ZoneAlarm adds ID theft protection

Check Point Software Technologies on Monday released an update to ZoneAlarm that comes with new features to protect against identity theft.

ZoneAlarm 6.5, a family of Internet security products for consumers, also adds a new three-user version with promotional pricing. It's an apparent attempt to rival Microsoft, which allows customers to run its Windows Live OneCare security tools, released last week, on three PCs for $49.95 a year.

Besides Check Point, consumer security incumbents Symantec and McAfee are readying rivals to OneCare.

Video: ZoneAlarm steps up one notch in security
New Zone Labs package also protects identity offline

Check Point offers various versions of ZoneAlarm through its Zone Labs unit. The all-in-one ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite and ZoneAlarm Pro include enhanced identity fraud protection, the company said. The suite also has common features such as a firewall and spyware protection, as well as antivirus technology.

As part of the new identity fraud defenses, users will be alerted when their credit card number shows up for sale on the Internet or on a blacklist, Check Point said. Additionally, the software helps people to opt out of credit offers, gives access to a credit counseling service and includes access to an educational Web site, the company said.

In addition, ZoneAlarm's IDLock promises to help prevent credit card data, Social Security numbers, or other private information from being transmitted onto the Net without the customer's consent, Check Point said.

By consumer request, the updated software now also has a "Game Mode," which silences firewall alerts and postpones security scans to allow for uninterrupted game play.

Beyond the new features, Check Point said it has improved the anti-spyware and firewall elements of its products. These include the ZoneAlarm "OSFirewall," which proactively protects PCs by monitoring system activity and resembles the intrusion prevention products used in large companies.

Promotional pricing for the new Check Point products is as follows: ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite, $49.95 for one user, $69.95 for three users; ZoneAlarm Pro $39.95 for one user; ZoneAlarm Antivirus $19.95 for one user; ZoneAlarm Anti-Spyware $19.95, for one user. Existing customers can update at no cost.

The basic ZoneAlarm firewall continues to be free for personal and nonprofit use.