• silicon.com
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• Security

By Pia Heikkila, 14 June 2000 00:20

NEWS Security firm Network Associates (NAI) has won a massive contract to install its Dr Solomon's anti-virus software in all BT offices across the world. The software will protect data generated by BT's 138,000 employees, and will help prevent attacks on desktop, email, Internet and server gateways. According to Sid Newman, BT's virus protection strategy manager, the contract extends an ongoing partnership between the two companies that began in 1995 and is part of the telco's strategy to protect its intranet from attackers. He told silicon.com: "Network security is a constant battle against the virus writers, particularly in the current global communication climate. The Love Bug was just one of the malicious attacks aimed at corporate networks." Deri Jones, security services manager at security testing specialist NTA Monitor, said BT's move is partly reactionary. He said: "It is vital for BT to show it has an up-to-date system in place to build customer confidence as it moves on to new ventures." Jones added: "It's shocking how many high-street companies are neglecting their security and virus protection issues, even though there is a lot of information available about it." Jack Clark, project manager of Dr Solomon's anti-virus product at NAI, agreed. "Most companies are aware of viruses, but they need to create general data security awareness across the whole corporation," he said. Both parties declined to comment on the value of the deal.