Paris, November 12, 2003 - Kaspersky Labs, an international data security developer opens a European Computer Virus Research Centre in Paris to be headed by Marc Blanchard, a leading European computer virus expert.
Today, Europe is a key region for Kaspersky Labs, accounting for over 30% of Kaspersky Labs worldwide sales. "Because of the amount of customers we need to have better reaction for new threats. Such a centre will allow the company to increase speed of reaction and implement protective measures in case of local outbreaks", - said Natalya Kaspersky, Kaspersky Labs CEO.
The new centre will be in involved real-time monitoring of the virus situation in Europe, and technology research together with the Kaspersky Labs Global Virus Research Centre based in Moscow, Russia. The focus will be on increasing response time to new viruses and providing European customers with proactive information and high-end technical support. This will result in more effective threat neutralization both on a global and local level.
Kaspersky Labs welcomes Marc Blanchard, the Head of the new Kaspersky Labs European Virus Research Centre. In addition to his duties at the Centre, Marc will also develop technical support network for France.
Marc Blanchard is one of the most respected virus experts worldwide. His professional career as an IT threat analyst began in 1986, when he created his own technology against malicious programs. In 1991, Marc headed the computer virus research group in Central Point Software. Later he headed the European research division in the company.
In 1996, Mr. Blanchard joined Trend Micro, where he spearheaded the creation of a French Computer Virus Research Centre. Once again, he went on to become Head of Virus Research for Europe.
At the same time, Marc continued an intensive educational career, helping train and certify a generation of anti-virus specialists. Marc has published a series of articles and researches many of which are used for training virus analysts today.
"Kaspersky Labs experts and I all began our struggle against IT threats at about the same time. I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with experts, whom I have long respected for truly revolutionary innovations in the battle against virus writers," noted Marc Blanchard, newly-appointed Head of Kaspersky Labs European Virus Research Centre, "I am sure that our work together will be fruitful and that our clients will benefit from our joint expertise".
"Kaspersky Labs is steadily strengthening its position in the global market. We are most pleased to welcome Marc Blanchard, one of the foremost virus analysts worldwide to our team of virus experts. His reputation in France will help us provide our customers with the highest quality of customer support. Marc's expertise will also further our company's abilities to foresee trends and neutralise new IT threats: an integral service for enterprises and computer users all over the globe" added Natalya Kaspersky.
For more information contact our local office:
Kaspersky Lab Benelux BV
Press Contact: Maria Penedo Cumplido
maria@kasperskylab.nl
Havensingel 1a
5211 TX 's-Hertogenbosch
The Netherlands
www.kasperskylab.nl
info@kasperskylab.nl