Cisco integrates Trend Micro security into wireless routers
(Credit:
Cisco)
For a lot of home users, staying protected online is complicated, especially when they have multiple computers and networking devices (and who doesn't, nowadays?). Installing and keeping security software properly updated can be a daunting task.
Cisco now makes it simpler by integrating Internet security inside its Linksys by Cisco Wireless-N routers. This means you won't even have to install a separate online security suite on each computer within the home network anymore.
The company announced Tuesday its collaboration with Trend Micro to introduce the Home Network Defender (HND), a multi-layered software security solution that helps provide network protection home-network devices including PCs, online game consoles, Wi-Fi enabled phones, and personal media players.
The solution features Safe Web Surfing capabilities, parental controls, antivirus capabilities, and user-activity reporting. The purpose is to help detect and neutralize Web threats such as online fraud, scams, phishing schemes, predators, and viruses before they enter the home network. The solution also offer an easy way for you to manage via Linksys Easy Link Advisor desktop application.
The new HND security solution is housed on select Linksys by Cisco wireless-N routers, currently including the WRT310N and WRT610N models. New units of these routers will be HND-capable out of the box; existing routers can take advantage of the offer by upgrading to the latest firmware.
Before doing that, keep in mind that Home Network Defender is not free. It costs $59.99 a year, after a 30-day free trial. If you get the service in the next 60 days, however, you can get it for a discount price of $49.99.
Note that this solution only works with computers that connect to the Internet through the above-mentioned routers. For roaming computers frequently used outside of the home network, i.e. laptops, it's recommended that you still get a separate security solution installed on the computer itself.
Dong Ngo is a CNET editor who covers networking and network storage, and writes about anything else he finds interesting. You can also listen to his podcast at insidecnetlabs.cnet.com. E-mail Dong. 
