Stefan Mileschin

Sitecom and SurfRight upgrade Sitecom Cloud Security with additional functionality. The new software provides end-users with a feature to protect all devices at home against threats for which as yet there are no known virus definitions. In addition, users can improve their privacy online by specifying that their surfing behaviour may not be tracked.

Rotterdam/Hengelo (the Netherlands), April 2013 – Sitecom launches new software for the X-series 3.0 routers and modem routers. In addition to a number of new features, such as IPv6 support and guest networks, the new software introduces Sitecom Cloud Security version 1.5, which has been developed in collaboration with security firm SurfRight from Hengelo. In addition to "do-not-track privacy", the new version introduces "Universal protection against software vulnerabilities", a globally unique technology from the Netherlands to protect against drive-by exploits. The technology is extremely successful against threats for which there are no know virus definitions and makes it extremely difficult for cyber-criminals to find new victims or add zombies to their botnet. The new software is automatically offered to users via the Automatic Firmware Update in the web browser.





Sitecom Cloud Security protects the whole family against online threats such as harmful downloads, phishing and other malicious web sites. The innovative technology on the home router automatically protects all connected computers, including Windows, Mac and Linux, iPads, Samsung tablets, smartphones, game consoles, WiFi TVs and even the Wi-Fi thermostat and smart energy meter. Sitecom Cloud Security has already blocked threats for 85.1% of the users, which were not identified by the browser security, internet service provider and anti-virus software. To do this, it checks the data flows and web addresses without affecting the browsing experience. Sitecom Cloud Security is already equipped with 4 virus scanners and a very extensive web address filter and has now been supplemented with "Universal protection for software vulnerabilities" and "Do-not-track privacy".

For susceptible software there is rarely a solution that is immediately available and it is not always possible to promptly update the vulnerable software, which means that a gaping hole can remain open for a long time with unexpected consequences. The "Universal protection against software vulnerabilities" identifies patterns of attack in web traffic, and blocks attacks on vulnerable software such as Java, PDF and Flash. A software vulnerability makes devices susceptible to attacks with exploit kits and drive-by downloads (drive-by exploits). Every day, 130,000 new computer viruses appear, which can be responsible for problems at home, such as locked down computers caused by ransomware involving police matters. Furthermore, digital bank robbers (who siphon off money during online banking sessions), identity theft and advertising or click fraud are also made possible as a result of software vulnerabilities because anti-virus software does not have direct virus definitions for 'zero-day' threats.

By blocking threats at the router, a 'defense-in-depth' strategy is created, which was first deployed back in the Middle Ages. With an active defensive wall around the 'stronghold', attacks can be identified and blocked right at the (internet) port. As a result any connected devices are much less encumbered with the removal of threats, and with downloading and displaying unwanted, dangerous web content.



Sitecom Cloud Security is also able to filter out adverts from advertising networks for each connected device. As a result, advertising-driven mobile apps consume less data transfer, web pages are loaded up to 5 times faster and, most importantly of all, attacks from hacked advertising networks are proactively cut off. Due to their widespread use on thousands of sites, last year advertising networks were hacked on numerous occasions as a result of which visitors to weeronline.nl, amongst many other popular sites, were beset by digital bank robbers and other malware. By enabling the new "do-not-track privacy" function, Sitecom Cloud Security lets each visited web site know, as well as their advertisers and other content providers, that the browsing behaviour of the children and the rest of the family should not be tracked.

In addition to blocking fraudulent phishing sites, Sitecom Cloud Security also prevents manipulation by means of DNS spoofing. Devices, which for example seek to connect with a bank web site for internet banking, are assured of communicating with the genuine server, even if the connection is established from a device with spoofed DNS data.

Sitecom Cloud Security's multi-layer protection elevates web browsing security above the level of security systems for large organisations and authorities. The new firmware is available now.



About Sitecom

Sitecom is one of the leading and fastest growing computer network brands for home and small business use. The Sitecom brand has a clear mission statement: "make it easy". Sitecom makes it easy to set up and expand a home network as it turns technical products into user-friendly solutions, which can be used immediately and without any problems.

Simplicity is what it is all about. The mission statement "make it easy" is put into practice throughout the organisation and is embodied both in the solutions and the service that Sitecom offers. That is why all of Sitecom's products have a 10-year warranty. Making the latest technology simple, understandable and accessible is what Sitecom stands for, and we do not compromise on this in any way.



About Sitecom Cloud Security

Sitecom Cloud Security introduces a far-reaching security strategy for end users and their home network. This strategy has been used in large organisations for years. By integrating Sitecom Cloud Security directly into the router, Sitecom has successfully shifted security for individual devices to the centre of the home network. In this way the company is providing a solution to protect all connected devices against the dangers of cybercrime.

The user does not need to install any software on separate devices, such as PCs, tablets, smartphones, WiFi TVs and game consoles. Sitecom Cloud Security offers real-time security and the cloud is constantly being updated with the most recent threat data. Moreover, four functions are bundled into one solution: the product offers protection against malware, phishing, harmful websites and potentially dangerous adverts.



About SurfRight

Since its establishment in 2006, SurfRight focuses on online security, and specifically on developing new technologies to fight malware, spam, phishing and other forms of cybercrime. SurfRight has years of experience in neutralising sophisticated threats, which have taken hold undetected on systems deemed to be safe. With millions of users worldwide, SurfRight's HitmanPro product line offers content filtering and security solutions for computers and home networks.