Trend turns on home security appliance

Router-based AV system adds system of parental controls

Trend Micro Inc is to load its anti-virus and anti-spyware consumer security software directly onto wireless routers to protect home computing networks at the point of entry, as well as at the desktop.

The company said its internet security software will be integrated into the popular range of Linksys by Cisco wireless-N routers, and that it had similar plans to secure USB devices with inbuilt anti-malware programmes as well.

The Home Network Defender appliance comes with four licenses of Trend’s anti-virus suite that adds a level of desktop security to the protection provided at the routers, and includes a system that can be used to impose various levels of access controls on the home network. 

That system promises to provide controls that will restrict access to Web site content based on pre-defined rules that will typically be set by a parent. 

The appliance is designed to secure all manner of home-network and IP devices, such as online game consoles, Wi-Fi enabled phones, and personal media players. 

VP of marketing for the company Carol Carpenter said the intention was to provide protection from threats before they reach the home.

In the US the Home Network Defender will retail at $59.99, but existing Linksys by Cisco router users will be able to update their firmware at discounted prices.

Carpenter has also confirmed that the company is working to release software that protects USB flash drives from infection.

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