Today more than ever there is a need for effective Web security—but how do you choose the right solution? We've put together the four key elements to look for in any Web security solution:

1. The capacity to tackle Web 2.0 security threats
   There is currently an explosion of Web 2.0 technology occurring; research shows that 45% of the top 100 Web site's content is completely user-driven. As organizations increasingly use the Web and Web 2.0 for their business, they need Web security that can classify new and dynamic content in real-time, determining immediately whether the Web site and its content are safe. It's critical that any solution offer real-time identification of content and protection against threats to allow organizations to take advantage of the benefits of Web 2.0 technology while protecting users and their information.
   
   
2. The ability to provide inbound and outbound control
   Many vendors claim to offer Web security, but that often means they protect malware from the outside from penetrating your organization-they don't necessarily protect the essential information that you maintain on your network. It's critical that whichever solution you choose enables both inbound and outbound control-preventing threats from entering your network while also preventing sensitive or confidential information from leaving your network by virtue of Trojan horses, worms or viruses that might try to "phone home" and steal information.
   
   
3. Uses a variety of technologies to provide full protection
   One size does not fit all when it comes to Web security. Avoid vendors that base their solution around a single security technology such as reputation, or malware signatures-all individual security technologies have issues that they can solve well, and others that they can't. Cybercriminals are increasingly launching attacks that take advantage of traditional security that rely only on signatures and Web reputation to protect customers. In April 2008, Websense discovered hundreds of thousands of well-trafficked, well known Web sites with "good" reputations that were compromised simultaneously. Look for a solution that uses multiple technologies to find Web threats as they occur and offer real-time protection
   
   
4. A vendor with solid expertise and a plan to keep your security up to date
   A Web security solution is only as current as its research and ability to keep pace with the current webscape. Many vendors claim to provide Web security and real-time classification, but lack the technology or don't have a dedicated security staff. Be sure that your vendor has invested in a world-class security lab and has the research knowledge and capabilities to keep your security current.

For more information contact Lydia Potgieter the Channel Development Manager - Websense at +27 (0) 11 467 6000 | lydia@nu.co.za