Virtual Patching Symantec
A very efficient type of virtual patching Symantec tool is the Symantec Network Security eXchange (NSE). It is a complete security solution that provides IT professionals with the best in online security. It can patch a multitude of issues including the" Shamware Virus" and "Spam Engine". It can also be configured and maintained remotely via a web interface for even greater ease. Syma offers a free version.
Many companies are now realizing the benefits of network security. In order to protect their valuable intellectual property (USP) they are hiring skilled information security experts (IOUS). They also require a high level of system protection to provide their customers with optimum protection. By hiring an IOUS, a company can rest easy knowing its valuable USP will be protected. However, the cost of hiring an IOUS is expensive and many companies may not have the available funds to cover the cost of such a program.
Virtual Patching (VPM) has emerged as a cost effective, convenient alternative. VPM works by replacing the original application with a patch file. This file is digitally signed with a signature providing the user access to an additional layer of security. Each time a request is made to the VPM, the application will be downloaded and then executed. When all the applications are loaded, the system should perform a complete security check.
A security risk often associated with VPM is the possibility of a "Rabbit Hole". This refers to a hole in a system's firewall that allows attackers access to sensitive data. Virtual Patching prevents this by placing a layer of protection at the Application Layer. Any hacker attempting to gain access through a rabbit hole will fail in vain.
Another security benefit offered by VPM is that it improves system performance. The improved performance results from a lower overhead during execution. The result is an overall reduction in system utilization, making the overall infrastructure more affordable and efficient. This is especially important for businesses that do not have a dedicated IT department.
Many companies do not use VAM because it requires knowledge of the network infrastructure. Virtual Patching makes it easy to troubleshoot and repair security related issues that occur in a virtual network. All issues can be traced back to their originating source, making it easier to pinpoint the problem and its immediate solution. Because VAM only transfers files, not codes, it can be used in testing environments that utilize complex testing software, allowing testers to isolate bugs and verify updates.
In addition to reducing overhead and improving performance, virtual Patching can also provide a measure of disaster recovery. Because each application can be individually patched, if a major system failure occurs, there will be an application-independent patch available to deal with it. With traditional patching, patches may need to be individually deployed. Security companies and network administrators may have to re-seed the entire system, or even take the server down for several hours during recovery. With VAM, there will be a single application that maintains the patch and can be deployed to deal with system problems independently.
Security companies that use VAM can also make the network more secure by providing an additional layer of protection between internal users and external sources. By adding an application layer to the network, companies can limit the damage that a hacker can do. If a malicious virus or worm attacks a virtual network, the application layer will prevent the user from being able to infect other computers on the network. It is recommended that companies that use VAM install software that is capable of detecting signatures that are created by malicious programs, and can block them accordingly.
