Webwasher Adds Control Over IM and Peer-to-Peer Traffic in Its Integrated Suite for Managing Internet Content Security
Posted on: Tuesday, 24 February 2004, 06:00 CST
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
Webwasher
CONTACT: Frances Schlosstein, Vice President Business Development USA ofWebwasher USA, +1-800-305-4986, frances.schlosstein@webwasher.com ; or RoxannePascente, roxanne@sspr.com , or Caroline Rubenstein, caroline@sspr.com , bothof S&S Public Relations, +1-800-287-2279; Katie Assar of LEWIS PR for Akonix,+1-619-516-2559, katiea@lewispr.com
Web site: http://www.webwasher.com/http://2004.rsaconference.com/http://www.akonix.com/
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