Trend Micro has released it's 2008 Internet security suite, comprising three separate offerings aimed at various levels of Internet usage.
The AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware, and the PC-cillin Internet Security products are updated versions for 2008, with Internet Security Pro making its debut this year.
The Antivirus plus AntiSpyware version, costing $49.95, is the most basic offering and is aimed at casual Internet users. New features include proactive intrusion blocking capabilities to prevent changes to operating systems and critical software, an enhanced software history cleaner, and improved browser and cookie management.
At $99.95 the Internet Security product is a step up from the AntiVirus plus AntiSpyware edition, and according to David Peterson, Trend's consumer segment director for Australia and New Zealand, this version is about "getting back to what we were doing so well in the past".
Internet Security 2008 includes antivirus and spyware protection, a firewall, fraud defence against phishing scams, wireless and home network control and monitoring and parental controls. It is geared towards users who spend a considerable amount of time online, with a focus on protection from identity theft and personal or sensitive information theft.
New features include enhanced Web site behaviour monitoring, the aility to detect and block image spam and customizable security warnings and security activity reports.
Ross Wilson, Trend Micro's managing director for consumer products and services, says that the days when viruses presented the greatest threat to Internet users are over.
"Viruses are an old hat," he explains.
"Threats have changed, malware is not what it used to be.... The very nature of the threat has changed. A lot of it now is driven by organized crime."
"Now it's about identity theft, and the theft of sensitive information in order to make money."
Trend's Internet Security Pro edition is subsequently targeted towards users who bank, shop, invest, use Wi-Fi and trade sensitive information online on a regular basis.
Internet Security Pro boasts all the features of the two lower versions, as well as several unique functions such as: keystroke encryption to prevent keystroke loggers from stealing data; the ability to validate the credibility of wireless hotspots and Wi-Fi networks; a remote file lock to secure folders and files in case of computer theft; and a system tuner to clean up the registry, temp files and startup behaviour.
Peterson says the Pro product was originally conceived for high end users, but is now aimed at virtually anyone using the Internet to transmit sensitive data and information on a regular basis.
"Trend Micro 2008 products have been designed for people who extensively use their computers to conduct various activities online, whether they are at home or away."
The Pro edition costs $129.95, and all three versions protect up to three PCs for one year.