Intracept, Inc.'s announcement today of X-RAY VISION, a unique patent-pending software program that is the first to provide complete privacy and security while surfing the Net, follows extensive research by the company to determine how prevalent downloadable technologies are on the Net. Research revealed that most of the Top 100 Web Sites (as identified by PC Magazine Online) and the 50 largest newspapers in the United States currently use downloadable technologies ranging from harmless temporary cookies to potentially dangerous Java applets.

Researchers noted that 81% of the Top 100 Web sites used one or more types of downloadable technologies. Further, Web developers overwhelmingly use either Java applets or JavaScript, rather than ActiveX controls. JavaScript was used on 41% of the sites and 16% used Java applets. None used ActiveX controls. Some 58% of the Web sites implanted and/or retrieved cookies from users' computers and 16% of all the Web sites sent information from unidentified third party Web sites to users' computers. Another 11% sent cookies from unidentified third parties. For a complete review of the various types of downloadable technologies, as well as details on which ones are used on the Top 100 Web sites, visit Intracept's site at www.intracept.com.

Richard Wagner, developer of X-RAY VISION, and CEO of Intracept, Inc., of Atlanta, said, "Downloadable technologies have been developed to enhance the quality of the Net, but they create a potentially large danger to the privacy and security of Net users. Some combinations of these downloadable technologies can put data onto your computer, take data from your computer and even launch programs on your computer without you ever knowing it."

The research on the top 50 newspapers in the country which have Web sites revealed that 44% used JavaScript, 22% used Java applets and none used ActiveX controls. 56% of these Web sites implanted and/or retrieved cookies from users' computers and 46% sent information from unidentified third party Web sites. Another 10% sent cookies from unidentified third party Web sites to users' computers.

Wagner noted, "Our research shows just how risky Net surfing can be, but with X-RAY VISION, the tables have turned. Now people can see through Web sites and easily control what, if any, information they're willing to share."

Wagner expects X-RAY VISION to be a real hit with both experienced Net surfers and those who are new to the Net. X-RAY VISION is the only software available that shows all the underlying technology of every Web page -- and then lets users disarm it.

Internet users who are interested in receiving free updates of Intracept's ongoing research can sign up on the company's Web site.

Beginning today, X-RAY VISION is available as free trialware until November 30. It can be downloaded from the company's Web site. Beginning December 1, the product can be downloaded and purchased for only $29, still the least expensive Internet privacy protection software on the market.

Source: Intracept, Inc.