Which is more desirable for server-side virus protection for emails? A hardware appliance or software app.?
We bought Exchange Server and will be deploying it soon. We just need to decide on virus protection for our incoming emails. The two contenders so far are the Barracuda Spam Firewall 200 and GFi MailSecurity. We have about 80 users.
To me, the advantages of each seem to be as follows:
GFi MailSecurity is primarily designed specifically for virus scanning and comes with 2 good virus-scanning engines (and we already have a Bayesian spam filter that does well for us, so we do not necessarily *need* spam filtering).
The Barracuda costs less initially, costs less per year to maintain the updates, and does not take up resources on any server.
To me, the cons of each seem to be as follows:
GFi is a little more expensive.
Barracuda seems designed primarily to filter spam and scans for viruses as a secondary objective. (It is a Spam Firewall).
If suggesting a different product altogether, just remember we are on a budget–and that is why you do not already see Trendmicro listed.
Now this is a question, Thank you!
What I would do is get another box running linux and install ClamAv (open source). Sit this between the network and the mail server, and have all of the data run through the linux box, scan and pass it on to your server and visa versa. This will also protect your network server because you can use the linux box as a firewall.
Out of the ones you mentioned. Sounds like GFI is the best. You don’t want to cheap out on av, as it will cost you later on. I like the linux idea, because then you can save on the AV and the linux box will not be affected by any windows virus, trojan, rabbit, worm etc. that runs through it.
Send me an email if you have any questions. Really. I’ll get back to you when I can, but I will get back to you.
Good Luck!
PS. I would love to know what you end up going with.
only 80 users … just get a no-ip.com account they filter your mail for you ( ClamAv /spamassasan etc …) the thing about these companies all they do is steal open source apps and then change them a bit port it to windows and sell it …
and add a snortsam.net box if your *nix savy
You’re pretty much asking for an opinion, so here’s mine… ;)
I recommend SonicWall firewalls (we do small office networks) for our customers with the same concerns. They have a built in, update-able Spam Filter, a virus filter and a content blocker. You subscribe to their service for a monthly fee, and they keep track of the sites and virus problems for you. They’re fairly reasonable in price, and easy to configure and maintain. Again.. just an opinion…
There are also a number of (mostly) free Linux solutions, if cost is that significant. Build a box, install Linus and download the app. My favorite in these cases is IPCop…