Cisco extends leadership in integrated network security.

Cisco Systems, Inc. has announced 14 security solutions and services that will help customers of all sizes to make their networked business-critical resources more resilient and operationally efficient. Additions to this integrated security portfolio include security management, virtual private network (VPN), and advanced threat protection offerings.

These additions underscore the Cisco security strategy to deliver advanced network protection by integrating security services throughout Internet Protocol (IP) networks, making them a transparent and manageable aspect of any network. The strategy enables a wide array of flexible deployment options including router and switch-integrated security and multifunction appliances that offer combined firewall, intrusion detection, and VPN services for organizations of all sizes. The collaboration of network and security services enable customers to reap significant performance gains and increased security intelligence as well as the assistance to scale the network to address future business growth efficiently and securely.

"With organizations continuing to build operational efficiencies into their business processes, they increasingly look to take advantage of their current network resources to securely extend business-critical applications and resources," said Jason Wright, Industry Analyst and Program Leader, of Frost & Sullivan. "Cisco's integrated security strategy and product portfolio underscore its commitment to address this market environment to help customers sustain productivity and business resilience."

New Security Management Solutions Deliver Enhanced Scalability and Ease-of-Use

Cisco introduced recently new security management solutions and enhancements designed to ease the operational challenges of managing security deployments of all sizes and service types. They include:

Cisco IOS AutoSecure: This innovative Cisco IOS Software command-line-interface (CLI) based feature provides "one touch" router lockdown. A single command instantly and easily transforms the security posture of routers by disabling non-essential operating system processes, enforcing secure access, and enabling secure forwarding features.

Cisco Security Device Manager (SDM) version 1.0: Available across the Cisco 830 to 3700 series access routers to deploy and manage Cisco IOS Software-based security services. This embedded device manager offers intelligent wizards for configuring firewall and IP Security (IPSec) VPN services. Cisco SDM also offers GUI-based router lockdown and, an innovative security auditing capability to check and recommend changes to router configurations based on industry-recognized ICSA Labs recommendations.

CiscoWorks Security Information Management Solution (SIMS) version 3.1: Based on award-winning technology from netForensics, CiscoWorks SIMS delivers security event monitoring and correlation for multivendor security environments. Advanced options include event scoring, business impact and threat analysis which provide a comprehensive set of reporting and forensic analysis, so that customers can more accurately manage security deployments and improve their productivity.

Cisco IP Solution Center (ISC) version 3.0 Security Technology Module: A new policy-based security management offering providing customers with scalable and robust management of large-scale VPN and firewall deployments. The ISC management platform minimizes operational costs of security deployments and prevents inconsistent security policies. Customers can accurately and effectively deploy and manage VPN, firewall, Network Address Translation (NAT), and quality of service (QoS) security technologies. Additional ISC technology modules provide Layer 2 and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPN management for additional management options.

CiscoWorks VPN/Security Management Solution (VMS) version 2.2: Providing broad security management for the Cisco portfolio of security services, enhancements include integrated administrative support for the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Firewall and VPN services modules and integrated monitoring of Cisco IDS solutions running software version 4.0. Cisco VMS 2.2 also supports the new Cisco Security Agent, a threat-protection capability based on the recent Okena acquisition. It also includes support for sophisticated VPN and firewall features delivered by Cisco IOS Software, and usability has been improved through a simplified installation process and an option for an expedited security policy deployment.