New online Web site offers free PC security test for home Internet users

South African technology distributor WebTec has launched a free online PC security check service, `test-my-security`, available from www.testmysecurity.co.za/.

The service leads PC users through a simple two-step process to establish whether their PC is susceptible to hackers and Trojans. The free service instantly indicates if users are easy online targets.

Home computers can now be as powerful as business computers, with enough memory and processing power to make them alluring staging areas for wide-scale Internet attacks that affect other computers. But many home PC users are connecting to the Internet unaware that their computer may be wide open to such attack.

"Home users have generally been the least prepared to defend against attacks," Carnegie Mellon University`s CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) Coordination Centre warns. "In many cases, these machines are then used by intruders to launch attacks against other organisations."

Every computer utilises channels for communicating over the Web called `ports` and, once connected, each PC allows more than 65 000 ports to open. Today`s hackers and automated Trojan attack programs, trawl the Web looking for unprotected ports to try and exploit, abusing personal data as well as potentially using the PC as a cover for criminal activity. In addition, rogue computer programs such as Trojans can enter a computer and use the PC as a platform for further automated attacks on other machines - all without the user ever knowing.

Toby Ben, Product Manager of Preventon Technologies, said: "Consumers often assume that hackers are not interested in the information on their computer, as they feel it is of little value to the outside world. But hackers do not discriminate between users; they will attack any opening and will cause costly inconvenience at the very least. www.webtec.co.za/secure offers a free, quick and easy solution for home Internet users."

The Preventon Scanner Service offered by WebTec examines the most common areas of PC susceptibility by performing checks such as an Internet Port Vulnerability Scan, a NetBIOS scan and Trojan Horse/Zombie vulnerability analysis. Users can instantly have an indication as to whether they require protection.

One of the products offered by WebTec, the Preventon Personal Firewall 2.2, is designed specifically for home and small-business users and pre-configured to provide straightforward installation. It can be purchased directly from WebTec`s security e-shop on www.webtec.co.za/secure.

The Preventon Personal Firewall has been tested by The NCC Group, an independent technology assurance company, which concludes: "Preventon Personal Firewall is an extremely strong anti-hacking solution, which uses smart automated configuration to protect the user within minutes of installation. We tested the software against numerous hacking scenarios, including Trojan horse attacks. In each instance the software successfully protected the user. Internet users should feel confident using this product, which could be considered best of breed in its class."