Websense EIM Software Protects Corporations Against Web-Based ``Nimda'' Virus Infection

Business Wire, Oct 1, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 2001

Most people wouldn't consider Internet filtering software a likely contributor to the fight against computer viruses.

But companies using Websense Enterprise employee Internet management (EIM) software last week already had preventative medicine at their fingertips against last week's "Nimda" infection.

By adding virus filenames to a list of keywords blocked by Websense Enterprise, network administrators can use the software to help prevent Web-based viruses, such as the potent Nimda attack, from infecting corporate networks. In effect, the software blocks the transfer of files with certain known viral extensions such as ".eml" or ".exe," stopping the virus in its tracks.

"Websense Enterprise software enabled our company to proactively and successfully ward off network infection by the Nimda virus," said Steve Fuller, Networks Group President, a reseller of Websense software based in Detroit. "We immediately notified our customers, who were then able to prevent the downloading of dangerous Web-based viruses in addition to blocking existing inappropriate material -- such as porn and hate sites -- from entering their workplaces."

According to the World Virus Tracking Center, 1.3 million copies of the Nimda worm have been found worldwide to date. The virus has the potential for more damage than the Code Red worm that caused an estimated $2.6 billion in clean-up costs after outbreaks in July and August, according to the Department of Justice. North American companies and PC users accounted for almost two-thirds of all infections, with those in Europe accounting for 13 percent, Australia totaling 9 percent and Asia making up 7 percent.

Known as "Nimda" or "readme.exe," the worm attacks PCs and servers, creating a flood of Internet traffic. The virus spreads by sending an e-mail message with an infected attachment, compromising vulnerable servers, copying itself to shared network hard drives, and sending itself to any Web user whose browser requests a Web page from an infected server. The result is slow or stopped Internet traffic for some users, and potential file damage on infected computers.

Websense Enterprise EIM software is used to manage employee Internet use according to an organization's unique Internet access policy. In addition to its added virus protection capabilities, the product offers eight different management options to provide corporations with an adaptive and flexible Internet management tool. For example, the quotas feature enables employers to allow a specific amount of time each day for employees to complete personal, but appropriate Web surfing during work hours.

"With its additional anti-virus capabilities, Websense Enterprise provides customers with more expansive, security-focused employee Internet management functionality," said Ron Hegli, vice president of engineering for Websense Inc. "It's these added benefits that make the product a wise buy for proactive, security-conscious enterprises."

About NetWorks Group

NetWorks Group is a privately held, Michigan-based information technology consulting firm serving medium-sized businesses and Fortune 500 companies. NetWorks Group integrates best practices, expert project management, high-end technical resources, and tier-one manufacturer relationships to deliver highest quality, cost-efficient, customized services to its clients. The firm is a division of Hubbard Supply Company, a wholesale distributor founded in 1865 and serving the automotive industry since 1908. For more information, visit the NetWorks Group Web site at www.networksgroup.com.

About Websense Inc.

Websense Inc. (Nasdaq:WBSN) is the worldwide leader of employee Internet management (EIM) solutions. Websense Enterprise software enables businesses to manage how their employees use the Internet. This supports an organization's efforts to improve employee productivity, conserve network bandwidth and storage costs, and mitigate legal liability. Founded in 1994, the company serves more than 14,000 customers worldwide, ranging in size from 100-person firms to global-sized corporations. These include 250 of the Fortune 500, 69 of the Nikkei 225 and 42 of the FTSE 100, encompassing more than 8.9 million customer seats, pre-paid on a subscription basis.

Websense is listed on the year 2001 Software 500 ranking and has been honored by the Deloitte & Touche "Technology Fast 50" program. The company also has strategic technology relationships with CacheFlow (Nasdaq:CLFO), Check Point (Nasdaq:CHKP), Cisco (Nasdaq:CSCO), Inktomi, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT), Network Appliance (Nasdaq:NTAP) and others. For more information, visit www.websense.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements containing the words "planned," "expects," "believes," "strategy," "opportunity," "anticipates" and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors that may cause the company's actual results to be materially different from historical results or any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof. The potential risks and uncertainties which could cause actual growth and results to differ materially include but are not limited to, customer acceptance of the company's services, products and fee structures, the success of the company's brand development efforts, the volatile and competitive nature of the Internet industry, and changes in domestic and international market conditions, and foreign exchange rates. Further information on the factors and risks that could affect Websense's business, financial condition and results of operations are included under the "Risk Factors" or "Factors Affecting our Operating Results" sections of Websense's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, available at (http://www.sec.gov).