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The BOX, which is revolutionizing the way people protect themselves from malware, hackers, ransomware, phishing and other growing threats, recognizes that your network security is only as strong as the weakest link. The new Vulnerability Assessment feature will identify that link to bolster your defenses against data theft, malicious attacks and other intrusions.

Meanwhile, Active Threat Control monitor processes and system events to flag suspicious behavior, thwarting even sophisticated malware yet to be invented. With an estimated 12 million new and variant strains of malware emerging each month, ATC uses machine-learning and behavior-based threat analysis to keep you a level smarter than the criminal masterminds.

Like the BOX itself, labeled `remarkably powerful’ by PCMag, the upgrade heightens protection for all the PCs, Macs, wearables, iPhones, iPads, Android or Jolla devices, Wiis and Xboxes, smart TVs, smart fridges and Wi-Fi-enabled devices in a home

“For years, traditional security solutions have been fighting an uphill battle against online criminals,” said Ciprian Istrate, Vice President Consumer Solutions at Bitdefender. “With the help of the latest innovations in online security, the BOX changes that – it positions you, the users, at the top of the hill, giving you a permanent strategic advantage. It will give you the intelligence you need to strengthen your weak points, and even malware that has not yet been invented will not make it past your guard.”

Bitdefender, the innovative security software solutions provider, takes the lead in the global battle against internet threats such as ransomware with its 2017 product line for Windows, Mac OSX and Android.

The latest Bitdefender products include cloud and machine learning algorithm to eliminate the threat of ransomware, which is spreading at alarming rates among home users.  Ransomware works by locking down crucial files and photos on users’ computers to then demand a ransom for the decryption key.

Bitdefender’s 2017 line also introduces Wi-Fi Security Advisor, which assesses the security of networks that users connect to on the go, such as those in coffee shops and airports, and reports on any vulnerabilities.

Another important feature is Safepay™ with Wi-Fi Hotspot protection, which secures online transactions and keeps precious personal information safe.

“Bitdefender’s 2017 consumer line has a strategic advantage against other products, in that it was developed starting with the world’s best security software as a baseline,” said Bitdefender’s Vice President Consumer Solution, Ciprian Istrate. “This year, we have made it even better, with a greater level of protection and an extra-light impact on users’ computers.”

Experts and users have praised Bitdefender’s award-winning products for offering the best malware detection and the best performance in the industry. The 2017 consumer line uses the latest technological advancements to thwart all types of viruses, worms, Trojans, phishing, fraud and spyware, as well as hackers and sophisticated new threats.

As always, it runs feather-light to preserve system speed and battery life so users can enjoy doing what they love, knowing they are protected.

Bitdefender’s product line, which includes Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Bitdefender Internet Security and Bitdefender Total Security Multi-Device, comes with powerful features such as online banking protection, protection from phishing and fraud, Password Manager, Secure Browsing and others.

Your Bitdefender Central Portal has now become your seamless operations command center to take care of all the devices in your control, allowing you to manage them if lost or stolen, scan them remotely, check their latest status, optimize their performance, and even request support directly.

Starting with the 2017 generation, you can also take photos from any of your Windows or Android devices through Bitdefender Central, which will further help you track any devices that may be lost or stolen.

And Time Machine Protection for Macs prevents others from accessing or altering your backups, making sure you can restore your system even in the event of a normally devastating ransomware attack.

Bitdefender, the innovative security software solutions provider, has won entry to the CRN Cloud Partner Program for a second straight year due to the company’s “excellent resources, training and financial incentives” for partners.

The 2016 Cloud Computing Partner Program Guide, a list of leading technology vendors with cloud-related partner programs that enable and accelerate the growth of solution providers’ cloud initiatives, recognizes Bitdefender for its unique set of partner program benefits for solution providers that deliver cloud infrastructure or applications.

“CRN’s 2016 Cloud Computing Partner Program Guide recognizes vendors that provide excellent resources, training and financial incentives for cloud, doing their best to help partners make the most of this now foundational practice area,” said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company. “We congratulate all the innovative, forward-looking companies on the 2016 list and invite the solution provider community to take full advantage of this terrific resource for finding the right cloud vendors to partner with.”

Bitdefender, which protects more than 500 million people in 150 countries worldwide, is renowned for the quality of its security solutions and, increasingly, its cutting-edge support for channel partners. Earlier this year, the company won a 5-Star rating in CRN’s 2016 Partner Program Guide for offering solution providers the best partnering elements in its channel program.

“We’re particularly proud of the consistency of the results of our partner program,” said Bitdefender Partner Program Manager Raluca Cosciug. “Not only has Bitdefender made it to the top as an innovator in helping ensure the success of our channel partners, but it also shows we are here to stay. In all endeavors, Bitdefender prides itself on outstanding, consistent performance”.

