14 South Networks Unveils New Patented Technology And Solutions That Make Corporate Data Impenetrable.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2003

IntraLock Product Line Prevents Enterprise Intranet

Security Breaches; Secures Data at the Source

14 South Networks, a new intranet security company spun out of IBM, today announced it has created the first standard-based security appliance platform that allows corporations to lock their servers and the mission-critical data riding on them. 14 South Networks' innovation, based on patented hardware and software technology, brings a new level of security to enterprise intranets that, until now, hasn't been available.

The company's new technology and IntraLock(TM) product family change the model for enterprise security by allowing corporations to integrate security applications such as the industry-leading Check Point(TM) (NASDAQ: CHKP) VPN-1(R)/FireWall-1(R), within the server itself, without affecting host operations or the network infrastructure. This approach ensures that proprietary or sensitive corporate data stays completely secure while on the network and even into the server.

The IntraLock product family includes both entry level and enterprise-class security appliance solutions and can be supported in any standard PCI-based server, including hardware from HP, IBM, Sun, and DELL. The new products give corporations all the benefits of an enterprise-class VPN/firewall in a flexible, low-cost form factor.

"We are pleased to see 14 South Networks introduce its new intranet security solutions," said Scott McFarlane, vice president of solutions and strategy for Check Point Software Technologies. "14 South's solutions integrating Check Point software enable organizations to deploy complete and comprehensive security by delivering enterprise-class security down to individual servers at a cost-effective price point."

"Securing only the perimeter of the network is a flawed practice," said Usama Houlila, senior network architect at McDermott, Will and Emery, an international law firm. "The perimeter does not contain the bulk of the valuable data nor can it issue alerts if a server is compromised from an internal source. By placing the firewall directly on the server, a secondary enforcement policy is created which would be instrumental in detecting and preventing attacks."

"IT managers have well-established, best practice models for securing corporate networks from outsiders and other networks, but few solutions exist for systems-level intrusion prevention and network attack mitigation," according to John Morency, principal analyst at Momenta Research, based in Chelmsford, MA. "The 14 South Networks' solution represents a new class of data center security technology that supports perimeter-based security mechanisms such as stateful firewalling and intrusion detection--within the server--without negatively impacting system performance and availability. IntraLock's compatibility with existing system interface and network security standards, as well as an attractive entry-level price point, makes it an attractive option for today's value-conscious IT buyer."

The First and Only Standard Security Blade

14 South Networks' technology has paved the way for the first and only security appliance blade that operates autonomously within any industry-standard server with no changes to the server or client systems or network infrastructure. 14 South Networks' security appliance platform is a multi-function security blade that combines a standard PCI interface, dedicated high-performance processing, high-speed encryption, and diskless operation with best-of-class security applications.

Because it operates independently from the server, a single security blade can support a variety of security applications with dedicated processing power, and with zero impact on the network topology. This gives enterprises maximum flexibility and the highest level of security at the lowest cost. Corporations can now secure corporate networks down to the server at less than one-fourth the cost of discrete security appliance alternatives.

"The host is the perimeter these days and the move to web services will further accentuate the need for stronger host-oriented security," said Pete Lindstrom, research director for Spire Security, an analyst firm in Malvern, PA. "The real breakthrough here is the ability to run multiple security applications autonomously but still directly attached to the host."

Industry leading security software companies, including Check Point Software Technologies, Symantec and Surf Control have integrated their software on 14 South Networks' security appliance platform. Additionally, 14 South Networks has undergone a rigorous testing process to be certified as "Secured by Check Point."

14 South distributes its products in the US through top tier VARs and systems integrators, such as Technica Corporation, a technology services and product solutions provider based in Dulles, VA.

"As with any partner, the ability for Technica to provide additional services is critical to our success, and 14 South Networks provides us with this advantage," according to Miguel Collado, president of Technica. "14 South Networks products create a shield around each server and fit into a company's existing infrastructure, providing a unique solution from Intranet breaches that cost companies a great deal of money. This differentiation gives Technica the advantage it needs to provide better service and make a difference in our current customer base, as well as attract new customers."

How Trusted are Today's Trusted Networks?

Most servers within today's corporation operate on what is assumed to be a "trusted network." Meanwhile access to corporate intranets has become more ubiquitous and simple, making the corporate network more vulnerable to internal and external attacks. Corporate servers are usually only protected at the applications level by traditional usernames and passwords. These can be compromised and the data running on the networks can easily be read by anyone.

14 South Networks' solutions integrating VPN-1/FireWall-1 changes this by marrying the data owner to the server where the data resides through sophisticated encrypted transactions. Encryption keys must be synchronized between the data owner and user. Trusted point-to-point connections are then established that remain completely encrypted.

The Inside Story

Recent findings, released by the FBI and the Computer Security Institute, show that internal attacks account for 60 percent of all organizational network security breaches. Yet the vast majority of enterprise attention and money has been spent to keep external users off corporate networks by implementing security at the perimeter of the intranet rather than protecting resources from internal attacks.

14 South Networks has developed technology that distributes network protection where it is needed most--on the actual servers holding the critical corporate data--thereby blocking attacks before they reach the operating system or any application.

"There is no such thing as a trusted network," said Sterling Wharton, President and CEO of 14 South Networks. "Until now, the process of securing the actual servers and the applications running on them has been seriously neglected. Enterprises don't want more security products, they want more secure products."

IntraLock Product Details, Pricing and Availability

IntraLock supports three essential security mechanisms: inbound security, outbound security and data stream security.

Inbound security validates that the server should be receiving the request from the user requesting, the type of traffic coming in is one that's expected, and that the packets don't contain inconsistencies common to worms.

Outbound security protects the rest of the network against the responding (protected) server from sending out unexpected responses to anyone in the network. This is particularly useful if a new worm, like Slammer, enters a system and tries to replicate itself. Outbound security also protects the data contained within the server from being delivered to an unexpected recipient.

With data stream security all data remains encrypted into and out of the server. 14 South Networks' IntraLock performs all VPN termination and stateful packet inspection without tasking host processing. A dedicated on-board encryption engine provides high-speed 3DES encryption and VPN termination for maximum performance.

IntraLock products are simple to manage via Check Point's SmartCenter management and with 14 South Networks' IntraLock user-friendly GUI-based software management tool that provides drag-and-drop management operations. The IntraLock product line is available now. Pricing ranges from $995 to $4,495. Future products, available later this year, will integrate other leading virus scanning, intrusion detection and prevention, and anti-spam software.

About 14 South Networks, Inc.

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, and spun out of IBM, 14 South Networks is a new intranet security startup focused on intranet security within corporations. The Company manufactures and markets hardware and software for intranet security. 14 South Networks is credited with developing the first standard-based security appliance platform operates autonomously within any industry-standard PCI-based server - enabling servers, for the first time, to be individually secured or locked from malicious attacks that occur within a corporation. The Company received its initial funding from Crossbow Ventures, Cenetec Ventures, LLC, HIG Capital, IBM, and Mellon Ventures.