WatchGuard Survey Indicates IT Managers View Spyware as Top Network Se

    Business Editors/Technology Writers

    SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2005--A poll(1) conducted by WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:WGRD), a leading provider of network security solutions, reveals that two-thirds of IT managers and administrators believe spyware will be the number one threat to network security over the next twelve months.
    Spyware is a growing category of malicious software that installs on a computer without the user's knowledge and it can secretly gather information about a person or organization. It ranges in type from adware to tracking agents to software designed to hijack a Web browser to a different destination. Sixty-six percent of those questioned said that spyware will pose a greater threat to their networks than viruses or phishing attacks in 2005. Almost the same percentage (65 percent) said, between viruses, spyware and phishing, their networks are least protected from spyware. Despite this, when asked what the top security focus is for the executives within their organizations, only 38 percent said spyware is a top priority while 54 percent said executives remain concentrated on the threat of viruses.
    Additionally, IT administrators were asked if their users are aware of spyware. Nearly three-fourths (73 percent) said more than half of their users don't know what spyware is.
    "This survey shows the real trepidation IT managers have for spyware, while many others in their organization are unfamiliar with the threat," said Mark Stevens, chief strategy officer at WatchGuard. "In order to ensure network protection, education is the best defense. All users need to fully understand the security risks and financial impact associated with spyware attacks, as well as what practices they can implement to protect themselves and the network."
    WatchGuard has published two guides to help organizations protect themselves from spyware attacks, available at http://www.watchguard.com/awareness/it_managers.asp. 'Spyware Risk: It's Time to Get Smart' is a tutorial on different types of spyware and provides tips on how to assess an organization's spyware threat level. 'Spyware Remediation: It's Not "Mission Impossible"' provides advice on anti-spyware programs and practices IT administrators can implement, as well as an analysis of different spyware solutions.
    "The alignment of security goals between IT managers and executive decision-makers is also crucial to network protection," added Stevens. "According to the survey, the majority of IT administrators said that they feel more protected against viruses than spyware and phishing attacks. Viruses are also at the top of their executives' security agenda. These findings indicate that aligning the focus of IT managers and executives can prove successful in ensuring organizations are protected."

    About WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

    WatchGuard is a leading provider of network security solutions for small- to mid-sized enterprises worldwide, delivering integrated products and services that are robust as well as easy to buy, deploy and manage. The company's Firebox X line of expandable integrated security appliances is designed to be fully upgradeable as an organization grows and to deliver the industry's best combination of security, performance, intuitive interface and value. WatchGuard Intelligent Layered Security architecture protects against emerging threats effectively and efficiently and provides the flexibility to integrate additional security functionality and services offered through WatchGuard. Every WatchGuard product comes with an initial LiveSecurity Service subscription to help customers stay on top of the security landscape with vulnerability alerts, software updates, expert security instruction and superior customer care. For more information, please call 206-521-8340 or visit www.watchguard.com.

    WatchGuard, LiveSecurity and Firebox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

    (1) WatchGuard web poll December 2004 - January 2005,
    www.watchguard.com, 686 respondents

--30--BRM/se*

CONTACT: LEWIS PR for WatchGuard Rachel Kim Euretig, 415-277-5400 watchguard@lewispr.com or WatchGuard Public Relations Sue Whitcomb, 206-613-6646 sue.whitcomb@watchguard.com

KEYWORD: WASHINGTON INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE SOFTWARE NETWORKING INTERNET E-COMMERCE PRODUCT SOURCE: WatchGuard Technologies, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005