Press Release
FaceTime Strengthens Security Research Team with Appointment of Spyware Expert
Renowned Malware Researcher and Microsoft MVP "Paperghost" Joins Industry's Leading Research Team
FOSTER CITY, CALIF - August 16, 2005 - FaceTime Communications today announced the appointment of Christopher Boyd (known online as "Paperghost") to the position of Security Research Manager. A leading expert on malware, spyware and hacking exploits, Boyd will be responsible for performing detailed research on new malware threats to enable rapid response and remediation solutions for FaceTime customers. FaceTime's IMPact Research Team is the largest intelligence and response organization dedicated to addressing the rapid proliferation of new adware/spyware, IM and P2P threats. The IMPact Index provides an aggregate risk level of daily threats.
"I am delighted to welcome Chris Boyd to the FaceTime research team," said Kailash Ambwani, president and CEO of FaceTime Communications. "Chris has an amazing track record of researching and analyzing the complex world of spyware and digital privacy. Our mission is to keep our customers at least one step ahead of threats from greynet applications like adware/spyware, P2P file sharing and IM. With Chris joining our expert staff of researchers, we will continue to keep our customers educated and prepared to prevent new threats to their business."
Prior to joining FaceTime, Boyd conducted privacy, digital rights and spyware/malware analysis for Vitalsecurity.org. He has been involved in several security events including the discovery of a mass cracking of Linux servers to infect Windows based end-users using an IFRAME redirect; an expose of a broadcastpc.tv install that downloads and runs the entire .NET framework to power ads; and a cross-browser Java based applet which infects IE even when it is not in use. In addition, he helped crack the riddle of the IRC daisy chain known as Spazbox.net, and caused rogue Adware bundles being pushed across BitTorrent forums to be pulled due to public outcry. Boyd is also a Microsoft Security MVP. The Microsoft MVP Program is a worldwide award and recognition program that strives to identify amazing individuals in technical communities around the world.
"FaceTime is leading the effort in helping organizations fight the growing number of malware threats," said Boyd. "I am looking forward to joining in this cause and lending my experience to help organizations prevent spyware and malware outbreaks through IM, P2P, and other Internet applications."
About FaceTime Communications
FaceTime Communications enables the safe and productive use of instant
messaging, Web usage and Unified Communications platforms. Ranked number one by
IDC for four consecutive years, FaceTime's award-winning solutions are used by
more than 900 customers – including nine of the 10 largest U.S. banks – for
security, management and compliance of real-time communications. FaceTime
supports or has strategic partnerships with all leading public and enterprise
IM network providers, including AOL, Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Skype, IBM and Jabber.
FaceTime is headquartered in Belmont, California. For more information visit
http://www.facetime.com or call 888-349-FACE.
The FaceForward blog, at http://blog.facetime.com,
offers thoughts and opinions about the changing nature of Internet communications.
PR Contact:
Joshua Barnes
A&R Edelman
650-762-2865
joshua.barnes@ar-edelman.com
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