Symantec Protects Remote Computers and Corporate Networks From Security Breaches and Denial of Service Attacks With New Intrusion Prevention Product

Business Wire, August 28, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2000

Desktop Firewall Product Is Key Component of

Symantec Enterprise Security

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC) today announced a new enterprise intrusion prevention product line, Symantec Desktop Firewall 2.0. The product provides administrators and end users a manageable, easy-to-use solution to protect corporate information that resides on remote users' systems. Symantec Desktop Firewall prevents hackers from gaining access to corporate networks through remote systems, and defends organizations from involuntary involvement in Distributed Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. The Symantec Desktop Firewall is also a key component of Symantec Enterprise Security -- a comprehensive, multi-tier and modular Internet security solution for enterprise computing environments.

"With more corporate users working from remote locations and a parallel increase in cybercrime, it is imperative that companies prevent their remote PCs and mobile clients from being used as backdoors to the corporate network," said Gail Hamilton, senior vice president, Enterprise Solutions Division, Symantec Corporation. "Symantec Desktop Firewall provides critical security and privacy capabilities to remote and mobile workers, enabling them to use their systems in a safe and protected environment."

Virtual Private Network Neutral

Symantec Desktop Firewall is compatible with the leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions from vendors such as Cisco and Nortel, giving administrators the flexibility to select the VPN that best meets the company's security objectives. While other firewall products are typically part of a suite, offering limited VPN compatibility, Symantec Desktop Firewall is VPN neutral.

Non-Intrusive To End User and Easy To Use

Symantec Desktop Firewall automatically configures itself with a complete set of rules tailored for the specific applications on each individual system. This exclusive functionality speeds deployment of the firewall and minimizes user interaction, reducing the number of desktop firewall-related calls to the helpdesk. Unlike traditional firewall products that require users to set rules every time a new application is opened, Symantec Desktop Firewall is non-intrusive to the end user.

Remote Deployment and Installation

Symantec Desktop Firewall provides administrators flexible and easy manageability, allowing them to leverage systems they have in place today. The product supports Microsoft System Management Server (SMS), login-scripts, and Web-based installation -- to install and manage the desktop firewall.

Symantec Desktop Firewall 2.0 blocks hackers by controlling all Internet connections to and from the remote user's computer. The product provides security for remote PCs, "hiding" the user's PC and utilizing other methods to guard against common hacking techniques. Security managers can also customize Symantec Desktop Firewall, adding new rules for specific environments. Alerts and a detailed log enable users to determine the source of questionable connections. To guard against Trojan horses sending information to a hacker -- or even legitimate applications sending reports of the user's activities to a Web site without permission -- users can also specify which applications can and cannot access the Internet.

Remote users can indicate which information on their systems should remain private and Symantec Desktop Firewall will alert them if they attempt to send that information to an unsecured Web site. It can also prevent web servers from retrieving remote users' e-mail addresses or other potentially sensitive information in the background while they're completing other tasks over the Internet.

Remote corporate users can use Symantec Desktop Firewall to prevent Web sites from tracking their online activities. Symantec Desktop Firewall can be configured to block cookies on a site-by-site basis and to block the automatic downloading of Java applets and ActiveX controls. As a result, remote corporate users can work online without endangering the security of their systems and data.

Availability

Symantec Desktop Firewall is available in August 2000 through Symantec's worldwide network of VARS, integrators and resellers, and is available now for download via the Symantec web site at www.symantecstore.com. For more information about purchasing Symantec Desktop Firewall call 1-800-745-6054 or to down load a trial version of the product visit www.symantec.com.

About Symantec Enterprise Security

Symantec Enterprise Security allows a corporation to manage the complete security lifecycle of their computing environment from assessment and planning to implementation and monitoring. It enables customers to build the best security solution for their organization by choosing from Symantec's best-of-breed, multi-platform Internet security products; manageability and administration tools; and world-class professional services and support. Symantec Enterprise Security also includes the Digital Immune System, Symantec's unique technology for automatic detection and cure of security threats.