GeoTrust Launches TrustWatch Search Site for Identity Theft Protection

September 14, 2004  - (HostReview.com) - GeoTrust, Inc.(www.geotrust.com), a leader in identity solutions for e-business and the world's second largest issuer of SSL certificates for web security, today announced the availability of TrustWatch, ®  (www.trustwatch.com) the industry's first free domain verification search site and toolbar developed to help consumers combat the near-epidemic levels of online identity theft and credit card fraud.

"TrustWatch is the only consumer-friendly search service and toolbar that verifies a website's identity and security level to help individuals understand whether a site is authentic and secure for the exchange of confidential data," said Neal Creighton, president and CEO of GeoTrust, Inc.

The TrustWatch search site uses patent-pending technology to allow consumers to enter any web site or domain name into a search box and receive a verification rating that provides consumers with more confidence when exchanging personal and payment information with an online business.

According to the Anti-Phishing Working Group, by hijacking trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. When they do, consumers typically provide information such as credit card, bank and Social Security numbers, or user names and passwords.

The free TrustWatch search site and toolbar give consumers an easy-to-use tool to combat online identity theft. The search site is accessible via the web and the toolbar is easily downloadable.

"The Anti-Phishing Working Group supports the efforts of companies to help consumers prevent phishing and fraud on the Internet," said the group's Chairman, David Jevans.

TrustWatch is free, and available for download from www.trustwatch.com. In its initial release version, it supports Internet Explorer browser versions 5.0 and above and is compatible with Microsoft Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and XP operating systems.

GeoTrust, Inc., a leader in identity and trust services, helps organizations of all sizes secure e-commerce transactions, trusted identities and fully managed trusted environments for conducting e-business.