Netsec Launches New Intel Service To Deliver Real-Time Vulnerability Reporting

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, Nov 26, 2001

NETSEC, the premier provider of remotely managed security services for Fortune 1000 and U.S. Federal Government agencies, has announced the launch of its Vulnerability & Patch Advisory (VPA) service, a new addition to NETSEC's suite of Intelligence services. Providing 24/7 network vulnerability reporting, NETSEC's VPA service assists clients in keeping on top of time-sensitive security concerns.

VPA subscribers receive customized vulnerability alerts directly to their desktops, via NETSEC's secure Web portal. These alerts are tailored to a client's network configuration based on a profile they initiated through the secure Web portal, describing their specific software, system and device configurations. Completion of a VPA profile eliminates the clients' resource-intensive tasks of monitoring, researching and evaluating the wide range of available security, vulnerability and remediation information applicable to their unique enterprise requirements. Profiles can be updated by the client as their needs or configuration changes, ensuring the most up-to-date and relevant advisories.

Through a partnership with SecurityFocus, the new VPA offering combines vulnerability information feeds from SecurityFocus' Vulnerability Database, the world's largest, most comprehensive and technically complete database, with data gleaned from NETSEC's 24/7 monitoring facility, attack and penetration labs, and vulnerability assessments, providing corporations with the most complete security advisory service available today. The VPA continuously tracks new and developing vulnerabilities, notifying clients of their existence three days prior to public notification through traditional security information outlets. Advanced awareness allows clients to proactively protect networks against new vulnerabilities before potential threats impact critical company assets.

"In today's climate, protecting valuable data has become a priority in most corporations," said Arthur Wong, CEO of SecurityFocus. "We're pleased to partner with NETSEC to enable this protection."

Comprehensive vulnerability details are just one of the security services delivered directly to a client's desktop via the Managed Alert Distribution Intelligence Systems and Operational Network (MADISON), NETSEC's secure Web portal. Vulnerability details include intelligence information such as publication date, vulnerable and non-vulnerable applications, as well as a summary of the vulnerability, solutions and known exploits.

"To ensure our customers maintain the highest level of network security, NETSEC is committed to providing an offering that includes all critical elements necessary to protect a company's information assets," said Ken Ammon, president and CEO of NETSEC. "Our VPA offering takes a proactive approach to security and streamlines the process of understanding and addressing vulnerabilities and potential threats."