Symantec Launches Desktop Firewall 2.0 To Protect Remote Users And Corporate Networks From Security Breaches
Symantec brings to market the first offering in its new enterprise
intrusion prevention product line
AUCKLAND– September 29, 2000 – Symantec New Zealand has announced a new enterprise intrusion prevention product line,
Symantec Desktop Firewall 2.0. The product is a key component of Symantec Enterprise Security – a comprehensive,
multi-tier and modular Internet security solution for enterprise computing environments.
Fast Facts
Symantec Desktop Firewall 2.0:
Provides critical security and privacy to remote and mobile employees;
Defends organisations from involuntary involvement in Distributed Denial of Service (DoS) attacks;
Offers compatibility with leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions so administrators can select the VPN that
best meets the company’s security needs.
Symantec Desktop Firewall provides administrators and end users with a manageable, easy-to-use solution to protect
corporate information that resides on remote users’ systems. It also prevents hackers from gaining access to corporate
networks through remote systems and defends organisations from involuntary involvement in distributed Denial of Service
(DoS) attacks.
“It is essential for corporations to secure their networks as increasing numbers of employees begin working remotely,”
said Richard Batchelar, Country Manager, Symantec New Zealand. “Symantec Desktop Firewall will prevent remote PCs from
being used as backdoors into company networks, enabling employees to work online without endangering the security of the
network and data.”
Non-intrusive and easy to use
Symantec Desktop Firewall automatically configures itself with a complete set of rules tailored for the specific
applications on each individual system. This exclusive functionality speeds deployment of the firewall and minimises
user interaction, reducing the number of desktop firewall-related calls to the helpdesk. Unlike traditional firewall
products that require users to set rules every time a new application is opened, Symantec Desktop Firewall is
non-intrusive to the end user.
Remote deployment and installation
Symantec Desktop Firewall provides administrators flexible and easy manageability, allowing them to leverage existing
systems. The product supports Microsoft System Management Server (SMS), login-scripts and web-based installation to
install and manage the desktop firewall.
Symantec Desktop Firewall blocks hackers by controlling all Internet connections to and from the remote user’s computer.
The product provides security for remote PCs, “hiding” the user’s PC and utilising other methods to guard against common
hacking techniques. Security managers can also customise Symantec Desktop Firewall, adding new rules for specific
environments. Alerts and a detailed log enable users to determine the source of questionable connections. Users can also
specify which applications can and cannot access the Internet to help guard against Trojan horses sending information to
a hacker and even to prevent legitimate applications sending reports of the user’s activities to a website without
permission.
Remote users can indicate which information on their systems should remain private and Symantec Desktop Firewall will
alert them if they attempt to send that information to an unsecured website. It can also prevent web servers from
retrieving remote users’ email addresses or other potentially sensitive information in the background while they’re
completing other tasks over the Internet.
Remote corporate users can use Symantec Desktop Firewall to prevent websites from tracking their online activities.
Symantec Desktop Firewall can be configured to block cookies on a site-by-site basis and to block the automatic
downloading of Java applets and ActiveX controls. As a result, remote corporate users can work online without
endangering the security of their systems and data.
Virtual Private Network neutral
Symantec Desktop Firewall is compatible with the leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions from vendors such as
Cisco and Nortel, giving administrators the flexibility to select the VPN that best meets the company’s security
objectives. While other firewall products are typically part of a suite, offering limited VPN compatibility, Symantec
Desktop Firewall is VPN neutral.
Availability
Symantec Desktop Firewall is available now through Symantec’s network of Value Added Reseller (VARS), integrators and
resellers. For more information about Symantec Desktop Firewall visit http://www.symantec.co.nz
About Symantec Enterprise Security
Symantec Enterprise Security allows a corporation to manage the complete security lifecycle of their computing
environment from assessment and planning to implementation and monitoring. It enables customers to build the best
security solution for their organisation by choosing from Symantec’s best-of-breed, multi-platform Internet security
products; manageability and administration tools and world-class professional services and support. Symantec Enterprise
Security also includes the Digital Immune System, Symantec’s unique technology for automatic detection and cure of
security threats.
About Symantec
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security
solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, risk management,
Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management and mobile code detection technologies to customers.
Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in more than 33 countries including New Zealand.
Symantec is represented in New Zealand by Auckland based distributors SealCorp and Tech Pacific.
For further press information please view http://www.symantec.co.nz/
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NOTE TO EDITORS: Brands and products referenced herein are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
For further information please contact:
Richard Batchelar, Country Manager, Symantec New Zealand
Ph: 09 3095 620, Mob: 021-684-438
Email: rbatchelar@symantec.com
Nimita Morarji, Botica Conroy & Associates
Ph: 09 3033 862, Mob: 021 950058
Email: nimitam@bca.co.nz