Akonix Launches Protection Solution Against IM-based Viruses

October 1, 2004 - (HostReview.com) -  Akonix Systems, Inc. (www.akonix.com), the premier provider of business solutions for secure, managed and integrated multi-network enterprise instant messaging (IM), has protected its customers against a new security threat that is currently spreading over instant messaging networks. While other companies are merely warning their customers about the threat, Akonix identified this virus and automatically updated its products to protect corporations using Akonix L7 Enterprise from the attack.

This latest vulnerability is an Internet worm that is embedded in a JPEG file and exploits a newly disclosed security flaw in Microsoft software. Once an IM user receives a message that reads "Check out my profile, click GET INFO!" with a link to a URL, malicious code will install 'backdoor' software on the user's PC, allowing hackers to take full control of the victim's computer.

Leveraging the industry's only dynamic update capability, real-time IM content filtering and Akonix's unique IM security expertise, Akonix L7 Enterprise provides an unmatched defense against IM-borne attacks. Updated SpIM and Malware Filters automatically — and without any IT intervention — download and install to deployed Akonix systems, preventing new threats as soon as they emerge.

For maximum security, Akonix advises all of its customers to download and install the latest patches from Microsoft to protect against this vulnerability. While IT departments coordinate the application of these patches to potentially thousands of desktops, Akonix L7 Enterprise SpIM and Malware Filters provide the organization with a critical, additional layer of defense to immediately stop the propagation of this virus.

"This isn't the first attack using IM networks and it definitely won't be the last, and companies serious about security need more than just a warning from their IM management vendor about the latest attack," said Dmitry Shapiro, chief technology officer at Akonix Systems.

Akonix is now offering free trials of its award-winning L7 Enterprise IM management gateway and Akonix Enforcer, designed to block and monitor IM activity on corporate networks. These solutions help enterprises protect against the latest IM attacks while enabling the secure, productive use of instant messaging throughout the enterprise.

Akonix is the leading provider of enterprise-class business solutions for leveraging the power of multi-network enterprise instant messaging. Akonix's award-winning products leverage patent-pending core technology, an advanced IM application development platform, and certified strategic partnerships to deliver multi-network management, security, integration and compliance capabilities across all major IM systems, including America Online® AIM and ICQ, Microsoft MSN, Yahoo! Messenger, Microsoft Live Communications Server, Reuters Messaging, IBM/Lotus SameTime and Jabber.

Akonix is widely recognized as the technology and market innovator with awards for its L7 Enterprise IM gateway from Windows & .NET Magazine, Network World, eWeek, SC Magazine, PC Magazine and UCSD Connect. Akonix is backed by leading venture capital firms Menlo Ventures, Mission Ventures, Palomar Ventures and Windward Ventures, who collectively manage over $3 billion in capital.