Check Point Releases ZoneAlarm ForceField

By Neil J. Rubenking
5/12/2008 9:00:00 AM

Check Point Software announced on Monday the general availability of its ZoneAlarm ForceField browser virtualization security solution. In public beta testing since last September, the product protects a computer from Internet-vectored attacks by isolating the browser from the rest of the system. Browser-based exploits fail because they can't affect the actual Registry or file system. Trojans, drive-by downloads, and other threats are likewise defanged. In addition, ZoneAlarm ForceField blocks access to phish and other dangerous sites, warns if it recognizes a malicious download, and actively jams keylogging and screen logging.

To prevent browser-based attacks, all unwanted changes made through the browser to the virtualized system vanish when the browser session ends. Any malware actually running on the system can't affect the virtualized browser session, either. An optional "Privacy Mode" wipes all browser-related private information when the session ends.

"Hackers today are exploiting widespread browser vulnerabilities to steal consumers' personal information, utilizing techniques that are unstoppable by traditional PC-based security products," said Laura Yecies, vice president and general manager of Check Point's ZoneAlarm division. "By virtualizing the browser, and adding active security layers, ZoneAlarm ForceField provides the highest level of technology needed to stop Web attacks, without interfering with users' browsing experience."

ZoneAlarm ForceField integrates with Internet Explorer and Firefox and runs under Windows XP or Windows Vista. According to Check Point, it's also compatible with "any brand of antivirus, antispyware, firewall and security suite product." PC Magazine's testing of the ZoneAlarm ForceField beta release showed it to be very effective.

The single-user price of this security solution is $29.95, and a three-user family pack costs $49.90. A bundle containing ZoneAlarm ForceField and ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite is priced at $69.95, $20 more than the suite alone. It's available immediately for online purchase and will appear in retail outlets this June.