Essential Security for DSL and Cable Modem Users Now Available with New Internet Security Utility - ZoneAlarm 2.0

ZoneAlarm 2.0 Prevents Information Theft for Cable and DSL Modem Users at Home or at Work

Palm Springs, Calif. (January 26, 2000) - Zone Labs, Inc., today announced the immediate availability of the new ZoneAlarm 2.0 Internet security utility. ZoneAlarm 2.0 provides essential protection for DSL and Cable modem users by combining the safety of a dynamic firewall with total control over applications' Internet use. ZoneAlarm 2.0 offers traditional security and application control in one simple interface, making it essential for PCs with 'always-on' connections via Cable or DSL modems. Internet users can download ZoneAlarm 2.0 at www.zonelabs.com for free. The announcement was made during the Internet Showcase conference in Palm Springs, California.

ZoneAlarm 2.0 provides five interlocking security services that deliver easy-to-use, comprehensive protection. Unlike any other security utility, ZoneAlarm 2.0 incorporates a Firewall, Application Control, an Internet Lock, dynamically assigned Security Levels and Zones. Combined, these elements guarantee secure Internet use because each one is stronger than if it were used alone.

"ZoneAlarm 2.0 provides ironclad security, flexibility and unparalleled ease of use, delivering peace of mind for free," said Zone Labs President Gregor Freund. "With its unique combination of a dynamic firewall with complete application control, ZoneAlarm 2.0 gives Internet users the best way to protect their PCs and important information from the threats posed by insecure Internet connectivity."

A computer with an always-on connection has a permanent IP address, which makes it especially vulnerable to hackers, "Trojan horses" or so-called "Spyware" attacks. Traditional firewall products are unable to intercept rogue software inadvertently introduced by trusted users via email or other methods. Once this type of unknown application installs itself on a PC, it can initiate an Internet connection without the user's knowledge and send data back out over the Internet allowing hackers to commit fraud. The Application Control feature of ZoneAlarm 2.0 can intercept such rogue outbound traffic, alerting the user to the possibility of information theft or vandalism. The Firewall, which protects against unauthorized outside intrusions, and the unique Application Control features in ZoneAlarm 2.0 provide an active defense for both inbound and outbound Internet connections.

"ZoneAlarm 2.0 is a giant step forward in personal Internet security. By controlling both inbound and outbound traffic in a unique 'application-centric' fashion, it gives the user intuitive control over which specific applications have local and global access," said Steve Gibson, noted security expert and President of Gibson Research Corporation (www.grc.com, home of ShieldsUP! an Internet security testing tool). "ZoneAlarm obsoletes traditional rule-based firewall configuration while dramatically enhancing the user's security. I am truly excited about this new release, and I recommend it without reservation over all other alternatives. This is the product for everyone!"

ZoneAlarm 2.0 provides "out-of-the-box" security because it automatically configures itself as the user surfs the Internet. The firewall provides state-of-the-art protection without requiring knowledge of ports, protocols or hierarchical rule systems, thereby ensuring maximum protection. ZoneAlarm 2.0 complements anti-virus software programs by providing immediate defense against early stage Trojan horse attacks that haven't yet been profiled by virus protection vendors.

"The majority of subscribers to broadband Internet services remain concerned about the security of their connections," according to Mike Paxton, a multimedia analyst at Cahners In-Stat Group. "Zone Alarm 2.0 combines a traditional firewall with application control to provide protection for broadband users from unauthorized and often malicious outside penetration."

ZoneAlarm 2.0 Features and Benefits
ZoneAlarm 2.0 provides five critical security services that deliver easy to use, comprehensive protection. Unlike any other security utility, ZoneAlarm incorporates a Firewall, Application Control, an Internet Lock, dynamically assigned Security Levels and Zones. Combined, these elements provide the most secure solution for Internet connected computers.

The Firewall provides control over the door to a user's computer. With Stealth Mode enabled, the computer becomes invisible to the Internet and potential intruders. If the computer can't be seen, it can't be attacked. Because users tell ZoneAlarm 2.0 how they use their computer, the Firewall only allows traffic that the user understands and initiates. ZoneAlarm 2.0's Firewall provides the ultimate intrusion security for the personal computer.

Application Control gives users the power to decide which applications can and cannot use the Internet. ZoneAlarm 2.0 monitors all activity on the computer and alerts the user when a new application attempts to access the Internet. Access Control ensures that rogue applications like Spyware cannot send valuable data to criminals and vandals.

The Internet Lock blocks Internet traffic while the computer is unattended or idle. The user instructs ZoneAlarm 2.0 which applications can bypass the lock, such as email. The Internet Lock can engage automatically along with the computer's screen saver or after a set period of inactivity. With the Internet Lock, the user has absolute control over the use of their always-on connection to the Internet.

Security Levels make ZoneAlarm 2.0 easy to use. In contrast to other security solutions, ZoneAlarm 2.0 does not require you to learn about ports, protocols and hierarchical rules. ZoneAlarm 2.0 comes configured to deliver out-of the-box safety and security. Security Levels automatically configure the Firewall and eliminate the risk of improper use that comes with other products. With ZoneAlarm's Security Levels, the user gets peace of mind, not confusion.

Local and Internet Zones give users the convenience of sharing important data with trusted people while denying the privilege to everyone else. Through the two zones - Local and Internet - users can easily share their files on the local network or across the world while keeping those files safe from being accessed by strangers.

The Firewall, Application Control, and Internet Lock, dynamically assigned Security Levels and Zones are the five interlocking security services that make ZoneAlarm easy to use while delivering indispensable Internet protection.

"Managing my rental referral business drove me to use a high-speed connection but left me worried for the safety of my company data," said Grey Todd of RentTech (www.renttech.com). "With ZoneAlarm 2.0, I've finally felt comfortable taking full advantage of my DSL connection to the Internet without going to great expense or learning how to program a firewall."

ZoneAlarm 2.0 Availability
ZoneAlarm 2.0 works on Microsoft Windows 95, 98, NT and 2000. It is available immediately at www.zonelabs.com for download. Personal and non-profit use is free for an unlimited time while corporations can evaluate ZoneAlarm 2.0 for up to 60 days at no charge. There is no charge for the download itself.

About ZoneAlarm, a Check Point Software Technologies, Inc. Company
ZoneAlarm, one of the most trusted brands in Internet security, is a leading creator of endpoint security solutions protecting millions of PCs from risks posed by hackers and data theft. The company's award-winning endpoint security product line is deployed in global enterprises, small businesses and consumers' homes, protecting them from Internet-borne threats. Check Point Integrity™ is an endpoint security management platform that protects corporate data and productivity while ZoneAlarm® and ZoneAlarm Pro are among the most popular and successful Internet security products available today.

Founded in 1997, ZoneAlarm is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, with European headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

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Editor's Note: TrueVector, ZoneAlarm, the Zone Labs logo and Zone Labs are registered trademarks of ZoneAlarm, a Check Point Software Technologies, Inc. Company. ZoneAlarm Integrity is a trademark of ZoneAlarm. SmartDefense Advisor is a service mark of ZoneAlarm. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Check Point Integrity protected under U.S. Patent No. 5,987,611. Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.

Heather Haas
Check Point Software Technologies
(650) 628 2070
press@checkpoint.com