Trend Micro, the global leader in small business content security, has announced upgrades to Trend Micro Worry- Free Business Security, with version 9.0 to equip small businesses with enterprise-grade security capabilities.

The enhancements address and mitigate threats across endpoints, from desktops to mobile, a statement said.

The offering is the only small business solution widely available in the market that provides comprehensive user protection with integrated mobile device security with the option of cloud management, it added.

"Since small businesses are experiencing a surge in BYOD, Trend Micro is committed to providing solutions with dynamic, yet affordable, security capabilities that deliver greater functionality and ease-of-use across their operation," said Eric Skinner, vice president, solutions marketing, Trend Micro.

"With integrated mobile device protection, Worry-Free Business Security provides a comprehensive approach to security, whether in the office or on-the-go. We’ve also kept our channel partners in mind with a cloud-based management tool that makes it easier and more cost-effective to provide security support for their customers.”

According to IDC, from 2012 to 2013, the use of BYOD smartphones in US small businesses increased from 53 per cent to 88 per cent. During the same period, BYOD tablet usage increased from 30 per cent to 56 per cent. These findings demonstrate the growing need for small businesses to evolve their security strategy and provide protection for all endpoints—from PCs and Macs, to mobile platforms.

Additional studies show that the stakes are higher than ever given the influx of mobile threats. Threat research findings released in March by Trend Micro reveal that high risk mobile malware apps have reached 2 million since tracking began in 2004. The one million mark was met just six months ago. In comparison, it took 22 years for PC malware to reach the same number.

To address these trends, Worry-Free Business Security 9.0 provides new features including:

•    Integration with Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for simplified mobile device management

•    Enhanced security policies including Remote Wipe and Device Access Control capabilities to securely remove all data from BYOD devices in the event of theft or data breach

•    Support for Windows 8.1, Microsoft Exchange 2013, and improved security for Mac platforms

•    Universal performance improvements, decreasing scan and installation time

•    Overall usability and detection improvements

To support channel partners, Trend Micro offers Trend Micro Worry-Free Remote Manager, a cloud-based tool that provides centralised management for their on-premise and hosted customers to help increase profitability by reducing management and service costs. – TradeArabia News Service