Trend Micro launches security software for routers

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 18 Feb 2009 at 08:04

Trend Micro has unveiled a new service that claims to protect the entire home network by installing security software on the router.

Click here to read how Trend Micro has reversed its rip-off Britain pricing

The security firm has teamed up with router manufacturer Cisco to install the software on selected Linksys-branded routers.

The router software prevents any device on the network from accessing sites hosting malware, phishing scams and other malware threats.

Trend Micro claims the software will work with any device that has internet access, including PCs, Macs, games consoles and mobile phones. Anyone attempting to visit a site on Trend Micro's blacklist will be presented with a web page, warning them that access to the site has been blocked.

"One of the big reasons we believe this is revolutionary is that it's not just a PC-based solution," said Trend Micro's Greg Memo, vice president of the products group. "It is for the emerging devices that are connected on your home network, such as iPods, iPod Touches, iPhones... Playstations or Wiis with an integrated web browser. It's a much more appropriate way to protect your family."

The Home Network Defender software is managed through a web interface. Users can choose from one of three levels of protection, with a range of parental controls that allow the administrator to set access rights for each device. So, for example, children could be banned from accessing social-networking sites on the family PC, but they could be enabled on parents' smartphones.

The router software doesn't entirely replace traditional antivirus software. The Home Network Defender pack comes with four licences of Trend Micro AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware, to prevent malware from infecting the network via devices such as USB flash drives.

The software is currently only compatible with two Linksys N routers: the WRT310N and WRT610N. Owners of those devices can upgrade their firmware now at the Home Network Defender site.

UPDATE: Click here to read how Trend Micro has reversed its rip-off Britain pricing