D-Link Ships SecureSpot Network Security

D-Link's SecureSpot network security device offers protection against net-based attacks along with parental control options for outbound Internet access.

D-Link has announced that it is shipping its new SecureSpot DSD-150 hardware device, designed to protect home and small business networks from probes and attacks from the Internet, as well as offer parents the capability to control their children’s access to the Internet.

“This all-in-one D-Link security solution uses a combination of hardware, software applications and back-end managed services to provide multi-tiered network protection from both current and emerging Internet security threats,” said Steven Joe, president and CEO of D-Link Systems, Inc. “Now more than ever, it is important to provide consumers with protection from viruses, and enable parents with a non-intrusive means to manage the activity of their home and protect their children on the Internet.”

The SecureSpot is designed to be an easy-to-manage, lower-cost alternative to purchasing, installing, and maintaining separate antivirus, antispyware, and Internet security packages on individual machines connected to home or business network. The Securespot sits on a network between a user’s router and broadband uplink, and offers network protection for up to four computers. The SecureSpot is configured using a Web-based Control Center, where users can configure the SecureSpot (including providing access for games, peer-to-peer applications, and other services which might be blocked by default), as well as create customized parental controls (on up to 82 categories) which can assign access times for children’s Internet access, as well as block content based on keywords and URLs, as well as filter email on the basis of known and unknown senders. The SecureSpot keeps event logs to track suspicious activity, so parents and administrators can keep an eye on network traffic.

The SecureSpot automatically updates virus definitions, URL databases, spyware and spam server lists so users don’t have to worry about constantly maintaining the device

The SecureSpot is priced at $99.99, which includes a one-year license for securing up to four computers. Annual licensing after the first year will cost $19.99 per system, up to $79.99 four four computers. The SecureSpot can be configured and used with Windows 98 or higher, and claims to be compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 and 10.4. (We’re assuming that applies to using the Web-based administration interface with Apple’s Safari browser.)