D-Link Shows New Internet Security Device

LAS VEGAS -- If you're looking for a way to protect your PC from viruses that doesn't involve using resource-hogging security software, D-Link has a simple solution. At the Consumer Electronics Show here, the networking vendor launched its SecureSpot DI-103 Internet security device, which it says protects PCs from viruses, spam, and spyware.

The 1-inch-thick appliance occupies about 16 square inches of desk space and is essentially a custom version of the company's DI-102 VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) accelerator, according to Michael Scott, technical media manager with D-Link.

The device serves as a firewall, a pop-up blocker, and a spam and spyware filter. It comes with licenses for the Sophos PLC Anti-Virus service, too, according to Scott. "These types of devices, up to now, have been available only to the enterprise," he said.

Use With Laptop

LAN users can install the device between their broadband modem and their router; in addition, they can take it on the road and use it with a laptop, D-Link said. The DI-103 works with Windows and Mac OS X clients, and D-Link expects to support Linux PCs within the next few months, Scott said.

Users must install the antivirus and antispyware software on their PCs; the DI-103 itself does pop-up blocking and spam filtering. Users can configure the security device as a firewall and use it to control which Web sites computers on the network can view.

The $100 appliance should ship by the end of the month. A one-year software license for up to four computers is included in the price. Users with more than four PCs must pay an additional $20 per computer. After the first year, licensing will cost $80 per year.

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