Biodata stresses importance of security in Video Conferencing

Press Release
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Companies Video Conferencing systems not secure

London, UK. February 04, 2000 - Biodata Information Technology, the world leader in data network security today stressed the necessity for companies to secure their Video Conferencing (VC) set-ups. Many businesses, including lawyers and banks conduct important meetings using VC. Biodata stated that it is easy for eavesdroppers to dial in to a room equipped with VC undetected, and gain access to confidential information simply by dialling the access number.

Video conferencing systems are often overlooked by both the IT and Security people within an organisation. Because they do not allow hackers to connect to a companys private network, these VC systems are not seen as a threat to security. However, due to operational practices and a lack of functionality on older systems, gaining information can be as easy as making a telephone call to the VC number.

This problem exists because companies leave their VC systems 'open to allow for callers to dial in, but if the television monitor is turned off, potentially anyone can dial in, without the knowledge of the host," said Scott Naylor of First Connections, a Biodata reseller. As these VC systems are carrying business critical information, all companies should review their use and the need for encryption. The proper solution is to use a BabylonMETA VC encryptor, along with a call list, which automatically blocks unauthorised access. For many applications, such as Medical, Legal and Financial, this is a must", continued Naylor.

The prime function of a BabylonMETA VC encryptor is to protect video conferencing data from interception," explained David Moseley, European sales director for Biodata. The ability to block unauthorised access by creating what is effect, a closed user group is an important benefit of this type of product."

According to a research by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Computer Security Institute in the United States, 57% of organizations declared that their communications are a frequent point of attack. With 51% of survey respondents acknowledging financial losses, system penetration by outsiders increased for the third year in a row. The most serious financial losses occurred through theft of proprietary information and financial fraud (Federal Bureau of Investigation / Computer Security Institute, Issues and Trends: 1999 CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey).

About Biodata

Biodata is a global provider of cryptographic devices as well as network and communications technology products. The companys portfolio includes Internet firewalls (BIGfire+", SPHINX") and data encryption products (Babylon") for public telecommunications networks. With Babylon, Biodata is the world market leader in ISDN encryption. Biodata offers worldwide support and distribution with offices in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Tunisia, United States, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan. The worldwide production and logistics centre is located in Switzerland.

More information about Biodata and its products can be found at: http://www.biodata.com or see First Connections at http://www.firstconnections.co.uk


Editorial Contacts:

Furqan Syed
PR Manger
Biodata Information Technology
Ringway House
Basingstoke RG24 8FB
England
Tel. +44 (0) 208 337 7432
Fax +44 (0) 1256 338 450
E-Mail: f.syed@biodata.com