IT News Online > N. America - General - Webroot's SME Security Certified by ICSA Labs, Expands into Canada

Webroot's SME Security Certified by ICSA Labs, Expands into Canada
IT News Online Staff
2007-06-13

Webroot Software Inc., a provider of security software, announced that Webroot SME Security 3.1 has successfully passed ICSA Labs certification testing for desktop/server anti-virus detection.

ICSA Labs, an independent unit of Cybertrust, is recognized as the security industry's central anti-virus product testing and certification facility. Webroot said the certification means that in addition to its leading anti-spyware solutions the company now delivers best-of-breed anti-virus support for an advanced and comprehensive anti-malware solution.

"The ICSA Labs certification demonstrates Webroot's commitment to developing solutions that arm small and medium-sized enterprises with the most advanced protection against computer viruses that occur 'in the wild'," said Peter Watkins, CEO of Webroot Software. "Our small and medium-sized business customers have a unique set of needs and challenges, including constraints on price, technology infrastructure and personnel. The ICSA Labs certification serves as assurance that Webroot SME Security effectively protects users as it satisfies each of these requirements."

Designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, Webroot SME Security incorporates best-of-breed anti-virus technology from Sophos into Webroot's superior anti-spyware software to protect against today's most dangerous Internet threats including spyware, viruses, Trojans, rootkits, keyloggers, adware and other malicious applications.

ICSA Labs establishes detection criteria for information security products and tests hundreds of the installed base of anti-virus, firewall, IPSec VPN, cryptography, SSL VPN, network IPS, anti-spyware and PC firewall products commonly deployed in the world today. Products and services certified by the ICSA Labs Anti-Virus Product Certification program are able to prevent the end user from becoming infected by in-the-wild and other computer viruses.

In a separate announcement, Webroot said it is expanding the distribution of Webroot Spy Sweeper Enterprise and Webroot SME Security by extending its distributor relationship with Ingram Micro to Canada.

"According to the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPC), the average cost of identity theft per person has risen by 300% between 2005 and 2006. Much of this is due to the vulnerability of customer and employee data residing on the networks of both large and small companies. Businesses need to know that even the smallest data breach can dramatically affect their customers and the public trust in their brand," said Mike Irwin, COO, Webroot Software.

"We are working aggressively to increase online security in Canada through the Webroot Channel Edge Partner program and by offering a best of breed solution to stop malware. The team at Ingram Micro Canada is an extremely important partner in helping us deliver on this effort," said Irwin.

Under terms of this agreement, Ingram Micro will now distribute Webroot Spy Sweeper Enterprise and Webroot SME Security to solution providers throughout Canada, as well as offer marketing, training, and customer service and support. Webroot already is available to consumers in Canada through various retail channels.

Webroot said that as Canada's Internet usage and high-speed access increase, security has become a growing priority among small and medium businesses. AMI-Partners estimate that Canadian SMBs will invest $429 million this year on security-related products and services, up some 22% from last year.

Laurie McCabe, an analyst at AMI-Partners, said, "The growth of new spyware variants is accelerating faster than viruses. SMBs need to deploy security solutions to effectively protect themselves and their businesses against both of these threats."

"The sophistication of malware exploits is increasing in proportion to the increase in reward. As the profitability of PC attacks increases, so has the level of research and development. According to industry analysts, 5% of all sites host malware and will go offline very rapidly, or increasingly hide in plain sight on well known Web sites. This type of threat requires the most advanced and automated threat detection possible," said Irwin.

Andrea Clarke-Thompson, vendor business manager, Ingram Micro Canada, said, "Our partners and their customers in the U.S. have experienced great success with Webroot Spy Sweeper Enterprise and SME Security, and we look forward to enjoying the same success here in Canada. And, with the growing numbers of spyware type exploits in Canada, this expansion is the next logical step in our relationship with Webroot."