Security vendor turns on industry

A security firm has turned on its competitors, accusing other security vendors of scaremongering. Rakash Gupta, chief executive of PineApp issued a statement that criticised other security firms for "publicity-seeking gimmicks". Gupta said: "It is security vendors’ responsibility to provide sensible, intelligent advice that allows computer owners to accurately assess their risks and put the right measures in place to stop their homes or businesses from being affected." PineApp named Sophos, McAfee, Panda Security and F-Secure as companies being especially guilty of seeking to make headlines rather than inform surfers about online risks. "It’s time to stop the gimmicks," Gupta said. Sophos, criticised by PineApp for its recent Spam Pledge campaign, argued that by increasing awareness of spam and what could be done to reduce it, the company was merely "offering sensible, intelligent advice". "Why would a security company like PineApp not want to kill off spam? Why would they be so strongly against a campaign to raise awareness of the little thing that everyone can do to make a difference in the fight against spam?" asked Sophos's Graham Cluley. www.pineapp.com www.sophos.com