Alcatel Adds Security Enhancement to Enterprise Switches

Alcatel enhanced its OmniSwitch line with an extended CrystalSec security framework that enables the platforms to take an active role in preventing and containing security issues facing the enterprise. The company also announced two new relationships with endpoint security leader Sygate and network security leader Fortinet.



Through a combination of Sygate Technologies' Host Integrity Solution and its own OmniSwitch dynamic virtual LAN (VLAN) capability, Alcatel now offers an endpoint security solution that delivers proactive virus and worm attack prevention. The new solution uses Sygate's host integrity, protection, enforcement, and remediation technology, along with 802.1x technology to ensure that devices accessing the network are secured by anti-virus software containing updated virus definitions, a personal firewall, operating system service packs, and patches. Alcatel's dynamic VLANs take this measure one step further by allowing the device to move from a quarantine VLAN to a working VLAN with no user intervention.



Alcatel also introduced a new Automated Quarantine Engine (AQE) that collects information from intrusion detection and prevention systems and dynamically re-configures the network to contain attacks. Upon detection of an attack, the AQE locates the offender and implements a network response. In the case of a virus or worm attack, the AQE will place the infected device into an Alcatel quarantine VLAN that is applied to the edge of the network. Using Alcatel's mobile VLAN technology, the infected device will be blacklisted--even if the infected intruder moves to another location.



In addition, Alcatel will offer a wide range of Fortinet's security products, including its flagship ASIC-powered FortiGate Antivirus Firewalls. http://www.alcatel.com