MailScan 2003

MailScan is an anti-virus filter for mail servers. It’s available in various versions like MailScan for MS Exchange, PostMaster, VPOP3, SMTP, WinRoute, Lotus Notes, and there’s even a version for general mail servers.The software works in tandem with the mail server, starting up and shutting down with it. All incoming (POP3) and outgoing (SMTP) mail goes through it and checked for potential virus threats. This software, like the company’s eScan anti-virus product, also uses a core Anti-virus engine from Kaspersky Labs in association with GData securities and is implemented on a layer they call the MWL

(MicroWorld Winsock Layer). This is to ensure that the viruses are trapped before they reach the Windows OS through an e-mail, as this layer filters all content for potential threats before it reaches the WinSock layer.

The software works in tandem with the mail server, starting up and shutting down with it

In the setup, you can select which attachment extensions should be deleted automatically, like .VBS, HBX, SCR and

PIF.

For other attachments, in case a virus is found, you can choose to remove it, delete mail/attachment or quarantine the virus.

The anti-virus database is updated daily from the company’s website. You can query for updates as often as every 30

mins.

The software checks content and can be used to block objectionable, unsolicited e-mail or spam by specifying certain words or phrases for the task. It has its own database of such words and phrases as well. You can add multiple domains for which to run Mailscan. You can even specify different SMTP/POP3 ports to scan by entering a comma-separated list of port numbers.

There are many other options: you can select the user for whom e-mails should be scanned or attachments automatically compressed/decompressed in zip format for both incoming and outgoing mail. This works without any additional compression software like WinZip and so is useful. You can also specify for which domain this option will work. Support options include phone/mail/chat and on-site support as well. Support is free for the first year and costs 45% of the product cost thereafter.

MailScan cannot replace a complete anti-virus solution for your system as it does not offer protection against HTTP and FTP traffic. For enabling that, you need to install eScan for MailScan. This eScan version comes without its mail scanning capabilities.Though you can use it in conjunction with anti-virus software from other vendors, the company does not recommend it. We tested the product with Maildaemon mail server.

The Bottom Line A good product for mail servers as it can detect viruses before they enter the OS.

S N A P S H O T
Price	:	MailScan 2003 for MailServers (five Mailboxes): Rs 11,257
Features	:	Add multiple SMTP/POP3 ports to protect; user definable attachment blocking; scan multiple domains;
Pros	:	MicroWorld Winsock Layer blocks viruses before they enter the system, compress/decompress attachments automatically for any user
Contact	:	MicroWorld, Mumbai.
Tel	:	28265701.
E-mail	:	rajiv@mspl.net

Shruti Pareek