Main News Desk

Akonix Identifies New Hacker Attacks Over Instant Messaging Networks

2008 total reaches 73 threats over IM networks to-date

San Diego, CA - May 29, 2008

Akonix Systems, Inc., the leading provider of unified policy management products for instant messaging (IM) and unified communications, today announced its IM Security Center researchers tracked 10 new malicious code attacks over IM networks in May, bringing the 2008 total to 73.

New IM worms identified in May include Flocker, Foto-nue and Mondez. LdPinch was the most common with two variants. In addition, attacks on P2P networks, such as Kazaa and eDonkey, increased by 17 percent this month over last, with 21 attacks.

During May, Akonix security analysts issued new policy updates to protect customers against malware, using the industry's only dynamic IM malware, spam and protocol update system. Akonix Security Update Services automatically push updates to block spyware, worms and viruses. Akonix customers are secure on day zero from each new threat with the in-depth protection and containment features of Akonix's 360° Security for Real-Time Communications(tm).

The Akonix IM Security Center is a collaborative effort between Akonix and industry-leading partners in IM infrastructure and security. It focuses on emerging security threats posed by IM and P2P applications in the corporate environment, and is the foundation of 360° Security. Detailed information about the May 2008 IM Threat Report and historical threat data going back to 2003 can be found at www.imsecuritycenter.com.

For more information on how 360° Security from Akonix secures networks against the risks of unmanaged IM and P2P use, please visit www.akonix.com/360, call 619 615 9415 or email sales@akonix.com. Companies interested in putting Akonix products to work protecting their networks can receive a free 30-day evaluation of A6000 and A1000 IM security appliances at eval.akonix.com

Executive quote

"With adoption of both enterprise and public IM in organizations growing rapidly, the potential impact of attacks over IM is enormous," said Don Montgomery, VP of marketing at Akonix. "Organizations hoping to improve productivity from IM and unified communications need to get effective security tools in place immediately."

About the company

Akonix, maker of  the most deployed IM security and compliance products in the world, provides a Unified Policy Management (UPM) platform to monitor the use of unified communications applications in the workplace, administering and enforcing corporate policy and assisting with compliance regulations. The company offers a suite of UPM modules, simplifying and securing the use of real-time communications by managing all applications from a central location. L7 Enterprise performs security, archiving, content scanning, entitlement and reporting functions for real-time, electronic communications, including instant messaging, mobile messaging, online conferencing, VoIP and electronic faxing.

Over two million people around the world rely on Akonix's products to manage and enforce electronic messaging policy and meet compliance requirements. Akonix is a BlackBerry ISV Alliance Partner, EMC Velocity Partner, HP Business Partner, IBM Business Partner, Intel Software Partner, Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and Symantec Technology Enabled Partner. Furthermore, Akonix has developed business alliances and technology integrations with leading enterprise unified communications and IM platforms, including Bloomberg, IBM, Jabber, Inc., Microsoft and Reuters, and message archiving products from C2C, EMC, Fortiva, HP, Intradyn, Iron Mountain, Quest Software, Symantec, ZANTAZ and others.
 
For more information on Akonix and its UPM platform, please visit www.akonix.com.

Contact details

Amy White / Erin Hall
LEWIS PR for Akonix               
Tel: 619 677 2700                                       
akonix@lewispr.com


Technorati tags: Akonix | IM threats | IM security | instant messaging |

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