Symantec partners with BDL to help protect Saudi Internet users against online threats

The partnership entitles BDL to leverage its extensive network of 500 resellers to distribute Symantec's world-class Norton brand security products across Saudi Arabia.

"BDL is pleased to partner with Symantec to improve the visibility and availability of the Norton family of security solutions throughout the Kingdom," said Prince Waleed Al Saud, Chairman and Managing Director, BDL. "Our dynamic sales team and expansive network of on-ground merchandisers will speed the delivery of vital security tools to protect the systems and data of millions of Saudi Internet users."

As in other high-growth areas in the region, Saudi Arabia's computer and Internet penetration rates have grown quickly. According to June 30, 2007 statistics provided by market research firm Internet World Stats (www.internetworldstats.com), Internet use in Saudi Arabia grew 1,170% from 2000 to 2007. Today, more than 2.5m Saudis use the Internet, accounting for 13% of total Internet usage in the Middle East.

As Internet use rises, exposure to security threats also increases, putting users at risk of identity theft, phishing attacks, bot infections, fraud, cybercrime and more. According to Symantec's most recent Internet Security Threat Report, threats to confidential information made up 65% of potential infections by the top 50 malicious code samples during the first half of 2007. Moreover, of all confidential threats detected during this period, 88% had a keystroke logging component and 88% had remote access capabilities.

Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security solutions are market leaders in protecting desktops, laptops and mobile computing devices against such current and emerging threats. Norton AntiVirus is the world's most trusted virus protection; it automatically detects and removes spyware, viruses, and other Internet threats and works automatically to block harmful software before it penetrates systems. Norton Internet Security is the industry's first integrated Internet security suite; it includes Norton AntiVirus as well as a smart firewall, antispyware and antiphishing technologies, and new identity management and protection to detect and block complex threats and protect the user's identity when buying, banking or browsing online. Symantec also protects mobile device such as smartphones with unobtrusive yet powerful Norton brand solutions that guard against malicious code, spam and theft.

"Symantec is committed to working with BDL to mitigate security risks to Saudi Internet users by initiating awareness campaigns and increasing the market reach of our powerful solutions and services," said Sanjiv Vij, Country Manager, Consumer Products, Symantec. "The combination of BDL's powerful distribution network together with our world-class security solutions will help ensure a safe Internet experience for Saudi users as they work online."

As part of a series of lead-up activities to the October 2008 launch of its new security solutions, Symantec is conducting quarterly road shows and reseller events supported by key retail partners across the Kingdom. The road shows aim to raise awareness among all levels of computer users about emerging online threats and the latest security measures and solutions available.

BDL, which achieved $133m in sales in 2006 and recently topped a Channel Magazine survey published in March 2007, has a massive retail network as well as six branches throughout the Kingdom and five strategically located warehousing facilities in the major cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar. Its sales network also covers the Saudi cities of Al-Qassem, Khamish Mushayt, Tabuk, Madina, Yanbu and Jubail.