Comments on: Microsoft MSN offers scam-site detector

An "antiphishing" feature is being built into the Internet Explorer 7 browser and will be available as an add-in for Internet Explorer 6.

[Earl Benser]

This looks like much noise but little skill....

... It looks like the add-on feature just checks the website
address actually reached versus the supposed website address
advertised. Anyone can do that now. When it says you are going
to, say, PayPal, but your address bar doesn't say
"www.PayPal......", that ought to be an adequate clue for any
user. Ought to be, but it's rather obvious that most web users
don't really know or notice what's going on. So, this will
probably be a useful feature for them. It's sort of like the low gas
light. If you never look at your car's gauges, you need the light -
and maybe a horn and whistle too.

[Scott W]

finally

well they took their time but the boys in redmond are finally offering some protection to the poor sacks who have to tell everyone their bank details.

[Superguy13]

EarthLink has had this for more than a year

EarthLink came out with this technology last year.

Thanks MSFT for giving away older and not as good technology two years late.

[R. U. Sirius]

The Masters of Innovation Strike Again

Excuse me while I retch. Typical. Microsoft comes out with some lame ass feature; it gets major press; Apple fans make fun; PC boys offer an attack by name calling back; and nothing about this "feature" warrants all the attention.

That Microsoft never ceases to amaze me. They are truly the masters of innovation. They have legions of fans who follow their every move, and that is because they're continuing to push the envelope in what technology can do.

All praise shall go to Saint Gates and Pope Ballmer. The infi-Dells, otherwise known as the Mac fans, will curse the holy city of Redmond, but to no avail. As we all know Saint Gates and Pope Ballmer are truly gods, and all the worlds media will bow when they speak their mighty words.

Face it folks, Microsoft has become a religion.

[Jerry Grasso]

Microsoft is a little late and off the mark

We at EarthLink applaud Microsoft for trying to better protect their customers, but in today's announcment they missed the mark. They stated that they are the first to make an anti-phishing solution available as part of a toolbar. We did that last year. I guess, better late then never. Here is our official response:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
For EarthLink:
Jerry Grasso
404-748-7208
[e-mail]
EarthLink Sets Record Straight For Microsoft:
EarthLink Was First to Offer Anti-Phishing Toolbar

Atlanta, August 30th, 2005 ? The following statement is attributable to Kevin Brand, vice president, product management, EarthLink (NASDAQ: ELNK).
?Today?s Microsoft announcement stating that the company?s Phishing Filter Add-in for MSN Search Toolbar beta is the first such technology to be integrated into a Web search toolbar is incorrect.
?In April 2004, EarthLink launched ScamBlocker?, a phisher-site blocking feature that is available at no charge to all Internet users - not just EarthLink access subscribers. To date, more than 1.3 million consumers have downloaded ScamBlocker.
?Scamblocker is part of an easy-to-use, browser-based application that can be downloaded and installed as an Internet Explorer® or FireFox? toolbar. These toolbars also include a search engine powered by Google?, as well as EarthLink?s Pop-Up BlockerSM. In addition, the toolbars include EarthLink?s SpyAudit, which runs an audit detailing all spyware programs residing on a consumer?s personal computer.
?Consumers can download the browser-based application at EarthLink?s Web site, http://www.earthlink.net/earthlinktoolbar.?
###

About EarthLink
"EarthLink. We revolve around youTM." As the nation's next generation Internet service provider, Atlanta-based EarthLink has earned an award-winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online products and services. Serving over five million subscribers, EarthLink offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-quality connectivity, minimal online intrusions, and customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, web hosting, wireless voice and data services, or "EarthLink Extras" like home networking, security or voice over IP, EarthLink provides the tools that best let individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site at www.earthlink.net.