NetSolve Provides 24 x 7 Network Monitoring Solution for Microsoft Internet Explorer Security Hole

Business Wire, March 10, 1997

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 1997--

- Network Out-Tasking Service Enables Corporate Users

to Avoid "Break-Ins" -

Users of Microsoft Internet Explorer browser Version 3.0 can now download a software patch to prevent any further security breach from the earlier reported security hole found by a Worcester Polytechnic Institute student.

However, users of corporate networks are not completely secure. Unless Information Systems (IS) or network managers physically install this software patch on every system on their corporate network, including remote PCs and laptops, potential for future security breaches is still high. This recent incident is consistent with the Computer Security Institute's findings that one out of three network security break-ins occur after a firewall is installed.

As demonstrated by this security problem, traditional firewall or encryption technology won't prevent all network break-ins, and will not detect malicious intent or actions via World Wide Web traffic.

Austin-based NetSolve, Inc. has a solution for managing network security more effectively. NetSolve, a leading supplier of network out-tasking services provides ProWatch Secure, which combines network intrusion detection and firewall technology with sophisticated network security monitoring. Customers can be protected from the Internet, as well as intranet (intracompany communication) and extranet (intercompany communication) attacks. ProWatch Secure(SM) is a service based on intrusion detection technology from WheelGroup Corporation.

NetSolve provides 24 x 7 intrusion detection monitoring and response for the network perimeter for both Internet and intranet activity. In the case of the Microsoft Internet Explorer security hole, NetSolve quickly sent a warning to its customers via the Internet and had the patch installed at each customer site within minutes. Once installed, any attempts to access a network through the Explorer security hole are immediately rejected. Network managers can still implement their own security measures -- physically installing Microsoft's software patch -- however, that process can be time consuming and cumbersome.

In addition to the recently reported Microsoft Internet Explorer security hole, other common network security threats exist, leaving corporations vulnerable to attack:

-- CGI (Common Gateway Interface) BIN attack - hackers gain unauthorized access to Web servers. Recently, the Federal government's Central Intelligence Agency and Justice Department Web sites were attacked with malicious intent, and Web content was changed extensively.

-- Send Mail attack - hackers gain unauthorized access to older versions of UNIX- based email via email servers, making operating systems and applications susceptible to break-ins.

-- Any Web server on a network is at risk for a potential security breach.

A range of network attack profiles are classified as signature events, where intrusion detection software recognizes break-in attempts and security policy violations, blocks unauthorized activity, and sends alarms to the NetSolve Network Management Center (NMC) in real-time. NetSolve then contacts the InterNIC (Network Information Center), identifies the system administrator of the network that an attack is coming from, and immediately calls them to assure that all attack activity is stopped. ProWatch Secure provides an additional level of computer security protection beyond firewalls, encryption and authentication, and supplements them with 24-hour monitoring, perimeter intrusion detection and response by computer security professionals.

About NetSolve

NetSolve Incorporated has been providing wide-area network management, network security and data communications services since 1988. The company's network out-tasking services provide corporate customers with maximum network availability, information confidentiality and reduced monthly operating costs. NetSolve is privately held and can be reached at 512/795-3000, and can be found on the World Wide Web at www.netsolve.net .

CONTACT: Lee Communications

Leiann Lee, For NetSolve

503/236-8079

leiannlee@earthlink.net