About Bitdefender

Bitdefender is a global security technology company that provides cutting edge end-to-end cyber security solutions and advanced threat protection to more than 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Since 2001, Bitdefender has consistently produced award-winning business and consumer security technology, and is a provider of choice in both hybrid infrastructure security and endpoint protection. Through R&D, alliances and partnerships, Bitdefender is trusted to be ahead and deliver robust security you can rely on. More information is available at http://www.bitdefender.com/.

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

Bitdefender, the innovative security software solutions provider, has created Bitdefender Italia and appointed Denis Cassinerio, a 20-year-veteran of the IT security industry, as regional sales director for Italy as it continues its rapid expansion in the enterprise market.

Cassinerio, who joins Bitdefender from BT British Telecom, brings extensive experience with Trend Micro, McAfee and Hewlett Packard among others, to Bitdefender’s Italian presence, and an excellent track record in accelerating sales, building channels and developing business in enterprise security.

Bitdefender’s fortified positioning in Italy will help the company intensify its focus on the Italian enterprise and consumer markets at a time when cyber-threats such as ransomware, hacking, corporate espionage and advanced new attack techniques boost demand for IT security in Italy and throughout the world.

“I’m excited to take on such a challenge at a crucial time in the development of the IT security industry,” Cassinerio says. “The possibilities in my new position are immense. I come at a time of rapidly evolving threats to businesses, but also at a time of significant advancements in Bitdefender’s technology to fight those threats off. Italian businesses are more than ready for Bitdefender.”

“With an annual value of more than 300 Million Euro, Italian security market is one of the most developed in Europe, being essential for our growth strategy in EU”, declared Mihai Guran, Vice-President EMEA Sales at Bitdefender. “We count for a double-digit revenue growth in Italy, by developing our team and channel partners in order to approach together more Enterprise customers, protecting them better with our innovative technology“.

As he expands sales in Italy, Cassinerio will leverage recent advancements in Bitdefender’s GravityZone business products such as new anti-exploit techniques integrated in the company’s Advanced Threat Control technology, enhanced update management and others.

Bitdefender’s Android statistics show the Android SLocker ransomware family accounts for almost half of all mobile malware reported by infected devices in H1 2016 in Denmark, and a quarter in Germany. Australia came third, with 21.54 percent, while the UK scored 16.48 percent. In the United States, ransomware accounted for 16 percent.

On Android, the mobile operating system with the largest market share, ransomware has been spotted attempting to lock devices and has become increasingly difficult to remove from one iteration to another.

Android ransomware samples usually lock out users and demand payment to unlock devices, although no actual file encryption takes place. While some may encrypt information on SD cards, recent ransomware variants focus more on simply scaring users into giving in to their demands. One sample changed the lock screen PIN of the infected device and tried to kill the process of the on-device security solution that could have detected and removed the threat.

However, Android ransomware does require user interaction for sideloading the malicious .apk file, stirring suspicion of advanced users but possibly tricking less tech-savvy victims.

Other delivery methods for Android ransomware involved spam messages. A common method for delivering Android ransomware has been through malvertising. In this process, malware developers poison ads on legitimate websites by purchasing advertising space. When clicked, these ads redirect users to fake marketplaces or trick them into downloading seemingly innocuous video players or system updates that infect devices.

A Bitdefender study on ransomware victims in November 2015 revealed that half would be willing to pay up to $500 to recover their data, and half of victims have actually paid. UK consumers are willing to pay most to recover personal documents, photos and job-related documents. Brits are willing to pay as much as £400 to decrypt their files. Germans would dispense as much as €210, while US consumers would part with about $350. This brings the ransomware business staggering amounts of money that further fuels cybercriminal activity.

Here are a couple of steps that could help users stay safe from Android ransomware:

•     Use a known, award-winning mobile security solution

·         Avoid sideloading applications from third-party marketplaces and always install apps from official app stores

•        Back up your data

·         Carefully read app permissions to avoid giving away personal data or allowing cybercriminals to control your device

Companies are strongly encouraged to:

• Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform for managing employee devices and installing mobile security software

• Deploy a backup solution

• Restrict users from installing unvented applications or from untrusted marketplaces

• Protect email servers with content filtering solutions

• Teach employees how to identify spear-phishing emails and other social engineering techniques.

This year, CyberSecMonth will have a theme dedicated to mobile threats. The advocacy campaign takes place every October to raise awareness on cyber security threats, promote cyber security among citizens and provide up to date security information, through education and sharing of good practices. Bitdefender proudly partners the CyberSecMonth initiative supported by Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre and ENISA, to raise awareness of mobile cyber threats and their devastating consequences.

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