AOL to Enter Security Business

AOL plans to expand into security services with the release of the Active Security Monitor, expected on Thursday. The software will check for the presence of antivirus and anti-spyware programs, as well as firewall protection.

In turn it will also ensure these products, as well as the Windows operating system, are up-to-date. The program would also check to make sure Internet Explorer is properly configured to prevent security holes. Additionally, the program can inspect a user's network to ensure it is secure from possible attacks.

"ASM determines a security score for your PC, and for all other PCs in your home network, by evaluating the status of all the major components needed for a robust system: Anti-Virus software, Anti-Spyware software, Firewall protection, Wireless Security, Operating System, Web Browser, Back up software and PC Optimization," AOL said on its beta Web site.

The release of Active Security Monitor is likely the opening salvo in a line of security applications and offerings from the company. As previously reported by BetaNews, AOL is also planning to offer a fee-based security service called Total Care that would compete with similar offerings from Microsoft, Symantec and McAfee.

A beta version of Total Care is expected to surface in the coming weeks, sources say. However, AOL would not publicly confirm the existence of such a product.