F-Secure unveils updated security suite

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F-Secure has announced Internet Security 2010, an updated version of its popular security suite.

The company said that the new suite offers enhanced detection techniques using cloud-based technology, more secure browsing, and an improved user experience.

The cloud based element is provided by its Real-Time Protection Network', which uses F-Secure's DeepGuard technology to compare any file launched on a system against a database hosted on F-Secure's servers.

F-Secure's technical manager Leslie Forbes said this process took only 70-100 milliseconds. "It's amazingly fast", he said. When users are offline, the system defaults to a local sandbox' scanning method. "It's like having a virus lab with you all the time."

Forbes also said that the new 2010 version was less resource hungry than the previous version and its competitors, making it suitable for use with netbooks or low spec systems.

UK country manager Pekka Metala, admitted that having had great success as the default security suite provided with many European ISPs, for now, F-Secure was mainly targeting the consumer market.

"We're not just an enterprise company any more", Metala said. However, he assured IT PRO that it was not abandoning the business market and that where relevant the new technology in the 2010 suite would be applied to its enterprise products.

"We have lots of legacy public sector customers, and we're going to continue to support them."

The suite will be available for download on 3 September for 39.95 for a three user pack, or 19.95 for a single user. It is available for Windows XP, Vista and 7.

When asked by IT PRO, Forbes hinted that a Mac version was also on the way, but no date was provided.

Back in February, F-Secure's own internal servers were hit by an SQL injection attack, though the company deemed the attempted hack to be only "partially successful".

Benny Har-Even

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.