Nortel Networks Launches 'Secure Cable' Anti-Hacking Protection for Residential and Small Business PC Users - Company Business and Marketing

Cambridge Telcom Report, Dec 13, 1999

Personal computer users subscribing to `always-on` cable Internet access can now be protected from hackers -- an increasing problem as cable modems become more and more popular -- thanks to a new, mass market security solution being launched by Nortel Networks, the company announced Wednesday.

Nortel Networks and its Shasta IP Services division are launching Secure Cable, which offers anti-hacking protection for Internet cable subscribers by securing each cable connection with network-based firewalls.

Because cable Internet connections are always on, personal computers linked to cable are exposed to hacker attacks. And, as broadband becomes more widely deployed here and abroad and cable and telecommunications companies offer high-speed Internet access through cable or Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), more consumers are reporting hacker attacks on their PCs, sometimes leading to copying or destruction of sensitive data. And the problem could get worse.

It is predicted that by 2003, more than 30 million U.S. households will be eligible for high-speed access cable. Furthermore, more than 12 million U.S. households will have high-speed Internet access over cable or DSL by 2003, according to industry analyst firm, The Strategis Group (Cable Trends, June 1999). This represents a massive increase from today's 1.4 million cable and DSL Internet access subscribers throughout the country.

`At least one out of 10 high-speed Internet users will experience or be victimized in a hacker attack,` said Ron Westfall, senior analyst, Current Analysis. `We see an increased demand for a basic, secure access solution for high-speed connections like cable and DSL. A basic 'door lock' solution from Internet Service Providers would help protect customers from simple hacker attacks and help speed the adoption of broadband. Nortel Networks addresses the problem with a network-based firewall solution in its Shasta 5000.`

Nortel Networks' Shasta 5000 Broadband Service Node (BSN) also provides cable operators with an IP services platform to provide for wholesale access to their high-speed cable networks, allowing subscribers the choice of Internet service providers. It is the latest in a suite of enhanced broadband services provided by Nortel Networks, which earlier this year, launched its Secure Dial and Secure DSL solutions that are now being used by service providers around the world.

`Nortel Networks is at the heart of the Internet revolution and is a global leader in the cable, Internet and telephony market,` said Anthony Alles, president and general manager of the company's Shasta IP Services business unit. `Besides building a faster, more reliable Internet, it also means enhancing broadband security for Internet users of DSL, cable and other high-speed technologies, and we're achieving that for our customers.`

Nortel Networks has a major presence in the cable industry, providing high speed optical networks, switches and routers, head-end equipment, cable telephony systems, cable modems, and the Shasta Broadband Services Node for value-added cable internet services. The company and its Arris Interactive joint venture with Antec supplies cable solutions to major customers such as AT&T BIS, Time Warner, GTE, Comcast, Cox, Cablevision, Rogers Communications, UPC, SPTA, Csii and Mitsui.`

Nortel Networks is a global leader in telephony, data, wireless and wireline solutions for the Internet. The Company had 1998 revenues of US$17.6 billion and serves carrier, service provider and enterprise customers globally. Today, Nortel Networks is creating a high-performance Internet that is more reliable and faster than ever before. It is redefining the economics and quality of networking and the Internet through Unified Networks that promise a new era of collaboration, communications and commerce. For more information, go to www.nortelnetworks.com.