The Middle East's Internet usage has grown a phenomenal 1,987 percent from 2000 to 2011 – the highest rate in the world. With almost 70 million Internet users and growing, the region is also witnessing a surge in malicious software and web-based attacks. Against this backdrop, AlFalak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co., a leading provider of technology-based end-to-end solutions in the Middle East, said the Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) solution bundled with the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system (OS) it distributes across the Middle East offers solid protection against the various threats faced by the region's home and office computing environments. A Microsoft Security Intelligence report points to Saudi Arabia – the region's largest IT market – in particular as a favorite target for hackers and criminal elements capitalizing on the region's expanding broadband capabilities. The award-winning Microsoft Security Essentials is Microsoft's free consumer security product currently used by more than 30 million users. MSE is easy to install and features an organized interface, fast scanning, low resource usage, and automatic updates. It offers advanced real-time protection for home or small business PCs against viruses, spyware and other malicious software. Given the broad use of the Windows 7 OS in the Middle East, MSE is considered an important tool in safeguarding the region's personal and professional systems and networks. "Microsoft Security Essentials offers all genuine Windows users state-of-the-art protection in a convenient and non-intrusive manner. It is an important part of the Windows 7 package that we encourage our customers to take full advantage of. MSE embodies the kind of accessible solutions the region needs as it rapidly transforms to a knowledge-based economy," said Ahmed Ashadawi, CEO and President, Al-Falak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co. Microsoft Security Essentials can be installed on an unlimited number of household computers and up to 10 units in small businesses with genuine copies of Microsoft Windows. It is free to download from www.microsoft.com/security_essentials. AlFalak Electronic Equipment & Supplies Co. is a leading information and communications technology solutions provider with 30 years of experience in the Middle East Markets. Through partnerships with technology leaders such as Microsoft, Oracle, HP, Blue Coat and SAS the company offers end-to
