GFI adds Web Protection to its GFI Cloud

Small businesses can be amongst the most vulnerable when it comes to security breaches, especially when they are using services in the cloud. These businesses are the primary target for GFI Software, which already has an extensive set of cloud-delivered security tools and services, But now it has added one more component to this GFI Cloud suite, a service called Web Protection.

This new service enables SMB IT managers to reduce exposure from Web-based security risks and productivity loss by managing Internet access and use on company machines. And because it is a cloud service it is available for use regardless of whether the devices being protected are in-house or in remote locations. With this addition, GFI claims that it can now provide antivirus, patch management and Web protection on all the endpoints managed from a single, centralised console in the cloud.  

Web Protection adds extensive Web security features, enabling administrators to be in complete control of security across their distributed infrastructure by easily protecting machines from websites pushing malware, phishing sites, proxies, spyware, adware, botnets and spam. It ensures that the majority of malicious code on the Internet is blocked at the point of request, ensuring that it never even makes it to the endpoint, be it servers, client PCs or laptops. 

Its URL filtering capabilities allow administrators to apply Web content filtering policies, such as time-based browsing rules, across more than 80 different categories of websites. Additionally, Web monitoring functionality helps administrators stay on top of bandwidth usage through real-time graphical reports and automated alerts when defined bandwidth thresholds are reached.

With these tools, administrators can spot excess bandwidth usage by device, URL or category of website and quickly remediate the problem to avoid unwanted costs and network strain.

GFI’s Web Protection service joins an extensive line-up of existing services for GFI Cloud, including antivirus, patch management, workstation and server monitoring, asset tracking and remote support. The addition of Web Protection offers SMB IT administrators a layered approach to security that includes antivirus, patch management and Web protection through a single, cloud-based solution.

The whole of GFI Cloud can be achieved with a one-time installation of an agent that links each machine to the management console via the Web. Once connected, IT administrators log into the console to manage essential GFI Software services.

Regardless of location, the lightweight agent connects each machine to GFI Cloud via the Internet. This enables administrators to manage PCs and laptops used by remote employees as easily as those who are within the network.

“Malware is growing more sophisticated by the day, and cybercriminals are targeting users from all directions – on social media sites, through unpatched software, in search engine results, the list goes on,” said Sergio Galindo, Head of Global Product Management at GFI Software. “The security risks are increasing by the minute, yet SMB IT administrators are faced with the same tight budgets and thin resources. GFI Cloud helps administrators overcome these challenges by providing an affordable, easy-to-use, multi-layered approach to security that can be managed through a single, cloud-based console. The result is comprehensive threat protection at a price point and level of simplicity that resource-strapped administrators demand. Our solution gives SMB IT admins more confidence in their IT security and business strategies.”