NetClean ProActive has been designed to cross reference image hash codes against existing child sexual abuse material to catch paedophiles using workplace computers. The file matching technology has been linked with police databases set up to alert company bosses, IT managers and HR chiefs when employees view illegal child sexual abuse content.
A spokesman for the company said: “As web filters are the de facto security method for blocking child sexual abuse websites, paedophiles have increasingly turned to social media sites, file sharing networks and encrypted USB sticks to view and exchange child sexual abuse content undetected.
“By recognising the image ‘fingerprints’, the second generation of NetClean ProActive will instantly alert managers to illegal child sexual abuse images and videos on the corporate network or company computers.”
“This breakthrough will catch paedophiles who often slip through the net by using file sharing networks, USB sticks and social media sites to avoid detection,” said Pelle Gara, co-founder at NetClean
“It’s only a matter of time before all removable media devices and networks have this level of security to prevent illegal child sexual abuse materials from being accessed, viewed and distributed through company computers.”
The second generation of NetClean ProActive identifies and blocks the actual content such as images and videos, instead of simply blocking a URL or filename. The software will also remain active whether the computer is in or out of the office.
“File matching technology allows IT managers to flag, track and take action when child sexual abuse images and videos appear on company computer screens. This is done by cross referencing hash codes against known images from the police database. It is the responsibility of every business to keep their network clean from illegal child sexual abuse material,” Gara said.
