HP Unveils Industry's First Security-Risk-Assessment Tool for Operating Systems - HP SFProtect - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, August 30, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company Monday announced HP SFProtect, the first product of its kind to discover and then fix security holes in a computer network's operating system, Web server and databases. SFProtect is a risk-assessment tool that provides comprehensive analysis of an operating system and its major applications. SFProtect is HP's first vulnerability assessment product in the security area.

Most risk-assessment tools only find security problems and then require the user to fix the holes manually. SFProtect's intelligent technology allows users to close security holes with one click of a mouse and complete fixes in a fraction of the time required when using other risk-assessment tools. The product is the latest expansion of HP's portfolio of communications test systems for enterprise and public networks.

"SFProtect is another example of HP's continued effort to offer comprehensive solutions that meet the challenges facing network operators and enterprise-network managers," said Bill Mortimer, general manager of HP's Network Systems Test Division. "Security has become a primary concern for our customers -- both Fortune 500 companies and smaller businesses."

HP expanded into the security market when it acquired Security Force, Inc. HP's new security team focuses on developing and delivering products that include system security scanning, security testing, incident investigation, host-based and network-based intrusion detection, and security management.

"This product is a big step forward because it not only finds but also fixes security leaks," said Craig Anderson, security products program manager for HP's Network Systems Test Division. "SFProtect is the only product on the market with a fix for all aspects of the NT operating system, the Web server and databases. Using another security product for these functions would be similar to manually closing and locking all of the windows and doors in a 50-story building. By saving time, HP SFProtect will help companies fight hackers more vigorously, and thus avoid the heavy costs involved when hackers steal a company's proprietary information."

SFProtect's groundbreaking features do not hamper its ease of use. SFProtect's distributed-agent approach allows security checks to be performed at the server. Other products take an outside-in approach, which prevents customers from performing many types of checks. In addition, SFProtect can be implemented throughout a network, protecting the operating system, Web server, proxy server, e-mail server and database.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

Pricing for HP SFProtect starts at $995. This product is currently available for shipment in the United States and Canada and for download worldwide at www.hp.com/go/netsecurity2 starting August 30, 1999

Hewlett-Packard Company -- a leading global provider of computing and imaging solutions and services for business and home -- is focused on capitalizing on the opportunities of the Internet and the proliferation of electronic services.

HP plans to launch Agilent Technologies as an independent company by mid-calendar 2000. Agilent consists of HP's test and measurement, semiconductor products, chemical analysis and healthcare solutions businesses, and has leading positions in multiple market segments.