Security software maker Symantec announced Monday a new line of drop-in network appliances to protect companies against Internet attackers and to secure communications between offices.
Known as the Symantec Firewall/VPN Appliances, the three new products allow companies to add baseline security to their branch offices and encrypt all data between the company and small-office networks connecting through a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN uses encryption to securely connect two private networks over the Internet. The technology is more secure than a dial-up connection and cheaper than buying a dedicated communications line.
There are many smaller businesses that are becoming more and more dependent on the Internet," said Barry Cioe, director of product management for Symantec"s firewall and virtual private-networking products. "They are realising that, with the number of hacks on the Internet, not only is their data vulnerable, but they can be used as a jumping off point for other attacks."
The three new security appliances are designed to spearhead Symantec"s attack on the small-office and branch-office security market.