News

CA, Pinkerton take on security cases

• By Rich Seeley
• May 1, 2003

Seeing a shift in the way IT security fits into overall corporate security in the post-9-11 era, Computer Associates (CA) International Inc. is forming a strategic alliance with resolute security specialist Pinkerton Consulting and Investigations Inc.

The purpose of the alliance between the computer software vendor and the 150-year-old global security provider is to offer customers a holistic approach to security, said Eric Maurice, product manager for CA's eTrust.

Even before the terror attacks of 9-11, corporate security had become a boardroom-level issue with CA customers, Maurice said. Beyond the traditional IT concerns about hackers and viruses, corporations are concerned with issues such as physical plant security and employees who might engage in fraudulent activities.

"The Pinkerton relationship came about because we saw a real shift with customers and their requirements," Maurice said. "Organizations are looking to address security concerns from a holistic standpoint. They are looking at security from a business risk exposure-reduction standpoint, looking at physical security and IT security. Organizations are now taking steps to create integrated security policies."

CA began to talk to Pinkerton about developing policies to help customers meet these security needs, said Maurice, which led the two companies to realize that their combined expertise would make a strong security package. CA offers the eTrust line of security management solutions, including security information management, identity and access management, policy compliance and configuration management, and secure content management.

Pinkerton offers experience in cybersecurity, as well as investigative expertise that most corporations do not have in-house, Maurice explained. He added that very few companies are equipped to deal with a security incident in terms of handling potential evidence and working with law enforcement agencies.

This is where Pinkerton consultants can be brought in as soon as a security problem, such as a potential white-collar crime, is discovered, he said. Pinkerton's staff can ensure that evidence is handled properly and that an investigation follows correct procedures.

Providing policies, procedures and technologies covering all aspects of security from outside hackers to insider embezzlement is the goal of holistic approach, noted Maurice.

Pinkerton and CA share "a clear vision of how physical and cybersecurity best practices and technologies must be fully integrated to effectively protect customers' total business interests," said Nazzareno Paciotti, president, Pinkerton Consulting and Investigations.

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