Symantec Managed Security Services increases awareness capabilities to improve analysis, monitoring, response

Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, today announced increased network and operating system awareness capabilities, including vulnerability scans of perimeter network systems that enable Symantec Managed Security Services to better assess the potential impact of observed security incidents. With this new awareness capability, Symantec customers are better protected against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Symantec collects vulnerability and operating environment data from consenting Symantec Managed Security Services customers by performing regular scans of their Internet-exposed systems. The results of the scans are reported to Symantec Managed Security Services analysts who, in turn, use this information to better understand the risk posture of the customer networks when setting event severity and providing recommendations for monitored and managed services.

"As the number of vulnerabilities discovered continues to increase, so do the threats against our customers," said Grant Geyer, vice-president, Global Symantec Managed Security Services. "There is therefore an imperative for managed security providers to not only have a global perspective of threats emerging in the wild, but to understand the associated vulnerabilities for each customer. Giving our analysts visibility to both threats and vulnerabilities is a great leap in understanding each customer's risk profile."

Part of Symantec's Enterprise Security Services, Symantec Managed Security Services leverages global intelligence to offer fast and accurate analysis of security data to protect customers against emerging threats and reduce overall security risk. Its 24x7 real-time services enhance an organisation's information security posture through continuous monitoring and management, expert analysis, and immediate response to potential security threats. In addition, Symantec's Security Operations Centers have been fully audited and certified by independent third-parties to meet industry-leading standards, including BS7799 certification and SAS70 Type II audits. For more information, please visit http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/SecurityServices.

Pricing and availability

The increased network, operating systems, and vulnerability scanning capabilities are provided free of charge to Symantec Managed Security Services customers. To take advantage of this new feature, customers must contact their customer service representative or account manager. Written authorisation is required.