For those of you that are experiencing this difficulty
or are seeking a solution
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 17, 1996--Following
several reports of assaults on commercial Web sites and network
devices by anonymous hacker(s), Cisco Systems, Inc. is taking
several steps to inform its customers regarding how they might
address a potential threat to their networks.
Cisco called more than 40 leading Internet service providers
(ISPs) worldwide Monday to notify them of the possibility of isolated
electronic attacks targeted at Web sites and network devices
connected to the Internet. Cisco informed the ISPs of software
capabilities that could be implemented to resist attacks of the type
seen recently.
One problem occurs when a hacker floods a Web server or network
device with a huge volume of requests for connection. Because these
messages have false return addresses, however, the connections cannot
be established. The large volume of unresolved open connections
eventually overwhelms the server or network device and may cause the
server or network device to deny service.
In the past week, Cisco has collaborated with ISP customers to
understand the implications of potential attacks and share
information on how they can be resisted. At least one ISP has
installed a Cisco-recommended software implementation that
successfully restored network service after having been attacked.
The same implementation is currently in place to resist future
attacks on the same system. This implementation has been shared with
ISPs as a preventive measure.
"We view it as our responsibility to lead the industry in helping
customers resist malicious attacks," said Don Listwin, senior vice
president of Cisco IOS development and marketing for Cisco Systems.
"We are applying our expertise in Internet technology and large-scale
networking to help ISPs develop both short- and long-term solutions
for increased network security and reliability."
Web sites on the Internet are typically connected by network
devices called routers. Thus, Cisco engineers believe an ISP or
corporate network could be targeted by attacks at the network level
in addition to the server level. Because of the potential threat to
their networks, Cisco has initiated discussions with ISPs to share
what Cisco knows and suggest immediate steps that can be taken to
reduce vulnerability.
Cisco has existing security products throughout networks
worldwide and is continuously developing new products to continue to
address the need for increased network security.
Due to the intelligence of routers and firewall products, they
are key technologies for resisting attacks of the nature that have
been launched in recent days. By design, routers and firewalls are
intelligent devices with the ability to examine the source of traffic
and block traffic from unauthorized sources.
The ubiquitous role routers play in the Internet makes them a
natural place to implement security capabilities. Cisco provides
more than 80 percent of the routers in the global Internet.
In addition to working with ISPs, Cisco also has initiated
contacts with other networking device and server manufacturers, to
share information and coordinate activity.
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) is the leading global supplier of
internetworking solutions for corporate intranets and the global
Internet. Cisco's products -- including routers, LAN and WAN
switches, dial-up access servers and network management software --
are integrated by Cisco IOS software to link geographically
dispersed LANs, WANs and IBM networks.
Company news and product/service information are available at
World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco is headquartered in
San Jose, Calif.
Note to Editors: Cisco IOS and Cisco Systems are trademarks, and
Cisco and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco
Systems, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered
trademarks or registered service marks mentioned in this document are
the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Cisco Systems, Inc.
Bob Michelet, 408/526-6636
[log in to unmask]
Adam Stein, 408/526-7388
[log in to unmask]
or
Cunningham Communication, Inc.
Lisa Hempel, 408/764-0738
[log in to unmask]
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: COMED COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS
INTERACTIVE/MULTIMEDIA/INTERNET
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