Sophos, a world leader in protecting businesses against viruses,
spyware and spam, has announced the new version of Sophos Anti-Virus for
Linux, which now includes on-access scanning for Linux
platforms.
SAV for Linux version 5.0 detects and disinfects viruses,
Trojans, worms and spyware targeting Linux, Windows and other
platforms whenever files are accessed on a Linux computer. Designed
for enterprise environments, it scans at extremely high speeds,
minimising the impact on Linux servers. It includes support for new
kernels released by more than 20 distributions, catering both for
customers who use standard Linux distributor-supplied kernels as
well as users that customise their Linux kernels.
Protecting Linux servers is now just as vital as protecting
Windows PCs, since those Linux systems are increasingly used to
serve information in formats such as files or web pages to Windows
clients. Although the majority of threats target Windows, threats
can use insufficiently protected Linux machines as a vector into an
organisation's network, allowing cyber criminals to gain access and
steal information or cause further damage.
"With today's high-speed and sophisticated threats, it is vital
that all entry points into an organisation's network are protected
against attacks. Without protection, even threats designed for
other operating systems, such as Windows, can reside on Linux
machines," said John Shaw, senior product manager at Sophos.
"Quality protection, including on-access scanning at each Linux
server, will block all known threats from being run regardless of
who they are targeting - whether they come from email, internet,
instant messaging, or other vectors."
SAV for Linux version 5.0 supports more than 20 distributions of
Linux, including the main versions of RedHat, Suse and TurboLinux.
With low CPU overheads, the software operates seamlessly in the
self-contained Linux network environment and installs on both
servers and workstations. Extensive file, directory, filetype and
drive exclusion options ensure that administrators have complete
control over only what needs to be scanned, to optimise server
performance.
Administration, configuration and detailed logging can be
achieved through the command-line interface or through a secure web
browser interface. Virus identity files are automatically updated,
while the software can be kept automatically up-to-date or version
controlled. Sophos offers options to update SAV directly over the
internet, or via Windows or Linux servers to optimise bandwidth
usage within an organisation's network. Email and desktop alerting
ensures administrators are kept up-to-date of any virus related
incidences in real time.
Anti-virus software is the prime component in effectively
protecting computers against viruses and spyware, though Sophos
warns that network administrators and users should also strengthen
their technological defences by adopting other sensible measures,
such as safe computing.
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.