New Products Close Security Holes

TECHNOLOGY In the complex world of network security, no hole is too small to breach. With that in mind, several companies are announcing or releasing products over the next few weeks that will cover multiple technologies and help solve numerous security problems.

Asynchrony Solutions of St. Louis has introduced the beta version of PDA Defense Enterprise 3.1, data security software for handheld devices. Designed for enterprises that deploy large numbers of PDAs and like devices, the solution works on any Windows Pocket PC, Blackberry, or Palm-based unit. The major enhancement is a Windows-based policy editor that supports management via group-based policies and simplified management for remote passwords and other administrative tasks. The application also provides new crypto libraries for the Palm OS and automatic synchronization, dynamic volume sizing, and application launch protection for Pocket PC devices.

In the smart card space, RSA Security has released its USB token, which enables the integration of two-factor authentication and digital certificates into identity and access management infrastructures on any device that has a USB port. By obviating the need to give every user a smart card reader, the USB token reduces the cost of implementing the cards.

Among upcoming security products, next week Check Point, IBM, and Corrent will introduce an accelerator card for high-bandwidth environments such as service providers and data centers. The encryption card offers almost 3Gbps of clear text throughput and works in open environments to protect data. Also next week, WatchGuard will announce new additions to its Firebox and Vclass product lines, devices that enhance perimeter security for high-speed enterprise networks with features such as multi-tenant security management, VPN tunnel switching, server load balancing and Quality of Service (QoS).