September 16, 2009: ProtectStar Test Lab honors A-Squared Anti Malware 4.5 with the ProtectStar AWARD 2009
Miami, FL, USA 16.09.2009 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has given the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2009 to A Squared Anti Malware 4.5 Details
16.09.2009
ProtectStar Test Lab honors A-Squared Anti Malware 4.5 with the ProtectStar AWARD 2009
Miami, FL, USA 16.09.2009 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has given the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2009 to A Squared Anti Malware 4.5.
The latest version 4.5 of A-Squared Anti Malware from Emsi Software – leading European provider of behavior analysis technology for analyzing software, especially Malware – was awarded the ProtectStar Award 2009 for its outstanding total performance.
The a-squared engine was originally developed for recognition of Spyware and Trojans and achieved a certain level of recognition in this area. The engine also detects Cookies and Spyware. The second engine specializes in the detection of Viruses, Worms and other types of Malware.
“However, Emsi Software went one step further and also integrated a third line of defense in their protection system: Behavior recognition” said Mr. Oliver Rosenow from ProtectStar Test Lab.
The evaluation focused on the following test criteria:
security, user-friendliness, performance, the price/equipment ratio and support
July 10, 2009: ProtectStar Data Shredder 2.0 now shipping worldwide
Miami, FL, USA & London, UK July 10, 2009 – ProtectStar™ Inc. is the worldwide independent company specializing in IT and communication security has started shipping the ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 solution across the world today. Details
ProtectStar Data Shredder 2.0 now shipping worldwide
Miami, FL, USA & London, UK July 10, 2009 – ProtectStar™ Inc. is the worldwide independent company specializing in IT and communication security has started shipping the ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 solution across the world today.
The new ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 ushers in an intelligent generation of solutions for secure deletion of sensitive data. This compact and user friendly software was designed with the data deletion needs of both business and private users, and allows all data to be deleted in such a way that it is completely beyond recovery, even for experts and government agencies.
When you use ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 to delete data from a hard drive or storage device, you are ensuring that confidential information such as bank data, passwords and employee data can never fall into the wrong hands.
The main features of ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 include:
ProtectStar™ Data Shredder 2.0 is available at US$ 49.95 (Professional Version) and US$ 399.00 (Server Version. The limited Freeware version is free of charge.
Further details, product guides and the freeware version are available at: www.protectstar.com
April 8, 2009: Is the fight against cybercrime already a lost cause?
Miami, FL, USA, April 8, 2009 – ProtectStar™ Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, plans to conduct an internal study aimed at answering the question: Is the fight against cybercrime already a lost cause? Details
Is the fight against cybercrime already a lost cause?
Miami, FL, USA, April 8, 2009 – ProtectStar™ Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, plans to conduct an internal study aimed at answering the question: Is the fight against cybercrime already a lost cause?
The cybercrime situation is worsening virtually every day as enterprises, government organizations and computer users seek to keep up with the various threats in cyberspace. This has prompted ProtectStar™ Inc., in cooperation with ProtectStar™ Research and ProtectStar™ Test Lab, to address this issue in the coming months by analyzing and evaluating the IT security products of over 40 vendors.
The study aims to shed light on current and future cyberthreats, as well as protective measures against them such as virus scanners, firewalls, proactive protective mechanisms, and intrusion prevention, to name but a few.
The study will mainly focus on the methods used by modern IT security products such as malware scanners and proactive protective mechanisms to deal with professional malware.
“The IT security industry is the only sector that has the capacity to protect itself and others against criminal activities in the cyber-underground. Moreover, wide-ranging observations have shown that there is a clear need for action to an extent that has yet to be determined,” notes ProtectStar™ CEO Christopher Bohn.
It is essential that the answer to the question posed by the study – i.e. has the information technology industry already lost the war against cybercrime? – be a resounding no, because otherwise there will be no stopping cyber-crime.
Once the study results have been released, they will be posted at www.protectstar.com
March 12, 2009: ProtectStar: FollyCrack’s an impossible nut to crack
Miami, FL, USA, 12 March 2009 – ProtectStar Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, recently announced that the security crackers’ competition known as FollyCrack has proven to be an impossible nut to crack. Details
ProtectStar: FollyCrack’s an impossible nut to crack
Miami, FL, USA, 12 March 2009 – ProtectStar Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, recently announced that the security crackers’ competition known as FollyCrack has proven to be an impossible nut to crack.
The original aim of FollyCrack (www.follycrack.com) was to crack the algorithm of a text file that was encrypted using the ProtectStar AES algorithm. ProtectStar raised the prize money for the competition several times – the most recent hike coming in September of last year, when ProtectStar raised the stakes to $50,000 in the hope of providing a sufficient incentive to put the functionality and performance of the encryption algorithm to the test.
Despite the large number of contest entrants, after nearly 400 days, no one has managed to decrypt the encrypted text file and crack the ProtectStar AES algorithm.
“We’re pleased at the large number of people who have participated in FollyCrack. However, not a single contest entrant has been able to provide a solution – or even an approach to one – or crack our encryption algorithm,” notes ProtectStar chief executive Christopher Bohn.
But, Mr. Bohn hastens to add, this should not be taken to mean – at least not yet – that the ProtectStar AES algorithm offers absolute security since “our competition has merely provided initial proof of security – proof that does not indicate anything about any ‘infinite’ security provided by the algorithm.”
Consequently, the ProtectStar research team is considering the possibility of reviving FollyCrack at some point by offering a considerably higher prize. Until then, interested persons can continue to try to decrypt the original text file, for which ProtectStar is offering a $1,000 consolation prize.
December 11, 2008: ProtectStar Inc announces this years’ ProtectStar AWARD winners from major names in Internet security
Miami, FL; December 11, 2008 – Miami-based ProtectStar Inc, an independent, internationally active IT and communications security specialist, has announced its annual awards after testing major Internet security suites again this year. Details
ProtectStar Inc announces this years’ ProtectStar AWARD winners from major names in Internet security
Miami, FL; December 11, 2008 – Miami-based ProtectStar Inc, an independent, internationally active IT and communications security specialist, has announced its annual awards after testing major Internet security suites again this year.
Fourteen major names were put to a thorough series of tests at the ProtectStar™ Test Lab together with AV-Comparatives. The final assessment focused on security, usability and performance as well as cost-effectiveness and features.
Security played a major role in grading the contenders, with the testers placing especially high priority on fundamental protection functionality at default configuration.
Symantec’s Norton Internet Security 2009 held on to last year’s top-ranking position, the number of improvements on the previous version along with its excellent performance and security functions taking it to the top of the crop.
Despite the complexity of the total assessment system, this year saw the first tie for second place with Avira Premium Security 2009 and Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 achieving an equal score.
All three products received the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2009 – not least due to the extremely close test results.
Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 also won the ProtectStar™ Firewall AWARD for 2009. The integrated firewall in this security suite was the only contender to fulfill all of the criteria for this award due to its excellent protection functionality in external and internal security and its detailed logs and warning pop-ups.
This year’s security recommendation, ProtectStar Recommendation 2009, went to Eset Smart Security 3.0, which came in fourth in the test ranking.
