Security systems are spreading roots deeper into network processes, leveraging directory and policy control to halt a growing breed of internal computer threats. Novell Inc., NetIQ Corp., and NetScreen Technologies Inc. are weighing in with products that integrate with these internal assets.
This week, Novell will announce Novell SecureAccess, a directory-focused integrated security suite featuring centralized user identity management and access control across multiple platforms, said Gabriel Waters, product manager of access and security solutions at Provo, Utah-based Novell. The suite unifies and securely manages network resources through single-sign-on access to applications, databases, and platforms for Web, wireless, and remote users. Products within the suite are modular and do not require Novell eDirectory.
Novell SecureAccess customer Troy Aswege, assistant vice president at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of North Dakota in Fargo, said Novell helps manage the infrastructure of his company's sign-on customer base. "The security [could be] a nightmare with all the different systems," Aswege said.
San Jose, Calif.-based NetIQ this week will allow users to assign rights and privileges for groups, objects, or domains within Active Directory with Directory Security Administrator, said Dave Peterson, senior product manager. NetIQ will also introduce Group Policy Administrator, which establishes a desktop environment to control user access to data, applications, and network resources.
Last week NetScreen Technologies, in Sunnyvale, Calif., unveiled four hardware appliances and its upgraded Screen OS software platform to offer improved policy control and segmentation for users.
Stopping internal assaults that bypass anti-virus and intrusion detection, is now addressed by firewall vendors at the gateway, said Richard Stiennon, research director at Stamford, Conn.-based Gartner. Enterprises must "departmentalize" risk areas to contain attacks in network segments, he said.