Firms wishing to protect their web sites could be interested in Barracuda Networks’ latest security appliance, which launched today.

Barracuda is targeting firms that need to ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry’s Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Section 6.6 of PCI DSS mandates that firms accessing credit card or other customer account information over the internet must audit the requisite web applications or install a web application firewall by 30 June this year. Barracuda said its systems provide secure sockets layer (SSL) encryption natively and use role-based administration for security policy enforcement.

Barracuda’s product management vice president Stephen Pao said, “Until now, web application security products have largely been targeted at large enterprises that have expansive IT budgets.”

The Barracuda Web Site Firewall is available in three models: the 360, 460 and 660, with prices starting at £3,699 + VAT.