Integrated content filtering

Content filters now represent a common tool in the arsenal of corporate information security groups. . These all-in one tools provide a centralized approach to filtering an organization's Web traffic, electronic mail and file transfers for malicious code and/or inappropriate content. In the past, administrators hoping to achieve a robust security posture were forced to install and maintain a variety of devices ranging from antivirus software to URL filters.

The latest wave of content filters combines all of these technologies into an integrated solution, making for a reduced administrative burden. On the other hand, they come with a correspondingly heavy price tag. Some of the more popular solutions are Aladdin's eSafe Gateway, Trend Micro's InterScan eManager, NetIQ's Marshall Content Security Solutions and ISS' Proventia.

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Most importantly, keep in mind the fundamental requirement: You must be able to trace the software back to a legitimate business need. If you can justify the expense (and some of these packages run over $25,000), integrated content-filtering packages can make security monitoring a breeze!

About the Author
Mike Chapple, CISSP is an IT Security Professional with the University of Notre Dame. He previously served as an information security researcher with the National Security Agency and the U.S. Air Force. Mike is a frequent contributor to SearchSecurity, a technical editor for Information Security magazine and the author of several information security titles including the CISSP Prep Guide and Information Security Illuminated.

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