ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 27, 2006--Cox Communications today introduced its new Anti-Phishing security software, now available to all Cox High Speed Internet customers who download Cox's free security suite. The new software redirects customers from phishing web sites designed to illegally gather personal information, and instead links customers to an educational Cox-branded web page. Cox collaborated with Authentium, Inc. to bring this software to market.

 

"Ensuring our customers have a safe broadband experience is a top priority for Cox," said Steve Gorman, vice president Product Marketing & Management, High Speed Internet. "Cox's new Anti-Phishing software is part of our ongoing campaign to keep our customers productive and worry-free online by providing valuable information and software at no extra charge."

Once downloaded, the new Anti-Phishing software automatically checks every Internet address that a customer's PC attempts to connect with against a comprehensive list of known phishing sites. The list of known phishing sites is constantly updated - even within an hour of a rogue site being reported. If a customer attempts to connect with a listed URL, a Cox-branded web page cautions the customer that they have been blocked from a phishing site. This warning page contains a brief description of phishing, links to more information, and - while it is not advised - it gives the customer the option to proceed to the blocked web site.

The new Anti-Phishing software is the newest component of Cox's security software suite that was introduced in April 2005. To-date, over 500,000 customers have downloaded the free security software. The customized suite provides a convenient way for customers to manage security and includes six other applications: Anti-Virus, Firewall, Parental Controls, Anti-Spyware, Spam Blocker and Pop-Up Blocker. An easy-to-use interface designed by Cox gives customers a convenient place to manage online settings and alerts. The security software can be accessed by visiting www.safeisbeautiful.com. Cox's commitment to customer education is also demonstrated through www.cox.com/takecharge - a web site that contains valuable information about how customers can "Take Charge" of their Internet, television and phone safety.

"Phishing is becoming more prevalent online and, as more predators attempt to take advantage of Internet users, it's important to protect yourself," said John Sharp, CEO of Authentium, provider of the Cox security suite. "We are proud to provide the technology that protects Cox customers, so they can avoid these threats and enjoy their time spent on the Internet."

The sophisticated software can detect links to phishing sites within e-mail or webmail; hidden links within graphics which subtly enable information gathering without launching the victim's Internet browser; and circumvents a new technique used by phishers that shows a legitimate-looking URL that, once clicked, re-directs to the phishing site. In all of these cases, a customer with the Anti-Phishing software would be safely redirected to the Cox web page instead of the counterfeit site.

Cox is an industry leader in Internet safety, and recently received the highest honor in J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM). Cox ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among High-Speed Internet Service Providers." J.D. Power and Associates surveyed over 6,000 cable and DSL high-speed Internet customers nationwide.

Acerca de Cox Communications (www.cox.com/espanol)

Cox Communications, a Fortune 500 company and wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc, is a multi-service broadband communications company with more than 6.6 million total customers, including more than 6.2 million basic cable subscribers (these numbers are an approximation as Cox continues to assess the effect of population loss in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina). The nation's third-largest cable television provider, Cox offers analog cable television under the Cox Cable brand as well as advanced digital video service under the Cox Digital Cable brand. Cox provides an array of other communications and entertainment services, including local and long distance telephone under the Cox Digital Telephone brand; high-speed Internet access under the Cox High Speed Internet brand; and commercial voice and data services via Cox Business Services. Local cable advertising, promotional opportunities and production services are sold under the Cox Media brand. Cox is an investor in programming networks including Discovery Channel. More information about Cox Communications can be accessed on the Internet at www.cox.com/espanol.

Contact:
Cox Communications
David Grabert, 404-269-7054
david.grabert@cox.com
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Stephanie Davis, 404-843-7872
Stephanie.davis2@cox.com