Software Security Solutions, Inc., a technology firm specializing in security solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, published a guide to aid firms in the task of building layered security protection for vulnerable networked environments. The guide helps clarify how SMBs should evaluate anti-virus software and includes links to independent testing laboratories that provide unbiased reports on all major players as well as the increasingly important "second-tier" companies in the anti-virus field.

    This is a particularly difficult task for businesses with little or no in-house security expertise. This paper addresses the anti-virus market, the vendors that provide various solutions for this key security foundation layer, and how companies can determine which anti-virus solution would best fit their needs. Future guides will address spyware, firewalls, safe web surfing, and identity theft.

    It also discusses the Total Cost of Ownership issue surrounding the increasing overhead created as some of the products continue to expand their footprint and use of computing resources, becoming "bloatware" that is rife with inefficiencies and unnecessary features. To further aid SMBs in assessing their virus protection options, SSS has designed a TCO calculator that attempts to quantify the full spectrum of overhead costs associated with virus scanning, including email and document scans. Example calculations are included, along with a link to the online calculator on the SSS website.

    Monte Robertson, Software Security Solutions CEO, stated:  "I've been watching the number of complaints about inefficiencies, in the so-called 'leading' anti-virus products, from our customers increase steadily over the past several years. When I discovered that businesses were actually disabling some of their anti-virus protection in order to be able to work efficiently, I knew we needed to do something. This guide is our first step in helping people construct a layered security solution that doesn't get in the way of business."

    Readers are encouraged to run the calculator with parameters from their own business operation, with the option to forward their results to SSS for inclusion in a nationwide research project that will build a true picture of the cost impact of anti-virus on the SMB community. The anti‐virus market today is a mature market – it’s somewhat depressing to realize that the software industry has been attempting to deal with the problem of viruses and other malware for almost 20 years now.

    In a somewhat belated response to the changing threat landscape, many antivirus vendors have embarked on product road maps that combine signaturebased antivirus with anti‐spyware, personal firewall, policy enforcement, and host intrusion prevention system technology into a single solution. Changes in the way antivirus solutions are being delivered to consumers will ultimately impact the way anti‐virus is priced and sold in the business market. The larger vendors slow reaction to email and web threats has given smaller, more agile vendors an avenue into the market.