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Sophos last week enhanced its Endpoint Security and Control product that lets companies block employee use of remote connection tools.

Available now, this release of Sophos Endpoint Security and Control blocks connection attempts by tools such as RealVNC and Radmin that are designed to let employees use their PC to access remote PCs (such as home computers) or laptops via the Internet.

These tools open up corporations to security holes because once an employee has accessed a remote PC, he no longer is restricted by corporate policy specifying Web sites employees can visit or software downloads they can initiate, according to Sophos officials. And if remote PCs don't have the proper antimalware protection installed, use of these tools creates an opening for malicious programs and hackers to get into the corporate network, they say.

Remote-connection traffic can also confuse IT workers, who may believe the traffic is a result of a hacker taking over a corporate PC, they say.

In addition to blocking remote-connection products, Sophos' Endpoint Security and Control lets administrators prevent employees from running games as well as VoIP, peer-to-peer, instant messaging, and distributed computing applications. The package also provides antivirus, client firewall, and mobile security protection as well as an enterprise console for administrators.

Endpoint Security and Control is priced per user per year. For example, an organization with 200 to 499 employees would pay US$37.75 for a one-year subscription. Multiyear discounts are available.