Tool uses web reputation to stop malware

Trend Micro's OfficeScan tool can assess a web site's reputation and protect firms from malware

Trend Micro has released a new version of its OfficeScan client security tool, adding compatibility with Windows Vista and Web reputation technology to protect against sites serving up malware.

OfficeScan 8.0, available immediately, adds web reputation technology to the security tool's existing capabilities, which already protect client systems against various threats such as viruses, rootkits and network-based attacks.

A relatively new technique, web reputation relies on a continually updated analysis of a web site and its behaviour to judge whether the site is trustworthy or potentially hosting malware that could infect systems. OfficeScan 8.0 is the first corporate security package to feature this technology, according to Trend Micro, adding greater protection against threats through a Web Security Rating and enhanced anti-spyware technology.

While traditional security techniques rely on protecting the network at the internet gateway, laptop users are increasingly at risk through the use of Wi-Fi hotspots and hotel networks, the company said.

“Enterprise endpoints are increasingly mobile, and laptops are now outnumbering desktops at many major corporations. It is clear that increasing mobility combined with the evolving sophistication of Web threats requires enterprises to look differently at how their security is enforced,” said Trend Micro's general manager of enterprise business operations, Max Cheng

The new release has also been certified for Windows Vista, which aids organisations planning an upgrade to Microsoft's new desktop platform to keep systems protected before and after migration. OfficeScan also now features an extensible architecture to enable easy updates, Trend Micro said.

OfficeScan 8.0 costs £15.87 per seat for up to 100 users. Upgrade and trial versions are also available.