A Worry-Free Broadband Experience
7th August 2002 (NISER)
By Gopal Nair Now this is something the SME/SMI industry in Malaysia can invest prudently. Trend Micro recently launched its GateLock X200 broadband viruswall, reputedly, world's first comprehensive broadband gateway security device aimed at broadband users. Combining antivirus and anti-hacker functions in a convenient, easy-to-use plug-and-play appliance, GateLock is intended to make broadband Internet access a worry-free experience for users of all levels. Its IP sharing functions allow multiple users to go on-line simultaneously, making the solution particularly suitable for small enterprises. Enthusiasm for broadband Internet access is sweeping across the world with Germany and South Korea tying in at first place for broadband adoption, according to market researcher, Gartner Group.
In Malaysia, the basic infrastructure for broadband access (and service providers) has been developing steadily in the last few years, and is expected to increase by 8 folds, at a CAGR of 72% reaching 22,000 customers by 2005 (IDC 2001), more so with the eventual affordability of basic broadband services here. However, the spread of Internet and broadband access here has been accompanied by an increase in the problems of viruses and hackers making their presence felt almost instantly and permanently. Wong Joon Hoong, country sales manager at Trend Micro said, "We foresee that broadband security will be a major problem for the Internet. With the emerging developments in broadband Internet access here, it is all the more important that attention be paid to the threat of viruses and hackers activities posed to broadband Internet access, to ensure that the broadband market here can continue to enjoy a steady growth." "Trend Micro has devoted a great deal of effort to the development of the GateLock X200, to provide broadband users with a first class Internet security solution at an affordable price." According to Wong, "GateLock X200 provides users with a secure broadband Internet access environment, due to the integration of three important functions - it effectively blocks viruses, keeps hackers out, and allows several people to use broadband access simultaneously." Wong added, "GateLock X200 is the first device of its kind to offer protection from both viruses and hackers for broadband Internet access." GateLock X200 antivirus functions allows it to rapidly scan, accept and send POP and SMTP e-mail messages, as well as scan all e-mail attachments. If an e-mail message is infected with a virus, GateLock X200 performs erasing and deleting. GateLock X200 ensures that the user's anti-virus defences are always up-to-date, because it automatically downloads the latest virus definition codes from Trend Micro's server. Users can either have the latest codes downloaded automatically or do it manually; either way, they need have no worries about virus attack. GateLock X200 provides multiple layers of protection, and the user can choose for themselves how they want viruses to be dealt with (delete the document, eliminate the virus, or leave it alone for the moment, etc.). GateLock X200's anti-virus record maintains a record of at least the last 30 virus incidents, noting the date, the name of the file, the name of the virus, and how the virus was dealt with. Users can use their Web UI to browse the anti-virus record. As soon as a virus is discovered, a warning message is attached to the original e-mail message to notify the user that the virus has been dealt with in accordance with their pre-set instructions, thereby providing the user with greater peace of mind. GateLock X200 also ensures that users' data is protected from hackers, because it can prevent unauthorised external connections and hide the user's IP address. GateLock X200 has a powerful firewall function which blocks unauthorised Internet activity. It uses its firewall functions and inspection functions to monitor the flow of information from and to the Internet, thereby keeping hackers at bay. GateLock X200 has an in-built Intrusion Detection System, and keeps a record of all the hacker activity, which it detects. When hacker activity has been dealt with, GateLock X200 sends the user an e-mail message to notify them. GateLock X200's firewall is updated regularly, to ensure that users always have the most up-to-date anti-hacker code. GateLock X200 is also able to prevent DoS (Denial of Service) attacks such as the Ping of Death, TearDrop, Smurf Attack, Land Attack, SYN Flood and the like. GateLock X200 also functions like a router to provide an IP sharing functions, making it very easy to create a small network. It allows several PCs to use the same broadband Internet connection simultaneously. As long as the TCP/IP protocol is installed, any other driver or software is not needed. GateLock X200 can also be used like a DHCP server, in which case it automatically allocates an IP address to a user's computer, eliminating the need for manual handling. GateLock establishes a defensive wall at the gateway where the PC connects to the Internet, blocking viruses and hacker activity before they can reach the user's PC. Trend Micro can also upgrade GateLock remotely, ensuring that the user has the latest antivirus and firewall rule code. Wong said that in order to stimulate the growth of broadband technology here, Trend Micro will continue to collaborate with its distributors, and will co-operate with local telecoms and ISPs to promote its broadband security service here. Pricing and Availability
GateLock X200 retails at RM980-00 for the first year, and RM490-00 for license renewing and support maintenance for every subsequent year. |
