With the increase in computer viruses and worms it is becoming more and more important to protect systems from such attacks.  Some of these viruses are spread by spammers and therefore the filtering of spam is also becoming more necessary, than in the past.

As more companies have broadband Internet  connections their staff become more interested in using the Internet, often for things outside of the scope of normal working.  People who do not have a fast connection available at home may consider it a perk of the job to download large files at work and transfer them to CDs for use at home. This can expose the company to more risks than those mentioned earlier as some of these files could be copyrighted material, or totally unsuitable material, such as pornography.

Another aspect of connecting to the Internet is that the company may have the entrances and exits of the building covered by security staff, but this connection is also an exit.  Someone in the company, who in the past would not have risked taking a photocopied list of clients or trade secrets past the security officer on the front door, can easily email them to the outside.

Linux Autrement sets up Internet gateways based on Linux in companies and schools to address these problems.  The equipment used ranges from old PCs pressed into service as a simple router/firewall through to very sophisticated systems incorporating the proven Sheriff and Sophos technologies. Each system is configured for the site's specific needs.