Facebook Users Still Putting Their Friends At Risk

PRESS RELEASE

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA--(Marketwire - Jun 28, 2011) - Marking the full launch of its Safego security application, BitDefender', an award winning provider of innovative internet security solutions, has announced that nearly 25% of Safego Beta users have at least one Facebook friend who has spread malicious content to others.

With public awareness about the threats present on social networks growing, it was found that 24.6% of Safego users had at least one friend who had posted an infected item, such as a suspicious application or a link to further potentially harmful content. Such items can have serious consequences, including receiving targeted scam emails and even identity theft.

In comparison, only 0.7% of Safego users spread malicious content to their friends -- an endorsement of the effectiveness and importance of securing your social network accounts with a reliable application.

Catalin Cosoi, head of online threats lab at BitDefender commented:

"These statistics reinforce the fact that everyone should exercise caution when using social networks -- for their friends' sake as well as their own. Simply trusting that people won't post malicious content is not enough, as in many cases they may do so without realising due to the application posting on the user's behalf.

"Using Safego is free, simple and offers a very important layer of security for Facebook users. It will help keep them and their friends safe in the face of the threats out there."

The full version of BitDefender Safego for Facebook launches on Tuesday, June 28th. It offers a range of key benefits, including:

>> 24/7 scanning of newsfeeds for malicious content

>> The "Friend'o'meter" to help build a safe network of friends

>> Integrated QuickScan, which relies on award-winning BitDefender technologies to check your PC for threats within 60 seconds

The app can be accessed here: http://apps.facebook.com/bd-safego

An infographic on the evolution of Facebook scams has also been produced to mark the full launch of BitDefender Safego -- available from:

http://www.malwarecity.com/media/images/infgrfsafego.png

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of, their respective owners.

About BitDefender'

BitDefender is the creator of one of the industry's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. Since 2001, BitDefender has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection technologies. Every day, BitDefender secures the digital experience of tens of millions of home and corporate users across the globe. BitDefender solutions are distributed by a global network of value-added distribution and reseller partners in countries across the world.

Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. BitDefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about BitDefender and its products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, BitDefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.