News

HP security chief sees cyber attacks growing more complex, malignant, persistent and pervasive

• By John K. Waters
• December 6, 2004

Hewlett-Packard unveiled a new market-spanning security strategy this past week designed to defend a range of its customers, from large enterprises to consumers, from increasing technology-based attacks.

HP's new Security Incident Management Program comprises a suite of products and services for threat detection and assessment, combined with management process

Speaking last week in San Francisco, Tony Redmond, vice president and chief technology officer of HP Services, said his company was offering the new security suite because cyber attacks "are becoming more complex, more malignant, more persistent, and more pervasive."

HP's portfolio extends "from the smallest consumer devices to the largest supercomputers," Redmond said. "We have to protect all of them."

HP's Security Incident Management Program provides an integrated package of security products, processes, features, and functions--all of which are available separately from HP and third-party suppliers. The various components work with HP's OpenView network management software, but it's not required, Redmond said.

The package includes an expanded PC Security initiative to raise consumer awareness of security issues and help them protect and clean their systems; products and online tools with built-in security features to help shield small and mid-size businesses; and new services to help enterprises and public sector customers proactively mitigate security risks.

For home PC users, the company's launched PC Security initiative provides dedicated, online security support, with one-hour e-mail response time and real-time chat available; virus alert classes held via phone during virus outbreaks; and an HP Help and Support Center, with performance and security diagnostic software installed on notebooks.

Additional components of the PC Security initiative include awareness and education campaigns, a new PC security website with access to security tools, support and information, and special sales promotions for anti-virus and spyware protection software.

HP is partnering with other vendors to provide a comprehensive security package, including Microsoft (server software), Trend Micro (anti-virus and anti-spam), Symantec (anti-virus and firewall), Sygate (end-point security agent technology), Harris Corp. (trusted computing systems), Trustgenix (federated sign-on and user authentication), Kensington Technology Group (locking devices for PC physical security), and Credant Technologies (security for mobile computers).

In addition, HP has added a Security Expertise Center to its SMB Web site at www.hp.com/go/secureSMB to provide customers with easy access to HP security experts. According to the company, the center includes security education courses designed to help businesses acquire the skills to start building a holistic and effective security plan. The HP Learning Curve section of the site is a repository for white papers, articles, and other educational resources specific to security issues faced by small and mid-size businesses.