IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 6, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Webcloak announced today that it has successfully completed the Kickstarter campaign it launched on November 19, 2014. Backers of Webcloak pledged a total of $61,215 over a 45-day period. The funds will be used to help finalize the device, begin production and support other corporate purposes.

Webcloak is a state-of-the-art USB device that provides a self-contained Internet environment, empowering users to anonymously browse the Internet without risk of viruses, data theft or identity theft. The device does not require users to download software, nor does it rely upon third party networks, such as Tor.

"Cyber security is a pressing issue for our modern society, which is ever more dependent on the Internet for all aspects of our business and personal lives," said Martin Dawson, Webcloak's founder and chief technology officer. "Webcloak is a truly revolutionary solution to this growing problem, and we couldn't be more pleased with the support we've received from the Kickstarter community."

Webcloak is a small USB device with a distinctive form factor that creates the most impenetrable barrier between a client machine and the Web. With a combination of proprietary hardware, encryption, and secure access software, Webcloak provides a physical shield that allows users to safely browse the Internet with no risk of viruses, data theft, or identity theft, essentially rendering them invisible. Webcloak does not install any software on its host computer; when the user shuts down Webcloak there is no trace of it or the user's Internet activity left behind.

The device encases an "Internet desktop" running a unique proprietary virtual operating system. By plugging Webcloak into your computer, it forms a "machine within the machine," but unlike conventional browsing, with Webcloak, the Web is not able to identify or access your computer in any way, shape or form. Webcloak protects information as it travels to and from the Internet using its SafeChannel message encryption system. All data is encrypted using a customized version of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) 256-bit encryption which is rated by the National Security Agency as top secret level encryption, their highest rating.

The product offers four main features: SafeWeb, SafeVault, SafeKeeper and SafeCloud. SafeWeb is the user's "Internet desktop," which includes a customized browser that uses its encrypted communications system along with additional security features to create a safe, secure and anonymous browsing environment. SafeVault is a secure, encrypted drag and drop file store that allows users to securely keep their most important files with them wherever they go with the protection of top secret level encryption. SafeKeeper is a secure, encrypted password keeper that allows users to store all passwords and account numbers on a Webcloak device. SafeCloud is a secure cloud environment that allows users to synchronize, backup and restore their Webcloak devices. Webcloak is extensible using our SafeCloud environment. As the company adds secure applications, they become available to users on the Webcloak "Internet desktop." Webcloak works without the need to reboot the computer; once it is plugged in it begins working right away.

Dawson added, "Identity theft, fraudulent transactions, lost productivity and stolen photos are major and growing issues in Internet security." According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft and fraudulent transactions now cost individuals and companies more than $80 billion annually in the U.S. alone. It is estimated that more than 50 percent of computers are currently infected by at least one virus, malware, or spyware program. Webcloak aims to protect users against these threats.

Webcloak was created by Dawson, who has software development experience that spans over 30 years and includes the creation of the first Internet interactive streaming media products, LearnFlow and Xstream Media. He created the first practical audio delivery technology that enabled streaming audio and the viewing of rich multi-media content over the Internet. Dawson has pioneered the technologies for delivering automated software updates over the Internet, and for delivering interactive media to web browsers.