SprintLink Internet Security Services

In a rush to take advantage of the low-cost, wide-area connectivity of the Internet, most corporations are beginning to realize that in doing so, they are putting one of their greatest corporate assets -- information -- at risk. Consequently, network security and the products and services available to organizations to help make their networks secure, are among the most talked about topics in the business community today.

Creating a secure network goes well beyond simply installing bridges, routers, firewalls and other hardware. These products are just the tools that enable an organization to manage and enforce a corporate security policy. But not every corporation has the resources or expertise to develop and implement a comprehensive security policy. Even those that have the ability want their solutions to be compatible and integrated with their Internet service. In either case, every corporation wants a comprehensive security solution involving as few vendors as possible.

Now, highly reliable Internet access and comprehensive security products and services are available from a single source -- Sprint, the first company to offer wide-area TCP/IP networking and Internet access. SprintLink Security Services, a portfolio of security services for users of the SprintLink wide-area TCP/IP network service, gives businesses and other organizations the fastest, easiest way to protect their precious information resources. SprintLink Security Services matches the industry's foremost corporate security department with best-of-class firewall implementations and one-stop, 24-by-7 support, and provides a roadmap to a complete Internet access and security solution.

SprintGUARD Security Services

Sprint has been in the network security business since 1976, having been the first long-distance carrier to introduce a combined voice and data security support service, SprintGUARD Security Services, and the first to offer financial protection against customer premises equipment fraud. Today, Sprint remains the security services leader, providing protection with minimal restrictions and the lowest liability cap in the industry.

SprintLink Security Services brings all the knowledge and expertise of SprintGUARD to SprintLink users. Initially, SprintLink Security Services is offering these SprintGUARD capabilities:

Security Alerts -- Through its close ties with security organizations and equipment vendors around the world, SprintLink Security Services provides SprintLink users with early warning of potential security threats through security alerts.

Security Presentation -- Sprint Corporate Security staff are available to present the SprintLink Security Services package to key employees, describe domestic and international computer hacking and abuse issues and offer guidelines for helping employees be alert participants in the battle against computer hacking.

Investigation Support -- Sprint Corporate Security staff provides 24-hour, 7-day telephone support to address reported security breaches and other security concerns.

Prosecution Assistance -- Sprint Corporate Security staff acts as the SprintLink user's liaison with various worldwide security organizations, and provides assistance in working with legal authorities whenever prosecution is deemed necessary. Firewall Implementation and Support

SprintLink Security Services offers a comprehensive firewall solution for both headquarters networks and remote, branch office networks. Sprint has partnered with one of the fastest growing and most dynamic network security vendors in the market to bring the highly acclaimed Eagle firewall software from Raptor Systems into its portfolio of SprintLink Security Services. Raptor's Eagle firewall software employs the most robust network security technology available today. Sprint combines the Raptor software with Unix- and Windows NTTM-based servers to provide the greatest flexibility in firewall implementation in the industry.

While a firewall is the superior solution for implementing access rules, Sprint also offers router filters, or access lists, to SprintLink-managed router customers with less demanding needs. Access lists provide a limited packet filter function suitable for very simple networks, however, and most corporations are better served by the more secure application-level firewall.

Sprint's firewall solution offers maximum security for the enterprise, enabling geographically distant SprintLink-connected offices to share data over the Internet as if connected by their own secure private network. Sophisticated encryption technology establishes secure, private "tunnels" from firewall to firewall, enabling virtual private networks to be created over the Internet. Three types of user authentication also prevent one user from posing as another (also called "user spoofing"), and allow network privileges to be assigned on a per-user basis.

Network administrators can manage headquarters and remote branch office firewalls from a central location through an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies configuration and authorization procedures. Managers have the flexibility to control incoming and outgoing network access by individuals or groups of users, system names, domains, subnets, date, time, protocol and service.

A unique, real-time suspicious activity monitor helps network administrators identify and find network hackers, and provides the reports and documentation necessary to take further action, if desired. The firewall quietly gathers and logs information about where an attempted break-in originates and what the person appears to be doing, sending an immediate alarm to the administrator via phone, fax, pager, audible signal or other means.

Comprehensive Support

SprintLink Security Services offers comprehensive firewall support, starting with a complete firewall implementation service covering all phases of hardware and software set up, installation, configuration and training. After the firewall is operational, Sprint offers several support alternatives through a single 800 number or email address to maintain the highest level of security and performance.

Firewall Software Support is the basic support service for firewall users, and delivers two key services: phone support for the Raptor Eagle firewall software and automatic distribution of firewall software upgrades and/or patches. By calling the one-stop Sprint Corporate Security 800 number, customers can receive basic firewall software troubleshooting and administrative support. In addition, proactive distribution of software upgrades and patches ensures that the most up-to-date protection is always in place.

Firewall Platform Support offers four- to eight-hour, on-site replacement of failed firewall hardware with a new workstation. In addition, proactive distribution of Unix or Windows NT operating system updates, software patches or minor version upgrades ensures software compatibility and the best performance.

Firewall Phone Consulting goes beyond basic phone support to include over-the-phone consulting on almost every aspect of the firewall. Firewall Phone Consulting includes help with setting up firewall rules, reading audit logs and general software problems.

The Complete Security Solution

Sprint has always been a leader in TCP/IP networking, and SprintLink Security Services will continue to evolve to meet the increasing security needs of organizations as they push the envelope of electronic commerce. Today, SprintLink Security Services offers businesses the fundamental IP network security services they need to protect their information investments, including the industry's most comprehensive firewall implementation and support. Over time, Sprint plans to expand its portfolio of security services to include firewall management services, security training and consulting services to ensure that all businesses, large and small, can protect their critical information assets in the information age.

# # #