Computer Associates provides proactive protection for new Microsoft Outlook attack

Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) today advised computer users that protection for the recently discovered Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express security exposures is readily available through CA`s eTrust Security Solutions.

In response to the recent announcements issued by Microsoft, the International Computer Security Association (ICSA), Bugtraq and NTBugtraq regarding the overflow exposure inherent to Outlook and Outlook Express email clients, CA`s security research and response teams have formulated the following solutions for users who are at risk of attack:

• An updated virus signature for CA`s industry-leading InoculateIT solution is available for immediate download. This virus signature will detect the presence of a program that has been made generally available on the Internet, which can be used to create and launch an attack against Outlook systems.

• Updates to CA`s eTrust Intrusion Detection product will be made available within 72 hours that will make it possible for eTrust Intrusion Detection to detect and prevent the launching of this new attack.

"This new Outlook vulnerability has caused serious concern amongst both the client community and the security industry and poses a threat not just to the viability of email systems, but also to the safety and integrity of the intellectual assets of any eBusiness that is attacked using this technique. CA agrees with the assessment of the organizations that have issued advisories -- the threat is quite real," says Simon Perry, CA`s vice president of security solutions. "It is imperative that eBusinesses take a proactive stance in ensuring that their systems are protected."

"Signature updates for the InoculateIT solution can be downloaded free from CA at http://support.ca.com," reveals Raoul Hunter, business development manager at Computer Associates Africa.