GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7 offers integrated anti-virus/anti-spyware checks and mixed environment support

New version delivers enhanced port & USB device scanning

London, UK, 25 November 2005 – GFI today announced the release of GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner (N.S.S.) 7.0, the latest version of its popular security scanning and patch management product. Version 7 builds on the product’s extensive network scanning abilities to include scanning of anti-virus and anti-spyware deployments; ensuring the most recent definition files are installed on user machines. It also provides multinational and hybrid environment support through multilingual patch management and enhanced Linux checks, allowing IT admins to scan and secure their entire network environment.

GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 improves on its network scanning techniques with enhanced port scanning through service fingerprinting, allowing IT staff to track down unauthorized and potentially malicious services running on their network. GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 reduces the time it takes to scan across all wireless access points, open ports and the entire computer network for any active services or applications that may put the network at risk.

Once GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 has completed scanning a system, it categorizes security vulnerabilities and recommends a course of action. The latest version of the software is specifically designed to detect unauthorized applications installed on the network and to alert IT staff of any threats to security immediately so that they can download the appropriate patch.

GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 also offers patch management support for multilingual operating systems. The software allows organizations to download and deploy patch files across the network in a variety of different languages supported by Microsoft products. This is particularly important for large multinational companies who need to deploy patches quickly and simultaneously in multiple countries.

"When it comes to maintaining a secure network, unauthorized applications are a common pain for IT staff, particularly in large multinational organizations," explained Andre Muscat, Product Manager for GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner 7.0. "With GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 we want to make it easier for IT staff to monitor what employees have installed on their machine so that patch management can be rolled out across the entire network if needed. Our product comes with multilingual patch management so that companies can update everyone’s PC simultaneously."

Checks that anti-virus and anti-spyware deployments are offering optimum protection
GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 ensures that supported security applications such as anti-virus and anti-spyware software are functioning correctly. The new scanning engine integrates with a number of anti-virus and anti-spyware solutions to ensure that the latest definition files are running on user machines. The configuration settings of these security applications are also examined to ensure that key features (such as real-time scanning) are not disabled.
Scanning and retrieval of OS data from Linux systems
A major new feature of the new GFI LANguard N.S.S. is the ability to remotely extract OS data from both Linux and Windows based systems, which dramatically reduces the time IT staff spend scanning their network. Instead of scanning across two different machines IT staff can now develop a heterogeneous network and protect it from one single point.

Deploy custom/3rd party software and patches network-wide
Besides deploying patches and service packs, GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 allows IT staff to easily deploy third party software or patches network-wide. The custom software deployment feature obsoletes the need for Microsoft SMS, which is often too complex and expensive for small to medium sized networks.
USB device scanning
USB can pose a potential security problem - almost any device can be connected, including removable hard disks, digital cameras and wireless access points, making it harder for IT staff to protect the network. GFI LANguard N.S.S. 7.0 gives IT staff more control over unauthorized and dangerous USB devices by allowing them to scan the network for any devices that are connected to the USB hub.

About GFI LANguard N.S.S.
GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner (N.S.S.) checks a network for possible security vulnerabilities by scanning the entire network for missing security patches, services packs, open shares, open ports, unused user accounts and more. With this information (displayed in customizable reports), administrators can easily lock down their network against hackers. GFI LANguard N.S.S. can also remotely deploy missing patches and service packs in applications and OS. GFI LANguard N.S.S. is the leading Windows security scanner and very competitively priced, starting at just $495 for 32 IPs. For more information and to download the product, one can visit http://www.gfi.com/lannetscan/.

About GFI
GFI is a leading provider of network security, content security and messaging software. Key products include the GFI FAXmaker fax connector for Exchange and SMTP mail servers; GFI MailSecurity email content/exploit checking and anti-virus software; GFI MailEssentials server-based anti-spam software; GFI MailArchiver an email archiving solution; GFI LANguard Network Security Scanner (N.S.S.) security scanning and patch management software; GFI Network Server Monitor that automatically sends alerts, and corrects network and server issues; GFI LANguard Security Event Log Monitor (S.E.L.M.) that performs event log based intrusion detection and network-wide event log management; GFI LANguard Portable Storage Control that enables network-wide control of removable media and GFI WebMonitor, HTTP/FTP monitoring and anti-virus software for ISA Server. Clients include Microsoft, Telstra, Time Warner Cable, NASA, DHL, Caterpillar, BMW, the US IRS, and the USAF. GFI has offices in the US, the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Romania, Australia and Malta, and operates through a worldwide network of distributors. GFI is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and has won the Microsoft Fusion (GEM) Packaged Application Partner of the Year award. For more information about GFI, visit http://www.gfi.com.