AVG secures access to social networks

AVG Technologies, developers of the world's most popular free anti-virus software, has updated its browser toolbar to include secure access to Facebook, Skype and weather updates. The toolbar functions as a secure portal through which alerts, pokes, friend requests, event invitations and status updates can be made. A proprietary Facebook Notifier feature can be configured to show only alerts that users want to receive.

"Our virus researchers have been warning consumers for the past year of hacks and scams that can be perpetrated via the social networks, so we are looking for ways to better align into these networks and begin to help make these interactions more secure," said J.R. Smith, CEO of AVG Technologies. "By adding this functionality into our toolbar, we are starting on a path to help keep our customers protected when they work, play, listen, view or connect online. AVG is protecting people, not PCs, and this addition to the tool bar gives them a convenient and secure channel through which to update Facebook status, launch Skype and get weather alerts."

The AVG toolbar is available now and included for free as an optional installation in all of AVG's security software products. Current AVG customers will receive the new toolbar functions as part of their next scheduled update; users with the AVG Security Toolbar already installed will be prompted to update.