Zone Labs Announces New Versions of ZoneAlarm Firewalls Extra Protection for Free ZoneAlarm 3.0 and Premium ZoneAlarm Pro 3.0 Eric Grevstad
Mon 10/15/01 -- If you have an always-on cable or DSL modem -- or, let's face it, even a sometimes-on dial-up modem -- you're at risk from Internet hackers and snoopers. In December, Zone Labs Inc. will release new versions of its popular protection packages, ZoneAlarm and ZoneAlarm Pro. The former will still be free for personal and nonprofit use.
ZoneAlarm 3.0 and ZoneAlarm Pro 3.0 will provide greater protection and control for Internet-connected PCs with an easier-to-use, more intuitive interface, including an updated tutorial, new program wizards, and an overview screen that details system security status at a glance. The ZoneAlarm alert analyzer has also been redesigned to provide more information about intrusion alerts as well as improved logging facilities. More important, both firewalls will "fingerprint" all components of every application a user gives permission to access the Internet, so Trojan horses or other traps cannot masquerade as approved programs.
ZoneAlarm Pro, whose pricing will be announced at release, adds even more security by preventing potentially malicious content such as ActiveX and JavaScript controls from harming the PC. Version 3.0 will also provide new ad-blocking and cookie-control features, as well as improved support for wireless networks and improved virtual private network (VPN) support.
Both ZoneAlarm 3.0 and ZoneAlarm Pro 3.0 will be compatible with all versions from Windows from 95, 98, and Me through NT, 2000, and Windows XP. Owners who bought ZoneAlarm Pro (currently $40) within 12 months of the new release will get a free upgrade to version 3.0.