NRTC Offers Members Comprehensive Internet Security Services and Advanced Computer Support

For Immediate Release
DATE: June 4, 2008

NRTC Contact: Tanya Sullivan
703-467-1420
tsullivan@nrtc.coop

SecurityCoverage Contact:  Rhonda Knaack
319-298-4711
rknaack@securitycoverage.com

NRTC Offers Members Comprehensive Internet Security Services and Advanced Computer Support

Agreement with SecurityCoverage Brings Suite of Managed Offerings

June 4, 2008 [Herndon, VA]— Today, the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) announced that it has signed a master reseller agreement with SecurityCoverage, Inc. to offer NRTC members managed, guaranteed computer services for residential and business Internet subscribers. NRTC will offer a suite of fully managed computer protection services, including SecureIT, SecureIT Live, SecureIT Plus and PC Support Services. Beginning July 1, NRTC members can offer their residential and business Internet subscribers this 24x7 computer security protection.

SecureIT Services are a comprehensive suite of technologies that are fully managed and updated to protect a subscriber's computer. Services include virus and spyware protection, automated Microsoft Windows updates, online malware blocking, pop-up blocking, firewall protection, parental controls with content filtering and ongoing hard drive maintenance and optimization for faster computer performance. SecureIT Services can be installed remotely by trained technicians to ensure guaranteed satisfaction.

"Our members want to deliver an Internet experience to their subscribers that's not filled with hazards. Recognizing the need to help our members and their subscribers, we are offering the full range of SecureIT Services—a suite of fully automated and guaranteed computer protection services," said Alana Pilkington, director of Internet Services for NRTC.

According to the 2007 Consumer Reports State of the Net survey, 38 percent of respondents reported having a computer-virus infection in the past two years, and the chances of getting a spyware infection are 1 in 3. In addition to the $2.6 billion that Internet subscribers in the United States spent on computer protection security software over the past two years, they spent $5 billion on computer repairs to fix problems caused by viruses and spyware.

With all that money spent on computer protection, why does the problem continue to grow? Many consumers rely on free downloads and boxed-software solutions to protect their computers. These products require users to install, maintain and actively update them. According to the 2007 McAfee/NCSA Cyber Security Survey, 49 percent of computers surveyed lacked current anti-virus updates and 45 percent lacked any type of anti-spyware protection. The same survey concluded that only 22 percent of all computers surveyed were fully protected.

"If a subscriber's computer is already infected with a virus or compromised by another technical issue, the subscriber can take advantage of SecurityCoverage's PC Support Services offering before installing SecureIT Services," continued Pilkington. "We want the subscriber to start with a clean slate."

PC Support Services uses a remote access capability that allows trained technicians to provide computer owners with online PC diagnostic and repair services for less than a local repair shop might charge. Using the PC Support Services 24-hour call center, 365 days a year, consumers can receive immediate computer repair services with just a phone call.

"NRTC's dedication to providing a high level of customer service and value to its members and their subscribers fits perfectly with our goal of delivering a turnkey solution that provides world-class support and hands-free Internet security protection," said Robert O'Dell, president and CEO of SecurityCoverage. "Offering SecureIT Services and PC Support Services will provide NRTC members and their subscribers with ongoing, proactive protection against Internet threats, as well as comprehensive support for virtually any PC problem. Subscribers will have maximum security protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in addition to on-call technical support to troubleshoot and fix individual PC problems at any time, day or night."

About NRTC
The National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) represents the advanced telecommunications and information technology interests of more than 1,400 rural utilities and affiliates in 47 states. Founded in 1986, NRTC provides products and services developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, such as high-speed Internet access via satellite, full service Internet access and support, advanced metering infrastructure, SmartSCADA, wireless technologies, power quality products, long distance programs, mobile phone service, IP backbone services, direct broadcast satellite service (DBS) with DIRECTV and Internet protocol television (IPTV). For more information, visit www.nrtc.coop.

About SecurityCoverage
SecurityCoverage provides fully managed, fully supported, corporate-style desktop computing security and technical support services to individual users through a partnership group of Internet Service Providers, Telecommunications and Cable companies, and Financial Institutions across the nation. Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the privately owned company offers SecureIT, SecureIT Live, and SecureIT Plus as well as PC Support Services for instant online computer repair. These product and services give individual users the same level of "hands-free" support, "hands-free" protection, and convenience large corporations provide their employees. Product and company information is available at www.securitycoverage.com.