BitDefender shows off 'Box', a home security device for the Internet of Things

Security firm BitDefender has announced a new type of home Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) device designed to make up for the inadequacies complement the capabilities of security software built into broadband routers.

Called Box and due for launch in the US in January (no news on a UK or European launch so far), the device is being pitched as a defence against everything from Internet of Things (IoT) attacks to todays botnets, phishing, data theft and everyday malware, all security layers normally sold only to businesses.

Physically, Box contains the same platform as any contemporary router, including a single-core 400MHz MIPS processor, 64MB or RAM, 16GB of onboard Flash storage and a pair of Ethernet ports. It also has 802.11nWi-Fi support and can stream up to 150Mbps, relatively modest but then again it doesnt have to be used in place of the customers current Wi-Fi router.

This is fundamentally about security connected to BitDefenders own cloud services. It is less a case of what it can do than what it cant do BitDefenders note on the device mentioned almost every security possibility imaginable.

It will block malicious URLs and other malware including downloads, and it reportedly will coordinate its security with applications running on the protected devices be they PCs, Macs or Android devices.

More interestingly, this layer means that it can be used to set up a VPN connection when users travel away from home, protecting them against man-in-the-middle attacks.

It will also handle things like vulnerability alerting and OS updates and even anti-theft.

The hardware sits next to, or in place of your router and protects all devices that have an IP address (think Nest, tablets, smart TV, etc.) yes, it will even protect your webcam from Russian hackers, read the PR pitch.

So Bit Defenders Box is going to have its work cut out for it but to stand all this up the user has to buy a $99 annual subscription (after year one) in addition to the $199 asking price.

All of this will be monitored through a smartphone app of course.

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BitDefender shows off 'Box', a home security device for the Internet of Things