DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE GLOBAL GRID COMMUNITY /    ( Table of Contents )

Breaking News - Security:

Webwasher Adds Control Over IM, P2P Traffic

Webwasher, a leading provider of advanced Internet Content Security software, is introducing a new Webwasher Instant Message Filter for its Content Security Management (CSM) Suite that will enable enterprise network managers to control the use of public instant messaging and peer-to-peer communications for security and productivity purposes. The new component, powered by technology from Akonix Systems Inc, will ship in March.

The new functionality is designed primarily to combat the security risks associated with the burgeoning use of instant messaging in business environments, including the possibility that the IM channel will be used to launch malicious attacks and/or to leak sensitive corporate information. In addition, the new module will increase productivity by reducing non-business communication and preventing the use of peer-to-peer applications such as KaZaA while on the job; help avoid legal liability related to illegal P2P music, video and software downloads; and reclaim network bandwidth wasted on IM and P2P activities.

The addition of IM and P2P controls to Webwasher's CSM Suite will enable enterprises to deploy edge-based antivirus, URL filtering, e-mail and spam filtering, SSL filtering, Instant Message/Peer-to-Peer management and Internet usage reporting as a package.

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All functions are consolidated under one management interface to simplify administration, increase performance over multiple point solutions, reduce points of failure, minimize the server resources needed to run all security operations, and lower the total cost of ownership.

"IM applications can provide attack points for hackers seeking to gain entry into corporate systems by tunneling through firewalls," said Brian Burke, IT security analyst for research firm IDC. "The fusing of Webwasher and Akonix technology is in line with IDC's view that secure content management vendors must integrate security components and policies involving traditional antivirus, real-time behavior analysis, Web filtering and messaging security to present a more complete defense."

Webwasher Instant Message Filter will manage all IM and P2P traffic at the network perimeter without the need for client software. Network managers will have the option to block any or all IM and P2P applications, or use the system in report-only mode to log and analyze IM and P2P activity.

"Most businesses are aware that they need to exert control over Web and email activities, but many have been slow to recognize the dangers of IM and P2P use at work," said Frank Berzau, director of Technical Alliances for Webwasher. "We have partnered with Akonix to help enterprises address these threats because Akonix technology is recognized as the leading signature-based engine for controlling IM and P2P protocols, ensuring that our Instant Message Filter is powered by the most robust solution on the market."

"Webwasher's decision to adopt our technology will help us continue to reach new customers by appealing to enterprises that are adopting Webwasher's technology to manage multiple elements of employee Internet use and want an integrated approach," said Francis Costello, chief marketing officer for Akonix. "Webwasher has traction in this market, expertise in the ICAP protocol which allows its software to be used in conjunction with the web cache products that are popular in larger enterprises, and a particularly strong presence in the European channel. All of these factors will help increase our market penetration and bring best-of-breed IM and P2P filtering to more enterprises."

Webwasher Instant Message Filter will be able to block AOL, MSN, Yahoo and ICQ services, as well as FastTrack and Gnutella PTP services including KaZaA, Grokster, LimeWire, BearShare and Morpheus. Protocol updates will be installed dynamically without any downtime or system re-boot.

Minimum system requirements include an 800 MHz Intel Pentium III processor with 1GB free disk space, Windows 2003/2000 Server, and Microsoft SQL Server 2000, SQL Server 7 or Microsoft Data Engine (included).