SMEs get holistic security tool

Symantec has unveiled its latest security tool for SMEs - five security applications all rolled into one.

The security specialist's latest offering, called Gateway Security Appliance, comprises a firewall, anti-virus software, intrusion detection technology, content filtering and a virtual private network (VPN) all inside one box.

The company said the combined security threats, such as Code Red and Nimda, require SMEs to have a multi-defence approach to security rather than simply a firewall or a virus scanner.

The security industry is increasingly moving towards combination defence. Last week, the RSA Conference saw many of the major security vendors releasing host of similar products.