Websense Enterprise Client Application Manager Blocks MSBlaster Worm
Websense software provides vital early defense during time-critical window of exposure
CHERTSEY, 13 August 2003-Websense Inc. (NASDAQ: WBSN), the world’s leading provider of employee Internet management (EIM) software, announced today that its Client Application Manager (CAM) product provides vital early defense during the time-critical window of exposure to the MSBlaster worm and similar variants. Websense Enterprise CAM features lockdown and outbreak functionality that complements an organisation’s existing security infrastructure, including antivirus systems, enabling the organisation to more quickly respond to sudden electronic threats.
“It is very difficult for organisations to keep all of their desktops and systems current with up-to-the-minute patch levels and antivirus signatures. Even in the event of a crisis, updates can take hours, days, and in many cases weeks to complete without shutting down business-critical systems,” said Geoff Haggart, vice president Europe, Websense Inc. “This creates a serious window of vulnerability for an organisation’s computing systems.”
There is a window of opportunity at the outset of any virus outbreak when systems are vulnerable because they either do not have the latest patch or up-to-date antivirus signatures. This is where Websense Enterprise CAM provides a much-needed last line of defense. It offers IT administrators several options to combat incoming or existing threats to the desktop environment including lockdown and outbreak mode. Lockdown mode ensures that only pre-approved applications may run on the desktop, while outbreak mode enables IT administrators to immediately prevent malicious applications such as worms and viruses from executing and propagating.
The MSBlaster worm appeared earlier this week as the first in a likely series of worms that exploit a hole in Microsoft(r) Windows Remote Procedure Call (RPC) process. The hole enables the attacker to gain complete access to systems using Windows NT, XP and 2000. Microsoft publicly disclosed the vulnerability in its software in mid-July and issued a patch. Microsoft’s severity rating for the worm is “critical.”
Websense Enterprise CAM is available immediately for organisations seeking to protect themselves from MSBlaster worm and similar variants, security threats or viruses. For a free 30-day evaluation of CAM or more information on protecting your organisation from a wide range of threats including virus outbreaks and internal hacking exploits, visit www.websense.com. About Websense Inc.
Websense Inc. (NASDAQ: WBSN) is the world’s leading provider of employee Internet management solutions. Websense Enterprise software enables organisations to manage how employees use their computing resources, including Internet access, desktop applications and network bandwidth. These solutions help improve productivity and security, conserve information technology resources, and mitigate legal liability for our customers. Websense serves more than 19,400 customers worldwide, including many of the world’s largest corporations. For more information, visit www.websense.com.
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