IP-guard is an all-in-one security solution that provides feature-rich technologies one would expect in a large enterprise, and offers it to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The solution has a central management function that protects computing resources, and plays a big brother role by monitoring users' computer and Internet activities. It also provides comprehensive data protection that prevents data leakage through instant messaging, e-mail, removable storage devices and printing.
Scalable modules
ITWeb's technical department extensively tested the solution's features. What was found to be one of the most appealing features of IP-guard, particularly for SMEs, is that it offers flexible module-based security solutions, so an SME can purchase only the tools it needs.
In addition, IP-guard is intuitive and easy to use, especially when setting up policies to control users' computer usage, from specifying which Web sites employees are allowed to access, to bandwidth monitoring.
Big brother
IP-guard runs quietly in the background, so users are oblivious to the fact that their every move is being watched and recorded. It can also provide a graph showing a user's computer activities, screen monitoring and the percentage of work time spent on a particular application, Web site or e-mail.
This is useful for employers to determine the productivity of their workforces, as well as which applications can be blocked or accessed.
IP-guard gives IT administrators a bird's eye view of exactly how computer users are interacting with the business' information assets across the organisation network. It lets the IT department know what information is being access or leaked to the outside world, and whether employees are doing something they should not be doing.
Another advantage that the solution brings is that it provides backups before modify, edit or deletion of documents, records incoming and outgoing e-mails and Webmails with content and attachments.
In addition, IP-guard takes a strong stance on data loss prevention, as all flash drives can be encrypted, meaning staff members won't be able to upload data from the storage device to their home laptops or PCs.
Sluggish remote monitoring
One of IP-guard's flaws, however, is its screen monitoring and remote desktop feature, which ITWeb's technical department found to be slow. But this was a small disadvantage compared with the other benefits IP-guard offers, such as allowing IT administrators to install and deploy software and applications remotely to workstations.
IP-guard's software purchase requires a minimum of three modules of which the basic module must be included. However, a company can choose to purchase additional licences, and up to 14 modules for an added price.
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