Kaspersky Lab aims at SMBs with security suite

Kaspersky Lab has released a new security suite aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, which allows firms without an IT department to manage security threats and employee internet access.

Kaspersky Small Office Security, which combines elements of the company's enterprise and consumer software, is for sale in licence blocks of five or 10 users, with the option to run the software on a separate file server.

"There really isn't any endpoint security solution based around the small office," Peter Beardmore, senior product marketing manager at Kaspersky Lab, told V3.co.uk.

"Some have to implement some sort of corporate solution in a small office but the complexity is much higher than what they thought they were getting and it's too difficult to manage effectively. Others use consumer products which also have security issues for business."

The software combines signature and heuristic malware detection but also gives the administrator control over what web sites can be viewed by staff and when. Passwords can be encrypted and stored on a USB stick for all staff and the software uses a virtual keyboard to mitigate keylogging software, a feature Beardmore said was a favourite among customers.

"Lots of small business owners have realised that no company is ‘too small' to be a victim of cyber crime, and they are coming to us looking for guidance. These business owners often don't have a background in security or IT, so finding the appropriate combination of technology and advice has been a challenge," said John LoConte, principal at IT specialists KDSA Consulting.

"The market absolutely needs better technology geared specifically for small offices, and I think Kaspersky Small Office Security will be a good fit for this demand."

The software costs $199.95 per year for five PC licences and one server licence, or 10 PC licences and one server licence for $399.95 per year. It is available in Europe and the US, with a Latin American version available in the next few months.