Moving Beyond PC-cillin: Trend Micro Internet Security 2007 Plus TrendSecure TrendSecure Online Security Services Wayne N Kawamoto
TrendSecure
Something that sets Trend Micro Internet Security 2007 apart from other security suites is TrendSecure, a set of useful online services that are designed to extend security beyond your home PC, such as when you are using a public computer or are connected to the internet via a wireless hotspot.
Trend Micro rightly realized that computer users often access the internet outside of their homes and are exposed to threats elsewhere. The TrendSecure online services effectively address this problem. Bravo.
The "Transaction Guard" feature, the most useful of the online services, protects transactions that you conduct online via public PCs in internet cafes, hotels, airports and kiosks, or through your own PC when connected at wireless hotspots at coffee houses, WiFi-enabled municipalities, and more.
The "Spyware Monitor" examines information as you connect to secure sites and detects and removes spyware. A brilliant "Secret Keyboard" feature offers an onscreen keyboard that allows you to enter passwords without using the PC's keyboard. This is designed to foil those underhanded programs that attempt to record keystrokes.
A "Remote File Lock" feature protects private files in the event that your laptop is lost or stolen, a common problem these days – witness the recent spate of well-publicized stories covering the loss of personal or confidential data that has been the result of an employee's pilfered notebook PC. Once you discover that your notebook is missing, the Remote File Lock feature enables you to remotely lock your files via the internet.
The "Trend Micro Mobile Security" feature protects a cell phone against viruses and other threats. While these services are useful, the number of cell phones that the product currently supports are limited. If your phone isn't supported, the feature is useless.
By offering these services online, Trend Micro reduces the size of the suite's installation on your hard drive and saves space. For now, the TrendSecure online services are available in English and Japanese.
The Bottom Line
Reasonably priced and loaded with powerful features — especially the excellent online security services — and offering support for up to three PCs in a home, Trend Micro Internet Security 2007 Plus TrendSecure is a first rate security program. It's definitely one to consider.
North American pricing provides one household license for one year at $49.95 and includes protection for up to three PCs and the TrendSecure online services. New services and features that are released during the subscription period are provided for free. Once the subscription expires, a 12-month subscription renewal costs $49.95.
Trend Micro offers free phone, email, and chat support as well as diagnostic tools for remote support.
Internet Security 2007 Plus TrendSecure is available now for online purchase, and a 30-day trial evaluation release can be downloaded from the Trend Micro site.
Trend Micro Anti-Spyware costs $29.95 and Trend Micro Anti-Spam, which was in a pilot, pre-release program at press time, can be downloaded for free from the Trend Micro Web site. Pricing at press time for Trend Micro Anti-Spam had not yet been determined.
