WEBROOT CAUTIONS USERS TO USE PROTECTION WHEN LOOKING FOR LOVE ONLINE

Boulder, Colo. — Internet security developer Webroot Software today cautioned users to protect themselves and their families against dangerous Internet threats and identity thieves when looking for love online. Webroot warned users against inadvertently posting personal information that can in turn, be used by spammers, spyware purveyors, online predators or identity thieves. There have also been reports of malware developers creating false profiles on various social networking sites to target and attract the large installed base of users.

“Social networking and online dating sites can offer cyber criminals a wealth of information and opportunities,” said Peter Watkins, CEO of Webroot Software. “Despite the best efforts and strong recommendations by many of these hosting sites, users can still be exposed to dangerous malware attacks and criminals bent on thievery. Users need to be smart about the information they post online and make sure they use a proven Internet security solution that offers daily definition updates against the most malicious types of malware.”

Number of Online Users Looking for Love Continues to Increase
Despite the dangers, users continue to turn to the Internet in search of love and socializing as evidenced by a recent report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project. According to the report:

• Among the 10 million Internet users who are single and currently seeking a romantic partner, 74 percent have used the Internet to further their romantic interests
• Thirty-one percent of American adults – 63 million people – say they know someone who has used an online dating website
• Sixty-six percent of Internet users agreed with the statement that online dating is a dangerous activity because it puts personal information on the Internet
• Only six percent of online daters say that dating websites do an “excellent” job of protecting users personal information, while 32 percent say they do a “good” job
• More than half of all online American youths ages 12-17 use online social networking sites, often to connect with new friends or potential romantic partners


Recommendations for a Safe Online Social Experience
To ensure the safety of all Internet users when looking for love online, Webroot recommends the following practical guidelines:

• Scan Before You Search. Webroot offers Internet users a free PC scan to check for dangerous threat infections before hitting the Web. By simply visiting www.webroot.com, users can run a quick and exhaustive scan of their system and then feel confident that their computers are safe before searching for love.

• Stay Updated. Users should make sure they are always running the latest updated versions of a proven best of breed anti-spyware and anti-virus solution like Spy Sweeper® with AntiVirus. Webroot also recommends running an entire system scan at least once a week.

• Protect All Users. Online dating isn’t just for adults. Given the recent reports of adult users developing younger online profiles to attract teens, parents should deploy an effective parental controls program like Webroot Child Safe® to ensure their child’s safety at all times.

“As more and more users turn to the Internet for help in finding new love, the online security dangers will only increase. Dating is stressful enough without the worries of a malware attack or a stolen identity, so we hope users will follow these recommended guidelines and protect themselves and their family with an effective and proven security solution like Spy Sweeper with AntiVirus or Child Safe,” added Watkins.