Security threats Toolkit

Trend Micro hardens spyware defences

Tags:
OfficeScan,
InterScan,
Anti-spyware

Matt Hines CNET News

Published: 11 Apr 2005 17:35 BST

Network security specialist Trend Micro has revamped its anti-spyware lineup, launching on Monday a new version of its computer defence applications and a new package of tools to fight malicious software.

In coordination with its product launch, Trend Micro also released new research showing that spyware continues to plague corporate computer networks. Ninety-three percent of the 500 IT professionals that Trend Micro recently surveyed have experienced an increase in the volume of spyware found on their companies' networks during the past three months.

The survey also found that 87 percent of companies it queried believe that spyware will become an even bigger headache before it can be contained.

The Cupertino, California-based company introduced on Monday an updated version of its OfficeScan anti-spyware software, which is designed to protect desktop computers, laptops and servers against the harmful applications. OfficeScan version 7.0 boasts improved blocking technology to fend off spyware, adware, remote-access attacks and password-cracking applications. The software can also now be integrated with security tools from networking giant Cisco.

"We want to give people the same sort of protection that they're used to for viruses, with anti-spyware — a multi-layered defence at the network level," said Jack Marsal, senior product marketing manager at Trend Micro. "Blocking spyware at the gateway, and again at the desktop, gives people far greater ability to defend their systems on every level."

Individual versions of the software will sell for $35 (£19) per seat for desktop and notebook computers and $26.40 per seat for servers. Trend Micro is also selling a version that promises improved network security management for $40 per seat. In addition, the company has rolled all the products into a single package, dubbed OfficeScan Anti-Spyware, which will sell for $50.80 per seat.

For North America, Trend Micro also introduced a new set of integrated security tools, known as the InterScan Anti-Spyware Suite, which bundles antivirus, anti-phishing, URL filtering and anti-spyware technology. That package will retail for $27.80 per user, the company said.