Websense extends parental controls to mobile surfing

Websense has unveiled software that allows wireless operators to protect users from malware and protect minors from inappropriate internet content.

The software, dubbed the Websense Wireless URL Categorisation Engine (WUCE), allows operators to add services such as customised parental controls, premium content offerings for subscribers, enhanced wireless security identification, as well as mobile advertising and marketing.

WUCE collects URLs from internet sites and classifies them. Depending on the content filters installed with the individual wireless service provider, access to internet sites can be allowed, blocked, or allowed only after a 'continue' option is presented to the subscriber.

Websense's ThreatSeeker’s Web Reputation Scoring capability provides security intelligence to WUCE by discovering and classifying web sites based on reputation scores and suspicious characteristics.

Wireless operators, or their subscribers, can set filtering policies for more than 90 categories of web sites.

"The increasing availability of internet-enabled wireless devices such as smartphones, most of which now feature broadband connectivity, is making it easier for wireless subscribers to enjoy a similar online experience that they have on their desktops," said Kian Saneii, general manager of Websense Wireless

"Unfortunately that also means increased exposure to online security threats and content unsuitable for minors."