Avast launches SaaS-based secure internet gateway for SMBs

Digital security provider Avast has announced a new 'always-on' solution for channel partners, who in turn can deliver these services to small and medium businesses (SMBs).

Avast Business Secure Internet Gateway (SIG) is a cloud-based solution that network of always-on security gateways that address gaps in protection from legacy and on-premise hardware, as well as unified threat management appliances.

Avast says that SIG replaces traditional security appliances and allows businesses to look to the cloud through a single subscription service.

"We believe this is the first time that small and midsize businesses have ever had access to an enterprise-grade security network that fits their budget," comments Avast Business general manager Vita Santrucek.

"It solves a real need in the marketplace to deliver a service that MSPs and MSSPs can offer without the headaches and extensive security limitations of on-premise appliances."  

Avast explains that the solution requires no hardware, which means managed security service providers (MSSPs) and their customers can focus on running their business, rather than security appliances.

Furthermore, no additional management platforms need to be installed or licensed regardless of the number of locations or users.

Behind the scenes, the solution gives businesses granular control to content and cloud applications by location, user, group, and time. Additionally, businesses are able to limit devices or applications running on the network.

Additionally, more traditional security functions such as antivirus, anti-spyware and anti-malware draw on signatures from more than 60 threat intelligence sources. These process more than 65 billion transactions per day, and pushes out 125,000 updates daily to more than 127 data centers.

"As small to midsize businesses move to the cloud, legacy on-premise security appliances are increasingly obsolete," says Kappa Computer Systems founder and CEO Chad Strader.

"Avast Business has a cloud-first security offering for MSSPs that delivers enterprise-class protection via a simple-to-manage cloud platform. Avast Business Secure Internet Gateway makes it easy for us to set up remote offices for our customers and ensure their workers can safely connect to company networks and work securely from any location.

Avast Business Secure Internet Gateway is delivered through the Avast Business CloudCare platform.

Avast delivers cybersecurity products to more than 400 million people around the world. The company's business solutions provide  enterprise-grade endpoint and network security solutions for small and midsize businesses (SMBs) and IT service providers.