Security Web Digest: Sniffer Extends Reach, Gartner Questions Privacy Practices… and More

Network Associates released a new hardware appliance and updated software on Tuesday that will extend the reach of that companys Sniffer network traffic management technology from remote users into data centers at the network core. The company announced the new s6040 Appliance, a 4u rack-mounted device that accommodates the addition of up to four full-duplex Gigabit mounted blades, according to Chris Thompson, vice president of product marketing at Network Associates.

Infineon Technologies on Thursday said that Hewlett-Packard selected the German chipmakers Trusted Platform Module for use to enhance desktop security in the HP d530 series of business PCs. The module automatically checks the system integrity and can authenticate the platform to third parties if authorized by the primary user. It also stores private data, such as encryption keys and passwords.

eSoft on Tuesday announced the new intrusion detection and prevention SoftPak for the InstaGate product line. The SoftPak enables eSofts customers to automatically detect and instantly block malicious intrusions. The company also announced Desktop Anti-Virus, a new SoftPak application for the InstaGate product line which provides virus protection for Microsoft Windows clients and servers.

According to a Gartner report, United States citizens are willing to make privacy compromises in the name of security, but businesses are taking advantage of the situation to launch more aggressive and targeted marketing campaigns. Companies engaging in bad practices could be the next targets for ethics and accountability investigations, and public outcry could lead to government action, Gartner said.

Even consumers with several years of experience online continue to cite security and privacy features as a key factor in the decision to spend online, according to a new study by MasterCard International. The consumer study found that assurance that personal information would be kept private, a guarantee that consumers would not receive unwanted emails as a result of purchases, and an extra layer of security for credit card transactions were among the most important factors influencing the degree to which consumers would make purchases online.

Microsoft launched a new virus information center available at its Web site. Microsoft partnered with Network Associates and Trend Micro to provide detailed information about significant viruses that target Windows products and operating systems.