The test report complete with results is available at the following ProtectStar™ web addresses:
September 10, 2008: ProtectStar to raise the prize money again for the FollyCrack crackers competition to a total of US$ 50,000
Miami, FL, USA 10.09.2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 50,000. Details
September 10, 2008
ProtectStar to raise the prize money again for the FollyCrack crackers competition to a total of US$ 50,000
Miami, FL, USA 10.09.2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 50,000.
The FollyCrack competition – originally launched at Christmas 2007 for young mathematics and encryption geniuses – was for the first time extended to January 2008, due to high popularity. The initial starting prize of USD 5,000 was also doubled to USD 10,000 and in March 2008 to USD 20,000. Now the competition has an additional incentive in the form of another increase in prize money to USD 50,000.
The crackers competition FollyCrack will expire on January 1, 2009.
Since its launch on 07.12.2007, FollyCrack registered more than forty thousand hits on its website. Despite the high popularity – as evidenced by the number of entries – so far, the participants have not succeeded in decoding the contents of the encrypted data.
Entries are encouraged from young, talented individuals with a penchant for mathematics and encryption. FollyCrack is part of the ProtectStar™ young experts promotion campaign targeting anyone aged between sixteen and twenty-five years.
For further details and the chance to enter, please visit the following link: http://www.follycrack.com
July 10, 2008: ProtectStar Foundation and Symantec give Nepali Children a way to communicate
Miami, FL, USA July 10th 2008 – The ProtectStar Foundation has, in joint effort with Symantec Germany and Symantec UK, donated Norton AntiVirus 2008, Norton Internet Security 2008 and Norton Ghost to the CCSV orphanage and school program in Nepal. Details
July 10, 2008
ProtectStar Foundation and Symantec give Nepali Children a way to communicate
Miami, FL, USA July 10th 2008 –The ProtectStar Foundation has, in joint effort with Symantec Germany and Symantec UK, donated Norton AntiVirus 2008, Norton Internet Security 2008 and Norton Ghost to the CCSV orphanage and school program in Nepal.
The children and staff at this Nepali orphanage and school will greatly benefit from this software program donation, since they now can use the Internet to communicate with other children, download educational games, and read children’s stories – all this without having the fear of a virus infecting their PC.
The ProtectStar Foundation is a unique Not-for-Profit Organization founded by the IT Corporation by the same name. Its goal is to support projects worldwide which enhance education, welfare, and health of children.
May 08, 2008: ProtectStar™ to relocate its corporate headquarters to Miami, FL, USA
Bradenton, FL, USA 08/05/2008 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, is to relocate its corporate headquarters to Miami, FL, USA, on 1 June 2008. Details
ProtectStar™ to relocate its corporate headquarters to Miami, FL, USA
Bradenton, FL, USA 08/05/2008 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, is to relocate its corporate headquarters to Miami, FL, USA, on 1 June 2008.
At the same time, the charitable ProtectStar™ Foundation will move into new business premises at the same address.
The 250-mile move from Bradenton down to Miami will take place on 1 June 2008, creating extra room for the increasing number of personnel.
“Although we’d planned to move around the end of 2008/beginning of 2009, we decided to go for it now before we really started bursting at the seams,” jested Christopher Bohn, CEO of ProtectStar™ Inc., amongst his management team while attending an international symposium on mobile security in Geneva.
From 1 June 2008, ProtectStar™ will be located at the following address:
444 Brickell Avenue
Suite 51103
Miami, FL 33131
ProtectStar™, Inc.’s toll-free telephone and fax numbers for the USA will remain the same.
April 21, 2008: ProtectStar™ security suites – test report available in English
Bradenton, FL, USA; April 21, 2008 – The international independent IT and communication security specialists at ProtectStar Inc. is to publish an English-language version of its test report today. Details
ProtectStar™ security suites – test report available in English
Bradenton, FL, USA; April 21, 2008 – The international independent IT and communication security specialists at ProtectStar Inc. is to publish an English-language version of its test report today.
After extraordinarily favourable reactions – around 47,000 downloads to date – the company has announced publication of the English translation of the report, which was previously only available in German.
The download numbers are a clear sign of customer interest in internet security suite product and feature transparency. Currently, there are around twenty similar products available with highly variable features. The unwillingness of some manufacturers to have their products subjected to testing had to be taken into account; however, the thirteen manufacturers that agreed to tests were indeed convinced of the quality of their own products.
Once again, ProtectStar™ turned out to be on the right track in configuring and selecting points of emphasis in its test system.
Security, usability and performance, and value for money were well-adjusted to the user market. The copious levels of positive feedback on the ProtectStar™ website, speciality forums and blogs also go to show that ProtectStar™ made the right selection decisions.
March 19, 2008: ProtectStar™ TestLab honours 3 manufacturers of Internet security suites with the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2008
Bradenton, FL, USA 19/03/2008 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has given the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2008 to the security solutions of the manufacturers Symantec, Trend Micro and Avira. Details
March 19, 2008
ProtectStar™ TestLab honours 3 manufacturers of Internet security suites with the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2008
Bradenton, FL, USA 19/03/2008 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has given the ProtectStar™ AWARD 2008 to the security solutions of the manufacturers Symantec, Trend Micro and Avira.
Products from 13 well-known manufacturers of Internet security suites in total were tested.
This time, 3 products all received the ProtectStar™ AWARD. This was simply because the deviations in the excellent test results were only minimal and therefore hardly impacted on the quality criteria.
The current group of testers included both home users as well as professionals with in-depth knowledge of daily business (server/PC administrators and IT security personnel). As in the past, the experts at the ProtectStar™ TestLab once again lead-managed the organisation and execution of the testing.
The evaluation focused on the following test criteria: security, user-friendliness, performance and the price/equipment ratio
The "security” segment had particular significance in the evaluation scale. The testers paid close attention to the basic protective functions of the Internet security suites following installation and in their factory defaults.
Interested parties can download the complete and comprehensive test report on the comparison test – available in German only initially – and a list of all of the products tested and their manufacturers free of charge from: http://www.protectstar-testlab.org/de.index.html
March 17, 2008: ProtectStar doubles prize money again for the FollyCrack competition to a total of 20,000 US dollars
Bradenton, FL, USA 17.03.2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 20,000. Details
March 17, 2008
ProtectStar doubles prize money again for the FollyCrack competition to a total of 20,000 US dollars
Bradenton, FL, USA 17.03.2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 20,000.
The FollyCrack competition – originally launched at Christmas 2007 for young mathematics and encryption geniuses – was for the first time extended to January 2008, due to high popularity. The initial starting prize of USD 5,000 was also doubled to USD 10,000. Now the competition has an additional incentive in the form of another increase in prize money to USD 20,000.
Since its launch on 07.12.2007, FollyCrack registered more than ten thousand hits on its website. Despite the high popularity – as evidenced by the number of entries – so far, the participants have not succeeded in decoding the contents of the encrypted data.
Entries are encouraged from young, talented individuals with a penchant for mathematics and encryption. FollyCrack is part of the ProtectStar™ young experts promotion campaign targeting anyone aged between sixteen and twenty-five years.
