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The Security Operations Center (SOC) got under way in Tokyo in August,
heralding a new era for security services offered by NTT Communications
(NTT Com). Growing Needs for Security As a result of increased Internet usage and the continuing proliferation of IT infrastructure, greater safeguards are needed to assure network security and information protection. This has been highlighted by recent problems with the Blaster worm, which has infected countless computer systems around the world. Knowing how to deal with such problems and how to handle non-secure information are major headaches for companies. And that's not all. The demands for security operations are growing all the time. In fact, meeting such demands is often too much for companies to handle on their own, which is why security tasks are outsourced to companies such as NTT Com. Adding a specialist like NTT Com to the team enables firms to meet critical needs in areas such as operating in-house network security systems, monitoring systems on a 24/7 basis and having engineers in place around the clock to identify and respond to security emergencies as they occur. Value-Added Security Support In practice, the SOC backs up network outsourcing services for corporate customers, data center services for corporate customers and Internet services (ISP, email, hosting, virus checking, etc.) for individual and corporate customers. Strict operational policies, including tightly restricted access to the center, ensure the protection of confidential information. Services offered by the SOC include advanced assessment and data services, continuously updated security information and 24/7 security support with live technicians. The center primarily provides the following: Of course, NTT Com has been providing security services for many years. The new Security Operation Center leverages NTT Com's IP network expertise, security alliances and extensive experience with advanced security, which have been provided through the GuardIT-brand total network security service, OCN-brand ISP services and other channels. By consolidating these various functions, the SOC has elevated the quality and efficiency of NTT Com's security services. The SOC combines a wide variety of know-how and expertise not just from within the corporation. The center has close working relationships with a variety of security specialist companies, two of whichÑInternet Security Systems (intrusion-detection system technology) and Trend Micro (anti-virus technology) - form major pillars of the SOC. Additional partners include vendors and manufacturers in the security field and other external security specialists, which collectively help to make the SOC a world-class security center. Immediate Benefits The SOC began proving its value almost immediately after it began operating in early August, when the Blaster worm raised its menacing head. Using sample analysis, engineers identified the attack pattern in customer systems and developed measures to minimize damage. When variations of the worm emerged with a different infection pattern a few days later, the SOC promptly detected the abnormalities in IP network traffic, identified the subtypes and immediately devised counteractions, helping customers to avoid costly downtime. |
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