New AOL software gives added security

PC World - WASHINGTON -- America Online Inc.'s new 9.0 Security Edition promises to bring you enhanced spam control, instant spyware identification, and even a keychain that locks your AOL account.
Kerry Parkins, director of product marketing at AOL, says the software targets seven aspects critical to consumer security: firewalls, viruses, spyware, parental control, pop-up ads, spam, and "spim," or instant messaging spam. AOL users can download the security edition for free from the AOL Web site starting today.
Although AOL revamped every aspect of its security with the new software, a couple of features stand out as being particularly helpful.
To rectify static spyware defenses, which don't completely block spyware because they run only periodically, the 9.0 security feature contains SpyZapper, a spyware guard that operates in real time.
SpyZapper monitors the action in your computer's memory while you're surfing the Web, and lets you know when a spyware program starts up so you can delete it.
"It will alert you and tell you something is going on," Parkins says.
Spam primer
Another new feature explains why messages are flagged as spam, so you can easily retrieve legitimate messages that were accidentally quarantined.
"[The feature] allows you to examine the reasons why we put that message into your spam folder," Parkins says.
The security package also allows customers to notify AOL when they receive spim, similar to the way they can now report spam that they receive through e-mail.

Keychain security
However, the coolest security feature offered is the one you have to buy.
The optional service, a battery-operated keychain known officially as an AOL Passcode device and dubbed a "fob" by AOL employees, provides a unique six-digit code every minute. When you enter the number to log on, AOL checks it against its own system, which is programmed to run the same algorithms -- and thus generate the same number every minute -- as your fob.
Fobs cost about $10 plus a monthly fee of between $2 and $5, depending on how many screen names you use.
The fob has been used by AOL employees for years, but only now is being made available to the public. Parkins says the batteries have a long life.
"Mine has been kicking now for five years," Parkins says.
Jason Tuohey writes for the Medill News Service.