(EMAILWIRE.COM, June 20, 2001 ) New York, NY -- Security software developer Camelot and eWEEK announced today the results of a nationwide network security survey revealing authorized users, such as employees, contractors and consultants, commit the majority of security breaches at companies. The survey, conducted last week by Digital Research, Inc., shows that authorized users are by far a company's biggest security threat. In addition, results highlight that companies are placing greater emphasis on IT security issues by increasing internal IT network security budgets.

Survey results include:
* The top two reported security breaches come from within the company's network:
o 57% of respondents cited users accessing resources they shouldn't be entitled to as a cause of network security breaches
o 43% of respondents indicated security breaches were caused by user accounts left open after an employee has left the company
* IT security budgets are on the rise:
o Nearly half of the companies surveyed are increasing the budget for network security software and hardware
o One in three companies has an annual budget specifically allocated to maintain and/or upgrade a network security system. Of those companies, 40% have an annual budget of at least $100,000 for network security systems
o Close to half of the respondents plan to upgrade their network security system

"The results of the survey pinpoint a major Achilles heel too often unknown or underestimated by corporations. The recently publicized external hacks represent a very small portion of the constant infringements a network endures daily," said Yuval Baharav, president and CEO of Camelot. "Too often, 'authorized' user behavior goes unchecked. In an era of downsizing, mergers and acquisitions, proprietary information is at risk. This issue, when combined with growing corporate networks while protecting privacy, represents a serious challenge. Our research shows that management is concerned about who is accessing company resources and reconsidering how security permissions are granted."

"Although this survey validates that companies are taking steps toward establishing network security systems, the need to focus resources to maintain network security policies inside their companies remains unyielding," said Carolyn Adams, Research Director, eWEEK. "Unless companies proactively secure areas of weaknesses within their networks, these statistics will increase indefinitely."

Camelot, the Network Intelligence company, partnered with eWEEK, a publication providing essential technology information for builders of e-businesses, to conduct this nationwide survey of business executives to assess attitudes toward network security and privacy. Earlier this year, Camelot launched the world's first automated access control product, Hark!(tm), that addresses the issues concerning centralized automated policy creation and enforcement, and real-time notification and management.

The results of this survey are based on 548 online surveys completed by business and IT decision makers among a sampling of eWEEK subscribers. A sample of this size is considered accurate to plus or minus 4.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

About Camelot
Established in 1998, Camelot, the Network Intelligence company, develops and standardizes a new network management and security paradigm. Its flagship product, Hark!(tm) is the first fully automated access control solution. Camelot's management team is comprised of seasoned executives from various fields including software development, information security, learning systems and databases as well as marketing, sales and business development. Funded by high profile key investors such as SOFTBANK's Seed Capital Partners, PCG ventures, the venture capital arm of Pacific Capital Group, Ampal etc., Camelot is a multinational company, with headquarters in Haifa, Israel, and offices in New York. For more information, go to http://www.camelot.com.

About eWEEK
eWEEK is the essential technology information source for builders of e-businesses. Through a combination of news, analysis and evaluation, it guides readers in making the best technology decisions for their enterprises. Focusing on e-commerce, communications and Internet-based architecture, eWEEK enables readers to successfully evaluate, deploy and leverage new technology solutions for competitive advantage. It delivers the most relevant news and reviews every week - in print, daily on the Web and via Webcast - and through Net-based and face-to-face conferences.

About Digital Research, Inc. (DRI)
Digital Research, Inc. is a full-service marketing research firm providing clients with reliable primary research data and analysis. We help business and government leaders understand attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, so they can respond with confidence to the demands of the world around them.

We work closely with our clients to develop effective decision-support systems that enable them to make informed choices. Our research approach is customized to meet the unique needs of each individual client.

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