For further details and the chance to enter, please visit the following link: http://www.follycrack.com
January 08, 2008: Second chance – ProtectStar™ to double the prize for the FollyCrack competition
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK; January 8, 2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 10,000. Details
January 08, 2008
Second chance – ProtectStar™ to double the prize for the FollyCrack competition
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK; January 8, 2008 – ProtectStar™ Inc., the worldwide independent IT and communications security company, has announced that it will double the prize for the FollyCrack security crackers’ competition, bringing the prize value up to USD 10,000.
The company has aimed this competition to young experts with a penchant for mathematics and encryption. FollyCrack is part of the young experts promotion campaign targeting anyone between sixteen and twenty-five years of age.
Originally intended as a Christmas competition, the FollyCrack competition will be extended in response to the high popularity it has received. More than a thousand visits were recorded on the competition website, www.follycrack.com, before competition kick-off on December 7, 2007.
December 07, 2007: ProtectStar™ to launch the FollyCrack Crackers’ competition for the winter holiday season
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK, December 7, 2007 – Independent international IT and communications security specialist ProtectStar™ Inc. has given Christmas crackers new meaning in its new winter competition – FollyCrack – aimed at encryption enthusiasts. Details
December 07, 2007
ProtectStar™ to launch the FollyCrack Crackers’ competition for the winter holiday season
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK, December 7, 2007 – Independent international IT and communications security specialist ProtectStar™ Inc. has given Christmas crackers new meaning in its new winter competition – FollyCrack – aimed at encryption enthusiasts.
The aim of the FollyCrack competition is to crack the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm in a new version developed by ProtectStar™ Research, or ProtectStar™ AES for short. ProtectStar™ has put up USD 5,000 in prize money for the successful cracker.
The competition is aimed at young experts at mathematics and encryption. FollyCrack is part of the ProtectStar™ young talent promotion programme, targeting young people aged sixteen to twenty-five.
December 06, 2007: ProtectStar Group outlines its planned activities for the 2008 business year
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK 06/12/2007 – Christopher Bohn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ProtectStar™, the independent IT and communications security specialist active worldwide, recently outlined in London the planned activities of the ProtectStar™ group of companies for 2008. Details
December 06, 2007
ProtectStar Group outlines its planned activities for the 2008 business year
Bradenton, FL, USA & London, UK 06/12/2007 – Christopher Bohn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ProtectStar™, the independent IT and communications security specialist active worldwide, recently outlined in London the planned activities of the ProtectStar™ group of companies for 2008.
Bohn started by summarising the goals achieved in 2007. Particular mention was made of the successful establishment of ProtectStar™ Research & Development (R&D) – the independent research and development department of the ProtectStar Group.
The initiatives of the non-profit ProtectStar™ Foundation with regard to the European Media and Event Academy in Baden-Baden, Germany, rounded off the corporate activities for 2007.
Following this, the focal points of the individual company divisions for the coming year were presented:
ProtectStar™ Testlab:
The ProtectStar™ Testlab will increase the number of benchmark tests it carries out on hardware and software solutions from the IT and communications industry.
Revised requirements for awarding the “ProtectStar AWARD 2008”
Further development of new and transparent test and check routines
Start of the ProtectStar™ Comlab
Further recruitment for the test team at the ProtectStar™ Testlab
ProtectStar™ Research & Development:
Further development of data deletion algorithms (with the ProtectStar Secure Deletion Algorithm as an example)
Further development of encryption algorithms (with the ProtectStar AES Algorithm as an example)
Development of security systems for the automobile industry
ProtectStar™ Foundation:
Increased awareness of the ProtectStar Foundation
Increased acquisition of donations for the ProtectStar Foundation’s aid projects
ProtectStar™ Solutions:
Expansion of consulting and quality management (IQMM) activities in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland
Development of security software for Windows, Linux and Mac
June 15, 2007: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) from ProtectStar, Inc. improved
Bradenton, FL, USA 15/06/2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and globally operating company for IT and Communication Security has made considerable improvements to the current, widely used AES encryption algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard). Details
June 15, 2007
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) from ProtectStar, Inc. improved
Bradenton, FL, USA 15.06.2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and globally operating company for IT and Communication Security has made considerable improvements to the current, widely used AES encryption algorithm (Advanced Encryption Standard).
The fusion of the previously independently operating divisions of ProtectStar, Inc. to form the ProtectStar Research & Development business unit is showing its first fruits:
Like the conventional AES encryption algorithm, the improved version, the ProtectStar AES Algorithm, is also a symmetrical block algorithm.
The difference between the two algorithms lies in the block length of 64 bytes (512 bits). The ProtectStar™ AES encryption algorithm therefore offers a multiple increase in security. The other recognised AES modes will, of course, also be supported (ECB, CBC, OFB, CFB,CTR).
Possible application areas for the ProtectStar™ AES could be, among others:
Insurances
Investment banks, in particular in the M & A area
National and federal authorities
Security companies
Research and development establishments
Group central offices
Lawyer and tax consultation offices
Military communications systems
More detailed information regarding the function of the ProtectStar™ AES can be found on the following Website: www.protectstar-research.com
May 08, 2007: ProtectStar R & D (Research & Development) - Consolidation of previously independent areas
Bradenton, FL, USA / London, UK, 08.05.2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has incorporated the previously independently operating business units (Development, Research and Information) into the newly created central division, Research & Development. Details
May 08, 2007
ProtectStar R & D (Research & Development) - Consolidation of previously independent areas
Bradenton, FL, USA / London, UK, 08.05.2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and globally operating company for IT and communication security, has incorporated the previously independently operating business units (Development, Research and Information) into the newly created central division, Research & Development.
The significance of this new division within the ProtectStar group of companies can be recognised solely from the fact that R & D has been assigned as a direct staff line function to the CEO of ProtectStar Inc., Christopher Bohn.
Among others, the main focus of activity of ProtectStar R & D will be:
Development of encryption and data deletion algorithms
Analyse of reliable solutions in the area of sensitive data links, mobile communication, firewalls and authentication.
Development and targeted research of protective solutions in the area of nanotechnology
Further details regarding the activities of ProtectStar R & D are available on the following Website: www.protectstar-research.com
March 19, 2007: ProtectStar reviews the launch of the ProtectStar Data Shredder for the first time
Bradenton, FL, USA / London, UK, 19.03.2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent, global company for IT and communications security, reviews the launch of the ProtectStar Data Shredder for the first time. Details
March 19, 2007
ProtectStar reviews the launch of the ProtectStar Data Shredder for the first time
Bradenton, FL, USA / London, UK, 19.03.2007 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent, global company for IT and communications security, reviews the launch of the ProtectStar Data Shredder for the first time.
“We are very happy with the product launch and our customers love the performance features of the ProtectStar Data Shredder”. What could express the success of ProtectStar’s latest new product better than the euphoric words of Christopher Bohn, CEO of ProtectStar Inc.?
“We’ve also received enquiries from several offices close to the government which have shown great interest in using the ProtectStar Data Shredder. The new ProtectStar Secure Deletion Algorithm has been attracting particular attention”, Bohn continues. The company has already applied for a copyright for this algorithm in the USA.
