Internet Security: Microsoft Enhances Network Security with ISS' Internet Scanner

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, June 15, 1998

Internet Security Systems, Inc. the leading supplier of adaptive security management software, Monday announced that its Internet Scanner enterprise vulnerability scanning software, an ISS SAFEsuite solution, has been selected by Microsoft's Information Technology Group to bring information protection to the next level across its worldwide network.

"Microsoft has a comprehensive set of security policies and need for proactive security management of thousands of distributed Windows NT systems across the world," said Howard Schmidt, director of information security for Microsoft. "We selected ISS due mainly to its strengths in assessing Windows NT security. Internet Scanner is a comprehensive, easy to use system that enables us to get the most out of the robust security capabilities built into Windows NT. I can also rely on ISS and their XForce Team of engineers to provide frequent vulnerability updates, thereby enhancing the timeliness of our proactive security assessment program."

Microsoft will leverage ISS' Internet Scanner to assess and manage security policies across their enterprise, saving valuable time and resources. Internet Scanner's automatic vulnerability detection capabilities will assist Microsoft in identifying potential security holes and ensure that network devices are in compliance with established security policies. Internet Scanner can also suggest detailed corrective actions and produce a wide range of security risk reports Microsoft can use to obtain the critical information necessary to make informed decisions and implement effective security measures.

The ISS XForce -- a senior research and development team dedicated to collecting and identifying new security weaknesses and translating this security knowledge into ISS SAFEsuite solutions -- will also offer Microsoft regular updates to Internet Scanner, ensuring that Microsoft's systems are swiftly protected from recently discovered security threats.

"Microsoft's large, dynamic global network requires an effective and powerful solution that can proactively manage security risks across a large enterprise environment, as well as maintain a constant high level of security as that environment inevitably grows and changes," said Tom McNeight, ISS's vice president of sales. "By deploying ISS's enterprise-wide vulnerability detection and analysis software, Microsoft can automatically assess the security performance of its existing systems at any point in time, proactively detecting and responding to the growing number of network vulnerabilities and threats." About Internet Security Systems

Internet Security Systems, Inc. is the leading provider of adaptive network security monitoring, detection and response software that protects the security and integrity of enterprise information systems. By dynamically detecting and responding to security vulnerabilities and threats inherent in open systems, ISS's SAFEsuite family of products provide protection across the enterprise, including the Internet, extranets and internal networks, from attacks, misuse and security policy violations. The Company has delivered its network security, monitoring, detection and response solutions to organizations worldwide, including firms in the Global 2000, 9 of the ten largest U.S. commercial banks and over 35 governmental agencies. For more information, call ISS at 678-443-6142 or 800-776-2376 or visit the ISS Web site at HYPERLINK http://www.iss.net.