Spyware is software that installs itself on a computer without the user’s consent or knowledge and gathers information about the computer user’s activities. The effects range from slowing computer performance, to increasing help desk costs, to stealing passwords and confidential customer and employee information.

Astaro’s Spyware Protection application blocks spyware, adware and other malicious applications from entering an organization. It also prevents spyware from sending confidential information outside the enterprise from infected PCs.

Blocking Files from Spyware Web Sites

Astaro’s Spyware Protection prevents users from downloading files from spyware web sites. It checks a database of 60 million classified web sites to identify those that have been identified with spyware. As an option, downloads from unknown and uncategorized web sites can also be blocked. Once an Astaro customer requests an uncategorized web page, the web site is classified within 24 hours, so other customers are quickly protected from new spyware threats.

Filtering Embedded Objects and Scripts

Administrators can prevent “drive-by downloads” by filtering embedded objects, such as ActiveX Controls, Java and Flash downloads, out of HTTP traffic. Scripts written in VBScript and Javascript can also be stripped from downloads. This blocks the installation of active components on computer users’ desktops.

Blocking Spyware Communication

Astaro’s Spyware Protection blocks communication between PCs that have been infected with spyware and spyware web sites. This prevents spyware from sending passwords, customer information and other confidential data outside of the organization.

A Complement to Desktop Spyware Packages

Desktop spyware packages can remove spyware from infected PCs. However, installing and updating desktop anti-spyware software on every system in the organization is extremely difficult. Astaro’s Spyware Protection provides a fast, reliable way to block spyware at the gateway to the Internet, before it infects individual computers.

• Pricing for this option

• Astaro Web Filtering subscription (469 KB)