ESET Middle East, the leader in proactive protection against cyber-threats, today announces the launch of its flagship products ESET Smart Security 5 and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5.

The latest generation of the company's home user products offers even more advanced detection technology and multi-layered security features. ESET has been pioneering security solutions against malware since 1992 and has been awarded with the highest consecutive number of Virus Bulletin VB100 awards.

ESET has been the security solutions against malware pioneer since 1992 and has been commended with the highest consecutive number of Virus Bulletin VB100 awards.

"Even before its release, testing versions of the fifth generation of our flagship security solutions have been downloaded more than four million times. After thorough testing and months of development, we are now proud to present our customers with completely new ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 and ESET Smart Security 5 products," says Richard Marko, CEO, ESET. "With the new technologies we are incorporating into the product like ESET Live Grid and our Advanced HIPS, we will be providing an even more comprehensive protection than ever before. At ESET, we always strive to deliver technologically advanced products employing the latest innovations. At the moment we are already working on developing future generations of our security solutions."

ESET Smart Security 5 and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 offers various new and improved features. The top five features are:
* ESET Live Grid, cloud-based reputation and protection technology
* New Removable Media Control, with more granular control of external devices
* Parental Control (ESET Smart Security 5 only)
* Advanced Host-based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS)
* Gamer Mode

There has been revolutionary change in what used to be called ThreatSense.Net - ESET's cloud-based malware collection system that utilizes data from ESET solutions users worldwide. The technology is now named ESET Live Grid and offers optimization of scanning based on the whitelisting of "safe" files. Cloud-based reputation is yet another method used by the latest generation of ESET products to determine whether a particular object is secure or not. The result is enhanced precision in detecting threats along with increased speed of scanning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aji Joseph, General Manager, ESET Middle East; "We are delighted to announce the launch of our Version 5 - ESET Smart Security 5 and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 here in the Middle East. With advanced features which have been extensively tested, version 5 will definitely provide a much more secure IT environment for users to operate from. We are looking forward to launching ESET's latest version at GITEX, one of the world's top three IT Exhibitions, and are confident of seeing a positive response from technology enthusiasts and consumers in the region."

As shown by regular ESET threat statistics month after month, removable media is now used increasingly to spread viruses and malware. When plugged-in, a USB media can transfer a hidden virus, affecting computers without the need for internet access. The Removable Media Control feature automatically prompts the user to scan the content of all flash drives (USB, SD), firewire, CDs and DVDs, so that specific threats can be blocked from trying to get through to the system through the media devices. Users can block/allow removable media, based on the type of media, manufacturer, size and other attributes. In addition, permissions can be set to blocked, read-only or read/write access. They can be set either for a specific user or groups of users. User can decide to block the access and setup a whitelist of "allowed" USBs.

Parental Control allows sites that may contain potentially offensive material with pre-defined website categories to be blocked. The user can set up a "role" for each user account, each with its own set of default website categories that are allowed or disabled during browsing.

Host Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) offers another layer of security and allows tech savvy users to customize the behavior of the whole system and each part. User can define rules or system registry, processes, applications and files.

Gamers will appreciate the Gamer Mode that switches to silent mode and disables pop ups to conserve system resources and enhance the gaming experience. This results in uninterrupted playing or focus on tasks running in full screen mode. "Great performance and no effects on game's quality: these are the two principal points which matter in the selection of AV software - that is why I trust ESET," says Marcel "k1llsen" Paul, e-sports gamer in the top gaming league ESC in Germany.

ESET customers will benefit from improved usability and graphic user interface for a new user experience which is more intuitive, transparent and easy to navigate.

For further ESET Smart Security 5 and ESET NOD32 Antivirus 5 benefits and features, please visit: http://www.eset.com/me/home/products/smart-security/ and http://www.eset.com/me/home/products/antivirus/

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