www.agnitum.com/produc ts/outpost ) provides a superior arsenal of defenseagainst PC infiltration by denying unauthorized access to remote hackers andprotecting against data theft, denial-of-service attacks, privacy violation, Trojanhorses, spyware and other malicious code. Uniquely among personal firewalls, Outpostsupports an ecosystem of third-party developers whose complementary offerings can beintegrated directly into the firewall through the built-in plug-in system. OutpostFirewall Pro is one of the most reliable firewalls for Windows, a fact proven bymany independent reviews and millions of happy users around the world.
About Agnitum Ltd.Agnitum Ltd. (www.agnitum.com ) is a software developmentcompany committed to delivering and supporting high quality security softwareproducts. Agnitum offers two headline products - Outpost Firewall PRO, securingpersonal and family desktops, and Outpost Office Firewall, ensuring reliableendpoint protection and performance for corporate networks. Agnitum deliverscomputer security solutions to large organizations, small and medium businesses, aswell as home PC users.
EditorÂ's Note:Review copies of Outpost Firewall Pro 3.5 are available on request.
Agnitum USAPat Bittonpbitton@agnitum.comPho ne: 707 268 8968
Press Contact :Lisette Vanrykellvanrykel@agnitum.com Phone: (239) 389 1584
