Time to address security as teleworkers’ time comes, AVG (AU/NZ) warns   

Melbourne, 30 August 2011 — Australian companies looking to reap productivity benefits by allowing employees to work from home are putting their business in jeopardy if they do not address the added security risks of an increasingly mobile workforce, leading anti-virus and Internet security software distributor AVG (AU/NZ) Pty Ltd has warned.

In Australia, about one in four employees spends at least part of their working week on the job at home¹. While the rate has remained steady for six years², the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and rapid uptake of powerful mobile computers, tablets and smartphones is set to drive growth in the number of teleworkers and non-office based workers.

“The Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy has said the NBN will make it easier for people to work from home. On the flip-side, it will also make it easier for company networks to be hacked and valuable information to be lost or stolen if businesses do not put the right protection measures in place for newly mobile workers,” said Lloyd Borrett, Security Evangelist at AVG (AU/NZ).

Mobile devices and home-based connections can significantly boost employee productivity when used conscientiously. Teleworking can increase output, reduce sick days and lower costs, by allowing businesses to operate from smaller premises and help retain skilled staff by fostering trust and loyalty.

Home-based workers in a US survey³ said they would rather give up their favourite TV show (54%), an extra hour of sleep (48%), swear off a favourite food (40%) or take a pay cut (40%) than stop telecommuting.

Yet all the benefits of teleworking will be lost if fundamental security issues are not addressed. In the US survey, more than two-thirds of telecommuters said they didn’t receive IT security training in preparation for home office work. One in three never backed up their data.

“An external data connection will always represent additional security risk, especially if mission-critical business data is being transmitted,” Borrett said.

“The changing mobile worker landscape has created a constant need to define and measure the parameters within which these new worker types operate and implement back up and security measures that protect them.

“Mobile workers now exist in many forms. In addition to home-based employees, remote connections to company data may extend to field staff, partner companies sharing data links with the business, freelancers, consultants and contractors.

“These workers are very often mobile, semi-permanent, occasionally ‘hot desking’ or completely reliant upon an Internet connection to work with or for the company. They work on a range of potentially unsecured devices to connect in numerous ways including through email, Instant Messaging services and video conferencing services from Skype to Google+ to Facebook and Microsoft Live Messenger.

“This set-up poses a security risk and needs to form part of an IT security policy, no matter how basic, a company decides to follow,” Borrett said.

Traditional desktop and network security solutions need to be coupled with mobile protection offerings such as AVG Mobilation security software for Android smartphones and tablet computers. It’s built to ensure employees stay safe at home or on the move while connected back to the business, even using insecure Wi-Fi.

“Under a robust and up-to-date Internet security umbrella, companies of all sizes should be able to reap rewards by empowering their workforce with mobility and flexibility to work from home or other locations – while protecting their business information and networks,” Borrett concluded.

To help SMBs address the policy, technology and process issues involved with securing their smartphones, tablets, workstations and/or servers, AVG has created a set of AVG Small Business Security Guides which provide simple but effective steps small business owners can take to secure their business. Also, for video tips from AVG (AU/NZ), see: www.youtube.com/user/avgaunz

¹ The Sensis® Business Index – Teleworking, 2009.

² The Australian Bureau of Statistics, Locations of Work, November 2005.

³ Staples Advantage survey, USA, May 2011.

Keep in touch with AVG (AU/NZ)

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• For security trends, analysis, follow the AVG (AU/NZ) blog at resources.avg.com.au

Prepare for our next big release on both consoles and PC, the long-awaited return of Max Payne. Expect a lot of news in the next few months, but in the meantime check out these two brand new screenshots – also available in high-def at www.rockstargames.com/maxpayne3.

Lean and light flash storage in petite and powerful package

Sydney, Australia, August 30, 2011 – Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products today unveiled the new JetFlash T3S USB flash drive. Willowy and weightless, the JetFlash T3S is credit-card thin – so small that it can be attached to users everyday essentials for handy access to storage anytime, anywhere.

Housed in a rigid metallic case, the JetFlash T3S is a sleek silver flash drive made from refined zinc alloy and encompasses a stainless steel protection plate. With special chip on board (COB) packaging technology, the JetFlash T3S is a striking yet sturdy storage device that is completely resistant to dust, shock and water.

