New Module Utilizes Akonix's IM and P2P Security Technology to Enhance
Protection
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RSA Conference Booth
#1805 -- 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, email and spam
filtering, SSL filtering, Instant Message/Peer-to-Peer management, and
Internet usage reporting as a package.
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, 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 1 GB free disk space, Windows 2003/2000 Server, and Microsoft SQL Server
2000, SQL Server 7 or Microsoft Data Engine (included).
About Akonix
Akonix Systems, Inc., is a leading provider of enterprise-class software
solutions that help companies secure and manage the use of instant messaging
(IM) and other real-time communications technologies. The company's offerings
help organizations prevent unsanctioned use of both consumer IM and P2P file
sharing, while providing security, management and control for authorized IM
usage. Akonix's award-winning solutions address industry and government
compliance requirements (SEC, NASD, FERC, HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley). Akonix's
solutions are in use by more than 100 customers, with enterprise-wide
deployments across a wide range of industries. Akonix is privately held and
venture capital funded by Menlo Ventures, Mission Ventures, Palomar Ventures
and Windward Ventures. For more information and/or to request a trial visit
http://www.akonix.com .
About Webwasher
Webwasher is a leading provider of Internet security solutions for
corporations, educational institutions and government agencies. Webwasher
develops and markets innovative products for the growing Content Security
Management / Policy Enforcement Tool market, and has been named the fastest-
growing provider of web filtering solutions by research firm IDC. Products
include standalone and integrated solutions for Internet content security and
filtering, including URL filtering, e-mail and spam filtering, virus
protection, SSL filtering, Instant Message/Peer-to-Peer blocking and Internet
usage reporting. Webwasher products are deployed by thousands of companies
worldwide, including over 30 Fortune 500 companies. Webwasher has established
reseller and strategic partnerships with Network Appliance, IBM, Cisco, Check
Point, Computer Associates, and Network Associates. For more information,
visit http://www.webwasher.com .
Webwasher(R) is a registered trademark of webwasher. Antivirus PreScan,
ContentReporter, DynaBLocator, Live Reporting, MethodMix, SSL-Scanner and
SpamEquator are trademarks of webwasher AG. All other trademarks belong to
their respective holders and should be treated as such.
webwasher USA
Frances Schlosstein
Vice President Business Development USA
New York, NY, USA
Tel.: +1 800 305-4986
frances.schlosstein@webwasher.com
SOURCE Webwasher
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.webwasher.com
http://2004.rsaconference.com http://www.akonix.com
CONTACT:
Frances Schlosstein, Vice President Business
Development USA of Webwasher USA, +1-800-305-4986,
frances.schlosstein@webwasher.com ; or Roxanne Pascente,
roxanne@sspr.com , or Caroline Rubenstein, caroline@sspr.com ,
both of S&S Public Relations, +1-800-287-2279; Katie Assar of
LEWIS PR for Akonix, +1-619-516-2559, katiea@lewispr.com
|
