Panda Software recently joined the Network Admission Control (NAC) program, a Cisco-led industry initiative that helps enforce security policy compliance on all devices that try to access network resources, thereby limiting possible damage caused by viruses and other threats. This is another step forward for Panda Software in its commitment to safeguard a companies IT security. Companies will have more protection options to keep their networks safe from all types of Internet threats using the most advanced technologies.

With the integration of Cisco Trust Agent, a key technology delivered through the NAC program in Panda Software's anti-malware solutions, clients of both companies will benefit from an extra layer of protection against Internet threats. This is because NAC technology checks the security level of any device that can connect to the local network and if it does not comply with the security policy established, it will not be allowed access. This prevents malware from spreading and helps make the corporate network more secure.

The NAC program is a key component of the Cisco Self-Defending Network security strategy which helps customer networks identify, prevent and adapt to security threats.

"Cisco is pleased to have Panda Software participating in this collaborative industry program," said Russell Rice, director of product marketing in the Security Technology Group at Cisco Systems. "Panda's ClientShield enhances the NAC program, and helps bring an integrated and collaborative approach to endpoint security. This collaboration within the NAC effort will provide IT organizations a strong toolset for helping to defend against a variety of threats including malicious attacks, adware, system intrusion and spyware."

Luis Corrons, head of PandaLabs, explains: "the incorporation of our products in the NAC program aims to achieve higher levels of security and scalability for clients of both companies. One of the most serious security problems in corporate networks comes from connections from computers that, for some reason or another, could be infected by malware or are not properly protected, which could infect the rest of the computers in the network. Therefore," he adds, "strict security policies need to be implemented that all devices that can connect to the network must comply with. Our products, which will integrate with the Cisco Trust Agent, will help facilitate the task of monitoring the security levels of computers connecting to corporate networks."

As well as one of the most advanced antivirus technologies, ClientShield with TruPrevent Technologies, also integrates systems to block spam, and protection against hackers, spyware, dialers, hoaxes, jokes, etc. ClientShield also provides companies with an extra layer of protection through its TruPrevent Technologies. These preventive technologies detect and block unknown viruses and intruders, preventing fast spreading worms like Sasser, Mydoom or SQLSlammer from getting into the network and spreading.

--CM