NEW YORK (Map) - NEW YORK, Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of computer users who think they are protected against online threats like spyware, viruses and hackers actually have inadequate or no online protection, according to an independent research study conducted for Verizon.

Verizon is helping consumers nationwide to assess their online safety by offering its Verizon Security Advisor service at no charge to customers of any Internet service provider. This free diagnostic software, available at www.verizon.net/securityadvisor, can evaluate the virus, spyware or personal firewall security software on a computer in less than five seconds so users can take steps to close any dangerous gaps in their online security protection.

"Internet security protection is like a smoke alarm," said Bill Heilig, vice president for Verizon broadband services. "As long as it works, it's great. But with a dead battery, it's worse than no smoke alarm at all, because it creates a false sense of security. That's the position that most Internet consumers find themselves in today, and what they don't know is definitely hurting them. We're offering all Internet users a free tool to help them know if they are truly protected or if they need to take action to get the security they need."

Verizon's study, conducted with 545 U.S. Internet subscribers by the independent Internet research firm iTracks, contrasted participants' opinions about their level of online security against results of Verizon Security Advisor scans performed on their computers. While 92 percent of participants thought they were safe, the scans revealed that 59 percent were actually vulnerable to a variety of online dangers. Ninety-four percent of those surveyed said they would find it helpful to be able to diagnose or check their online security status on a regular basis to make sure their PCs were safe.

The study's comparison between the real risk, as determined by the Verizon Security Advisor scan, and the participants' perceived risks showed that people are unknowingly exposing themselves to threats through bad habits such as relying on expired or old security software.

Today, nearly all new PCs come bundled with off-the-shelf security software provided as a limited-time trial or pre-paid, one-year subscription. However, at the end of the trial or full subscription period, buyers usually must renew the license and pay the vendor to continue the protection. If they don't, they may no longer receive protection or crucial updates, exposing themselves to a myriad of online threats that grow daily.

Other key findings of the study include: -- Spyware Protection: When asked how safe they felt their home PC was from spyware, 92 percent of respondents felt "safe" or "somewhat safe." In contrast, the Verizon Security Advisor scan revealed that the majority (58 percent) were "at risk" or "potential risk" from spyware infection. Nineteen percent were critically "at risk" from spyware infection. -- Virus Protection: When asked how safe they felt their home PC was from viruses, 92 percent of respondents felt "very safe" or "somewhat safe," whereas the Verizon Security Advisor scan revealed that 45 percent were "at risk" or "potential risk" from virus infection. -- Firewall Protection: Nineteen percent of respondents had their personal firewall turned off.

In addition to its free Verizon Security Advisor service, Verizon also offers a comprehensive Internet security suite through the Verizon portal at www.verizon.net/onlinesecurity. Designed to run behind the scenes whenever the computer is on, Verizon Internet Security Suite automatically ensures that customers are protected against the newest threats with the latest detection methods.

Verizon Security Advisor is provided by Radialpoint, a leading provider of managed Internet security services.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 63.7 million customers nationwide. Verizon's Wireline operations include Verizon Business, which delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world, and Verizon Telecom, which brings customers the benefits of converged communications, information and entertainment services over the nation's most advanced fiber-optic network. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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