The error by Symantec, one of the world’s many software developers that have devoted all their resources to fighting malware on the internet has caused much disdain with their many customers, when they seemingly released a diagnostic file without the proper security signatures attached. This resulted in a flurry of false-alarms which was due to a triggering of the many firewall software installed all over the globe to go on alert. People flooded the company’s hot lines fearing they were under some kind of malware attack, much to their frustration when they learned they were victims of a pure and simple case of “human error”. (more…)

Security experts have been trying to address the problem with thumb-drives and other gadgets such as multimedia players (iPod, iPhone and others) that can also be used to store files that is becoming the worst threat to company security due to their ability to contain malware that can be brought into their premises circumventing security software and firewalls. Cases of infections from within the company security software are on the rise and with these gadgets and gizmos growing ever popular, it may be time for security experts to try and implement some form of hardware-based security system that may address the problem. (more…)

Many people in companies feel secure due to their long running or recently purchased and installed intrusion protection systems yet they are still suffering from attacks from all over the place, why? Well, firstly, a firewall is only as good as the overall security plan for the company which must tackle the problem on all fronts and not merely with the entry/exit points to the internet. There are a lot of threats from within such as employees bringing in their thumb/flash drives, iPods and iPhones into the office, hooking them up with their terminals to copy their recently purchased/downloaded songs, video or other media.
Such files can be host to many forms of malware, should they come in contact with exposed computers and their connection to a secure network may render or circumvent totally the security measures in place. (more…)

If you think UTM-1 was great, here’s some better news: Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is releasing a buffed up version to the successful UTM-1 platform with the launch of UTM-1 130, a new model which is ideal for small businesses. Here’s a few tidbits from the original article.

The UTM-1 130 simplifies security by combining firewall, virtual private network (VPN), intrusion prevention, anti-virus, anti-spyware, URL filtering, Web security and messaging security into one centrally-managed, turn-key solution. When considering their security options, small businesses and branch offices face either deploying a solution outside their budget to achieve enterprise-class security or compromise their level of security by purchasing a less expensive solution. The UTM-1 130 appliance is ideal for small business and branch office environments of typically between 5 and 75 users that need a security appliance in desktop form factor.

The main appeal of this new system is its more affordable price, which smaller companies and businesses might find to be within their budgets. There has also been a long-time clamor for the company to release smaller packages of its products and services. The UTM-1 130 is the answer to this clamor.

This new system has all the benefits and features of the Check Point UTM-1 Total Security appliances, except that is is specifically geared towards networks which are only 5 to 75 users. It utilizes centralized security management, which makes for a more efficient operation for all users in the network while maintaining optimal security for all.