The JetFlash T3S via USB 2.0 interface provides maximum speed reads of up to 18Mbps and write speeds up to 5Mbps. Being USB powered, there is no external power or battery required and with easy plug and play installation, the JetFlash T3S can be connected instantly to a multitude of gadgets and devices.

Measuring only 29.35 x 12.3 x 3.05 millimetres and weighing just four grams, the JetFlash T3S is available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities. Along with a limited lifetime warranty, Transcend is also offering users free download of Transcend Elite data management tools to keep files organised, protected and up-to-date.

The latest addition to the ever-expanding Transcend JetFlash range of USB flash drives, the JetFlash T3S is available now in Australia and New Zealand. RRPs: AU$14.95 inc GST, NZ$19.95 (4GB), AU$25.95 inc GST, NZ$29.95 (8GB), AU$44.95 inc GST, NZ$49.95 (16GB). Transcend products are distributed in Australia by Cellnet, Synnex Australia, WestGroup and in New Zealand by Cellnet, Datawell(NZ), Ingram Micro New Zealand, Synnex New Zealand.

About Transcend Information, Inc.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend®) is a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, Transcend is a global company with offices around the world with an extensive product portfolio that has grown to include over 2,000 memory modules of every type, flash memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital photo frames, portable hard drives, multimedia products and accessories. Transcend products are available for proprietary equipment, as well as for mass marketed PCs. For more information, visit http://au.transcend-info.com.

Warp is a puzzle-based stealth action game where you play as Zero, a little orange alien with a big score to settle! Abducted by the villainous Commander from his home world and taken to an underwater research facility, Zero must escape by relying on his arsenal of unique abilities and the help of a mysterious ally

Imagine if your worst nightmares came to life. Imagine a world where vampires hunt for mortal blood in dingy London nightclubs, where werewolves lurk in the sewers beneath Seoul, and where the undead prey on the living in the shadows of New York City. This is the premise for The Secret World, Funcom’s upcoming massively multiplayer online (MMO) game set in the modern day real world.

The Secret World gives players total freedom to play the game their own way boasting a revolutionary progression system with no classes or levels, allowing players to join one of three deadly factions – Illuminati, Dragons and Templars — fighting creatures of myth and legend while controlling the fate of the world from the shadows. Enter an online world where every conspiracy theory, myth and urban legend is true. Enter The Secret World.

Epic Games unveils Gridlock, rounding out the list of 10 battlegrounds that will deliver this year’s biggest must-have blockbuster  

With less than a month until the most anticipated juggernaut of 2011 storms retail stores, Epic Games and Microsoft Studios today unleashed the first look at the complete lineup of “Gears of War 3¹” multiplayer maps, including the reveal of Gridlock, the revamped fan-favourite battleground returning from “Gears of War” and “Gears of War 2.” 

On top of the critically-acclaimed series’ most epic-scale campaign yet, “Gears of War 3¹” is poised to deliver the must-have multiplayer experience of the year with 10 action-packed maps based on stunning campaign environments, all playable in Versus Multiplayer, Beast and Horde mode. Additionally, “Gears of War 3” includes a modified version of Gridlock, the legendary map that defined multiplayer gameplay in “Gears 1” and “Gears 2.” Featuring graphical enhancements and new weapon spawns, the new Gridlock is set in the eerie darkness of night, forcing you to stay on your toes and work as a team as you stalk your opponents from the shadows.

Thanks to the participation and feedback of more than 1.2 million fans, “Gears of War 3¹” also features improved versions of Old Town, Thrashball and Trenches from this spring’s public multiplayer beta. These maps have been enhanced based on player behaviour to offer a more balanced and enjoyable experience for veterans and rookies alike. For example, Trenches features a new combat area that significantly changes the dynamic of the firefights, and similar modifications have been made to Trashball to better prevent spawn camping and level the playing field.

To further welcome newcomers to the “Gears” universe, “Gears 3¹” will include a Casual Versus Multiplayer playlist where new players will have the option to compete against one another. Based on massive amounts of data and testing, Epic can detect certain gameplay benchmarks and skill levels to maintain a safe arena where beginners can hone their skills, have fun, and prepare for the more advanced skill level lobbies.

Here is the full list of maps in “Gears of War 3¹,” along with a description of each:

Checkout – Checkout’s combat takes place in the carcass of an abandoned superstore. The shop owners tried to move their inventory with a closeout sale in the weeks leading up to the HOD evacuations, but ultimately had to walk away and leave everything to time and history. The intense close-quarters combat of the store aisles makes every decision important. Weapon selection is key, cover is essential to survival and every move has an impact. When facing your enemy, remember what the sign says: “Everything must go.”

