Network Appliance and CyberGuard Protect Corporations Against New “Exploit-Byte Verify” Attack
Boca Raton, FL and Sunnyvale, CA – March 22, 2005 – CyberGuard Corporation (NASDAQ: CGFW), a global provider of security solutions, and Network Appliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTAP), a leader in reliable data management solutions, announced that their joint Internet Access and Security solution protects against the dangerous Exploit-Byte Verify attack as reported by VitalSecurity.org. The attack is the first known infection to actually cross web browsers.
Even when browsing the net with a seemingly safe browser like Mozilla Firebird, the attack compromises the Microsoft(r) Internet Explorer browser and Spyware is automatically installed. Customers using the NetApp(r) Internet Access and Security solution, which includes NetCache(r) appliances and CyberGuard’s Webwasher Content Security Management suite, are protected from “Exploit-Byte Verify” infections through Webwasher’s proactive filtering technology. CyberGuard and NetApp have successfully partnered to provide a comprehensive appliance-based solution for Internet gateway security since 2001.
“As a company focused on protecting enterprises against the most serious and critical vulnerabilities as their security needs grow, it is critical to work with companies like NetApp to pace the industry with the most comprehensive security solutions,” stated Dr. Horst Joepen, CyberGuard’s senior vice president of strategic alliances and general manager of the Webwasher subsidiary.”This new threat is only the latest in a series of attacks where the new proactive filtering technology included in our Webwasher suite provides protection and improves Internet security for enterprise customers.”
“Our customers don’t accept compromises in Internet security,” said Dave Kresse, general manager of the content delivery business unit at Network Appliance. “That is why they rely on our NetCache appliances for proxy and policy control. Together with Webwasher’s advanced content security functionality, we are focused on blocking new threats, including viruses and worms, at the gateway, giving them no chance to travel inside a company’s network and potentially attack critical data.”
The new attack is based on a vulnerability in the original Java(tm) Virtual Machine by SUN Microsystems. Digitally signed javascript applets can be crafted in a way that they execute outside of the sandbox with access to all system resources. Certain types of malicious mobile code have appeared recently that take advantage of this vulnerability. Most of the time they function as trojans, downloading malicious spyware as well as compromising the Internet Explorer security settings and installing malicious Browser Helper Objects (BHOs). Because of the generic nature of the code taking advantage of the exploit and the frequency of updates, pattern based anti-virus engines have a difficult time recognizing and preventing infections. CyberGuard’s Webwasher suite does not rely on fingerprints but detects code actually trying to take advantage of the exploit and blocking it already at the gateway.
About CyberGuard Corporation
CyberGuard Corporation (NASDAQ: CGFW) delivers a suite of integrated information security solutions to provide Global 2000 enterprises and government organizations with the confidence that their critical information assets are protected. Based on the company’s Total Stream Protection framework and managed via its Global Command Center, CyberGuard’s products go beyond network-level security to provide protection against the most dangerous application-layer vulnerabilities and avoid potential damage, securing the entire data stream. With a growing and satisfied number of brand-name customers, CyberGuard has deployed more than 250,000 products across the globe. Headquartered near Boca Raton, Fl., the company has offices and training centers around the world. For more information visit www.CyberGuard.com.
About Network Appliance
Network Appliance is a world leader in unified solutions for today’s data-intensive enterprise. Since its inception in 1992, Network Appliance has delivered technology, product, and partner firsts that continue to drive “The evolution of storage.(tm)” Information about Network Appliance(tm) solutions and services is available at www.netapp.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
Statements regarding estimates, expectations and future prospects contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. These statements are based upon assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of current conditions, future developments, and other factors the Company believes are appropriate in the circumstances, or information obtained from third parties, and are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results might differ materially from those suggested in the forward-looking statements. Some of the factors that might cause future actual events to differ from those predicted or assumed include: future advances in technologies and computer security; the Company’s history of losses; the Company’s ability to execute on its business plans and to integrate recent acquisitions; the Company’s dependence on outside parties such as its key customers and alliance partners; competition from major computer hardware, software, and networking companies; uncertainties in availability of expansion capital in the future and other risks associated with capital markets; overall network security spending; global economic conditions; and litigation against the Company. For a more complete discussion regarding forward-looking statements, the reader is referred to the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2004, and other information filed with the Commission.
“Safe Harbor” Statement under U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include product offerings and continued customer acceptance of the Company’s solutions. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results could vary. Factors that could impact our ability to achieve our goals include general economic and industry conditions, including expenditure trends for storage-related products; our ability to deliver new product architectures and products that meet market acceptance; our ability to design products that compete effectively from a price and performance perspective; and other important factors as described in Network Appliance, Inc.’s reports and documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recently submitted 10-K and 10-Q.
CyberGuard(r) and Webwasher(r) are registered trademarks and Total Stream Protection(tm) and Global Command Center(tm) are trademarks of CyberGuard Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
NetApp, the Network Appliance logo, and NetCache are registered trademarks and Network Appliance and The evolution of storage are trademarks of Network Appliance, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All other brands or products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be treated as such.