MAM
AOL releases new Spyware protection to improve net security
MUMBAI: Internet service provider America Online has launched AOL Spyware Protection 2.0 (Asp 2.0). This is a multi-level package of spyware protection that includes four different scans – minute-to-minute, every 15 minutes, daily, and weekly.
Asp 2.0, powered by eTrust PestPatrol® Anti-Spyware technology from Computer Associates International provides one of the most comprehensive protection packages available and finds more than 28,000 known types of spyware, adware, keystroke loggers and trojan horses.
AOL Access business president Joe Redling said, “Spyware programmes are the snakes of the Internet. They creep silently onto a user’s computer and wrap themselves around everything on the machine, choking the computer and poisoning the online experience. Spyware and adware can cover your screen with unwanted pop-ups, steal your connection, change your preferences, slow your computer, redirect your Web navigation and searches, and even steal your personal information. AOL wants to protect its members from dangerous and damaging software. ASP 2.0 offers a powerful tool to help members keep their machines safe and clean.”
Provided to AOL members at no additional charge, ASP 2.0 helps users find and disable a wide range of security threats, nuisance software and Web tracking programs. ASP 2.0 offers four levels of protection against surveillance and advertising software:
Every approximately 60 seconds: An automatic memory scan looks for roughly 15,000 types of spyware and adware that may be running silently in memory (less often on slower computers);
Every 15 minutes: The AOL SpyZapper feature scans in less than a second for any new programs that have been downloaded or attempted to reinstall themselves;
Every day: Automatic “Quick Scan” takes just a few seconds to check for more than 28,000 known types of spyware and adware;
Every week: A “full drive scan” performs a thorough review of the user’s entire hard drive for all 28,000 known variants. Automatic updates help protect users against new threats as they emerge.
To further augment this protection, AOL and CA will launch updated versions later this year and early next year. The updates will feature an “always on” active shielding that blocks infections before they occur, neighborhood watch reporting, and a Web-based spyware encyclopedia that includes an elaborate description and discussion of detected programmes.
MAM
Ad:tech honours 2026: Full list of winners announced
Expanded awards spotlight winners across 22 categories as industry doubles down on intelligent automation
NEW DELHI: Marketing’s tech elite took the spotlight as the ad:tech honours 2026 returned with a sharper focus on AI, data and immersive media, signalling how deeply technology now underpins brand strategy. Held at Yashobhoomi on March 17, the second edition drew industry leaders to celebrate innovation that is reshaping engagement and performance.
Presented with the International Advertising Association India chapter and new partner Huella, the awards expanded from 8 to 22 categories, tracking the rapid convergence of creativity, automation and analytics.
The winners’ list reads like a snapshot of marketing’s future. In affiliate and partner marketing, Lyxel & Flamingo – Boat and Paytm Ads – Giva took silver. Mobavenue Media Private Limited struck gold in AI-driven dynamic creative optimisation, alongside a silver for Laqshya Media Limited.
Creative AI collaboration saw Rediffusion Brand Solutions Private Limited win gold, with Saltinc Consulting Private Limited securing silver. Laqshya Media Limited continued its strong run, taking gold in AI conversation agents and adding multiple wins across categories, including silver in GenAI-led creative and both gold and silver in interactive DOOH campaigns for Tanishq and Tata Coffee.
Predictive AI honours went to Strong Metrics and Tyroo, both silver, while Orient Bell Limited picked up silver in immersive retail tech. In GenAI-led creative, Laqshya Media Limited, Salt – Kotak and Sumimoto each secured silver, reflecting the crowded race in generative creativity.
Publicis bagged silver in influencer management and gold in performance marketing, where it shared the stage with Arm Worldwide and The Trade Desk, both silver. Glad U Came Private Limited stood out with gold in influencer measurement and analytics.
Marketing automation saw CereOne Media Pvt. Ltd. and Globale Media win silver, while ADMOTT Private Limited claimed silver in OTT innovation.
Programmatic media categories highlighted the shift to advanced targeting and connected screens. Mobavenue Media Private Limited clinched gold in connected TV advertising, with Animmoov Digital Media Pvt Ltd – Asus and Lyxel and Flamingo taking silver. Cheggout Services Private Limited won silver in retail media advertising, while Paytm Ads – Versuni secured gold.
On social platforms, Vayner Media India took gold in community and UGC engagement, with Under 25 – Oppo winning silver. Segumento rounded off the list with silver in the innovation category.
Jaswant Singh, country managing director at ad:tech India, underscored the momentum, saying generative AI and data-driven decision-making are now central to marketing impact. Neena Dasgupta, IAA mancom member and chief executive and founder at The Salt Inc Consulting, added that the awards celebrate not just technology, but “the people, the creativity, and the relentless effort behind it.”
Backed by Comexposium Group, ad:tech New Delhi has long tracked digital disruption. Now, with the honours, it is rewarding those who are not just adapting to change but engineering it.
In an industry racing towards automation, the message from 2026 is unmistakable. The future of marketing will be written not just in ideas, but in algorithms.
