Two options are available - Anti-Virus scanning of emails, and most recently scanning of browsing sessions has been introduced. All NetPilot Plus and Enterprise units ship with 12 month subscriptions for both Sophos AV options.

When the email option is enabled, emails are scanned against a pre-loaded set of 'Virus Signatures'. If emails contain any viruses they will be deleted, and warning emails describing the problem will be (optionally) sent to the sender, the addressees, and the NetPilot Administrator. The concept of having a single centralised point - at the gateway to the Internet - to scan incoming emails for viruses is of great appeal - rather than multiple virus packages loaded on multiple PCs. The NetPilot automatically downloads the latest virus definitions making life simple for the administrator.

For browsing sessions, the NetPilot will check all pages and downloads against the same virus database used for checking emails. Note: The Boundary Scanning email option must be installed first prior to installing the browsing option.

This Sophos powered functionality is available for all current products. The following Q&A will cover many issues. If you have further questions please click on the email information request with your particular queries.

Why is this facility called 'Boundary Scanning™' ?
This defines where we do the virus scanning - at the boundary between your local LAN and the Internet. Our naming convention also fits in well with our other facilities on the NetPilot family - Boundary Caching™ and Boundary Filtering™.

Why is 'Boundary Scanning' often more flexible and powerful than scanning at my ISP ?
A major benefit for Boundary Scanning over externally managed ISP services is that it also scans for viruses in emails sent across an internal network - i.e. all emails sent between fellow employees of the same organisation will flow through NetPilot's virus scanner and stop internally generated infection.

Other major benefits over external services include, the ability to block viruses emanating not only from the organisation's designated main email accounts, but also any other mail accounts at other ISPs, that are used on a permanent or ad hoc basis. For example a rogue user collecting email from a private account to his desktop PC, will by-pass the external managed service and potentially infect the whole organisation.

Why is 'Boundary Scanning' often more flexible and powerful than scanning on my desktop PCs ?
Where Boundary Scanning particularly adds value above and beyond both simple desktop and external scanning is when networks are opened up for mobile users and visitors temporarily plug their notebooks into a network. While a network manager may be able to implement adequate policies and actual deployment of anti virus solutions on desktop PCs, the likelihood is he has far less control over portable computers. These PCs, by their very nature, are more likely to have anti virus solutions that are not kept up to date and are being connected to multiple sources of infection. Scanning on the NetPilot automatically prevents viruses being spread by visitors or mobile workers when they connect into the organisation's LAN.

Who is providing the 'Virus Signatures' update service ?
NetPilot is working with one of the world leaders in this field - Sophos.

How much do the Boundary Scanning facility cost ?
For new Plus and Enterprise products the first year subscription is bundled into the NetPilot product price - so nothing additional. Other models can be upgraded to provide this functionality at extra cost.

Which NetPilot models and software versions will support Anti-virus Boundary Scanning ?
All current of NetPilot Remote, NetPilot 3, NetPilot Plus and NetPilot Enterprise VPN models. Those with older NetPilots or NetPilot Enterprises can use the Aladdin program to upgrade their hardware. Click for Details!

Where can I order a Anti-virus Scanning Subscription ?
Call +44 (0)113 242 7770

What do I receive regarding Anti-virus Scanning when I obtain my new NetPilot Enterprise or Plus ?
You receive a physical enabling pack containing a license document, key codes and appropriate documentation.

What do I receive when I pay for a Anti-virus Scanning Subscription for an existing NetPilot or a subsequent year's renewal ?
You receive key codes and appropriate documentation by mail or email.

What happens at the end of the one year subscription period ?
The NetPilot administrator is contacted to see if his organisation wishes to renew its subscription. If the renewal is taken up then the service continues. If the renewal is not taken up, Anti-virus Scanning ceases to operate.

Will the Anti-Virus features work on my older NetPilot ?
Unfortunately Anti-Virus features do not work on older NetPilots, specifically : MK1, MK2.1, MK2.2, Lite, the original 4U Enterprise, or on the current NetPilot Remote. The good news is you can get a £1000 trade up allowance against a new NetPilot Plus which has all the power need for this and many other features. For more details - Click Here !