Briefing from Enterprise Management Associates Finds Enterprise Spyware Removal and Use Filtering Critical to Endpoint Security and Regulatory Compliance

(PRWEB) November 15, 2004

Serious security exposures can arise from unmanaged use of desktop files and applications. For example, using a P2P file-sharing program can accidentally introduce spyware and expose confidential data. In a new briefing paper, Enterprise Management Associates (EMA) (http://www.enterprisemanagement.com), a leading IT analyst firm, concludes that use filtering and enterprise spyware removal are required to close use-related exposures and to reduce security risk by enforcing compliance with use policies. To access the briefing paper, visit http://www.apreo.com/cso.asp .

The briefing paper features an interview with Scott Crawford, senior analyst with EMA and contributor to the online publication, NetworkWorld Fusion (http://www.nwfusion.com/).

EMA’s Crawford is concerned that enterprises may not fully recognize the need for enterprise spyware removal and prevention, in endpoint security and digital rights protection. “Spyware entry via the endpoint puts the entire enterprise at risk for compliance violations and severe security breaches. Depending on the cooperation of individuals (who may not always be able or willing to comply) to secure enterprise endpoints means that the enterprise doesn’t control its own risk management in these critical areas. In order to take back that ownership, enterprises should ensure that automated protection, like use filtering, is in place.”

Use filtering, with spyware control, automatically enforces appropriate use of authorized applications while preventing spyware and the use of other unapproved files and programs. Use filtering enhances other network security software by stopping use-related exposures at the desktop level, which is outside their scope.

Use filtering solutions, like Workstation PolicyShield™ from Apreo, monitor desktops to automatically enforce policy-compliant use of files and applications. The anti-spyware component of use filtering deletes existing spyware and prevents the installation of new spyware programs. Use filtering supports a range of policies, from no-use requirements, to managed-use guidelines that permit use under approved conditions. It controls games, music, movies, spyware, P2P file-sharing services, Instant Messaging programs, and any other application or file specified by an enterprise.

About Apreo

Founded in 1996, Apreo provides use-filtering solutions to enforce appropriate use of files and applications for endpoint security, regulatory compliance, systems management, productivity, and IT efficiency. The company’s products have been installed in more than 1,800 sites worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies and over 25 government agencies. Apreo is headquartered in Orange County, CA. For more information or to download Workstation PolicyShield, please visit http://www.apreo.com .

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