This “ProtectStar Secure Deletion Algorithm”, which was specially developed for the ProtectStar Data Shredder, is so effective that when the user selects the “ProtectStar Security” deletion option, there is no way of retrieving the data with established programmes whatsoever.
You can find further details and a test version of the ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 on the ProtectStar Inc. homepage, at www.protectstar.com
February 07, 2007: ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 now shipping worldwide
Bradenton, FL, USA Feb 7, 2007 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent, globally operating IT and communications security company, has started shipping the ProtectStar™ Data Shredder v1.0 solution across the world today. Details
February 07, 2007
ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 now shipping worldwide
Bradenton, FL, USA Feb 7, 2007 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent, globally operating IT and communications security company, has started shipping the ProtectStar™ Data Shredder v1.0 solution across the world today.
ProtectStar™ Data Shredder allows users to erase data from hard drives, USB sticks, memory cards and other media irrevocably and permanently. This ensures that personal or confidential information never falls into the wrong hands.
The main features of ProtectStar Data Shredder include:
January 31, 2007: ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 – the easy way of erasing data
Bradenton, FL, USA January 31, 2007 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent, globally operating IT and communications security company, has launched the final word in secure data removal from hard drives. Details
January 31, 2007
ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 – the easy way of erasing data
Bradenton, FL, USA January 31, 2007 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent, globally operating IT and communications security company, has launched the final word in secure data removal from hard drives.
Almost everyone has heard the stories of sensitive private and corporate data found on apparently erased hard drives, stories that have become increasingly common in newspaper headlines, calling data security officers into the picture.
Although these hard drives had been deleted, reformatted and overwritten, sensitive info such as account balances, credit card numbers, business concepts, passwords, personal documents and even highly private minutes from general meetings were easy to reconstruct.
The result has been astonishment and dumbfounded reactions from those involved.
ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 is represents a new generation of data erasure programs. Other programs on the market may “delete” the data, but do not remove it permanently. Usually, only the contents of the file-allocation table (FAT) or the corresponding file header attribute on an NTFS partition is set, but the files and programs are still physically in place on the drive, and can still be recovered and accessed.
ProtectStar Data Shredder allows users to erase data permanently and irrevocably from hard drives and other media. This ensures that personal and confidential data can no longer fall into the wrong hands.
The main features that distinguish ProtectStar Data Shredder from other products:
Complete integration in Windows Explorer and Windows recycle bin
Secure erasure of free disk space
Secure erasure of encrypted files and volumes
Secure removal of temporary system files, internet cache, cookies etc.
Data files are destroyed completely, not just marked for deletion
Simple operation with intuitive, modern menu control
Support for FAT32 and NTFS
Compatible with Windows 98, NT, 2000, 2003 Server, XP, Vista
Specifically developed for ProtectStar Data Shredder, the ProtectStar Secure Deletion Algorithm runs through fifty erasure routines, and is completely integrated into this security solution.
ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 will be available on the market in February 2007.
More details and explanations as to how ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 works are available on the following website:www.protectstar.com
December 07, 2006: JURA Elektroapparate AG in Niederbuchsiten, Switzerland, receives this year’s ProtectStar Innovation AWARD
London, UK Dec. 7, 2006 – Global independent IT and communications security company ProtectStar Inc has bestowed its ProtectStar Innovation AWARD to JURA Elektroapparate AG for this longstanding Swiss company’s two innovative products, IMPRESSA Z5 and IMPRESSA Web Pilot. Details
December 07, 2006
JURA Elektroapparate AG in Niederbuchsiten, Switzerland, receives this year’s ProtectStar Innovation AWARD
London, UK Dec. 7, 2006 – Global independent IT and communications security company ProtectStar Inc has bestowed its ProtectStar Innovation AWARD to JURA Elektroapparate AG for this longstanding Swiss company’s two innovative products, IMPRESSA Z5 and IMPRESSA Web Pilot.
After two weeks of series testing and evaluation, JURA’s flagship product, IMPRESSA Z5, and its additional IMPRESSA Web Pilot module were selected for this award.
The final clincher for the ProtectStar Innovation Team was the intelligent combination of both solutions – automatic coffee machine and web pilot.
Apart from a recipe and statistics manager, the product also includes an innovative customer-services manager. The Intelligent Pre-Brew Aroma System (IPBAS) also played a decisive role in the JURA products’ favour – a system that gives coffee a distinct edge on quality in taste and aroma.
The modern technology and integrated servicing programmes, elegant design, and high-quality workmanship with the best materials round off the IMPRESSA Z5 perfectly, elevating it to the state of the art.
On presenting the ProtectStar Innovation AWARD to JURA’s General Manager, Emanuel Probst, ProtectStar CEO Christopher Bohn specifically emphasised the company’s forward-thinking concept as well as orientation towards consumer requirements that had played an important part in the development of the two products.
If you love coffee, you might like to read the complete test report available for free (only available in German) at http://www.protectstar.de
November 23, 2006: ProtectStar introduces "ProtectStar Data Shredder" security program
Bradenton, FL, USA, Nov 23, 2006 – Independent worldwide IT and communications security specialist ProtectStar Inc. is to introduce its highly effective file shredder program, ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0. Details
November 23, 2006
ProtectStar introduces "ProtectStar Data Shredder" security program
Bradenton, FL, USA, Nov 23, 2006 – Independent worldwide IT and communications security specialist ProtectStar Inc. is to introduce its highly effective file shredder program, ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0.
ProtectStar’s Data Shredder v1.0 ushers in a new generation of security solutions for secure deletion of sensitive data. The program is designed to fulfill the requirements of secure deletion for private individuals and corporations efficiently, effectively and profitably.
The ProtectStar™ Data Shredder v1.0 package will enable users to delete their data irreversibly from hard drives, as well as other data storage devices such as USB sticks, preventing sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.
The major benefits of ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 include:
Secure deletion of sensitive folders and directories
Six recognized and acclaimed methods of deletion
Erasure of “free” space
Complete integration in Windows Explorer
Secure deletion of temporary system folders such as internet cache, cookies and more
Detailed deletion reports
Simple operation using a modern user interface
Developed specifically for ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0, the specialized ProtectStar secure delete algorithm conducts almost fifty deletion cycles with a virtually imperceptible loss of performance.
ProtectStar Data Shredder v1.0 will be launched on the market in December, 2006.
Initial information product descriptions are available for download on the ProtectStar website at www.protectstar.com.
October 16, 2006: ProtectStar allocates the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" to the innovative Wallet Flash by Walletex
Bradenton, FL, USA, 19 October 2006 – ProtectStar Inc, the independent IT and communications security expert active worldwide, today conferred Walletex with the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" for the Wallet Flash. Details
October 19, 2006
ProtectStar allocates the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" to the innovative Wallet Flash by Walletex
Bradenton, FL, USA, 19 October 2006 – ProtectStar Inc, the independent IT and communications security expert active worldwide, today conferred Walletex with the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" for the Wallet Flash.
This innovative and ingenious solution has been developed and patented by the Walletex company with head office in Rishon-Lezion, Israel.
