With an expected surge in spyware and virus attacks from China and Russia—here is how holiday shoppers can prevent their "chestnuts from roasting over an open fire"

SAN FRANCISCO, December 4, 2006—PC Tools Malware Research Center—which tracks global spyware and virus attacks—reports a 30-percent increase in spyware activity, especially from China and countries formerly part of the Soviet Union, this past week.

"As expected, we are seeing a surge in spyware infections. There have been limited virus attacks, but spyware in the form of Trojans, keyloggers, phishing programs and various tracking programs are now part of the holiday season--and just as deadly as mistletoe," said Michael Greene, Vice President for Product Strategy.

Greene recommends the following precautions to ensure a Merry—and, not a Malware Christmas:

• Don't open emails with tempting offers. If it's too good to be true it probably is...
• Don't reply to spam—if you want Viagra, see your doctor.
• Shop at places with Brands you know—but beware even the most respected sites can be subject to phishing scams where you are redirected to a spurious site.
• Make Internet purchases on sites that have encrypted security transaction software.
• Have reputable and recommended anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed-- and make sure it is up to date.

"We produce Spyware Doctor* which is regarded by experts as the best spyware security software on the market. Unfortunately there are unscrupulous people promoting anti-spyware which may in fact be spyware itself," said Greene.

Spyware Doctor was recently acknowledged as the best anti-spyware of 2006 by leading consumer magazine Computer Shopper because of its ability to detect, remove but more importantly prevent spyware. It is essential that Internet users protect themselves with reliable software as threats increase this holiday season," Greene said.

Greene added that PC Tools has been praised by respected experts in the security field—including PC Magazine—as the leader in handling phishing scams and identifying and removing keylogging programs; and PC World—as the leader in rootkit detection and prevention.

* Current awards include PC Magazine Best Anti-Spyware 2005, editor's choice 2006; PC Pro Recommended 2006, A List product; PC Answers editor's choice 2006; PC Advisor Gold award 2006; PC User 'Top Buy' 2006; Computer Shopper Best Anti-Spyware of 2006.

ABOUT PC Tools Limited™

PC Tools is a global security software leader with products including award-winning Spyware Doctor along with effective anti-spyware products. The PC Tools Malware Research Center monitors trends and emerging spyware issues and provides security solutions for the consumer and enterprise marketplace. The company is headquartered in Sydney, with offices in San Francisco, London, Dublin, Melbourne and Kiev. PC Tools has a global network of distributors, resellers, and retailers.