TOPICS Entertainment and OTO Software Announce Wi-Fi Security Software



The Latest Addition to the SpyderSoft(TM) brand of utilities Provides Secure, Locked-Down Home Wi-Fi Networks, Including Intrusion Detection and Blocking

RENTON, Wash.-/9 Oct, 2004 - Wi-Fi Technology News/-TOPICS Entertainment, Inc., the largest privately held software publisher in the United States and OTO Software, Inc., a leading developer of networking software solutions for home and SMBs, announced the latest addition to the SpyderSoft brand of security and performance monitoring utilities. SpyderSoft Wi-Fi Defense(TM) (patent pending) provides strong home wi-fi security via its simple one-click interface to lock-down the network against outsiders, bolstered by a constant scan for intrusion detection. Wi-Fi Defense(TM) is a "universal interface" that works across popular brands and models of home wireless equipment and is regularly updated to maintain currency.

SpyderSoft Wi-Fi Defense(TM) was designed with the mainstream, non-technical consumer in mind, yet is powerful enough to offer security benefits to even the most advanced user. The technology detects all devices on the network, provides identifying information to assist the owner in designating each as Friend or Foe, and seamlessly locks-down the network to allow only approved devices. Adding a new device or allowing a visitor to join the network is also an easy task, and the application ensures that you maintain a locked-down network. At all times, SpyderSoft Wi-Fi Defense(TM) continues a background scan to detect new and/or unauthorized devices.

"Studies consistently show that the majority of home Wi-Fi networks are not locked-down from intruders. Probably the biggest reason is that it's intimidating and difficult to work with the hardware's security configuration interfaces, even for advanced users. Often, the consumer succeeds only in locking herself out of her own network," stated Todd Rogers, OTO's VP of Technology. "Also, those who think it's nice to share their connections with others don't realize that they're actually exposing themselves to a form of identity theft. An intruder's internet activities can be traced only to the network owner -- not to the intruder. This overall lack of security among home wi-fi networks is why we created Wi-Fi Defense(TM) -- to give all consumers a security application that is both simple to use and is a strong technical solution."

"Families are installing home wireless network at an incredible rate but installation can be difficult and, once installed, provide an additional Internet security concern. TOPICS is proud to be publishing Wi-Fi Defense under our SpyderSoft brand, making it both easier and safer for a family to set up their home wireless network," said Greg James, President of TOPICS Entertainment, Inc.

Backed by a limited money-back guarantee, SpyderSoft Wi-Fi Defense(TM) will be available in retail stores beginning October 2004 at an estimated retail price of $40.

About TOPICS Entertainment
TOPICS Entertainment, Inc., a privately held corporation, is currently the fastest growing company in the consumer software business. TOPICS Entertainment is ranked the 9th largest software publisher in the nation. with over 300 CD ROM and Audio Book collections -- dominating the language, education and reference software categories. For a complete list of titles,
visit http://www.topics-ent.com. *Based on June 2004 NPD Intelect Market Tracking unit sell-through of consumer CD-ROMs.

About OTO Software
OTO Software (USA), Inc. is a leading provider of affordable, easy-to-use, networking software solutions for the consumer, SOHO and SMB markets. OTO designs and publishes world-class products that provide critical functions such as performance monitoring and security. With its new Wi-Fi Defense(TM), OTO offers the ultimate in ease-of-use and security. The company's commitment to its customers and technological innovation has put OTO at the forefront of networking software applications and is the foundation for its strong position among networking software vendors.