Internet Security Software.

    
FEATURE/IDC Ranks SurfControl in Top 25 Internet Security Software Companies.

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE FEATURES)

SurfControl, the Internet Filtering Company(SM), (London:SRF, NASDAQ Europe:SRFC) today announced that a newly released IDC report ranks SurfControl amidst the top 25 Internet security software companies worldwide.

The report "2001 - 2005 Internet Security Software Market Forecast and Analysis" examines the current size of the global market for Internet security software and its projected increase over the next five years.

According to IDC, the Internet Security market's explosive growth will reach $14.2 billion in 2005. The report confirms SurfControl's strong positioning in the Authentication, Authorization and Administration (3A) segment, naming it as a leading provider of filtering solutions for both web and e-mail.

The 3A market, by far the fastest growing segment of the total Internet Security market, is projected to reach $9.5 billion dollars over the next five years, accounting for 33 percent of total software security expenditures in 2005.

"The role of Internet security has dramatically shifted," said Chris Christiansen, IDC VP of Internet Infrastructure & Security software. "Where before, corporations were primarily focused on preventing people from entering company networks, security features are now allowing corporations to open their internal networks, servers and content to external access via the Internet. Filtering software solutions offered by companies like SurfControl are an important component of a company's overall security program, preventing harmful content from entering the network either through web or e-mail."

"Internet security breaches cost businesses around the world close to $15 billion a year(a)," said Steve Purdham, SurfControl's president and CEO. "It is therefore not surprising that the market for security software is exploding. IDC's report confirms that SurfControl is well positioned to continue its path of sustained growth within the Internet Security Sector," continued Purdham.

SurfControl, the leader in the Internet content filtering market, offers an award-winning suite of products that helps large and midsize corporations effectively manage e-mail and Internet use in the workplace. SuperScout Email Filter and SuperScout Web Filter enable organizations to increase security, reduce legal liabilities, optimize network bandwidth, and increase employee productivity.

About SurfControl - The Internet Filtering Company

SurfControl plc (London:SRF/NASDAQ Europe:SRFC), is a world leader in Internet filtering solutions for use by corporations, in the home and education. The SurfControl family of products employs expert filtering, Pass-Through, and Pass-By technologies to create a productive Internet environment in the workplace and a child safe environment on the Internet at home and at school.

This comprehensive line of Internet monitoring and policy management solutions includes SuperScout Web Filter - the market leader in Internet productivity in the corporation; SuperScout Email Filter - managing content security; Cyber Patrol - the market leader in responsible Internet usage in the home and at school; and the SurfControl Content Filtering SDK - the proven filtering solution for ISPs, Search Engines, Internet Appliances and ASPs.

SurfControl works with a variety of industry partners such as AT&T, Check Point Software (NASDAQ:CHKP), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO), Hewlett Packard (NYSE:HWP), IBM (NYSE:IBM), Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), and Microsoft Corp.'s Web TV (NASDAQ: MSFT).

SurfControl employs 347 people worldwide and has 8 offices in the USA in California and Massachusetts; in the UK in Manchester and London; in Rotterdam, Holland; Vienna, Austria; Frankfurt, Germany and Sydney, Australia.

For further information and news on SurfControl, please visit http://www.surfcontrol.com

About IDC

IDC is the foremost global market intelligence and advisory firm helping clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies. Using a combination of rigorous primary research, in- depth analysis, and client interaction, IDC forecasts worldwide markets and trends to deliver dependable service and client advice.

More than 700 analysts in 43 countries provide global research with local content. IDC's customers comprise the world's leading IT suppliers, IT organizations, ebusiness companies and the financial community.

Additional information can be found at www.idc.com.

IDC is a division of IDG, the world's leading IT media, research and exposition company. All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

(a) Survey by Datamonitor.