CrossTec's NetOp Desktop Firewall Protects Corporate Networks From Latest Windows 2000 Worm; Protection Available for Invasive Computer Worm That Attacked Windows 2000 Machines Tuesday.

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- CrossTec Corporation's (www.crossteccorp.com) NetOp Desktop Firewall provides proactive host-based intrusion prevention against viruses, trojans, and worms, like the 'Zotob-C' worm that shut down computers worldwide yesterday. This latest variant of the Zotob worm exploits vulnerability in Windows 2000 and XP machines, resulting from inadequate patch management. It spreads from within the network via infected laptops or email attachments. The NetOp Desktop Firewall, developed by Danware Data A/S, is designed to protect enterprises from the vulnerabilities associated with malicious executables and the use of mobile laptops on a corporate network.

"Administrators generally understand the need to stay updated with Windows patches and anti-virus definitions," Albert Caballero, technical product manager for the NetOp Desktop Firewall, explains. "However, with thousands of workstations and servers to maintain and the speed with which new exploits are being written for publicly announced vulnerabilities, it's obvious that depending on applying patches and definition updates can be too little too late. Add mobile laptops into the equation and it becomes clear that administrators need to start getting serious about intrusion prevention at the desktop level with products such as desktop firewalls."

When mobile laptops leave the protection of the corporate network, they are exposed to attacks, including worms that take advantage of vulnerable Windows services. Many of these services, such as File and Printer Sharing, Universal Plug and Play, and even many network applications, are not necessary when a laptop is on the road. If an administrator can ensure that any unnecessary service does not start or is secured when off the corporate network, then the majority of these vulnerabilities can be eliminated.

The NetOp Desktop Firewall addresses this issue with driver-level process control and the ability to recognize different security profiles depending on a user's location. NetOp provides security that is 100 percent at the driver-level, ensuring that all network traffic is restricted and only a previously allowed process is able to start. Driver-level security for both communication and processes adds multiple layers of protection to your system wherever it is.

Unlike other desktop firewalls that might recognize the environment but depend on individual users to ensure that security is upheld, the NetOp Desktop Firewall automatically selects the appropriate security profile based on the type of environment. For example, NetOp's security level can be configured to shift to high-level protection when users are away from the office, so that when they return to work, their company and colleagues are not exposed to Internet worms like Zotob and its variants.

The NetOp Desktop Firewall is competitively priced at $59.00 per individual license with volume pricing available. The centralized management utility, which is optional, is priced at $1,950 for a single server license.

For additional information or to download a free trial of the NetOp Desktop Firewall, please visit: http://www.crossteccorp.com/netopfirewall/index.html.

About CrossTec

CrossTec Corporation, founded in 1996, is the resource in North America for the award-winning NetOp family of remote management, training and security software products. Based in Boca Raton, Fla., CrossTec Corporation provides sales and support through a network of authorized resellers to larger corporations, organizations, government agencies and educational institutions. CrossTec is proud to be a member of CompTIA, The Help Desk Institute and is a CMP Channel Advocate.