Internet Gold, a group of communication companies that provide Internet access and related value-added services, international telephony, e-advertising, content and e-commerce services throughout Israel under the brand name 'Smile', today announced the launch of 'eSafe Gold', its new secured Internet access service for residential users.

Based on technology developed by Aladdin Knowledge Systems, a provider of software digital rights management and enterprise security, the service allows users to 'surf' the Internet freely, while protecting their computers against viruses, spyware, trojan horses, and other on-line threats. This service is provided transparently via the company's servers and eliminates the need for purchasing or installing specialty software, requires no maintenance or instructions, and does not disrupt users' surfing experiences when threats are encountered.

"Today's most dangerous threats are those received through normal Internet surfing and not only those attached to emails," said Mr. Eli
Holtzman, CEO, Internet Gold. "Spyware, Trojan horses and the like, secretly implant themselves and transmit private data to the outside world, the only evidence of which is the gradual slow-down of computer performance and degradation of surfing speed. The protection available to average users, such as anti-virus programs or personal firewalls, is often insufficient; either because the programs are not kept up-to-date or because they are too intrusive, requiring average customers to constantly respond to confusing questions."

"The new eSafe Gold service takes a different approach that is customized for non-expert users. The eSafe Gold Secure Internet Surfing lines requires absolutely no configuration or maintenance on the part of the end-user, yet filters data accessed in real-time; protecting the consumer against threats without degrading surfing speed or interrupting normal web activities," added Mr. Eli.

Dror Irani, Aladdin's eSafe Vice President added, "Our technology deployed by Internet Gold will offer a high level of real-time defense
against today's vicious Internet-based threats - much higher than can be provided by regular software packages and personal firewalls. We have designed the solution for average users and believe it offers thorough, simple, and effective protection of their computers."