Demo 2004 reflects IT security concerns

If Demo 2004 is any gauge of what is top of mind for enterprise IT, the answer is security.

Products unveiled at the conference covered the full security spectrum, ranging from application-level offerings and document management to Web services and network infrastructure.

Adobe Systems — creator of the de facto online document format, PDF — announced Adobe Policy Server, which provides control over the viewing, modifying, copying, printing, and forwarding of documents.

Companies sending product information to authorized partners can prevent their documentation from being forwarded in turn to an unauthorized recipient.

Imperva launched SecureSphere Version 2 application-level defense technology, which adds signature management capabilities to its intrusion protection software. The technology learns from previous malicious attacks to protect against future attacks to Web and database applications.

MagniFire Websystems launched TrafficShield 2.5, a Web security gateway solution that includes IP and port filtering and HTTP protocol validation. TrafficShield validates user requests for access into an application and matching access requests to a rules-based engine before authorization. The security solution will prevent escalations of access privileges through a Trojan horse security threat.

Meanwhile, Reactivity unveiled XML Firewall, a hardware appliance that sits in the DMZ (demilitarized zone) and denies access to unauthorized users of Web services. The appliance processes multiple SOAP messages simultaneously.

Proofpoint unveiled a Risk Management Server that matches corporate policy against e-mails and IMs to catch policy violations that could lead to liability issues. Proofpoint uses natural language Machine Learning MLX technology to determine policy violations.

ForeScout unveiled what could be the first nongovernment Global Early Warning System to send alerts about hostile network sources. Sold on a subscription basis, the system bases its alerts on data from a worldwide network of security companies.

Trend Micro launched Network VirusWall, an outbreak prevention appliance. Similar to anti-virus software on desktops, the appliance receives and analyzes virus alert data from a network of security experts. Once recognized, the appliance disables the virus.

Despite the emphasis on security at Demo, Pete Lindstrom, research director at Spire Security, said most enterprises do little more than talk about security.

“When a virus like Mydoom has the impact it did … it makes no sense to me,” he said. “People are not putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to actually deploying security.”