Panda Software joins Microsoft in Virus Information Alliance (VIA)

MADRID, February 24, 2004

Panda Software, a world leader in virus and intrusion prevention announced that it joined the Virus Information Alliance (VIA), a program offered by Microsoft Corp. and the industry leading antivirus vendors to help Microsoft customers obtain timely information to defend against virus threats.

This centralized resource for Internet users, will provide information about the latest virus threats that could affect Microsoft technology. However, users should continue to look to their preferred antivirus provider for information on other attacks. Through this alliance, several antivirus vendors, including Panda Software, exchange important technical information about newly-discovered viruses and worms. This information includes details about how a new attack is propagated, what is being targeted and how customers can minimize the impact and risk.

The alliance enables Microsoft to provide prescriptive information rapidly to a broad range of customers, while also referring users to any of their preferred participating antivirus vendors for additional details.

In this way, Microsoft’s Product Support Services (PSS) Security Team will deliver accurate and timely information on outbreaks of viruses and worms to customers.

“We are extremely proud to become members of this alliance with Microsoft. At the same time, it is an important step towards our goal of keeping users’ computers free from the viruses and intruders which are the cause of increasing financial loss to businesses around the world,” said Jose Maria Hernandez, VP International Expansion at Panda Software.

“Security is a global, industry-wide issue and we look forward to working together with Panda and other VIA members to help customers obtain the information they need about worms and viruses,” said Mark Miller, security incident response manager at Microsoft.

About Panda Software

Panda Software (), a world leader in virus and intrusion prevention, offers unrivalled proactive security solutions for all types of users, from the largest corporations through small and medium-sized companies to home users. Its corporate products offer hassle-free automatic and centralized administration and provide network-wide protection, via multi-layer security technology, to ensure uniform protection across the enterprise, from remote users and workstations to mail gateways and internal and perimeter servers. Panda Software’s solutions have received awards and quality certifications from the sector’s most widely-respected organizations, including ICSA Labs and Checkmark and its commitment to customer service, innovative products, and the pioneering concept of 24h-365d tech support have revolutionized the IT security industry.