I(TS)2 and VeriSign in Strategic Alliance

VeriSign has announced a strategic alliance with Riyadh-based IT Security Training and Solutions, or I(TS)2, to establish a Security Operations Center (SOC), the first of its kind in the Kingdom. The new facility in Saudi Arabia will be the ninth VeriSign SOC worldwide, and the first located in the Middle East.

In a press release issued in Riyadh, it was pointed out that as part of the alliance, the companies will bring VeriSign’s Managed Security Services (MSS) to enterprises in the Middle East, where companies are increasingly seeking solutions that help them manage and protect against IT security threats. I(TS)2 will operate the new Security Operations Center (SOC), which will be located in Riyadh, using the VeriSign platform to offer a wide range of security and threat management services. The facility will be the first commercial SOC in the region to store its clients’ sensitive data locally.

When the SOC is operational at the beginning of 2008, VeriSign will be the world’s only major MSS provider to deliver services administered and supported locally in Saudi Arabia, with I(TS)2 its exclusive Saudi Global Security Partner. MSS offerings through the new SOC in Riyadh will include:

• 24/7 management and monitoring of firewalls, logs, intrusion detection systems and Intrusion Prevention Systems;

• Vulnerability management, scanning and assessment services;

• Phishing detection and response services;

• Security intelligence services.

“VeriSign operates a digital infrastructure that enables and protects billions of interactions every day across the world’s voice and data networks,” said Samer Omar, GM, I(TS)2. “By combining the strengths of our joint security expertise, the Riyadh SOC will set a new standard for managed security services in the Middle East.” — Javid Hassan

Managed VPN and Remote Access Service

WorldExtend has seen demand for its software-based SecureIDA managed VPN and remote access service in more than 50 countries since its official launch in April.

“Remote desktop suggests people controlling their office computer from home, and that happens, but more often people need a file from home when at the office, or vice versa — and that’s why all the remote desktop control programs include file transfer,” explained James Gaskin, SMB tech columnist and tech evangelist. “SecureIDA goes one step better; you can define a remote connection to your computer, but just to a single directory on your disk drive if you want,” Gaskin continued. “This means you can give access to your files, or at least a subset of your files, to others without fear they’ll start searching around your computer while in the driver’s seat.” Downloadable in minutes from www.SecureIDA.com/pr6, and configured via an extremely-simple and intuitive wizard-driven process, SecureIDA enables any organization to set up secure access to data and applications from any location within minutes — providing the same business agility and related productivity gains previously available only to large enterprises.

Game Features Pesky Computer Viruses

Left Brain Games, Inc. has introduced an interactive PC game for personal computers featuring musical artist “Weird Al” Yankovic — and thousands of pesky computer viruses. “Virus Alert 3D” features “Weird Al” as the new Information Technology employee at Companytechco Inc., LLC. His job is to hunt down and exterminate computer viruses that are plaguing the firm. Users get to control “Weird Al” as he works his way through the building eliminating viruses, protecting computers, unlocking secret doors and securing the help of drone like co-workers.

The trial version of the game is available for download and is compatible with both Macs and PCs. The full game features 25 levels of play, though the free version includes only five levels. A registration code can be purchased for $16.95 to unlock all levels. Animated vignettes appear after every fifth level introducing Al to a cast of zany characters working at the company. Download the free version from www.virusalert3d.com.