F-Secure Corporation Joins Microsoft in Antivirus Collaboration Service

Helsinki, Finland - February 24, 2004

F-Secure Corporation today announced that it has joined the Virus Information Alliance (VIA). VIA is a virus information sharing program that now includes ten industry leading anti-virus vendors and Microsoft Corp.

The purpose of this alliance is to help Microsoft to provide its customers relevant and timely information about the latest virus threats affecting Microsoft technology. The programme was initiated in May 2003 and proven its place as an effective forum for sharing technical and communications-related information about viruses and worms.

In future virus outbreaks F-Secure Corporation will share important technical information with Microsoft regarding newly-discovered viruses and worms. The information will include details about how a new attack is propagated, what targets are being attacked, and how customers can reduce exposure and minimize impact.

"As viruses and malicious code are more and more complex and spread faster and faster, it is of utmost importance to alert the computer users on time," said Ari Hypponen, Chief Technology Officer at F-Secure Corporation. "As a member of the VIA, we will be working with Microsoft and others to provide relevant data that helps educate and ultimately protect Microsoft’s customers against the emerging Internet threats," Mr. Hypponen continued.

"It’s important for our customers to be able to quickly obtain information about virus threats," said Mark Miller, security incident response manager at Microsoft. "We’re pleased to join forces with F-Secure and other VIA members to provide accurate and timely security information to help protect customers."

About F-Secure

F-Secure Corporation protects individuals and businesses against computer viruses and other threats coming through the Internet or mobile networks. Our award-winning solutions include antivirus, desktop firewall with intrusion prevention and network encryption. Our key strength is the speed of response to new threats and for businesses our solutions feature centralized management. Founded in 1988, F-Secure has been listed on the Helsinki Exchanges since 1999. We have our headquarters in Helsinki, Finland, and offices in USA, France, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Japan. F-Secure is supported by a global ecosystem of value added resellers and distributors in over 50 countries. F-Secure protection is also available through major Internet Service Providers, such as Deutsche Telekom and leading mobile equipment manufacturers, such as Nokia.

Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact:

Finland:

F-Secure Corporation
Ari Hypponen, Chief Technology Officer
PL 24
FIN-00181 Helsinki
Tel + +358 9 2520 5511
Fax. +358 9 2520 5018
Email: ari.hypponen@f-secure.com 

Media contact in the USA:

F-Secure Inc.
Heather Deem,
100 Century Center Court, Suite 700
San Jose, CA  95112
Tel +1 408 350 2178
Fax +1 408 938 6701
Email heather.deem@f-secure.com