WEBROOT URGES INTERNET USERS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE INFORMATION DURING TAX SEASON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 5, 2007 --

Boulder, Co., March 5, 2007 � Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SME markets, today urged Internet users to pay special attention to the security of their personal information and use a proven Internet security program when preparing and filing their taxes online. According to the IRS, 73 million tax returns were filed online in 2006, up 6.9 percent from the year before, with 20 million people filing returns from their home computers. While Internet filing offers users a new level of convenience, speed and accuracy during tax season, it can also expose users' personal information to cyber criminals.

Webroot specifically cautioned users about a potential spike in the instances of system monitors and keyloggers during tax season. Last year Webroot's Threat Research Team recorded a 265 percent increase in the instances of system monitors from February to March, when the majority of users use the Internet to prepare and file their taxes. Classified as some of the most dangerous computer security threats, system monitors and keyloggers can track and record a user's individual keystrokes, making it easy for spyware criminals to steal any personal information that might be entered into an online tax program or form.

"Tax forms require users to submit a significant amount of sensitive information such as social security numbers, tax IDs and financial statements, along with general contact information like addresses and telephone numbers," said Mike Irwin, COO of Webroot Software. "This wealth of information can translate into big payoffs for cyber criminals looking to steal identities or hack into financial accounts, so we recommend users protect their information and PCs with a proven Internet security program, especially during tax season".

To help Internet users ensure the safety of their information before they begin preparing their taxes, Webroot is offering users a free computer scan to check for spyware, viruses and other dangerous forms of malware. Users can visit Webroot's website, run a quick and exhaustive scan of their system and then feel confident that their computers are safe and their information will stay protected.

In addition to running a free Internet security scan, Webroot recommends users adhere to the following best practices when preparing and filing taxes online:

Make sure you are running updated versions of best-of-breed anti-spyware and anti-virus software and scan your entire system at least once a week.
For Federal electronic filings, make sure to use services directly linked to www.irs.gov, and do not respond to email inquiries regarding your taxes.

If you plan to file your state taxes online be sure to only use links directly from your official state homepage. Links to the official websites for all 50 states are available at http://us.gov/Agencies/State_and_Territories.shtml.
"Cyber criminals recognize the increased transmission of personal information during tax season and use aggressive methods to prey on unsuspecting victims. Deploying best-of-breed Internet security software, and following safe online practices, helps ensure that sensitive information stays out of the wrong hands and is submitted securely," added Watkins.

More information can be found online at http://www.downloadatoz.com/wwasher/

Free Computer Security Scan     webroot     webroot software