Wallet Flash is the world's first USB flash storage device in the shape of a credit card as well as the slimmest USB product in the world. It is so small and so slim that it can be conveniently kept in a wallet, just like a credit card.
Over the last few weeks, the product has successfully passed the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" series of tests.
Among the features commended by the test conductors were its low energy consumption, large storage capacities (currently up to 2GB), long life expectancy and its almost indestructible material.
The complete series of tests on the Wallet Flash along with further information on the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD" are available free of charge from the following ProtectStar internet pages:
October 06, 2006: ProtectStar presents the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD"
Bradenton, FL, USA, 06.10.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent company operating worldwide in IT and communications security, today presents the
“ProtectStar Innovation AWARD“ Details
October 06, 2006
ProtectStar presents the "ProtectStar Innovation AWARD"
Bradenton, FL, USA, 06.10.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent company operating worldwide in IT and communications security, today presents the
“ProtectStar Innovation AWARD“.
The “ProtectStar Innovation AWARD“ has been initiated by ProtectStar to recognise innovative products from the IT and communications sector.
In future the award will be bestowed several times a year on deserving products and solutions.
Products of every kind from A to Z from the entire sector are eligible for the award. For example this could be “A” for anti-virus scanner, or “M“ for mobile telephone or mini-computer, through to “U“ for USB sticks or even “Z” for zoom.
Manufacturers of innovative products from the IT and communications sector are now invited to apply for the “ProtectStar Innovation AWARD” by submitting their IT and communications applications. The ProtectStar, Inc. innovation team can be contacted by email at innovation@protectstar.com.
Submissions for the award, as well as the testing process and a possible mark of distinction are – in line with the ProtectStar philosophy - free-of-charge for all applicants.
Further information on the “ProtectStar Innovation AWARD“ can be obtained at www.protectstar.com
September 22, 2006: ProtectStar Communication Suite – pre-beta version available immediately for free download
Bradenton, FL, USA, 22.09.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company operating worldwide, introduces its security communications program “ProtectStar Communication Suite“. Details
September 22, 2006
ProtectStar Communication Suite – pre-beta version available immediately for free download
Bradenton, FL, USA, 22.09.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company operating worldwide, introduces its security communications program “ProtectStar Communication Suite“.
Less than half a year was needed from the idea to the design to implementation.
The first pre-beta version of the ProtectStar Communication Suite is available from today. At present the pre-beta version allows 2-64 users to hold highly encrypted chats and conferences and to exchange data securely.
The chat messages and data are sent directly and securely from one client to another – unlike other communications programs on the market that use third party servers.
In the final version the ProtectStar Communication Suite will also be able to transfer highly encrypted video and language from one computer to another directly. Private users will be able to connect with up to 128 other users.
In the fourth quarter of the year at the latest, a beta version of the “ProtectStar Communication Suite“ for the WINDOWS MOBILE operating system will also be available for download.
The current pre-beta version of the “ProtectStar Communication Suite“ can be downloaded free of charge at the following website:
July 26, 2006: ProtectStar Inc. establishes ProtectStar AG Switzerland
Bradenton, FL, USA, 26.07.2006 –ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide continues to expand. Details
July 26, 2006
ProtectStar Inc. establishes ProtectStar AG Switzerland
Bradenton, FL, USA, 26.07.2006 –ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide continues to expand.
A ProtectStar AG branch in Zurich / Switzerland is to be added in September 2006 to those already existing in the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, India and Pakistan.
ProtectStar AG (Switzerland) will be moving its office space into one of Zurich's prime central locations.
The following future ProtectStar Inc. activities will be carried out from the Zurich offices:
M & A division
Supervision and control of the ProtectStar Foundation
ProtectStar development and solutions
Corporate finance
Consolidation of the international activities for ProtectStar Mobile Firewall
Continued planning and development support for the ProtectStar Communication Suite
We are planning the opening of a further office in the foreseeable future which will complement the activities carried out in Zurich.
July 12, 2006: ProtectStar Communication Suite - the secure communication program
Bradenton, FL, USA, 12.07.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company operating worldwide, presents its secure communications program “ProtectStar Communication Suite“. Details
uly 12, 2006
ProtectStar Communication Suite - the secure communication program
Bradenton, FL, USA, 12.07.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company operating worldwide, presents its secure communications program “ProtectStar Communication Suite“.
“It began about the summer of 2005 - the idea of developing our own secure communications program that would be better and offer more performance than the programs already on the market,” remembers Christopher Bohn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ProtectStar, Inc.
Nowadays communications programs are a dime a dozen. Why reinvent the wheel? It’s easy to answer this question if you take a closer look and analyse the communications programs to date. Whether YAHOO, Skype or MSN – data transfer takes place over open/unprotected lines or own servers that the user can neither control nor comprehend.
You can name whichever program you like, but they all suffer from the same defect, that somewhere in digital outer space someone may be tapping into the data transfer and recording information. An unfortunate choice of words, a critical opinion or company secrets – anything and everything could be (mis)understood or even seen as a form of industrial espionage.
In its final stage the ProtectStar Communication Suite will be able to transfer highly encrypted chats, data, video and language directly from one computer to another. The communication parties are directly linked together – without a server. Private users will be able to connect with up to 128 other users.
It is also planned to introduce a server-based version of the “ProtectStar Communication Suite“, which will be designed for companies with multiple locations and several thousand employees.
To meet the latest market requirements, the “ProtectStar Communication Suite“ can also be used with the WINDOWS MOBILE operating system. Pocket PCs, handhelds and smartphones together with the “ProtectStar - Mobile Firewall“ present a practically insurmountable obstacle to every type of hacker attack, data theft and surveillance.
“We are within our planned time schedule for the development of the ProtectStar Communication Suite,“ the project leader, Mr. Rizwan Ahmed, informed his CEO recently.
The first pre-beta version of the “ProtectStar Communication Suite“ is expected to be ready for free download at the end of the summer. This first version will permit encrypted chats and encrypted data exchange.
June 29, 2006: ProtectStar sets up the ProtectStar Foundation
Bradenton, FL, USA, 29 June 2006 – ProtectStar Inc, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, sets up the non-profit ProtectStar Foundation. Details
June 29, 2006
ProtectStar sets up the ProtectStar Foundation
Bradenton, FL, USA, 29 June 2006 – ProtectStar Inc, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, sets up the non-profit ProtectStar Foundation.
"It's up-and-running“ It was with these somewhat unconventional words that Christopher Bohn, CEO at ProtectStar Inc, began his welcome speech at the ProtectStar Foundation opening ceremony.
First, Bohn introduced the concept of the "pixel-dollar“ to the invited guests. The term is directly connected to the ProtectStar Foundation's "Pixel4Help“ initiative.
The aim of this initiative is to make a sponsored web page available where companies and private individuals can display their logos in pixel format. For each pixel, the ProtectStar Foundation donates one "pixel dollar" to current relief projects.
More detailed information on this and on the goals, projects and initiatives of the non-profit foundation is available on the ProtectStar Foundation web pages.
