Press release December 03, 2002

Free service to stop the spreading of computer viruses
SaferSurf.com prevents the involuntary distribution of computer viruses via e-mail

Who sends out a virus infected e-mail, be it with or without knowledge, runs the risk of getting unpopular and ruining his reputation. Whether or not the sender of an infected e-mail commits an offence is not yet decided. In any case the involuntary sending of viruses and other malware contributes to their ever faster spreading.

The real-time data filter SaferSurf now also protects all outgoing data and scans every sent e-mail for viruses before it is passed on. If it finds a virus, it notifies the sender. After the sender has checked and cleared his system, he can send 'clean' e-mails again.

"Too many users feel secure because they have installed a virus scanner. This is usually updated every once in a while. If a virus is passed on to a partner or a friend, it can ruin a business relationship or a friendship forever", says René Holzer, CEO of Nutzwerk and inventor of the real-time virus protection SaferSurf.

After the e-mail has been scanned, a note is added in the subject line that this e-mail is virus free. This way recipients can see straightaway that they can open this message without hesitation.

"The new feature was added after many requests of customers that they wanted to show the recipient that they are sending virus free e-mails", says Holzer about the necessity of this protection feature.

SaferSurf users receive the new protection without extra costs in addition to their booked packages. New customers will receive the virus protection for outgoing mail automatically together with their e-mail protection or the complete package.

"The best starting point to stop the spreading of a virus is still the server of the provider. To check incoming e-mails for viruses is already an effective solution. By checking outgoing mails for dangerous code the service now also protects recipients without virus protection if the virus is trying to spread itself via the e-mail program and its mail server", says Florian Fuchs-Steigerwald, provider of an anti-virus service, about the new SaferSurf feature.

The virus protection for outgoing e-mails is offered for free at http://www.safersurf.com/english/partner/security/email_virusfree.html. After a quick registration the user receives his access data for the outgoing mail server (SMTP server), which he simply enters into his e-mail program. The registration and the SMTP verification make sure that the service cannot be used by e-mail spammers.