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AVG LinkScanner Solves Critical Social Network Hack

Twitter, Digg and Other Social Networks Threatened by Malicious Web Pages Hiding Behind Shortened URLs; LinkScanner Detects

Amsterdam, October 12, 2009 - The popular practice of embedding shortened URL into Twitter tweets, Digg posts and other social networking communications is being threatened by hackers who use the anonymity of these URLs to hide poisoned web pages. AVG LinkScanner® is the only security tool available today that can detect the presence of these poisoned web pages, because it tests the destination of each URL link in real time and does not rely upon blacklists that become outdated as soon as they’re created due to the ever-shifting locations where the bad guys hide.

AVG LinkScanner® is a free utility which can be downloaded at www.linkscanner.avg.com

“The problem with shortened links is that they usually don’t bear any resemblance to the original URLs, which means that users don’t always know what they’re clicking. People click with the intention of going to a specific site, but the link can be easily hacked to send people to a site containing Trojans, spyware, rootkits and other malware instead,” said Roger Thompson, chief research officer at AVG Technologies.

Link shortening services have become popular tools to fit URLs within the 140-word Twitter limit. There are now more than a dozen URL shortening services available, with some built right into Twitter clients and other social networking tools.

Poisoned web pages are the latest way that hackers and spammers deposit malware onto computers in order to steal passwords or recruit computers into botnets. Computers users can get infected simply by clicking on a link, viewing an image, or sometimes just hovering their mouse over a banner. To avoid being caught, the bad guys typically infect a specific web page for less than 24 hours before moving on.

 Fonality

CULVER CITY, Calif. - Fonality, Inc. (www.fonality.com), a leading provider of cloud-based business phone systems, announced today that it has achieved record sales despite the tough economy. With nearly 20% increased sales in Q4 2009 vs. the same period prior year, Fonality continues to strengthen its position as the only provider of cloud phone systems with premise options for businesses with 5 to 500 employees. Fonality also acquired 28% more customers in Q4 2009 vs. Q4 2008.

Fonality’s PBXtra phone system provides a local server option for the cloud that ensures the security and stability of a premise system with the reduced maintenance of a hosted solution. Typical premise features such as Auto-Attendant, FindMe, conference bridges, and call center functionality are enhanced with cloud features such as free calling between phones, zero-configuration teleworkers and branch offices, system monitoring, and automated configuration backups. PBXtra starts at $595, can be ordered online, ships the next day, is easily self-installed by the customer, and eliminates the need for costly third-party service contracts.

UNBOUND is Fonality’s fully hosted cloud phone system and VoIP service solution. UNBOUND includes the same core features as PBXtra, adding unlimited domestic and international calls to 9 countries, dedicated virtual, local and toll free phone numbers, the ability to keep existing phone numbers, and emergency 911 functionality. Customers simply plug phones into an existing high speed Internet connection. Best of all, Fonality’s UNBOUND does not require customers to sign a contract and starts at only $24.99/mo.

"In the religious telephony battles where customers are forced to choose between the benefits of premise or cloud telephony, Fonality has chosen to provide both solutions," said CEO Chris Lyman. "We call this our 'wide net' strategy and it appears to be fueling rapid revenue growth."

Fonality has helped many customers realize the advantages of cloud communications with its innovative solutions, superior customer service, and 24/7 support. Fonality and its customers achieved a significant milestone when Fonality served its 1.3 billionth call in the cloud in 2009.