Linksys, Trend Micro Pair Security Software with Routers

Linksys will offer Trend Micro's ProtectLink Gateway to help smaller businesses ward off spam, phishing, and viruses, while allowing control over what sites are visiting, including blocking of known unsafe sites.

The subscription service, which costs $149.99 per year for five users or $614.99 per year for 25 users, examines incoming email for typical problems, such as spam, phishing messages, spyware, viruses, and other malicious content. Trend Micro also maintains databases of known malicious sites that could otherwise install malware, and blocks access. Businesses can also choose custom filters for restricting access.

Linksys will pair the service as a built-in option on several of its routers, starting with their 10/100 4-Port VPN Router (RV042, $184.99), a router designed to connect securely to remote offices or a central office, and which features a fall-back network connection. The company said they'll add support later for their Ethernet-only and Wi-Fi Wireless-N gigabit Ethernet routers with VPN.