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Consumers Are Concerned About Data and Identity Theft With the Vast Majority Banking and Shopping Online, Yet Many Have Not Taken Adequate Security Measures to Protect Themselves CUPERTINO, Calif., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Trend Micro, Incorporated (NASDAQ:TMIC)(TSE:4704), a leader in antivirus and Internet content security, today released findings from a study that reveals the extent to which consumers in the United States fear identity and data theft. In particular, the findings highlighted that the majority of respondents do bank and shop online and many store sensitive, personal or financial data on their laptops, however almost one third of respondents admitted to not securing their laptops against theft. With the busy lives that people nowadays live, many carry laptops and other electronic devices with them, and so new risks and concerns beyond traditional security threats such as car theft and burglary, have emerged. According to the study by Trend Micro, over a third of respondents are very worried about data theft (32 percent) and identify theft (33 percent) in the cyberspace, while only 14 percent of participating consumers indicated that they are very worried about car theft. The study also showed that 82 percent of respondents regularly make purchases online with a credit/debit card, while 71 percent bank online. This trend is a clear indication of an "on-the-go," ever busy lifestyle, where technology plays a major role. Worryingly, around a third of respondents (31 percent) admitted to not protecting their laptops while almost 60 percent of participating consumers admitted to storing sensitive or confidential information on them. Among those consumers whose laptops are used to store sensitive information, a quarter of them do not take any measures to secure their laptops. Overall, the study indicated that while the majority of users were aware of and concerned about security risks, a large group still lack sufficient security measures to protect them from identity and data fraud although they proactively conduct personal transactions online. Also, only one third of the consumers that participated in the survey (31 percent) indicated that they believe that retailers are doing enough to protect them during online transactions. "It is reassuring to see how many consumers are now actively aware of the threats posed by computer related crime, but the large number of laptop users still without security is greatly disturbing," said Carol Carpenter, vice president, marketing, consumer products and services, Trend Micro. "As laptop usage grows in-line with today's Internet lifestyles, security-aware consumers are looking for advanced security solutions that extend beyond their computers and enable them to remotely protect themselves from data, identity theft and fraud." Key findings include: -- Consumers are slightly more likely to leave sensitive or confidential information on their laptops (58%) than in their cars (55%). -- 58% of consumers store sensitive or confidential information on their laptops. Among them: - 84% store contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) on their laptops - 69% store personal digital content (photos, videos, music, games, etc.) on their laptops - 63% store bank/credit card information on their laptops -- Of those surveyed, 31% of consumers do not have their laptops protected. Among those consumers who store sensitive information on their laptops, a quarter of them do not take any measures to secure their laptops. -- 82% of consumers reported that they regularly make purchases online using bank cards. 71% of them reported that they conduct online banking regularly. -- Close to half of the consumers would purchase security software if it enabled them to remotely lock down their laptops in the event that they are stolen. -- Only about a quarter of the consumers believe that their current security software on the laptop will adequately protect their sensitive information from being used if their laptops were stolen. Trend Micro helps consumers stay secure with its Trend Micro(TM) Internet Security suite. The suite comprises the PC-cillin(TM) engine and anti-malware protection and TrendSecure(TM) a security solution purpose-built for computer- connected consumers. TrendSecure is currently available in English and Japanese. Designed with improved protections to combat malicious cyber-threats like rootkits, spyware, phishing, spam, hackers, viruses, WiFi attacks, smartphone threats and more, Trend Micro Internet Security suite offers active computer users comprehensive security in an automated, easy-to-use package whether they are on-the-go in cyberspace, or on-the-go in the physical world. Additionally, users can further protect themselves using the new TrendSecure component which offers Remote File Lock(TM), enabling users to get on the Internet and remotely lock down their private/financial files in the event their laptop is lost or stolen. Transaction Guard(TM) uses a secret keyboard to protect users' online transactions conducted at internet cafes or public WiFi hotspots where keyloggers can potentially steal passwords and other private information. Trend Micro Inc.'s "Stay Connected. Be Protected." Sweepstakes Between 09/18/2006 and 11/30/2006, in North America, consumers who register with Trend Micro either by downloading a trial version of the new Trend Micro Internet Security, or upgrading to Trend Micro Internet Security or purchasing the new Trend Micro Internet Security, will be entered into Trend Micro's "Stay Connected. Be Protected" Sweepstakes. Trend Micro will be giving away 5 Grand Prizes. Each Grand Prize includes a high-perfomance, wireless-ready Dell(TM) Laptop AND a $1,000 American Express gift card for an online shopping spree. For further information please visit: http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm or http://www.trendsecure.com/subscription_info/subscription_info.php . Survey Methodology: The survey was conducted online in August 2006 among U.S. consumers who are aged 18 and above, drive a car and own a laptop for personal use. More than 700 consumers from across the United States responded to the survey. About Trend Micro, Inc. Trend Micro Incorporated is a pioneer in secure content and threat management. Founded in 1988, Trend Micro provides individuals and organizations of all sizes with award-winning security software, hardware and services. With headquarters in Tokyo and operations in more than 30 countries, Trend Micro solutions are sold through corporate and value-added resellers and service providers worldwide. For additional information and evaluation copies of Trend Micro products and services, visit our Web site at http://www.trendmicro.com/. NOTE: Trend Micro, the t-ball logo, PC-cillin and TrendSecure are trademarks or registered trademarks of Trend Micro Incorporated. All other company or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their owners. DATASOURCE: Trend Micro, Inc. CONTACT: Michael Sweeny of Trend Micro, +1-408-863-6384, or Web site: http://www.trendmicro.com/

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