GateProtect Now Blocks Stuxnet

PRESS RELEASE

Hamburg, Germany. November 2, 2010 The network security provider gateProtect has released a security update for its xUTM appliances that prevents the Stuxnet rootkit (Worm.Win32.Stuxnet) from spreading through corporate networks. Stuxnet can infiltrate computers, even those not connected to the internet, via infected USB sticks and by exploiting several security vulnerabilities in Windows systems. Once inside a network, the worm spreads by copying itself across common network drives. The new security update from gateProtect stops Stuxnet from spreading and from downloading updates to enable it to mutate further. gateProtects integrated virus engine also recognizes Stuxnet and neutralizes it. The new update is available to customers now via the gateProtect Update Center.

Stuxnet works by manipulating control systems in manufacturing plants, such as those used in the energy production and chemical industries. The worm, which infects computers running Siemens WinCC Scada software, is dangerous due to the way in which it propagates. The infection can currently be triggered by something as simple as a contaminated USB thumb drive being inserted into any computer in the corporate network the worm then finds its own way to the programmable logic controllers (PLC) that drive the production systems.

gateProtect warns companies that Stuxnet can affect multiple users, not only those working with the Siemens SIMATIC solution that drives production plants. Even ordinary PCs with no connection to the Siemens system can be affected, because the worm uses them to propagate itself through the network. gateProtect users are protected from this threat as the companys xUTM appliances include integrated virus protection that recognizes the Stuxnet signature and neutralizes it.

About gateProtect AG Germany

gateProtect Germany is a leading provider of IT security solutions in the area of network protection. Its primary products are xUTM appliance, firewall and client encryption systems.

Differentiators

Alongside their technical highlights, gateProtect products stand out from their competitors with their unique ease of use. gateProtect is a leading provider with an end-to-end implementation of the ISO NORM 9241 guidelines relating to ergonomic product design. With its unique and patented eGUI' (ergonomic Graphic User Interface) technology and its Command Center, gateProtect again raises the bar for easier configuration and management of firewall systems for Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs). The innovative eGUI' technology enables a significant increase in enterprise security as well as higher efficiency levels for ongoing system maintenance. This delivers lower operating costs for customers.

Customers

gateProtect currently has 20,000 installations in Europe. The companys German customers include well-known companies and institutions such as TV Thringen, E.ON Energy, Mercedes Benz, Galileo Satellite Systems, Deutsche Bahn, Kneipp, Constantin Film, the Technical University of Dresden and many more. The companys main target markets are midsized companies across all industries. Further information is available at www.gateProtect.com.