Computer-security giant McAfee and Facebook are taking a big step to shore up basic security for millions of consumers. Tonight, they announced McAfee will make a complimentary six-month subscription of its Internet Security Suite software available to Facebook's 350 million users:
http://home.mcafee.com/store/package.aspx?pkgid=273After six months, Facebook users will be eligible for a special discounted subscription for the software package, which offers PCs protection from viruses, spyware and other online threats.
To qualify for the offer, which extends to one's entire PC, Facebook users must become fans of McAfee's Facebook page and click on the Protect Your PC tab:
http://www.facebook.com/McAfeeSeparately, Facebook has created a new process that requires users to take steps to re-secure their account in the event it is hacked. In addition, the companies are developing educational content for the Facebook Security Page.
The companies are teaming up because nearly 80% of consumers don't have an updated anti-virus program, a functioning firewall and anti-spyware software, according to McAfee. What is more, half of consumers have an expired anti-virus program, it says.
McAfee Internet Security Suite will initially be available to Facebook users in the U.S., UK, Australia, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
(USA TODAY)