Symantec's new client compliancy initiative promotes enforcement of remote, mobile client security policies

Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, today announced its new client compliancy initiative designed to promote the enforcement of remote and mobile client security policies. The initiative addresses the growing need for administrators to verify that client machines are secure before they connect to enterprise networks. As part of this initiative, Symantec will work with other industry leaders to deliver interoperable solutions to ensure that customers' networks remain protected from today's malicious threats.

In order to meet the need for interoperability between its client security solutions and third-party products, Symantec is introducing its new client compliancy application program interface (API). This new API provides IT administrators with the ability to block access to an organisation's network when a computer's security level does not meet the requirements defined by the organisation's security policies. Aventail, Cisco Systems, Check Point, iPass, Fiberlink, Netilla, Nortel, Whale Communications and others are working with Symantec to deliver interoperable solutions that support the automated enforcement of pre-defined security policies.

Symantec's new client compliancy API and other services will be available through the Symantec Technology Partner Program.

"As customers have consistently reported to us, the growing variety of methods employees are using to access networks poses a new level of risk to corporate security posture," said Patrick Evans, regional manager for Africa at Symantec. "Now IT administrators will be able to ensure that remote users and client machines are secure and do not jeopardise enterprise networks."

According to the October 2003 Internet Security Threat Report, up to 80% of all vulnerabilities come from client machines susceptible to remotely executable attacks. Since the demands of remote and mobile user connectivity have reached mission-critical proportions, organisations are challenged to prevent these systems from introducing new malicious threats into their network.

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One collaborative effort under way unites Symantec's security solutions with Cisco's Network Admission Control program and focuses on limiting damage from emerging security threats such as viruses and worms. This alliance is intended to address the broad and growing concern of remediation costs among enterprise customers.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer our mutual customers a powerful client-compliancy solution as a result of the co-operative development effort between Cisco and Symantec," said Charlie Giancarlo, senior vice-president and general manager of product development at Cisco Systems. "The Network Admission Control program allows both Cisco and Symantec to focus on delivering the required innovations around their core competencies."

"As customers increasingly look for client solutions, we expect the security industry to create industry standards for interoperability and ultimately, protection," said Chris Christiansen, program vice-president at IDC. "Responding to client threats proliferated by mobile and remote workers, Symantec commendably organised a much-needed client security initiative that cooperates with other leading security and networking vendors."