Press Releases

Top Layer Security Provides Customers with Proactive Protection against Rapidly Spreading Downadup/Conficker Worm

Westboro, MA, January 26, 2009 -

Top Layer's Previously Announced Zero-Day Protection for Microsoft Vulnerability MS08-067 Provides Coverage against New, Fast-Spreading Worm

Top Layer Security, a leading global provider of Network Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), today announced that its IPS 5500 provides customers with zero-day protection against the widely publicized Downadup worm, also known as the "Conficker" or "Kido" worm. The worm, estimated to have spread to millions of PCs forming one of the largest botnets ever, preys on a previously announced Microsoft Server Service Vulnerability (CVE-2008-4250, MS08-067). Top Layer announced zero-day protection for this vulnerability when it was announced in October 2008, and today confirmed that this coverage is effective against the Downadup worm.

Top Layer provides proactive protection for the Microsoft vulnerability and the Downadup worm through a rule in its IPS 5500 that is enabled as part of the "Recommended Client Protection" and "Recommended Server Protection" IPS Rule Sets. Top Layer IPS 5500 customers using recommended rule sets have been protected for more than a year.

The Downadup worm uses computer or network resources to make complete copies of itself and may add code or other malware that damages both a computer and network. Once a PC is infected, Downadup disables a number of system services, including Windows Automatic Update, Windows Security Center, Windows Defender, and Windows Error Reporting. The worm then connects to a malicious server, where it downloads additional malware to install on the infected computer.

"Top Layer's IPS protection against the Downadup epidemic is a vital part of an organization's overall defense-in-depth protection, along with the updating of anti-virus and the strengthening of passwords," said Mike Paquette, chief strategy officer, Top Layer Security. "With about 30 percent of PCs still unpatched from the Microsoft vulnerability facilitating the growth of the Downadup worm, there has never been a clearer argument for organizations to deploy network IPS to help reduce the risk of computers becoming compromised before systems are patched. Our TopResponse Research team quickly informed our customers of our zero-day protection last October, and we're proud to announce continued protection against the Downadup worm today."

Top Layer customers are encouraged to visit the following webpage for additional information on how to protect their infrastructure: http://www.toplayer.com/support

About the Top Layer IPS 5500
The IPS 5500 family of products is built in the USA and offers the strongest levels of network protection, performance, and reliability on the market today. By combining content-based IPS/IDS, stateful firewall, and attack mitigation algorithms, the IPS 5500 is the only solution that provides Three Dimensional Protection (3DP) against malicious content, undesired access and botnet-based attacks. Top Layer's architecture enables the IPS 5500 to protect enterprises and service providers from sophisticated attacks in real-time while enabling the highest throughput of legitimate traffic.

The IPS 5500 E-Series has received top accolades from the world's most prestigious labs and influential publications. In addition, Top Layer has received significant recognition from the NSS Group, Computer Reseller News, Information Security Magazine, IT Week, Service Provider Weekly, and the Tolly Group. Top Layer was awarded "Technology Innovator of 2008" by SC Magazine. The publication also awarded Top Layer's IPS 5500 E-Series with "Best Buy" status in their 2007 review of IDS/IPS solutions as well as Best IPS Product of 2007.

About Top Layer Security
Top Layer Security is a leading global provider of Network Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) that enables enterprise organizations to protect their critical on-line assets from risks associated with cyber threats. Designed with Three Dimensional Protection, Top Layer's IPS provides the most advanced protection against attacks at the highest tested performance rates. Top Layer Security is headquartered in Massachusetts, USA with sales and services support worldwide.

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Contact:

Donna Rogers Top Layer Security Phone: +1.508.870.1300 x127 Email: drogers@TopLayer.com	Matt Flanagan Fama PR Phone: +1.617.758.4141 Email: matt@famapr.com