(EMAILWIRE.COM, September 17, 2003 ) CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ -- While 2002 seemed to be a relatively quiet period for Internet attacks, as reported by many government and industry monitoring groups, there were also many "calm before the storm" warnings about the future. The current industry consensus, according to Probe Group, is that attacks are now on the rise.

Probe suggests that the massive challenge of providing security against criminal activity and malicious mischief on the global Internet is addressing a landscape without authority. This essentially leaves all end users, business enterprises, government entities and service providers to fend for themselves.

Security systems and solutions-on a sole source or partnership basis-are available from numerous standalone vendors, outsourcing companies, computer/IT suppliers, ISPs, major telecom carriers and the leading infrastructure and enterprise systems suppliers. Probe noted that buyers must go well beyond antivirus software and perimeter protection (via software or hardware firewalls) to enable the most effective multilayer, in-depth security.

Cisco Systems is undoubtedly the single largest software/hardware vendor-and probably the clearest target-at the Internet's core. Its importance in the context of Internet security is arguably only second to or on a par with Microsoft. The Cisco Systems security effort has been building steam for the past 12-18 months, with several major sets of introductions-across different hardware/software lines and customer segments-taking place since at least mid-2002. In broad terms, the company suggests there will be an evolution toward more security-aware networks having greater self-protecting and self-managing characteristics.

In its report, "The 'Wholesome' Internet," Probe discusses high-level aspects of network and computer security on the global Internet and World Wide Web, including market dynamics, customer implementation strategies and software/hardware vendor offerings in several critical categories of the business. This issue also profiles the security industry positioning by Cisco Systems. This report is part of the Security Opportunities and Solutions program, which examines security issues, emerging regulation, and technology developments within the context of the market opportunities and challenges they present to network service providers, technology/solution suppliers, enterprise/corporations and service organizations.

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, "The 'Wholesome' Internet" (SOS, Vol. 1, No. 3), the Security Opportunities and Solutions 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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