Total Defense provides end-to-end security delivered from the cloud, including unified web, endpoint and email security, giving the same level of security as in the enterprise with a single console. This product covers a lot of territory.
For endpoint protection, there is a lightweight agent on the endpoint, just as one would expect in an enterprise implementation. The agent communicates with the cloud, email security is achieved by redirection, and web security through a proxy service with more than 900 entry points around the world. Today, the product supports Windows, Mac and Linux, with mobile devices on the way.
Total Defense is known for its anti-malware capabilities, and those are built into this product. Each capability has its own dashboard - all accessed from a single console - and each is individually configured. The three modules can be purchased separately if desired. Administration is centralized for all three modules - accomplished seamlessly from a single console. It is policy driven and the policy engine is comprehensive and robust.
Access control can be accomplished with integration into such directory services as Active Directory, Oracle, Novell and OpenLDAP among others. The product suite can support multiple instances of directory services to fit into the organization's architecture.
The usual web filters can be set up to manage by type of site and other rules. Everything is thoroughly monitored and logs/audit trails are available for compliance audits. In addition to inspecting packets as they enter the system, periodic malware scans can be scheduled or applied manually. The product uses multiple scanners, including its own and third-party products. Signature updates for all are automatic.
Overall, we found this a solid and comprehensive product. It fits an important niche in that it manages security on three critical aspects of today's enterprise: web, email and endpoint. It is relatively easy to set up and manage, and covers a lot of territory. This is one case where having the security management system in the cloud pays dividends. Not only does the cloud-based system have better performance in such areas as anti-malware updates, packet scanning, etc., it also provides safety for email and web browsing as users travel around the globe.
