Any hardware based AV/AW solutions?

I was just wondering:

Are there any hardware based firewalls that also run anti-virus/anti-malware (AV/AW) software? Or are these not generally available for consumers?

If reasonably priced (and effective of course), wouldn't this be a preferrable solution to running AV/AW software on your computer?

 

i have never heard o a commerically available product like this, but you could set one up yourself. All you need is a second pc with two network cards and a little bit of knowldege on setting up a hardware firewall.

 

ZyXel routers have a cooperative arrangement with Trend but it is a yearly subscription which includes parental controls that is more than I'd want to spend:

What is TMSS
Trend Micro Home Network Security Services are the easiest, most convenient way to protect your PCs and entire home network from viruses, hackers, spyware, and other Internet security threats. Trend Micro-powered security features built into your router combined with integrated security services on your PCs create a comprehensive and easy to use home network security solution. For detail information, please check the web site at http://www.trendmicro.com/support/tmss/

 

Oh, the link is not laid out well - just click on the graphic of the screenshot and the explaination for TMSS will show up.

 

Panda has their Panda GateDefender and ServGate has their EdgeForce gateway appliances with McAfee Virus Filtering.

 

Fortinet
Sonicwall
Astaro
Symantec (enterprise solutions)

There are others out there, a google search on integrated security management or unified threat management should provide plenty to look at. Some of these products are designed for the SOHO market.

Regards,

CrazyM

 

Bear in mind that firewalls running anti-virus scanners have significant limitations - they can't detect anything in encrypted traffic (so if you encounter an exploit on an https:// page, or use encrypted anonymising proxies like JAP or Tor then they won't block anything) and they can't detect malware activity on your PC (e.g. modifying files or the registry) - only if it attempts to send traffic out (and even then only with older/simpler malware that does not encrypt its data).

 

one good way to circumvent the problem paranoid describes is to run a script blocker. You can get one as a plugin for firefox. Last i checked, scripts are the main way used to get malware onto your pc by websites.