Blocking Spyware at the Network Gateway

Layered defenses have become standard procedure for blocking the current generation of security threats. To block against viruses, spam and intruders, organizations deploy countermeasures at the network gateway and again in individual client systems.

Until now, layered defense against spyware was difficult or impossible. There are plenty of desktop anti-spyware products, but almost none that are server-based. But vendors are moving to fill that gap. Security vendors are scrambling to enhance existing security gateway products; introducing new gateway technology targeting spyware specifically. And vendor marketing departments are calling attention to existing security gateway features that can detect and block some of the many forms of spyware.

Why Layered Defenses?

Layered defenses offer many benefits. The first and most obvious is that layered defenses provide multiple lines of defense to block attacks and defeat malicious code injection.

Layered defenses also provide security assurance. For example, antivirus gateways managed by IT staff are subject to more rigorous maintenance than desktops. They are less likely to fall out of synchronization with an antivirus vendor's signature updates. The antivirus gateway will block a mail-borne virus that might go undetected on a laptop that isn't configured to auto-update signatures daily.