CounterStorm Supports Microsoft Network Access Protection Technology to Deliver Comprehensive Internal Network Defense to the Enterprise.

NEW YORK -- CounterStorm-1 Enhances Microsoft Network Access Protection Policies with Accurate, Rapid-Response Solution that Stops Zero-Day and Targeted Attacks

CounterStorm, Inc., the maker of the internal network security solution that effectively stops zero-day and targeted attacks in seconds, today announced support for Microsoft Network Access Protection technology. Microsoft Network Access Protection is a policy enforcement technology built into the Windows Vista and the future version of Windows Server, codename "Longhorn," operating systems and allows customers to better protect network assets from unhealthy computers by enforcing compliance with network health policies.

CounterStorm enables Microsoft Network Access Protection technology to defend against zero-day and targeted attacks by quickly and accurately identifying suspicious traffic without the use of signatures. Through its unique correlation of behavioral attack recognition, anomaly detection and dynamic honeypot data, CounterStorm-1 immediately detects malicious network activity once a user has properly gained network access and provides its users actionable visibility of the network. CounterStorm-1 interacts with the Network Access Protection technology to ensure that malicious devices, once detected, are unable to gain network access until they go through the appropriate mediation process.

"Through collaboration with vendors such as CounterStorm, Microsoft Network Access Protection can deliver a more comprehensive solution that protects corporate assets by improving protection against internal network attacks," said Mike Schutz, group product manager, Windows Server Division at Microsoft Corp. "CounterStorm's participation allows customers to defend against more types of attacks that threaten today's IT operations."

When organizations are targeted for attack, they often discover that their existing security infrastructures are unable to detect or stop attacks because they rely on signatures to identify attacks. Signatures are the unique pattern of code, like a fingerprint, that can be used to identify and detect specific types of attacks. Most security solutions use attack signatures to determine the presence of malicious activity. However, in the case of zero-day and targeted attacks, attackers use sophisticated and covert methodologies for which signatures and patches have not yet been developed. This leaves the targeted organizations' confidential data and corporate assets vulnerable.

"Zero-day and targeted attacks are the most difficult attacks to defend against because they are specifically designed to bypass typical network security," said Matt Miller, vice president of engineering for CounterStorm. "CounterStorm-1 can work with Microsoft Network Access Protection technology to achieve a new level of internal network security by shutting down access to infected devices that can quickly and efficiently cause significant damage."

Microsoft's Network Access Protection technology will be publicly available with Beta 2 of Windows Vista, and available to select partners and customers with Beta 2 of Windows Server "Longhorn."

About CounterStorm

CounterStorm, based in New York City, is the maker of CounterStorm-1, the only internal network security solution that effectively stops zero-day attacks in seconds. CounterStorm is the first network security company to simultaneously win two Small Business Innovative Research Phase II grants from the Department Homeland Security. DHS selected CounterStorm's technology because it provides unprecedented protection against zero-day attacks. Global enterprises and government agencies use CounterStorm for the fastest and most accurate network protection available. For more information, please visit http://www.counterstorm.com/.