Drydock – Much has been written about the beauty of Seran culture, but people often forget the backbone of industry upon which it all relies. This shipyard stands full of undelivered goods and the necessary tools of a society’s infrastructure. Its most prominent landmark is the rotting husk of a cargo ship that will forever stand in Drydock.

Gridlock – This ashen street was once a bustling tourist destination known for its quaint inns and waterfront cafés. Even the water is gone now, replaced by the burnt shell of a crater that stands as a testament to the loss of Seran humanity.

Hotel – Small island resorts such as this one catered to the opulent tastes of vacationing Serans. But as the Lambent infection spreads across the globe, tides are shifting to flood once popular beaches, and fierce winds batter and push at the walls of humanity’s creations.

Mercy – This area was once a bustling town square filled with people, but it never recovered from the UIR mortar shellings of the Pendulum Wars. Emergence soon followed, and the already heartbroken residents were shown no mercy by Locust forces, leading to an almost immediate evacuation. This large and open central square is surrounded on all sides by sheltered passageways and buildings.  A raised dais yields powerful weaponry and a view of virtually everything within range, but the power located there must be hard-earned and well-protected to provide any lasting advantage.

Old Town – Several remote areas of Sera managed to stave off the impact of Emergence for quite some time. Island towns such as this one were able to sustain themselves with small farms and a steady bounty from the ocean.  But all good things must come to an end, and eventually they could hide no more. This is an excellent map for team-based play, with multiple areas that are well-suited to both attack and defense scenarios. A well-executed plan will often reap great rewards, and an enemy caught unaware can be flushed into a trap like a chicken free of its coop.

Overpass – As the Lambent infection spreads across Sera, the planet is quite literally falling apart. And as the substrata beneath this forgotten overpass begin to disintegrate, the entire city block is collapsing along with it, sliding into a vast underground cavern. Head for the high ground or you just might slide along with it. Battles in this highly dynamic map often focus around the elevated Overpass, where teams can hole up and take advantage of the protected position and emplaced weaponry located there.  But gaining the high ground can also be a trap, as the team left below will most assuredly use mortars and orbital lasers to regain their lost footing.

Sandbar – This observation post once had a commanding view of the distant horizon. Never threatened, it was thought to be impenetrable due to its unpredictable coastline and the constant shifting of sandbars along the shallow water of the coastline. And it never did fall; it was simply abandoned when humanity fled from a threat that nobody could ever see coming.

Thrashball – This stadium was once home to a different sort of national hero, one who fought for honor and glory, instead of scrambling for survival.  The invigorating roar of the crowd has been replaced by the melancholy moaning of wind in the empty stadium seats. Stadium matches are no longer restricted to the playing field, and the team that controls the concession stands earns a great advantage. The scoreboard still keeps track of every point earned, but its frayed support cables also make it a precarious trap for anyone foolish enough to run underneath it.

Trenches – The Locust have begun to carve mines and tunnels into the rocks of the Seran Deadlands, eking out any existence that resembles the underground passages of the Hollow they once called home. But this harsh environment is as relentless and unforgiving as any enemy they’ve ever had to face. The Locust Trenches are small and tight, with clean lines of sight across virtually the entire battlefield. The central hill leads to a fortified bunker with a strategically important vantage point. Once taken, it is rarely surrendered, unless opposing forces can manage to sneak up under the cover of a passing sandstorm that leaves everyone blind for a short while.

“Gears of War 3¹” features the series’ deepest and most expansive multiplayer experience yet, delivering genre-defining action across an arsenal of competitive and cooperative modes, including versus multiplayer, four-player campaign co-op, Horde 2.0 and Beast mode. New recruits will enjoy the finely balanced gameplay and accessible game types, which allow anyone to jump into the action.

Developed by acclaimed studio Epic Games, “Gears of War 3¹ ” launches worldwide on Sept. 20, 2011, and is available for preorder today in three distinct editions – Standard (AUD$99.95 RRP²), Limited (AUD $129.95 RRP²) and Epic (AUD $199.95 RRP²). For additional details on the game, please visit gearsofwar.xbox.com and follow the “Gears of War” team at http://www.facebook.com/gearsofwar.

¹ Gears of War 3 is rated MA15+

² Recommended retail price (RRP), the price you pay will be determined by your retailer.

