RSA reveals new cyber crime intelligence service

19 Aug 2011

RSA, the security division of cloud computing giant EMC, has introduced a new technology that gives business owners regular and detailed health checks on their IT hardware in a move that will help them to reduce threats from viruses and data loss.

“The RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service conducts a deep dive on a businesses’ information technology system to establish whether they have been compromised by a virus,” said Jason Ward, country manager for EMC in Ireland.

“The program provides a variety of regular reports and automated data feeds to the business, which allows security professionals to identify hardware, software and other resources that may be at risk and take immediate action to protect against potential data exposure,” Ward added.

The RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service offers daily reports on blacklisted hosts and IP addresses used by cyber criminals for launching attacks.

Protecting data inside and outside the perimeter

“The threat intelligence report can be used to help sever the communication channels of existing viruses and threats, eliminating their ability to access critical information,” Ward added.

“Businesses must assume that a virus or threat has penetrated their information technology systems so that they can mitigate any damage that might occur.

“Businesses have traditionally focused on security which protects the perimeter. Now is the time to provide the same security model internally, as well,” Ward said.

Advanced forms of malware, such as the Zeus and SpyEye Trojans, can silently capture and infiltrate a wide variety of data and credentials contained on businesses’ information technology systems, including vital information such as legal documents, healthcare records and corporate secrets.

Ward said many organisations are unaware of the impact of malware.

“Corporate internet users are increasingly the largest source of infection in the business by making themselves vulnerable to malware through spam and social engineering attacks.

“The RSA CyberCrime Intelligence Service helps information technology professionals to understand and isolate possible points of exposure in their businesses so they can adjust security controls and close gaps,” Ward added.

Jason Ward will be part of the panel discussion and Q&A with Lord David Puttnam at the Digital Ireland Forum – Friday, 30 September, 2011.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com