CHANNEL WELCOMES SOPHOS'S NEW INTEGRATED SECURITY OFFERING

Sophos Endpoint Security simplifies management of intrusion, adware, malware and spyware protection from one console

Sophos, a world leader in protecting businesses against computer threats, has announced the availability of its new integrated security offering, Sophos Endpoint Security.  This integrated IT protection, which will enable Sophos's business partners to offer a broader portfolio of security solutions, defends the desktops, laptops and servers of organisations from intrusion.  It also blocks known and unknown malware, spyware and adware, while managing dozens to tens of thousands of clients from a single console.

Sophos Endpoint Security features Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0, which has been enhanced to protect Windows systems against adware and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs), as well as viruses and spyware.  In a recent Sophos web poll of more than 300 business PC users, 94% stated they wanted anti-virus protection to contain integrated adware protection.

This security offering also includes the Sophos Client Firewall, which stops zero-day attacks and prevents intrusion by stealthing protected computers to make them invisible to hackers.  Designed for enterprise deployment, the firewall also stops internet and network worms with port blocking, while filtering and controlling unauthorised application communication.

Further bolstering Sophos Endpoint Security is the central management system, Enterprise Console 2.0, allowing administrators to deploy, manage and report on all endpoint security from a single console.  By dramatically reducing security management overheads, Sophos's new Enterprise Console 2.0 ensures minimal impact on network and system resources, while simplifying IT security policy creation and enabling rapid response to emerging threats. Highly scalable, it can cater for the largest, most complex networks - facilitating the management of tens of thousands of computers.  In addition, this easy-to-use console enables remote disinfection and clean-up of adware and malware.

New Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0 also provides enhanced end-user quarantine features that provide superior end-user control.  This industry-leading security software integrates with Cisco NAC to prevent unprotected computers from joining the network, and supports 64-bit versions of Windows 2000/XP/2003.  As with previous versions, Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0 also provides frequently and automatically updated protection against viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware across a wide range of operating systems.

"We have been really looking forward to Sophos putting this solution on the market," said Paul Prior, managing director at Foursys.  "Not only does it boast greater security with its new firewall and adware protection, but all the components are seamlessly integrated, meaning they can be managed from a single console.  During testing, we found this feature to be a huge time-saver - it simplified the task of protecting a network, and that is good news for administrators everywhere."

"Sophos is constantly strengthening and adding value to its security portfolio," said Alison Heath, UK channel manager at Sophos.  "By adding a client firewall and adware protection, our partners now have unprecedented ability to tailor Sophos offerings for their potential and existing customers.  Backed by our first-class support and strong reputation for technical innovation, this product will certainly make a significant impact on the market."

Sophos Endpoint Security is supported by the company's unrivalled technical support, which is available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year.