Defending your network perimeter from malicious attacks is a never-ending task: configurations change, patches are released and new security breaches are discovered every single day. The key to ensuring that the perimeter of your network is secure lies in knowing where your vulnerabilities exist and then removing them before someone else discovers and possibly exploits these `holes`.
All computers connected to the Internet are vulnerable to attack and considering the crucial importance of your IT systems, protecting your network from attacks or intrusions should be among an IT executive`s top priorities. The challenge is significant because security vulnerabilities (and thus the security incidents that result) are growing at an alarming rate. In the past 12 months alone, the number of security breaches - as reported by organisations - have increased at the disturbing rate of almost four times faster than the actual growth of Internet-connected hosts.
With up to 11 new computer-system vulnerabilities being discovered each day, traditional security strategies cannot keep up with the threat. The result is that companies fall short in terms of their network protection.
To assist organisations with managing and controlling this pervasive threat, Dimension Data and IS Security Solutions - in partnership with Beyond Security - now offer the Vulnerability Assessment Solution. This service automates the process of discovering network vulnerabilities and assists organisations in securing their IT systems properly. As a component of a wider intrusion and threat management strategy, the Vulnerability Assessment Solution is an indispensable tool for IT administrators.
The service specialises in locating security vulnerabilities in hosts and networks, and in gauging the extent to which computer systems are vulnerable to hostile attacks by `scanning` nominated hosts for vulnerabilities. The scanning methodology employed uses a wide range of security tests to simulate a realistic attack scenario. The service covers every assault method a potential attacker might choose, and provides a clear indication of what the hacker would face when attempting to penetrate a particular client`s network. The outcome of every scan is a list of the security holes revealed, from the high-risk vulnerabilities to the low-risk holes that are used by attackers for `intelligence-gathering` or reconnaissance before performing further attacks.
The Vulnerability Assessment Solution offers clients the choice of a `once-off` scan, or a `recurring` scan which repeats automatically after a predefined period.
Anthony Southgate, General Manager of Dimension Data and IS Security Solutions, explains: "Once the scan locates and exposes security vulnerabilities, it lists recommended fixes to each vulnerability found via a report, which is either e-mailed back to the client, or can be retrieved via a secure Web site."
Southgate adds: "This value-added service provides an objective assessment of your company`s network security status. The purpose of the Vulnerability Assessment Solution is not to sell, nor recommend specific security solutions to our customers, but rather to provide an impartial and up to date report indicating those security vulnerabilities that are apparent in an organisation`s network perimeter."
Established in 1993 as the country`s first commercial Internet service provider, IS has grown in stature and today attracts 80% of the SA`s top 250 listed companies. IS remains the leading ISP with a market share of over 50%. Probably one of the country`s most successful post-apartheid companies, IS has expanded from being a pure Internet connectivity provider to an innovative and pioneering business with services that include Internet access, VPNs, hosting, dial-up, security and business gateway solutions. Testimony to its recognition as a market leader IS has earned an impressive collection of awards, which includes eight First National Bank "Most Admired" awards, Professional Management Review silver and golden arrow awards and even a Loerie award for its design work.
In 2002 IS was certified as a Cisco Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), the first and only company outside of the US to be awarded this accolade. The CPN-MSSP brand associates IS with the worldwide leaders in Internet security.
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