CA extends leadership in security management with Pestpatrol acquisition

Computer Associates International, Inc today announced the acquisition of PestPatrol, a privately held provider of anti-spyware solutions, in an all-cash transaction. Financial details were not disclosed.

CA will market the PestPatrol technology as eTrust PestPatrol and will incorporate it into its eTrust Threat Management software portfolio, which protects organisations from diverse Internet dangers such as viruses, spam and inappropriate use of the Web by employees.

The PestPatrol technology complements anti-virus software, firewalls and intrusion detection systems by detecting and removing spyware, adware, Trojan horses, denial-of-service attack agents, and other backdoor Web-based threats from individual and networked PCs. Used in more than 100 countries, it has been integrated with solutions from Yahoo, Zone Labs, Authentium, Zero Knowledge Systems, Stomp and PC Pitstop. The PestPatrol Software Developers` Toolkit enables rapid development of new products and easy integration with third-party Web services and business and consumer offerings.

"PestPatrol has done a superlative job of addressing the entire spectrum of non-virus malware threats that have become so annoying and dangerous for PC users inside and outside the enterprise," said Russell Artzt, executive vice-president of eTrust security management at CA. "This acquisition enhances CA`s position as the world`s leading provider of security management solutions for the safety of Internet connectivity and the integrity of computing environments in the office and home alike."

Spyware, adware and other non-virus threats are rapidly proliferating and represent a major security and privacy risk to both corporate and consumer users - as well as a primary cause of diminished PC performance. In April 2004, major Internet service provider EarthLink said it found an average of almost 28 spyware items on each PC it scanned during a first quarter audit.

PestPatrol complements traditional anti-virus defences by giving network administrators the ability to define granular rules for spyware scanning. Administrators can define "safe lists" or exclusion files of authorised applications, fine-tuned by department or individual, to prevent false alarms. Since the network administrator performs the spyware scanning and removal, desktop users don`t need to be interrupted. Further, since all scans and updates are performed remotely over the network, the network administrator no longer needs to personally visit machines. Scans can be scheduled to occur automatically at pre-set times, or when a remote computer logs into the network.

The PestPatrol Centre for Pest Research, which provides computer users with free advice on how to delete malicious code and prevent infection, will be incorporated into CA`s Security Advisor service. The Security Advisor service tracks global security threats through a global network of rapid response centres and quickly relays relevant security information to CA customers.

PestPatrol, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was advised in this transaction by Updata Capital.