Heralding the latest in Hybrid Protection technology 

SYDNEY, Australia – 29 August 2011. Kaspersky Lab today announced the release of Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012, the latest two in the range of its home user products designed to provide Internet users with maximum protection and convenience.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 are built around the concept of Hybrid Protection, which harnesses the power of the cloud as well as the security technologies installed on your PC to reduce the average protection delivery time to just 40 seconds. Users will benefit from the collective wisdom of the Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team and a worldwide network of users and expert analysts through the cloud-based Kaspersky Security Network (KSN). The KSN retains real time data about malicious and suspicious activity from the PCs of more than 30 million voluntary members from 213 countries.

Also featured in the 2012 product updates are the most advanced and effective technologies, with the aim to simultaneously improve computer security and simplify the user’s experience. Updated features include simplified processes for installation and activation, enhanced threat protection with an improved version of ‘System Watcher’, and the introduction of File Adviser that updates users on the security of individual files.

“The current estimate of new malicious programs being produced each day is roughly 35 thousand. But the majority of our customers don’t care about that; they just want their internet security to run quietly in the background and do its job. Kaspersky Lab is using the most advanced and effective protection technologies to ensure customers are protected without having to become a computer expert,” explains Andrew Mamonitis, Managing Director ANZ, Kaspersky Lab.

“For example, the introduction of File Advisor means that with just one click, customers can find out about the reputation of any file on a local computer to make an informed decision as whether or not to use it. It’s about making our customers’ lives as simple as possible.”

By regularly exchanging information between products installed on users’ machines and the centralised databases in the cloud, the most up-to-date threat information is made available to help protect users. In addition to superior protection from the cloud, the new product versions also demonstrate how, with the main program window providing in-depth information about which cloud components are active and how they are protecting users’ computers and personal data.

The 2012 versions of Kaspersky Internet Security and Kaspersky Anti-Virus warn Internet users of unsafe links and which will redirect users to fraudulent, malicious and spammer websites. The products receive the most up-to-date information available about undesirable Internet resources directly from the cloud, including websites with adult, violent and other similarly unsavoury content. Users can rest assured that they will not find themselves entering websites designed to steal their personal information or infect their computers.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 are both high-performance products designed for minimal impact on your computer’s running speed and program operations.  The products have been streamlined for optimal day-to-day use when surfing the Internet, searching for and viewing web pages, making VoIP calls, watching HD videos and playing online games, etc.

The intelligent update system downloads updates for active product components only and launches them immediately after they have been plugged in. That means that antivirus database components are kept right up-to-date and download traffic is minimised. The update launch mode has been adapted to suit typical laptop and desktop work modes and will not slow down performance when operating system activity is resumed or a user launches programs.

The new products can also be used with touch-screen devices. Product installation has been optimised, minimising any conflicts with incompatible security software. Additionally, the steps for activating and purchasing licenses can now be found in one convenient window.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 – RRP $49.95 (for x1 PC) and $99.95 (for x3 PCs)

To download Kaspersky Internet Security 2012, visit https://www.kasperskyanz.com.au/kaspersky_internet_security

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 – RRP $39.95 (for x1 PC) and $79.95 (for x3 PCs)

To download Kaspersky Anti Virus 2012, visit https://www.kasperskyanz.com.au/kaspersky_anti-virus.

The new Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 produts are available from Officeworks, JB HI-FI, Harris Technology, Harvey Norman and Joyce Mayne.

To learn more about Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012, visit: https://www.kasperskyanz.com.au/kaspersky_internet_security

To stay updated with Kaspersky Lab ANZ news and products, check out the Kaspersky Lab ANZ Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/KasperskyLabANZ.

In Honour Of The 20th Anniversary Of Sonic The Hedgehog, GAME Launches The Amazing Sonic Quest For Charity

Sydney, Australia, August 26, 2011 – To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, retailer GAME and its online webseries, GAME TV, are seeking to collect all 43 existing Sonic titles spanning from Sonic’s earliest appearances to today. Once the collection is complete, it will be auctioned off with all the proceeds going to Variety, a not-for-profit organisation empowering children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs. 

In order to achieve their goal, GAME TV is looking to the community to help them with their collection. For more information on GAME TV’s appeal, click here.

For more information on Variety, please click here. 

WATCH THE UPDATES IN WEEKLY EPISODES OF GAME TV