(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 14, 2003 ) CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ -- Computer worms and viruses have become increasingly easy to distribute and significantly more threatening to the security of global communication networks. According to analyst firm Probe Group, an attack can be launched by virtually anyone, from anywhere in the world, with a future potential spread time of merely seconds.

"The increasing level of sophistication is clearly exemplified when comparing the Slammer and Code Red attacks," explained Probe analyst Tony Marson. "Although Slammer was just one-tenth of the size of Code Red, the former took only 10 minutes to spread globally, while the latter required three days." The bottom line is that in the last 18 months the time required for the infection of global targets has shrunk from days to minutes.

This is of great concern to all network operators. Marson suggests that for those seeking to maintain the integrity of their infrastructures during a worm attack, they must implement multi-layered security that blankets all aspects of infrastructure to enable them to maintain the quality of the services offered to customers.

Although the worm attacks to date have looked to exploit the vulnerabilities in operating systems such as Windows and Linux, these are the same operating systems that network operators use to run network management systems, services/applications servers, switches and routers. "One can envision a future worm attack that could completely disable a network operating system just by exploiting a particular vulnerability," stated Marson. "Therefore, a sense of urgency persists for all network operators and enterprises to incorporate common-sense network security measures that can be easily implemented."

Marson also believes that service providers have a responsibility (to the carrier customers that use their networks and the network operators that are connected) to ensure the continuation of service and availability of their networks during a worm attack. He feels the benefits of prevention as opposed to recovery are clear; not only is it cheaper, but it also allows network operators to do the following:

Maintain service level agreements, thus avoiding penalties
Maintain reliability of connectivity
Reduce personnel costs (by not needing to retain significant numbers of personnel to deal with continuous breaches of the network and the recovery from an attack)
Maintain a consistency in customer service and delivery
Increase customer satisfaction
Reduce support costs

Certainly, no network is 100% secure from a worm or virus attack. However, the alternative (as with Cloud Nine) is that the service operator can go out of business.

In its latest Worldwide Internet Traffic report, "Worms and Viruses: Cause and Effect," Probe examines the effect of the Slammer attack on Internet traffic and what this has meant to network operators and Internet users. Differences between viruses and worms, comparison of the propagation methods of worms, effects on traffic, tools available and reaction to worm attacks are all discussed.

About Probe Group LLC

For over 26 years Probe has leveraged its unique insights and extensive experience in both the traditional world of telecommunications and the burgeoning world of data and packet networks to offer clients sound counsel and realistic market forecasts. Probe has successfully maneuvered clients through changes in demand, demographic shifts, introduction and evolution of new technologies and platforms, industry structure transformations and financial market volatility. Probe provides clients with expert guidance through continuous research services, consulting projects, retainer programs and a variety of other direct analyst-access services. - # -

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To obtain more information on the report "Worms and Viruses: Cause and Effect" (WIT, Vol. 3, No. 2), the Worldwide Internet Traffic service, or to arrange an analyst interview, contact Karen Verrinder or visit Probe on the web at www.probegrp.com.


Karen Verrinder
Public Relations Manager
Tel. 973.285.1500, ext. 227
E-mail: mailto:kverrind@probegrp.com

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Probe Research, Inc.
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