IBM’s new network security appliance to manage social media, web browsing risks

• Businesses face advanced threats, rapid adoption of social media, and Web applications
• New threat landscape drives need for new, intelligent approach to security

AS employee access to the Web has become the norm, enterprises have struggled with the increase of malware and bandwidth consumption that occurs when this access goes unchecked. Today’s solutions often offer limited visibility and control over network activity, putting companies at risk, IBM said in a statement.
 
To help clients proactively protect against evolving security threats, including those posed by social media sites and malicious websites, IBM has announced a new class of network security appliances that it claimed delivers a more granular view of a company’s security posture and a simplified security management interface.
 
This next-generation intrusion prevention appliance helps clients address advanced attacks targeting their organization, providing visibility into exactly what applications are being used on the network, and  where users are going on the Web, with the ability to monitor and control this activity, resulting in improved security and reduced operational costs.
 
“We expect the number of users accessing social media sites via smart mobile devices to grow steadily along with the use of social media as a marketing tool,” said Colin Penman, regional manager of Security Systems at IBM ASEAN.
 
“With the increase in the mobile workforce in ASEAN, companies are likely to face more potential malicious attacks on their network via social media sites and related applications. Smarter security requires a holistic view from device, to network, users, applications and data – a true end-to-end picture of a company's security posture,” he said.
 
IBM said its Security Network Protection XGS 5000 is a next-generation intrusion protection system specifically designed to address the constantly evolving, increasingly sophisticated threats that organizations face today.
 
It builds on the proven, core security features found in IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System, including protection for “zero-day” exploits, by adding new levels of visibility and control over the network, applications, data and users to improve security by preventing misuse and identifying previously undetectable threats.
 
With IBM’s Network Security Protection, clients will:

• Immediately discover which applications and Web sites are being accessed;
• Identify misuse by application, Website, and user; and
• Understand who and what are consuming bandwidth

“The escalation of targeted attacks and rapid adoption of mobility, cloud and social media requires companies take a new approach to securing the enterprise,” said Amir Hamzah Shamsuddin (pic), security senior software specialist at IBM Malaysia.
 
IBM’s Network Security Protection XGS 5000 will be available in the third quarter of this year.