Cisco shrinks security gateways

Cisco's Home Network Defender adds security controls within the router

Cisco has rolled out a new programme with security firm Trend Micro to increase security protection for Cisco's small business and home router lines.

The Home Network Defender service will allow users to add security controls such as content filtering and anti-malware protection within the router itself.

Larger enterprises have used such systems to monitor and protect traffic on their networks for some time, but such expensive and elaborate security systems have made little sense financially and logistically for smaller firms and home offices.

This is about to change, according to Cisco consumer group product manager Spencer Huang. As users become more reliant on network-capable devices such as smartphones, consoles and multiple laptops, the complexity of the home office or SMB network makes a strong case for protection on the router side, he explained.

"This is something that is needed in the small office or home environment," said Huang. "These home networks are becoming more and more like IT networks."

The Cisco and Trend Micro solution is a subscription service for new and existing router users. The service will cost $49.95 (£35) for the first year and $59.95 (£42) for each subsequent year, and provides malware protection, content filtering and security reports to administrators.

The service will also include four licences for Trend Micro's AV suite, although users will still be able to deploy the service with other security software packages.

Ji-Young Kim, senior product marketing manager at Trend, said that the idea is to shift focus away from individual machines.

"What consumers are used to today is installing the product on a PC," he explained. "What we have done is to try to be more effective at blocking intruders at the gate by bringing that service to the router."