Kaspersky boosts Linux security

Johannesburg, 23 Jun 2009

Kaspersky Lab has released the beta-version of Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux File Server 6.0. It supersedes two earlier products, Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux File Server 5.7 and Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Samba Server 5.5, combining their functionalities with a number of new capabilities.

According to the company, malicious programs are able to pass through Linux file servers before targeting other components of a heterogeneous network, for example, workstations running Microsoft Windows. “Linux systems still need to be protected, even though they are well known for their reliability. Each year sees a growth in the number of malicious programs targeting Linux systems.”

Kaspersky says its new product will protect the vast majority of Linux file servers, and adds that the architecture of Anti-Virus for Linux File Server 6.0 provides multilayered protection for file systems in Linux or heterogeneous networks. It does this by functioning simultaneously on the entire file system level and on the Samba server level.

The release also features a broader set of management solutions. “These include Kaspersky Web Management Console, a new Web-based interface, offering full-scale management capabilities available from any computer via a Web browser,” says the company. The final release of the product will support all centralised management services via the Kaspersky Administration Kit.

All modern 32-bit and 64-bit distributions of Linux-family operating systems are supported by Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux File Server 6.0, including Red Hat, Fedora, SUSE, openSUSE, Debian GNU, and Ubuntu. In addition, it has improved on previous versions by supporting Novell Open Enterprise Server 2 and Novell NSS, allowing Novell NetWare users to easily migrate to the new operating system.

Kaspersky Lab invites users to participate in the beta testing of Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Linux File Server 6.0, and is interested in receiving constructive feedback on all aspects of the product, especially the innovations. Those wishing to participate are requested to send feedback to linuxfs@kaspersky.com.

The company asks that any feedback addresses both the product and Kaspersky Web Management Console. The beta version is available at http://www.kaspersky.com/beta.