Websense unveils security suite for Facebook

Facebook has worked with Websense to offer stronger malware protection

Internet monitoring firm Websense has unveiled new software designed to counter a range of security threats on Facebook.

Defensio 2.0 works with the company's existing Web Security Gateway, and can be configured to block certain content from appearing on Facebook.

Users can block phishing sites and spam, and restrict the ability of people to post inappropriate content.

"Other web security technologies that try to address uncategorised Web 2.0 content using only virus signatures, URL reputation or categorisation are fundamentally flawed and limited," said Dan Hubbard, chief technology officer at Websense.

"With the combination of the security intelligence captured by Defensio and the real-time content analysis of Websense Web Security Gateway, Websense users benefit from early threat detection sensors within the very fabric of the dynamic web, and the ability to proactively identify and protect from new malware, emerging exploits or potentially unwanted applications before they become a problem."

The software was developed in conjunction with Facebook, and is designed to counter the growing use of the site as an attack vector for online thieves.

The software is currently in beta form and is available as a free download.