ANDOVER, MA-- September 9, 2004--Enterasys Networks, the Secure Networks CompanyTM, today announced that BAWAG-PSK, the fourth-largest bank in Austria, has standardized on Enterasys Secure Networks technology to ensure its IT infrastructure—and the financial data that traverses it—is protected from unauthorized access and is always available to support the bank's customers.
With the advent of accords such as Basel II, which requires large international banks to measure their exposure to operational risk, including cyberattacks, by the end of 2007, security has become an even more critical priority for BAWAG-PSK. In response to the looming threat, BAWAG-PSK has deployed an all-Enterasys Secure Network to ensure the IT infrastructure is available to meet the needs of its employees and customers, while keeping vital data safe and ensuring that only those who meet the bank's stringent security credentials can access the approved level of information on the network. "A bank, like no other enterprise, must represent security and stability to its customers," said Gunter Maschler, manager of the Network Group at BAWAG-PSK. "We have, of course, always maintained a high level of security to keep our customers' funds and valuables safe, but the unprecedented threats of the digital age require a completely different type of security solution. By deploying Enterasys Secure Networks technology as the foundation of a multi-layered security program, we are able to maintain business continuity, comply with strict regulations regarding information privacy, and consolidate all of our information assets into a single, highly secure infrastructure."
When BAWAG-PSK recently decided to expand and upgrade its infrastructure, it put the project out for competitive bid. "We chose Enterasys because it could deliver a complete network solution that provides the performance and security we need—now and in the future—to succeed in the highly competitive European banking market," Maschler said.
Enterasys' Secure Networks solution for BAWAG-PSK includes the Dragon Intrusion Defense System, an integrated solution for detecting and identifying misuse and attacks across an enterprise's entire IT infrastructure. The bank also uses Enterasys' industry-leading Acceptable Use Policy solution, a unique centrally managed, policy-based system that allows trusted users to access required business services automatically and transparently, while preventing undesirable and malicious traffic from entering the infrastructure. These solutions, along with Enterasys Matrix N-Series switches, combine to deliver a powerful end-to-end Secure Network for the bank.
"Even during peak times the system is completely flexible," said Thomas Weisenberg, LAN manager for BAWAG-PSK. "The Enterasys network can quickly and effectively handle any Internet viruses or worms that attack the system by monitoring and controlling each specific user and device, prevent unauthorized users from accessing the network, and ensure that customers and employees not directly affected by the attack can communicate and access the services they need to transact business." Enterasys' centralized, policy-based approach to network security enables even a small IT team to manage a large network across multiple locations. The IT staff can establish policies so that the network will automatically respond to threats and attempts at unauthorized access, and limit the amount of information a specific user or node can send and receive. They can develop policy changes quickly and push them to thousands of network nodes in seconds. The flexible solution also will alert the IT team to potential threats or unauthorized access attempts, enabling them to manage network access and traffic volumes manually, if they choose.
"BAWAG-PSK is another great example of a financial services firm that is using the full power of Secure Networks to meet its business goals, provide a high level of customer service and protect vital data on its network," said Michael Rivers, executive vice president of worldwide sales and services for Enterasys. "Enterprises around the world are realizing how Enterasys Secure Networks technology and solutions can deliver the control, continuity and consolidation that is essential in today's highly competitive global marketplace."
The Enterasys Secure Networks Advantage
Enterasys' industry-leading Secure Networks technology and solutions provide the highest infrastructure security available today. Secure Networks delivers the most granular level of security, providing visibility and control down to the network device, individual user and application level. This enables enterprises to quickly and easily detect, assess, locate and protect against attacks. This unmatched security comes from the integrated policy-based management software architecture that works with the embedded security capabilities Enterasys designs into its entire product line. This unique approach offers significant operational and business benefits, unmatched by vendor offerings that add hardware or software to multiple network access points in an attempt to increase security. In fact, Secure Networks technology can even make networks with competitors' equipment more secure.
About Enterasys Networks
Enterasys Networks (NYSE: ETS) is a global provider of Secure NetworksTM for enterprise customers. Enterasys' innovative network infrastructure offerings deliver the security, productivity and adaptability benefits required by Global 2000 organizations, coupled with the industry's strongest service and support. For more information on Enterasys and its products, including multilayer switches, core routers, WAN routers, wireless LANs, network management, and intrusion defense systems (IDS), visit enterasys.com.
