Verizon Federal Network Systems Unit Upgrades Web Security Software

ARLINGTON, Va. -
Companies or government agencies looking to protect their Web sites and computer systems have a new weapon from Verizon.

Verizon Federal Network Systems (FNS), a leading network design and implementation solution provider, today announced a significant upgrade to its NetFacade™ Web security software. Key enhancements to the new NetFacade Version 1.3 include the ability to spoof Web sites, increased depth in intruder redirection, improved alert prioritization and analysis capabilities.

''Organizations are becoming increasingly aware of the fact that deploying a firewall does not ensure the security of the network,'' said Wesley Jordan, vice president, Verizon Federal Network Systems. ''We have experienced steady and rising demand for NetFacade, from the government market and beyond, since launching the product in March, 2000. This significant upgrade reflects the feedback we've received from our user community. Deeper functionality and improved ease of use will enhance capabilities of this important security solution.''

The new NetFacade, which is known as a ''honey pot'' type of Web security software, is designed to complement widely installed fire wall and intrusion detection scanning devices. Honey pot security software helps protect Web sites by luring hackers away from the real target of their activities.

Increasing the quality and dependability of organizations' security defenses, NetFacade empowers agencies to confuse unauthorized intruders by building a facade of fake hosts on a network that mimics real services. The solution works proactively to reduce agencies' security vulnerability, while alerting network managers of intrusion. Further, it gathers intelligence on attack methodologies to empower network administrators to better tune installed countermeasures.

In a large percentage of attacks, hackers use web sites as windows through which to force entry to organizations' computing networks. Recognizing this vulnerability, Verizon FNS has incorporated the ability to build decoy Web sites in Version 1.3. Network administrators can build decoy Web pages on public and private networks to attract and fingerprint malicious intruders.

Version 1.3 features a new redirect capability that allows the administrator to funnel intruders deeper into the decoy network, therefore holding the intruder for longer periods before they realize they have been duped. As such, the network administrator can gather a lot more information about hackers and their approach in trying to compromise the network -- increasing the value of the learning experience to improve future security.

Version 1.3 features enhanced logging as well as alert filtering and analysis capabilities. This aggregates granular log entries to provide the administrator with alert prioritization and a clearer profile of the attack. This capability serves to prioritize the severity of incidents and save precious administrators' time.

In addition to major functionality enhancements, Version 1.3 offers important advances in ease of use for the network administrator. Addressing log capacity storage issues, the upgrade features a GUI-based icon that sits on the administrator's desktop console. The icon changes color from green to red to indicate the requirement to archive log files. In addition, the new send-mail alert capability increases the administrator's reaction time, flagging any incident to their attention in real time.

Headquartered in Arlington, Va., Verizon Federal Network Systems (FNS) designs, implements, secures, operates, and maintains some of the largest networks for some of the world's most demanding public-and-private sector customers. Verizon FNS provides advanced network management tools to support diverse network types, from circuit switching, to IP or ATM-based networks, to networks utilizing emerging technology. Verizon FNS engineering expertise is derived from some of the industry's best and brightest internetworking technical experts, who understand how to deliver the best consulting, management, and outsourcing solutions.

Formerly part of BBN, Verizon FNS Network Security Services has been developing cryptographic devices, managing security services outsourcing, and consulting on network security since the mid-1970s. With Verizon's corporate-wide resources, global reach and diverse telecommunications experience in depth, Verizon FNS provides the most complete network solutions, integrated with unparalleled security expertise.

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Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United States, with 112 million access line equivalents and 27 million wireless customers. Verizon is also the largest directory publisher in the world. A Fortune 10 company with approximately 260,000 employees and more than $65 billion in annual revenues, Verizon's global presence extends to 40 countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon, visit www.verizon.com