PGP to integrate anti-virus defences

PGP Corporation and Symantec are to integrate encryption and anti-virus technology. PGP Universal will incorporate Symantec's AntiVirus Scan Engine to thwart attempts to smuggle viruses into corporates via encrypted email.

Traditionally, AV and encryption have not been particularly complementary. AV scanners should check content only after it is decrypted. This is simple enough in theory, but it can create deployment headaches.

PGP will work with Symantec to simplify the deployment of its PGP Universal secure messaging product line. Symantec said the two companies have been able to integrate AV and encryption together without sacrificing either security or performance.

The beta version of PGP Universal with Symantec AntiVirus Scan Engine is available from the PGP website now. PGP plans to ship the final version of the technology with the upcoming PGP Universal 1.2 release later this quarter. There are no pricing details as yet but the plan is to bundle annual subscription licenses for Symantec's antivirus technology with PGP Universal products. ®

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