EarthLink Offers Free Spyware Analysis to All Internet Users

New Spyware Detection Feature Allows Internet-Connected PC Users To Uncover
Spyware Residing On Their Machines

ATLANTA, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To further inform consumers
about the dangers of spyware and how these hidden software applications affect
their personal computers, EarthLink (Nasdaq: ELNK), one of the nation's
largest ISPs, today announced a free-of-charge spyware detection program,
SpyAudit, that is available to all Internet users.

Spyware is a rapidly proliferating type of software that secretly forwards
information about a computer user's online activities to another individual or
company without the user's knowledge or permission. Industry experts suggest
that these types of programs may infect up to 90 percent of all Internet
connected computers.

SpyAudit, powered by Webroot software (http://www.webroot.com), is a 300
KB software program that Web surfers can download from http://www.earthlink.net that
will quickly run an analysis of the user's personal computer and provide an
analyzed audit report that shows all spyware programs residing on the machine.
If left undetected, spyware may lead to increased identity and personal
information theft, computer corruption and exposure to annoying pop-up ads.

Last October EarthLink was the first major ISP to offer its subscribers a
program, Spyware Blocker(SM) to protect them from spyware. Spyware Blocker
offers users protection against more than 1,500 different forms of hidden
applications. Spyware Blocker is included with EarthLink's TotalAccess(R) 2004
Internet software and is also free-of-charge for EarthLink members.

"Spyware is a growing problem, and we are pleased that other ISPs are
following our lead and recognizing the importance of implementing anti-spyware
technologies," stated Rob Kaiser, vice president of narrowband marketing for
EarthLink. "EarthLink's SpyAudit program provides all Internet users with a
tool to help identify spyware that resides on their personal computers,
enabling them to take practical steps to protect themselves and their families
while online."

Typically, spyware arrives bundled with freeware or shareware, through e-
mail or instant message, or by someone with access to a user's computer. Once
on a hard drive, it begins reporting the next time the user goes online.
Unlike most software applications, spyware is difficult to detect and can be
difficult to remove.

Some of the more dangerous spyware programs include keystroke loggers,
system monitors and trojans. Keystroke loggers monitor and record each user's
keystroke, possibly exposing the user to the risk of information and identity
theft. System monitors are designed to keep track of a consumer's computer
activity and can record virtually everything a user does online. Finally,
trojans are applications that appear as harmless requested programs, but
instead facilitate theft of computer data by permitting hackers to gain
unrestricted access to computers while Web surfers are online.

About EarthLink

"EarthLink revolves around you(SM)." As a leading national Internet
service provider (ISP) headquartered in Atlanta, EarthLink has earned an award
winning reputation for outstanding customer service and its suite of online
products and services. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003
Internet Service Provider Residential Customer Satisfaction Study(SM),
EarthLink is ranked highest in customer satisfaction among high-speed Internet
Service Providers. Serving approximately five million subscribers, EarthLink
offers what every user should expect from their Internet experience: high-
quality connectivity, minimal drop-offs and ISP-generated intrusions, and
customizable features. Whether it's dial-up, high-speed, Web hosting, or
wireless Internet service, EarthLink provides the tools that best let
individuals use and enjoy the Internet on their own terms. Learn more about
EarthLink by calling (800) EARTHLINK or visiting EarthLink's Web site
at http://www.earthlink.net.