May 24, 2006: ProtectStar Mobile Firewall - First line of defence for handheld appliances
Bradenton, FL, USA, 24.05.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent global operator for IT security, launches the first Mobile Firewall for appliances with Windows Mobile operating system “ProtectStar Mobile Firewall”, worldwide today. Details
May 24, 2006
ProtectStar Mobile Firewall – First line of defence for handheld appliances
Bradenton, FL, USA, 24.05.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent global operator for IT security, launches the first Mobile Firewall for appliances with Windows Mobile operating system “ProtectStar Mobile Firewall”, worldwide today.
Hackers have various options for accessing unprotected data and appliances. It is possible to steal confidential data such as passwords, files or addresses in a matter of minutes. And it’s perfectly easy to modify computers, even Handhelds and infiltrate a system with destructive viruses, worms and Trojan horses.
The security gap for mobile appliances is their operating system software – for example: Windows Mobile has no security architecture of its own – result in unprotected data access. This makes it absolutely necessary to provide a product with these missing security services.
The ProtectStar Mobile Firewall is the first compact firewall for Windows Mobile pocket PCs, handhelds and smartphones, optimized for GPRS and UMTS networks and available as from today.
It provides IP filters for WiFi, UMTS, GPRS, Bluetooth, and USB, protecting mobile appliances in two directions: a filter package monitors both sent and received data. The entire TCP/IP traffic between the computer and the Internet is thus under permanent surveillance.
Some of the key advantages of the ProtectStar Mobile Firewall:
Bluetooth, WiFi, UMTS, USB and GPRS security
DoS protection (Denial of Service)
Simple installation via ActiveSync
Filter wizard and manual filter control
Monitors incoming and outgoing connections in real time
Option for central administration
Saves resources
Protects from familiar and unknown worms and Trojan horses
Traffic logging
Pre-defined filters, profiles and services
VPN support
Costs for unwanted Internet connections, downtime, and illegal access to sensitive company, private, and appliance data are now a thing of the past.
The menu, help context, and handbook with screenshots are easy to understand and to follow.
Please visit ProtectStar’s website (www.protectstar.com) for detailed information and to download a 10-day evaluation version.
May 05, 2006: ProtectStar AWARD for BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus
London, UK May 5th 2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and worldwide operating company for IT-Security, awards the security solution “BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus” from Softwin with the security recommendation “ProtectStar Excellent Security 2006”. Details
May 05, 2006
ProtectStar Award for BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus
London, UK May 5th 2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent and worldwide operating company for IT-Security, awards the security solution “BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus” from Softwin with the security recommendation “ProtectStar Excellent Security 2006”.
BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus was able to fulfil all criteria for the laboratory and practical tests of the British ProtectStar test centre which are essential for a modern up-to-date security solution.
The detection rate for viruses of the integrated scan engine was defined up to 99,03%. This is the highest detection rate ProtectStar was able to determine this year.
What is also worth mentioning is that the BitDefender scan engine is one of the few products within the IT security market which does not have any difficulties with the “Zip of Death” archives from ProtectStar.
The integrated Personal Firewall passed during all test cycles all currently known attack and security tests as well as a duration-penetration test over several hours.
In the area of DoS attacks (Denial of Service) the firewall also proved to be very robust.
The integrated scan engine as well as the firewall and antispyware module successfully passed all test series from the ProtectStar test centre. All mentioned modules offer a very good basic protection.
The ProtectStar testing engineers think it is especially remarkable that the BitDefender Security solution has a good performance in fact it is one of the fastest security solutions within the IT security market.
Based on the presented performance ProtectStar will take BitDefender 9.0 Professional Plus up as recommended product of the month for May 2006.
April 28, 2006: ProtectStar takes over mobile firewall
Bradenton, FL, USA, April 28, 2006 – With the launch of the Windows Mobile 2005 version, ProtectStar, Inc., has taken over the mobile firewall ic fire from concept04 GmbH & Co. KG. Details
April 28, 2006
ProtectStar takes over mobile firewall
Bradenton, FL, USA, April 28, 2006 – With the launch of the Windows Mobile 2005 version, ProtectStar, Inc., has taken over the mobile firewall ic fire from concept04 GmbH & Co. KG.
The security product for Windows mobile terminals will be marketed by the independent international IT security company under a new brand name: ProtectStar Mobile Firewall. The new product line integrates seamlessly into the existing sales structures of ProtectStar, so that the Windows mobile firewall – so far the only one for professional users of PDAs, handhelds and smartphones – is now becoming available worldwide. Technical development will be conducted by ProtectStar and concept04 in close cooperation.
Where mobile firewalls are concerned, concept04 will concentrate on the development, distribution, launch and support of its corporate solution ic-fire corporate, a system that permits a company’s system administrator to handle the distributed use of the firewall on all Windows mobile clients under a central management structure.
“We are confident,” says Martin Geldermann, CEO of concept04 GmbH & Co. KG, “that our efficient and secure firewall for PDAs and smartphones is in good hands with ProtectStar. The company has gained a large amount of experience and expertise in mobile security and is internationally recognised. Moreover, thanks to its strong presence in the United States, it can provide direct support on the most important market for pocket PC products. By working with ProtectStar, we now have an excellent partner to step up the sale of the PDA firewall. As a manufacturer of IT security solutions, concept04 will benefit greatly from this strategic partnership.”
April 07, 2006: Innovative SERENE mobile phone earns Bang & Olufsen and Samsung ProtectStar’s Mobile Security AWARD for 2006
Bradenton, FL, USA, 07.04.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company with worldwide operations, selected Bang & Olufsen and Samsung for the Mobile Security Award 2006 in recognition of their SERENE mobile phone today. Details
April 07, 2006
Innovative SERENE mobile phone earns Bang & Olufsen and Samsung ProtectStar’s Mobile Security AWARD for 2006
Bradenton, FL, USA, 07.04.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., an independent IT security company with worldwide operations, selected Bang & Olufsen and Samsung for the Mobile Security Award 2006 in recognition of their SERENE mobile phone today.
The SERENE mobile phone was developed in an alliance between Bang & Olufsen (design) and Samsung (technology), and has fulfilled all of the criteria for the highly sought-after Mobile Security AWARD in an extensive range of laboratory and real-life test procedures at the ProtectStar test centre.
One particular aspect that the testers found particularly worth mentioning was that all of the security settings in the SERENE are already activated in the default configuration, a clear indication that Bang & Olufsen and Samsung place high priority on security as much as on design, quality, and usability.
“The SERENE’s aesthetic design and motor-driven opening mechanism are innovative and eye-catching,” according to the comments of the ProtectStar testers.
The excellent test results have earned the SERENE mobile phone ProtectStar’s Mobile Security AWARD for 2006
The complete test report is available free for download at www.protectstar.com.
March 06, 2006: ProtectStar Inc. announces the establishment of a non-profit foundation – the ProtectStar Foundation
Bradenton, FL, USA, 06.03.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, announces the establishment of the ProtectStar Foundation. Details
March 06, 2006
ProtectStar, Inc. announces the establishment of a non-profit foundation – the ProtectStar Foundation
Bradenton, FL, USA, 06.03.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, announces the establishment of the ProtectStar Foundation.
The ProtectStar Foundation (PSF) is currently in its formation stages and is expected to commence its work on 17th April 2006.
