Symantec readies against next-gen threats
SINGAPORE--Existing technologies such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, are no longer sufficient to combat next-generation threats in the connected world, warns Symantec's head honcho.
The security vendor's CEO and chairman John Thompson said Tuesday that "the level of threat activity has moved from the attacking of machines to the attacking of individuals and their personal identities". Thompson was in town on the invitation of Singapore's Infocomm Development Authority, under its Distinguished Speaker series.
Thompson noted that, as a result, the technology sector and governments around the world will have to deal with this shift in focus of attacks, and a change in where the perimeters--typically the network edges--will be in future.
He explained: "Perimeter is defined by wherever individuals are, because wherever they are is where they are interacting with the Web, and that is where we have to move the protective technologies."
To meet the challenges of the "new threat landscape", Thompson said there is a need to protect not only the device but also the information contained on the device, as well as the interactions that occur when users are online.
He noted that while the "world of Security 1.0" centered on protecting the PC and inbound traffic, Security 2.0 will provide security for inbound and outbound data transmission, as well as focus on protecting the individual through identity management.
"We have to make sure that we focus on moving the discussion from protecting the PC to protecting the individual, and his and her actions [carried out] online," he said. According to Symantec, Security 2.0 brings together an ecosystem of products, services and partnerships to help customers remain confident communicating and transacting in today's connected world.
In May this year, the Cupertino, Calif.-based company had expressed an interest in expanding into identity management, encryption and a range of managed services.
Symantec also announced in October several products, services and partnerships designed to secure consumers and businesses and build confidence and trust online last month. The two new products targeted at enterprise customers include, the Norton Confidential Online Edition--an online security solution for financial institutions--and Symantec Mail Security 8300 Series--a mail security product for protecting against data leakage while ensuring compliance with external regulations and internal corporate policies related to e-mail content.
In addition, security vendor is due to launch Norton 360 by end of March, which it said is a complete overhaul of its security products and is pitted against rival Microsoft's Windows Live OneCare.
Symantec has also teamed up with VeriSign to support the VeriSign Identity Protection Authentication Service, expected to be targeted at financial institutions, online retailers and end-users.