The global release of Ad-Aware 2008, the latest version of their flagship product, now including integrated anti-virus protection, was announced today by Lavasoft, well-known anti-spyware pioneer. Designed to address the explosive growth of today's viruses, spyware, and malware, boosting detection to include over one million new cyber threats, Ad-Aware 2008 includes an extended detection engine.

When it comes to protecting their privacy online, today's PC users are more educated and aware. To keep their personal information safe from cyber criminals, research from National Cyber Security Alliance shows, 78% of computer users still lack protection.

Jason King, Lavasoft CEO, declared: "These are staggering statistics, seeing that a large number of people engage in risky behaviors online, such as banking and shopping". "Ad-Aware 2008 offers a seamlessly integrated solution to combat identity theft and cyber crime. With faster scan times, substantially reduced use of computer memory, and full Vista support, Ad-Aware meets the demands of today's PC users," says King.

Ad-Aware 2008, developed in collaboration with a leading anti-virus technology partner, boosts the layers of protection with the extended anti-virus engine. Over 1.2 million complex forms of spyware, viruses, and other hybrid malware strains are now identified by their amplified detection database. To detect stealth malware that takes full control of a computer without user knowledge, Ad-Aware 2008 features improved technology.

Ad-Watch monitors for malicious behavior involving spyware processes, malicious objects, tracking cookies, browser keyloggers, hijackers, Trojans and more, in real-time.