Anti-spyware software set free

Check Point Software Technologies, the company behind the Zonealarm security software is letting people download its anti-spyware software free until 3pm tomorrow.

Users must provide a valid email address for the download (one product per email address). The offer for the software which normally costs $29.95 (£14.45) expires at 7am Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is 3pm GMT tomorrow, Wednesday, 14 November.

The company also is currently offering a free download of its brand-new Zonealarm Forcefield virtual browser, another layer of protection available to consumers.

This security software is currently in beta form and the company claims will protect internet users against a range of attacks including browser exploits, drive-by spyware, phishing attacks, plus identify any keyloggers and spyware already on the PC.

The free downloads have been set to coincide with Microsoft's Patch Tuesday, and the security company is advising PC users to immediately update their Microsoft Windows operating systems, Internet Explorer 7 browser and all security programs to thwart new vulnerabilities that may allow a hacker to gain control of a PC.

“Browser and operating system vulnerabilities reinforce the need for consumers to continue proactively managing their online security,” said Laura Yecies, vice-president and general manager of Check Point’s Zonealarm consumer division.

“In addition to keeping their systems up-to-date with the latest security patches, it also remains crucial for consumer to utilize security software that offers multiple layers of protection against both known and unknown threats.”