Promisec’s Spectator Professional software combines the functionality of an appliance with the simplicity of standalone software.

The product addresses every aspect of endpoint security, including service packs and anti-virus updates as well as peripheral and file type control.

Scans can be created by IP range, single host, or by domain, while all rule sets can be customised to fit any type of environment, including rules permitting required installed applications.

With a simple-to-follow setup wizard and an organised program interface, Spectator Professional makes setting up endpoint security both easy and reliable. All options are explained clearly in a pane on the right side of the screen, so there is no uncertainty. Reporting is a quick process of a couple of mouse clicks and reports are clear and easy to read.

Spectator Professional scanned our test network and found every violation. All these violations were displayed clearly in the reports. However, attention to detail is crucial in configuring this product. For example, following our “no USB device” policy, it turned off the mouse as well (but there is an option to block only USB devices with memory capacity, which avoids this problem).

This product comes with a simple-to-follow user’s manual which explains all aspects of installation and configuration.

This manual is loaded with screenshots, charts, and diagrams that make understanding the program very easy. We were disappointed by the support on offer, however, which is limited to suppliers in Europe and Promisec’s headquarters in Israel.

Spectator Professional, although close to the upper level of cost, gives plenty of flexibility and functionality. It offers full-scale network policy control and endpoint security in one product.