All Iomega StorCenter PX NAS Devices Get McAfee VirusScan Enterprise

Network-attached storage devices run their own operating systems, which means that they don't always get to use the same software as common PCs, something that owners of Iomega StorCenter PX units know well.

These network storage products for small and medium businesses run Linux, so administrators can't use Windows security suites.

To make sure that the data stored on the StorCenter PX doesn't easily come to harm, Iomega has signed a deal with McAfee.

From now on, all enterprise PX NAS models will run programs from the McAfee VirusScan Enterprise for Linux software family, or VSEL for short.

Iomega is the only company to sell NAS devices priced at under $10,000 that incorporate VSEL, but there are many benefits to doing so, so we doubt anyone will complain.

Always-on, on-access scanning is one function (anti-malware protection), as is heuristic scanning (for identifying and blocking new malware without needing signature downloads).

Cross-platform protection is implemented as well (it stops Windows-based malware from passing through the Linux NAS to attached Windows devices).

Furthermore, archive scanning is part of VSEL, making sure viruses can't sneak past by hiding in .rar, .zip or other archived files.

Add to that automatic updates and there isn't much that can threaten the integrity of a network equipped with a Iomega StorCenter PX.

"We are thrilled to combine McAfee's expertise in endpoint protection with Iomega's network storage products that already encompass EMC world class storage capabilities," said Candace Worley, senior vice president and general manager, Endpoint Security, McAfee.

"This unique product combination enables businesses to deploy network storage at the very edge of their networks, with the McAfee protection capabilities that they've come to trust and depend upon."

All Iomega PX series network storage products, like the $700 / 552 Euro StorCenter PX Server Class Series, will incorporate McAfee VirusScan Enterprise for Linux (VSEL) starting with the second half of the year.