AT&T has said that it has enhanced the security features for its network-based firewall offering. Its network-based firewall service reportedly allows customers to manage and control individual users’ access to the internet and prevents unauthorised access into their corporate AT&T network.
According to AT&T, the new features and enhancements to its network-based firewall offering include: anti-virus scanning of instant messaging applications, including ICQ, MSN, Yahoo! and AOL Instant Messenger; expanded URL filtering to allow or block access to more than 80 categories of internet web sites; and user authentication to set policy controls over user level access to the internet.
Other enhancements include, inline scanning of HTTP and FTP content for common virus, spyware and malware threats and vulnerabilities; and active Intrusion Detection and Intrusion Prevention Services (IDS/IPS) to provide customisable policies and proactive investigation analysis and mitigation support.
Reportedly, AT&T’s network-based firewall is fully managed by specialised staff of security technicians who screen applications and administer firewalls, intrusion detection signatures, filters, patches and servers.
Bill O’Hern, assistant vice president for technology security at AT&T Business Solutions, said: AT&T’s ‘in the cloud’ approach to managed security delivers some of today’s most powerful weapons to combat cyber security attacks. Enhancements to our network-based firewall offering are bringing more complete internet protection to enterprises by tapping into AT&T’s scalable, reliable global IP network.
