Trend Micro bolsters Internet Security pack

Trend Micro announced it has begun shipping the 2007 version of its desktop software, which includes new services intended for consumers active in e-commerce and using Wi-Fi at home or other locations.

Internet Security 2007 includes Trend Micro's PC-cillin antivirus engine and antimalware protections for Windows 2000 and XP, along with a desktop firewall, improved rootkit detection and a behavior-monitoring mechanism called the Venus Fly Trap to protect against spyware.

Trend Micro now also is providing services to warn consumers about unauthorized wireless access, filter spam, and identify fraudulent phishing scams in real-time.The services include Transaction Guard, which stops fraudsters attempting to steal sensitive password and other data through keyloggers during e-commerce transactions; and Remote File Lock, where users can encrypt certain highly sensitive files. Others are free tools for malware scanning and cleanup.

Trend Secure online services will be offered at an annual software subscription fee of US$49.95 and will be provided through a Web portal, says Carol Carpenter, vice president of Trend Micro's consumer products and services.

The annual license fee for Trend Micro Internet Security lets the software run on as many as three PCs with free support, and includes Trend Secure's online services. Trend Micro's executives say the combined software and service approach is one that Trend Micro intends to take in the enterprise software market in the future.