Network Associates to protect Linux enterprises

In the wake of rising support for the new kid on the operating system block, Linux, Network Associates is coming to market with a risk assessment tool custom developed for the OS.

CyberCop Scanner, which has historically shipped for Windows NT, inspects computer networks for security vulnerabilities and advises how to patch any holes it finds.

Brenda Crook, the company's local country manager, says the new Linux version includes the ability to scan for more than 500 ulnerabilities, an AutoUpdate feature and a custom scripting language for adding network-specific tests.

"The release of the new CyberCop Scanner demonstrates Network Associates` ability to adapt and tackle new opportunities such as the Linux operating system. We believe we're offering Linux users the most powerful and flexible security scanner they've had so far."

CyberCop Scanner ships with a comprehensive database of security vulnerabilities that the product can scan for and provide information to fix. The AutoUpdate technology allows updates to be added to the local database as they are discovered by NAI Labs, the research division of Network Associates.

"By adding their own security checks and resolution suggestions to the database users essentially create their own custom versions of CyberCop Scanner," says Crook.

"This makes it even more powerful in their environment and the product`s enhanced reporting capabilities make it easy to track trends and provide executive-level summaries of a network`s security profile."

The Linux and Windows NT versions of CyberCop Scanner are core components of Net Tools Secure - Network Associates` comprehensive security suite which comprises virus security,

encryption/authentication, firewall, intrusion protection and virtual private network solutions.

"All products within Net Tools Secure are currently being developed to include 'Active Security' capabilities, whereby security products operate in concert, actively communicating alerts and adapting security policies for real-time response when threats are detected," says Crook.

CyberCop Scanner is shipping locally this month through Network Associates' channel partners, Drive Control Corporation and Siltek Distribution Dynamics. The new version ships free of charge to licensed Total Network Security users - and is also available as a point product staring at R95 per node for 5 000 users.