Cloud presents new opportunities for malware protection

Monday, April 18, 2011

Of all the cloud computing data protection applications that have been discussed in recent years, one that is often glossed over is the technology's capacity for antivirus and malware security. However, according to a recent Security Park report, the cloud may be the next channel to protect against such threats.

One of the key advantages of deploying an anti-malware SaaS solution is its ability to process parallel data simultaneously, the report noted. This is a key part of any anti-malware program, because it enables the program to check potential threats against multiple lists quickly.

Additionally, cloud-based anti-malware programs can effectively reduce the strain put on local servers and PCs. Rather than running the program on each individual machine, the anti-malware program is hosted on a cloud services provider's server, reducing the amount of work a local machine must perform, the report stated.

As more cyber threats emerge, IT managers are looking for ways to protect their networks more effectively. According to a recent WatchGuard Technologies report, data security ranks as the top priority for most IT managers this year.