Alert Logic IT Security Monitoring Finds ''Brute Force'' Attacks on Small and Mid-Size Business Rising Dramatically; On-Demand IT Security Company Alert Logic Notes Spike in Dangerous Brute Force Attacks Specifically Targeting SMBs.

HOUSTON -- Alert Logic, the only on-demand IT network security company dedicated to small and mid-sized businesses, has detected a dramatic spike in the number of "brute force" attacks on its SMB customer base. A particularly dangerous threat, brute force attacks are targeted against specific companies in which the attacker tries various ways to break into a company's private network, continuing until a breakthrough occurs. Brute force attacks have a high success rate against companies with lax IT security measures and the inability to properly detect the attacks as they are happening.

Alert Logic has seen more than a 1000 percent increase over the past three months in brute force attacks. Considerably more dangerous than random e-mail borne viruses, the increase in brute force attacks on SMBs shows a disturbing trend of criminals specifically targeting individual companies and taking advantage of lesser security measures used by most SMBs.

Chris Smith, Vice President of Marketing for Alert Logic, commented: "The jump in these attacks is something we are taking very seriously and something that SMBs should be thinking about right now. Brute force is not just a run of the mill random attack. It is a focused attack; the criminal chooses a target and then puts that company directly in his crosshairs and batters at the doors until something cracks. These criminals know that many SMBs are helpless against these types of attacks. SMBs are full of profitable information and data to steal, and we only expect to see this trend continue."

Brute force attacks can be defended against through constant surveillance, up-to-date threat detection technology, quick reaction time to any security alerts, and the setting and maintaining of rigorous security policies. While many SMBs currently spend a great deal on IT security, they are still vulnerable to these attacks because most only have firewall and antivirus technology deployed, and most security vendors offer only watered-down versions of expensive enterprise systems requiring maintenance and monitoring that most SMBs simply do not have the resources for.

Alert Logic provides a unique on-demand service that combines 24x7 surveillance by security experts, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and on-premise appliances - delivering better security for minimal effort and cost.

About Alert Logic

Alert Logic improves internal network security at a fraction of the cost of conventional network security products. Its unique on-demand delivery model combines appliance-based threat management technology with dedicated security experts who monitor networks for threats 24x7 - delivering better security for minimal effort and cost. As a result, Alert Logic customers can detect threats, protect assets, and correct exposures before they impact their businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, more information about Alert Logic's Network Protection On Demand is available at www.alertlogic.com