Security Threats Loom Over Unified Communications, Report FindsCustomers' failure to properly implement security is increasing the likelihood of a major, successful attack on UC systems, says Light Reading's VOIP Services InsiderPRNewswire NEW YORK, July 16 /PRNewswire/ -- The potential for major security breaches of unified communications (UC) systems is escalating, and the biggest problems are arising from the improper or incomplete use of security features by business and enterprise users, according to the latest report published by Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider (http://www.lightreading.com/entvoip), a subscription research service from TechWeb's Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/). Unified Communications: A Sense of Insecurity examines security issues in the UC market, providing an in-depth examination of what attacks are likely in the UC arena and where those attacks are likely to occur. It examines measures vendors are developing to provide security for UC platforms, including how to protect against attacks, as well as plans for security in the field. Additionally, this report provides a comparative analysis of 12 top companies in the UC industry and how their products address UC. For a list of companies covered in this report, please see: http://img.lightreading.com/evi/pdf/vsi0708_companies.pdf "Even as vendors put technologies in place to provide protection from the threats that exist, as well as from impending threats, the likelihood of a major and successful attack on UC systems is growing for one simple reason -- end-user failure to implement security techniques properly," notes Denise Culver, research analyst with Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider and author of the report. "Simple measures such as encryption aren't utilized by customers, even though their UC platforms enable such protection, leaving vendors to wonder what kind of disaster must occur before enterprises realize the need for implementing the security measures on their UC platforms." Culver notes that while UC services run by service providers appear to be less prone to attack because security measures are more likely to be deployed properly, end-user misuse could trickle up to affect larger UC installations. For that reason, service providers are relying heavily on technology suppliers to build better and easier-to-use security mousetraps that can be deployed by enterprise users, she says. Suppliers that stress the cost factor in SaaS deployment are likely to make the biggest inroads with smaller customers, Culver says. "Vendors are working diligently to build more security into their UC platforms, teaming up with third-party security experts and, in some cases, with vendors that normally would be considered competition," she adds. Other key findings of Unified Communications: A Sense of Insecurity include the following: -- Enterprise users represent the most glaring point of vulnerability regarding potential UC security breaches -- Third-party specialists in UC security are emerging as an important factor in protecting UC applications, even with vendors that already have security measures in place -- The potential damage from a major UC breach is leading major competitors like Cisco, Microsoft, and Avaya to work together to establish tighter UC security Unified Communications: A Sense of Insecurity provides critical data and analysis for a range of industry participants, including: -- Unified communications technology suppliers looking for an independent assessment of the UC security market and opportunities -- Network operators evaluating deployment of UC security platforms and applications -- Investors needing a better understanding of the scale of the opportunity that UC security presents, and which companies are best positioned to take advantage of that opportunity Unified Communications: A Sense of Insecurity is available as part of an annual subscription (six issues) to Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider, priced at $1,295. Individual reports are available for $900. To subscribe, or for more information, please visit: http://www.lightreading.com/entvoip. For more information about other Light Reading Insider research services, please visit: http://www.lightreading.com/research. To request a free executive summary of the report, or for details on multi-user licensing options, please contact: Jeff Claudino Director of Sales Insider Research Services 619-229-9940 claudino@lightreading.com Press/analyst contact: Dennis Mendyk Managing Director Insider Research Services 201-587-2154 mendyk@heavyreading.com About Light Reading Founded in 2000, Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/) is the ultimate source for technology and financial analysis of the communications industry, leading the media sector in terms of traffic, content, and reputation. It reaches an extensive audience of executives and technologists within the telecom and enterprise networking communities, as well as the financial/industry analysts and investors who track these sectors. Light Reading was acquired by United Business Media in August 2005, and operates as a unit of UBM. About TechWeb TechWeb (techweb.com/aboutus), the global leader in business technology media, is an innovative business focused on serving the needs of technology decision-makers and marketers worldwide. TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed media brands in the business technology market. Today, more than 13.3 million* business technology professionals actively engage in our communities created around our global face-to-face events Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and VoiceCon; online resources such as the TechWeb Network, Light Reading, Intelligent Enterprise, InformationWeek.com, bMighty.com, and The Financial Technology Network; and the market leading, award-winning InformationWeek, TechNet Magazine, MSDN Magazine, Wall Street & Technology magazines. TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next- generation performance marketing, integrated media, research, and analyst services. TechWeb is a division of United Business Media, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion. * 13.3 million business decision-makers: based on # of monthly connections SOURCE: Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider CONTACT: Jeff Claudino, Director of Sales, Insider Research Services, Web site: http://www.lightreading.com/ |