The foundation’s purpose and goals will be, among others, the following:
Promotion of people: children and youth aid, aid for old people and development
Promotion of education, upbringing and cultural projects
Promotion of science and research
Promotion of educational facilities to gain IT/IS knowledge
Infrastructural aid in countries with a weak IT infrastructure
The non-profit foundation will operate primarily at an international level and will target social poverty and educational gaps in information technology and information security.
Moreover, it is also intended to reduce differences with regard to computer equipment between rich and poor regions and to bridge the digital divide.
February 17, 2006: Trend Micro Security Suite receives ProtectStar Excellent Security 2006 award
London, UK, 17.02.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, has conferred its Excellent Security 2006 award to Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin Internet Security 14 package. Details
February 17, 2006
Trend Micro Security Suite receives ProtectStar Excellent Security 2006 award
London, UK, 17.02.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, has conferred its Excellent Security 2006 award to Trend Micro’s PC-Cillin Internet Security 14 package.
The current version of the PC-cillin Internet Security suite by Trend Micro fulfilled all criteria of a modern security solution in a wide-ranging series of laboratory and real-world tests conducted by the ProtectStar test centre, earning it the ProtectStar "Excellent Security 2006" award.
The suite’s modules include a virus scanner, firewall, anti-spyware module, protection from phishing and pharming attacks along with the spam and dialler protection. All modules proved their ability to provide a very good security basis in this test series.
The testers particularly emphasised the value of PC-cillin Internet Security 14 regarding performance – the suite is one of the fastest all-in-one solutions on the IT security market, and is best suited to both professional and novice users.
The complete test report is available free for download on the ProtectStar website, www.protectstar.com
February 10, 2006: Coming soon to ProtectStar’s Test Center: Vertu Ascent and B&O Serene
London, UK, 10.02.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, will soon analyse the security features of the mobile telephones Vertu Ascent and B&O Serene. Details
February 10, 2006
Coming soon to ProtectStar’s Test Center: Vertu Ascent and B&O Serene
London, UK, 10.02.2006 – ProtectStar Inc., the independent IT security expert active worldwide, will soon analyse the security features of the mobile telephones Vertu Ascent and B&O Serene.
The two luxury mobile phones Vertu’s “Ascent” and Bang & Olufsen’s (B&O) “Serene”, mainly targeted at upmarket customers, will have their level of functions and security tested by the renowned ProtectStar Test Center at the end of February.
Vertu – a subsidiary of Nokia – has been manufacturing high-class mobile phones for quite a while now, while the mobile phone “Serene” is a co-production of Bang & Olufsen and has just come out on the mobile phone market.
Whether the technical functions can do justice to the visually sophisticated design will be seen after the series of tests.
There are plans to publish the test results as early as March – before the start of this year’s CeBit.
December 08, 2005: ProtectStar Announces Planned Activities for 2006
Bradenton, FL, USA 12.08.2005 – Christopher Bohn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ProtectStar Incorporated, with headquarters in Bradenton, USA, gave a presentation on ProtectStar’s activities for the year 2006 at a recent management conference. Details
December 08, 2005
ProtectStar Announces Planned Activities for 2006
Bradenton, FL, USA 12.08.2005 – Christopher Bohn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ProtectStar Incorporated, with headquarters in Bradenton, USA, gave a presentation on ProtectStar’s activities for the year 2006 at a recent management conference.
The main points included:
New and extended requirements for the “Mobile Security Award 2006”
Expansion of activities in India
Corporate developments in the testing and monitoring area
Cooperation projects with companies and public authorities
“ProtectStar Foundation Initiative”
Language encryption for mobile appliances
“ProtectStar is the first company in the world to subject mobile appliances to extensive security testing,” Bohn remarked.
True to this tradition, the testing and monitoring processes for mobile appliances will be significantly extended in the coming year. WLAN and Bluetooth interfaces will be the company’s main focus.
As well as this, security solutions especially for mobile appliances, such as anti-virus scanners, personal firewalls and cryptography products, will also be tested and monitored using the new processes.
In the language encryption sector, the company is set to collaborate with a prestigious German company in the near future. Intensive preparations and consultations have already taken place in London, the site of ProtectStar's European headquarters.
November 18, 2005 ProtectStar Incorporated expanding into India
Bradenton, FL, USA 18.11.2005 - ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, is expanding into India. Details
November 18, 2005
ProtectStar Incorporated expanding into India
Bradenton, FL, USA 18.11.2005 - ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, is expanding into India.
In order to ensure optimum performance for upcoming projects for major clients, ProtectStar has opened a liaison office in Mumbai, India.
According to a statement made by ProtectStar Incorporated’s president, this office will be on hand to handle its own product developments in the future.
The office is initially being planned and designed for 20 applications engineers, programmers and system analysts.
The main emphases will be, amongst others, on:
VPNs and firewalls
Encryption
Development and expansion in the field of information security
New test procedure for the Quality Test Centre (IQMM)
Mr Ranjid Wachara will take provisional charge of the branch on 1st December 2005.
In the medium term, the Indian office will be expanded to become an independent branch of ProtectStar.
October 17, 2005: ProtectStar, Inc. Warns of Fake ProtectStar Newsletter
London, UK, 17. Oktober 2005. ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, is warning of a forged newsletter that has been in circulation for a brief period of time and which purports to be the newsletter issued by ProtectStar. Details
October 17, 2005
ProtectStar, Inc. warns of Fake ProtectStar Newsletter
London, UK, 17. Oktober 2005. ProtectStar Incorporated, the independent IT security expert active worldwide, is warning of a forged newsletter that has been in circulation for a brief period of time and which purports to be the newsletter issued by ProtectStar.
Recently, unknown persons have disseminated on the Internet a forged newsletter on the subject of “Members Support”, which is meant to appear as though originating from the renowned IT company ProtectStar, Inc.
The newsletter has a file attached to it called “account-details.zip”.
ProtectStar’s security experts have identified the contents of this zipped file attachment as a variant of the “Win32.Mytob” worm.
The fake mail sample also claims to have been checked by an anti-virus programme called “Protectstar Antivirus”. The recipient of the newsletter sees the following text: +++ Attachment: No Virus (Clean)
+++ Protectstar Antivirus - www.protectstar.com
The Mytob worm is generally characterised by the following,
it allows third party access to the computers,
it automatically sends itself to addresses in the Outlook address book,
it shuts down anti-virus programs,
it exploits the operating system’s generally known weak points,
it steals confidential data.
ProtectStar’s security experts as well as the relevant national authorities for IT security have already initiated suitable measures to identify the originator of this false newsletter.
