September 2004
Ad link to McAfee labels BitDefender as virus
Ad link to McAfee labels BitDefender as virus
BitDefender antivirus software is called a "virus" in an advertisement on Google.com. The ad copy reads "Remove Bitdefender virus. Clean your PC if already infected" and links to the mcafee.com website, more specifically, to a page that advertises McAfee antivirus software. The sponsored link appears when a search for "BitDefender" is performed on google.com.
"This is clearly no technical error, unlike the recent Griffiths case. It is false advertising and libel, commited with intent and purpose. We have not even begun to calculate the impact this incident has on the good name of our products and company, but it must be significant, since the libelous ad uses the name of an otherwise reputable company." declared Bogdan Irina, BitDefender Sales and Marketing Director.
Recently this year McAfee misidentified an internet setup program used by ISPs in more than twenty countries as a Trojan. The program's author, Mark Griffiths, has stated that he was considering legal action.
"We've had a great year in Europe, grabbing second place in retail software sales in France, a spot that was traditionally occupied by McAfee, so I suspect the opening of our new US offices may have pushed our competitors over the edge of fair play, and into shady business practices," Irina concluded.
McAfee officials were not immediately available for comments.
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software.Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.