Google Releases Web Security For Mobile Enterprise Workers

Google Web Security for Enterprise is designed to protect enterprise networks against an array of malicious Web threats, including adware, spyware, viruses, botnets and attacks that exploit browser vulnerabilities, which can allow attackers to infiltrate systems and compromise or completely shut down users' computers. The latest add-on feature, which the company released Thursday, extends the same security to a remote workforce.

The Web Security for Enterprise service allows organizations to control how their mobile employees use the Internet with tools that help IT personnel monitor and report on existing Web threats. In addition, the service provides comprehensive reporting and policy enforcement capabilities, which can be tailored to the company's specific Web policy. All Web requests are scanned in real time.

In particular, the service addresses security problems created by an increasingly mobile workforce, many of whom work from home or while traveling, and are often required to remotely connect to the company's network via VPN. Google's offering automatically directs off-network users to the scanning infrastructure from any location, with no effort on the part of the employee. Once directed back through the corporate network, all remote Web traffic is automatically subjected to the same scanning infrastructure that was designed to enforce company policies and protect their computers.

Web Security for Enterprise is powered by Security as a Service provider Postini, which Google acquired last year. In addition, the product incorporates technology from ScanSafe while integrating with Google Apps, the comany's secure and compliance messaging services.

The announcement is part of the company's effort to further delve into the SaaS space in addition to making further inroads into the enterprise market.

The enterprise security offering is currently available in North America and Europe, and costs $36 per user per year, with an additional $12 for each remote user.