ProtectStar will offer recipients affected by the fake newsletter an up-to-date and free 90-day trial version of the “Anti-Virus Personal 5.0“ from Kasperky, a virus scanner which has won the “ProtectStar AWARD” several times. This will be available on its website at www.protectstar.de
October 06, 2005: ProtectStar and ZyXEL - pilot project with Lavazza
Bradenton, FL, USA, October 2005. The IT security company ProtectStar, Inc. USA and the German network component manufacturer ZyXEL Deutschland, in connection with the Italian coffee makers Lavazza, have created the first possibility of combining business with pleasure in the pedestrian shopping area of the town of Augsburg, Bavaria. Details
October 06, 2005
ProtectStar and ZyXEL – pilot project with Lavazza in Augsburg’s pedestrian area
Bradenton, FL, USA, October 2005. The IT security company ProtectStar, Inc. USA and the German network component manufacturer ZyXEL Deutschland, in connection with the Italian coffee makers Lavazza, have created the first possibility of combining business with pleasure in the pedestrian shopping area of the town of Augsburg, Bavaria.
Whether users prefer cappuccino, espresso or PAGO fruit juices – they can now communicate worldwide, surf the web and chat in forums via wireless LAN, right at the heart of the picturesque 2000-year-old city.
Thanks to ZyXEL’s strong support, ProtectStar was able to implement the concept for wireless Internet access (hot spot) in Augsburg’s pedestrian area for the first time. ProtectStar found a solution in the product ZyAIRG-4100 from ZyXEL, which is both reliable and easy to use for the provider, and also offers users a practical and good value way to go online. ProtectStar intends to extend and promote the concept across Germany and Europe in the medium term.
July 19, 2005: First ProtectStar "Mobile Security AWARD" goes to Nokia
Global IT security experts ProtectStar Incorporated presented its first Mobile Security AWARD to Nokia for the 9500 Communicator today. Details
July 19, 2005
First ProtectStar "Mobile Security AWARD" goes to Nokia
Global IT security experts ProtectStar Incorporated presented its first Mobile Security AWARD to Nokia for the 9500 Communicator today.
ProtectStar Incorporated’s renowned test centre has taken on the task of subjecting mobile end-user devices such as PDAs, smartphones and cell phones to thorough and intensive security tests. This makes ProtectStar the world’s first IT security company to conduct global and manufacturer-independent testing in this market segment.
The end of last year saw the beginning of a six-month pilot project to develop specialised security processes and analysis methods for testing mobile end units on safety, user-friendliness and performance.
The Nokia 9500 Communicator satisfied all the requirements, earning it the Mobile Security AWARD for 2005.
The complete test report for the Nokia 9500 Communicator is available for free download from ProtectStar’s website, www.protectstar.com, or www.protectstar.de in German.
June 30, 2005: ProtectStar to open its new IQMM department
ProtectStar Incorporated, a company specialised in independent IT security across the world, will be opening a new IQMM department in London, UK, on July 1, 2005. Details
June 30, 2005
ProtectStar to open its new IQMM department
ProtectStar Incorporated, a company specialised in independent IT security across the world, will be opening a new IQMM department in London, UK, on July 1, 2005.
Intelligent Quality Management and Marketing (IQMM) represents a completely new concept in the modern quality centres. This concept was developed specifically for IT security manufacturers to subject their current and future products to professional quality testing, while effectively closing the communications gap between the company and its associates and customers.
The heart of the IQMM system is an innovative web platform-based quality management system developed by ProtectStar specifically for the task. The system is individually available to each manufacturer, ensuring proper feedback from its customers and associates while securing expert knowledge and experience transfer .
IQMM consists of a revolutionary sense-and-respond system along with quality assurance, quality control and long-term individual quality planning tailored to the product at hand.
“Today’s customers are inundated with countless product and service offers. At the same time, their financial capacity is limited. What the customer is really interested in is its own needs and how these needs are met,” says ProtectStar CEO Christopher Bohn.
Bohn adds that the “IQMM department will now finally make it possible for companies to give their customer and resource management staff comprehensive training while uniting goals such as productivity and risk minimisation with the requirements and acceptance of the end user.”
In the future, the London IQMM department will be working with ProtectStar Incorporated’s renowned test center.
December 28, 2004: ProtectStar and CHIP test the security of Internet Security Suites
The editorial staff of CHIP, the leading German internet media company for consumer advice, and the security experts of ProtectStar are testing the security of Internet Security Suites. Details
December 28, 2004
ProtectStar and CHIP test the security of Internet Security Suites
Test winner in the next CHIP on January 7, 2005
The editorial staff of CHIP, the leading German internet media company for consumer advice, and the security experts of ProtectStar are testing the security of Internet Security Suites.
Eight current security packages for private consumers and small companies underwent a demanding test. ProtectStar analyzed as part of this test antivirus scanners and personal firewalls. Internet security suites antivirus modules are meant to identify and remove a mix of more than 2,300 viruses. Integrated firewalls with nearly 5,000 known weak points underwent an intensive penetration test of several hours.
Following this, the experts from the CHIP editorial staff tested the spam filter functions by bombarding them with more than one thousand advertising emails. In addition, the ergonomics of the internet security suites were tested. In this context, the main focus was on a user-friendly integration of the various components as well as a uniform design of the user interfaces.
In particular, an unsatisfactory disinfection of virus infected data, spam filter problems and externally sealed personal firewalls that internally were full of holes resulted in unsatisfactory findings.
“Security is always a big concern – at least on the packaging of security suites. However, none of the programs tested offers complete protection. This has been proven by this test”, according to Fabian von Keudell, CHIP editor.
CHIP , the magazine for computer and communications, offers critical and competent information on technical developments, and presents economic and social changes in digitization. CHIP has a readership of 1.68million per issue, and, as a result, is one of the top publications for specialist knowledge in the fields of IT and telecommunications.
The joint test results and the selected test winners will be published in the next issue of CHIP magazine on January 7, 2005.
November 10, 2004: ProtectStar and CHIP to cooperate against Browser Hijackers
The editorial staff of CHIP, the leading German internet media company for consumer advice in the area of the converging IT and mobile telecommunications markets, and the security experts of ProtectStar are working together to draw up a list of measures for the recognition and removal of “browser hijackers”. Details
November 10, 2004
ProtectStar and CHIP to cooperate against Browser Hijackers
The editorial staff of CHIP, the leading German internet media company for consumer advice in the area of the converging IT and mobile telecommunications markets, and the security experts of ProtectStar are working together to draw up a list of measures for the recognition and removal of “browser hijackers”.
This has been prompted by the dramatic increase and practically unnoticeable proliferation by the internet user of the risks of spyware and browser hijackers.
The cooperation between the CHIP editorial staff and ProtectStar intends to focus, above all, on analyzing the modes of operation of browser hijackers, and, at the same time, to develop effective protective measures against these parasites.
It was precisely through the removal of a browser hijacker already firmly established on a computer system that the specialists from the CHIP editorial staff and from ProtectStar were able to determine that these parasites use elaborate methods. “The hijacker has been dismissed as a harmless prankster for far too long. Once the computer has been infected, it is difficult to remove the parasite“, explains Valentin Pletzer, CHIP editor.
CHIP, the magazine for computer and communications, offers critical and competent information on technical developments, and presents economic and social changes in digitization. A multitude of topics, practical uses and tests carried out independently of the manufacturer or distributor form the basis of the editorial concept. CHIP has a readership of 1.68 million per issue, and as a result is one of the leading publications in the fields of IT and telecommunications.
The joint insights into, and the findings on, browser hijackers will be published in the next issue of CHIP magazine on December 4, 2004.
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