Sophos, a world leader in IT security, has announced the launch of new Application Control features that allow system administrators to selectively block unauthorised VOIP, peer-to-peer (P2P) and instant messaging (IM) applications that can present risks to company data and networks.
The new capabilities integrate seamlessly into Sophos Anti-Virus 6.0, providing users with a universal desktop client that addresses a diverse range of security and productivity challenges.
"Sophos`s latest offering comes in response to security and efficiency concerns resulting from the uncontrolled adoption of VOIP, P2P and IM in the enterprise," says Brett Myroff, CEO of master Sophos distributor NetXactics. A survey conducted earlier this month by Sophos reflects the serious concern that uncontrolled applications are causing system administrators. For example, 86.1% of respondents said they want the opportunity to block VOIP applications, with 62.8% indicating it is essential.
"It is clear that enterprises want to prevent employees from running unauthorised programs that eat up bandwidth and violate security policies - or result in data leakage," Myroff says. "Sophos provides a simple solution by giving companies the tools to combat a growing problem without having to roll-out new software or learn how to use a new management console. The goal is to provide enterprises with a single management console and universal client for both security and general desktop management."
Sophos`s solution gives system administrators the ability to selectively allow or block usage of applications by individuals or groups. As a result, they can implement flexible policies that reflect the diverse needs of groups across the enterprise.
"Companies are in danger of losing control and accountability if they allow their users to decide what software they run on their computers," says Phil Cracknell, UK President of the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA).
"To stop productivity and security issues raising their ugly head, businesses should manage and authorise what applications are allowed to run on the network."
"While much of the attention is about the external threat, individuals inside the enterprise have the potential to cause the largest security problems," says Brian Burke, research manager for IDC`s Security Products service. "System administrators need a simple, flexible solution that not only ensures peace of mind, but guarantees the ability to develop and enforce policies that work for all parts of the enterprise. Sophos is accomplishing this by offering companies all the functionality within its existing enterprise solution along added protection to the core offering."
Application Control is an optional feature of Sophos Anti-Virus, version 6, available to both new and existing customers. Existing customers of Sophos Anti-Virus for Windows 2000/XP/2003, version 6, can use this new feature at no additional charge. New customers have the option to deploy Sophos Anti-Virus either with or without Application Control.
More information can be found at: http://www.sophos.com/security/topic/application-control.html
Sophos is also offering an educational podcast on Application Control. Access to the podcast is available at: http://www.sophos.com/podcasts
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Sophos is a world leader in integrated threat management solutions, developing protection against viruses, spyware, spam and policy abuse for business, education and government. Headquartered in the UK, Sophos`s reliably engineered, easy-to-operate products protect more than 35 million users in more than 150 countries. Through 20 years` experience and a global network of threat analysis centres, the company responds rapidly to emerging threats - no matter how complex - and achieves the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry.
NetXactics
NetXactics is a South African-based company, focused on the provision of security solutions. It is the Master Distributor for UK-based Sophos Plc, one of the leaders in the provision of anti-virus and anti-spam software for the corporate environment. For more information, visit NetXactics at www.netxactics.co.za.
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