Internet UTM Broadband Gateways

Many businesses use "unified threat management" (UTM) broadband gateway hardware and software devices to protect their computer networks. Everything coming into the network from the Internet goes through the gateway first. UTM products for home networks are available too.

Ideally, a complete UTM home product would include a cable or DSL modem, wireless access point, four port wired router, print service, network storage (for file sharing and/or back up), stateful packet inspection (SPI) hardware firewall plus security software including software firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware...

Comparative Reviews

• Managed SOHO security still lacks polish, David Strom, Computer World, September 6, 2006 -- SofaWare Technologies Ltd.'s SafeOffice 500 and TrustEli Inc.'s Eli Security Appliance.
• New Devices Promise Protection in a Box, Andrew Brandt, PC World, April 27, 2006 -- Netgear, Spam Cube & Eli Security Appliance.

Product Reviews

ELI -- Box and service that includes firewall, anti-virus, spam control, anti-spyware, anti-malware, anti-adware, anti-phishing, privacy protection, content filtering, parental controls, VoIP, DSL modem, cable/FiOS ready, 802.11G wireless gateway, 4-port switch, VPN support and print server for an entire home network for $12.95 per month plus a one-time activation fee of $24.95.

• Virus-busting made easy - and affordable [ELI], Fawn Fitter, FSB Magazine, January 30, 2007
• Eli Broadband Internet Security Appliance, Oliver Kaven, PC Magazine, October 17, 2006
• Trusted Reviews UK review, Dave Mitchell, April 9, 2006
• Eli managed security appliance, John Dunn, Techworld UK, March 14, 2006

 iPhantom Technologies

• iBoss Wireless N Router $40 & Annual Web Filter Service $60
  • iBoss Home Parental Control Wireless-N router, Dong Ngo, CNet, June 5, 2009
• iPhantom Residential UTM (no router) $13/month or $120/year is a plug and play unit that includes antivirus, antispyware, antiadware, firewall, intrusion protection, and encryption.

SpamCube works with up to four computers, it is $150 for email anti-spam (one time charge) plus $52 per year for the Security On Demand option to add email anti-virus and anti-phishing. Note: This product only works for email based threats so you will still need firewall, antivirus and anti-spyware on each computer.

• Spam Slayer: Don't Can Spam, Cube It, Tom Spring, PC World, March 28, 2006

SecureSpot hardware from D-Link and integrated software from Bsecure includes firewall, intrusion detection, pop-up killer, spyware killer, content filtering, spam blocker, and anti-virus. Price is $100 for four PCs plus $79 per year. Note: Does not include a modem.

• D-Link adds Security Service to more routers, Tim Higgins, Small Net Builder, October 20, 2008
• D-Link router deflects malware with new built-in SecureSpot Technology, Rik Fairlie, ZDNet, February 19, 2008 -- D-Link DIR-625 RangeBooster N Router for $120 (retail) plus $60 per year security service for 3 computers (additional computers @$20) see press release and SecureSpot 2.0 pdf.

Yoggie Pico Personal™ & Gatekeeper SOHO™ $179-249 list, the SOHO protects up to five computers, the Pico protects one computer or laptop, flash drive or very small box, they include Stateful Inspection Firewall, Anti-Spam, Anti-Phishing, Anti-spyware, Anti-virus, URL Categorization & Filtering, VPN Client, Intrusion Detection System / Intrusion Prevention System, Transparent Email Proxies (POP3; SMTP), Transparent Web Proxies (HTTP; FTP), Adaptive Security Policy™, Multi-Layer Security Agent™, Layer-8 Security Engine ™.

• Yoggie releases MacOS mini security appliances, Tim Higgins, Small Net Builder, October 13, 2008
• The 24th Annual Technical Excellence Awards, Jeremy Kaplan, PC Magazine, November 14, 2007 -- Security: Yoggie Pico

ZoneAlarm Secure Wireless Router Checkpoint, $150, includes Firewall, Gateway Antivirus, Remote Access VPN, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Secure Wireless Communications, Extended Range, Built-in Print Server, Monthly Security Report, Setup Wizard, Web-Based Management, Flexible Optional Services (content filtering, parental controls), Bandwidth Management, Automatic Updates, and Free Online Technical Support.

• ZoneAlarm Secure Wireless Router Z100G, Tony Bradley, netsecurity.about.com, September 19, 2008
• ZoneAlarm Secure Wireless Router Z100G, Oliver Rist, PC Magazine, June 20, 2008

Do It Yourself UTM Broadband Gateway

• Use Packet Protector freeware to upgrade a Linksys WRTSL54GS or ASUS WL-500g (Deluxe or Premium) router to become an Internet Gateway UTM.

Broadband Resource Sites