Nuremberg, November 21, 2001 – Today, SuSE
Linux, the international Open Source technology leader and
solutions provider, announced a version of “SuSE Linux Firewall on
CD” available for “Virtual Private Networks” (VPN). With increased
focus on IT security needs of small and medium sized enterprises,
SuSE continues to extend its business product line.
Companies with secure connected networks at various company
locations primarily use VPNs. Telecommuters access data in a
company intranet through a VPN. In addition, many companies perform
secure Internet-based information exchange with customers,
partners, and suppliers via VPNs. For example, data sent by a
customer to a banking computer system is transmitted via a secure
VPN connection.
“Today, corporations and governments are facing an ever greater
need for increased data security”, said Johannes Nussbickel, CEO of
SuSE Linux. “At SuSE, we have always focused on security with
innovations such as the ‘on-CD’ security feature. Our new VPN
capabilities in SuSE Linux Firewall extend the secure flow of
communication in today’s complex corporate networks and are of
interest not only for companies but also for original equipment
manufacturers.”
“SuSE Linux Firewall on CD – VPN Edition” offers enterprises
using Internet access efficient protection for their
mission-critical data and IT infrastructure. Designed as an
application-level gateway, SuSE Linux Firewall combines the high
security standards of a hardware solution with the flexibility of a
software firewall. As the central element of a competent IT
security policy, SuSE Linux Firewall checks, monitors, analyzes,
and logs the ongoing data traffic, thus providing a maximum degree
of security.
The main advantage of SuSE Linux Firewall is the so-called live
system that allows the operating system to be booted directly from
a read-only CD-ROM without installing it on the hard disk. The live
system represents a security gain, since the firewall software
itself is located on the CD-ROM and cannot be manipulated. The
respective configuration files – such as the ipchains packet filter
settings – are stored on a write-protected floppy disk.
The enclosed source code enables the adaptation to any specific
needs. A second CD contains the “Firewall Administration System”
(FAS), a set of convenient tools for the quick configuration and
efficient administration of one or several firewalls.
Protection Against Attacks from Internal and External
Sources
Since many attacks on critical data occur within a company, SuSE
Linux Firewall on CD not only protects networks against intrusion
from external sources, it also defines limits for various divisions
within a company. SuSE Linux Firewall continuously logs the data
traffic, providing transparent information on all data
accesses.
The included http content filter offers the possibility of
effectively filtering HTML pages. Undesired contents can be
detected and blocked. The proxy server, which is based on the Open
Source program package “squid”, accelerates Internet operations by
storing previously viewed pages and quickly reloading them on
request. Additional features include syslog, postfix as mail relay,
and SSH support.
SuSE Linux Firewall on CD is available as “Standard Edition” and
as “VPN Edition” and can be obtained from authorized SuSE Business
Partners. The package price includes the software on 3 CDs plus
comprehensive documentation, 30 days of installation support, and
12 months of system maintenance. The recommended retail price for
the “Standard Edition” is EUR 1150.00 (exclusive of VAT); the “VPN
Edition” is EUR 1490.00 (exclusive of VAT).
About SuSE
SuSE Linux is one of the world’s leading providers of complete
solutions based on the Open Source operating system Linux. In
addition to operating systems and application software for private
customers, SuSE offers software solutions and complete systems for
the deployment of Linux in companies.
SuSE supports its enterprise customers with a comprehensive
range of qualified consulting, training, and support services. The
company, which hosts the world’s largest development team for Open
Source solutions, has made its unique project and support know-how
accessible via the Internet in the largest existing Linux knowledge
database.
Further information on SuSE can be found at http://www.suse.de/en/
Press contact:
SuSE Linux AG
Martina Eckstein
Schanzaeckerstr. 10
90443 Nuernberg
Germany
[email protected]
Phone: +49-(0)911-74053507