Google adds Web security, remote worker protection to Google Apps

Google is adding security for Web surfing and remote workers to its Google Apps set of office tools. Made possible by last year's acquisition of security vendor Postini, Google Web Security for Enterprise includes real-time malware protection and URL filtering with policy enforcement and reporting, Google announced Thursday.

"An additional feature extends the same protections to users working remotely on laptops in hotels, cafes, and even guest networks," Google stated.

Google also took advantage of the Postini buy last October when it gave users access to new e-mail security and compliance features at no extra charge. (Compare security products.)

With this week's announcement, Google said Web Security for Enterprise is $36 per user per year, and the remote protection feature is $12 per user per year.

"Google Web Security allows companies to secure their networks from Web-based malware; enforce Internet use policies at the user, workgroup or company level; and receive comprehensive reporting on all Web activities," Google said.

Like the hosted Google Apps software, the security features are delivered over the Web as a service, so the optional security features for remote workers can be accessed without employees having to sign on to their company's network. In addition to enforcing policies, administrators can audit and review Web activity reports on individual users, departments or the whole company.

Google released the enterprise version of Google Apps more than a year ago to compete against the ubiquitous Microsoft Office suite of work tools. Google Apps includes e-mail, shared calendaring, instant messaging, VoIP, Web page creation and online document hosting and collaboration.