PRODUCT NEWS

One-touch locking device for PCs Ital has launched a one-touch system locking device for PCs known as Compblock . The product is an electronic 'lock' which links into the screen, keyboard and CPU using standard connectors. Once 'armed' it instantly d isables both moni tor and keyboard to prevent unauthorized use. No changes to the software or access to the PC interior are required.

At the touch of a known electronic key to an externally mounted receptor, Compblock instantly 'blinds' a PC. This blanks out the screen, disables the keyboard and renders the m o u s e unusab l e . The p roduc t is automat ical ly armed when a protected system is switched on so that entry is inaccessible to anyone o ther than an a u t h o r i z e d user. Keys can be programmed to allow access by a supervisor or shift worker. Lost keys are easily cancelled and new ones added by simply teaching them to fill the memory slots - - up to a maximum of eight.

For further information, contact Jeff Frampton, Ital, on: +44 1923 240525.

Experts contrive Internet-based attacks Companies can test their network defences by calling in a team of hackers to carry out non-hostile Internet- based attacks. CenturyCom is hiring out experienced consultants to attack company defences - - carrying out penetration testing on systems by attempting to hack into given areas. This, claims the company, allows companies to pinpoint holes in their security policies, check staff reaction times to breaches in defence and examine the impact of unauthorized access to confidential information.

CenturyCom will produce a written report on findings and suggestions for improvements. Clive McCafferty from CenturyCom claims, "Most companies have a security policy in place, but nobody knows how effective their defences are until somebody tries to breach them. By attempting to hack our way into protected systems in a controlled environment, we can hopefully find any gaps before real criminals do."

For further information, contact Clive McCafferty, CenturyCom on: +44 1635 49001.

Disaster recovery time reduced to 1 hour BT has announced two CellStream service options that could reduce network downtime as a result of major site disaster f rom eight hours to 60 minutes. The CellStream Disaster Recovery and CellStream Fast Restore services have been developed for customers with crucial networks . Both options require that r e c o v e r y plans , d e v e l o p e d by the c u s t o m e r in association with BT, are lodged with BT in advance. Both services provide permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) changes against those pre-defined recovery plans within one hour. This contrasts with the eight hour lead time for ordering replacement PVCs from BT, which is the alternative for customers using a 'DIY' approach to disaster recovery.

Plans may specify actions such as: moving one end of a PVC or changing the bandwidth of an existing PVC

in the customer's network. Other options available include dual site access points at customer premises and dual routing across the network via alternative ATM switches. Of the two options, CellStream Fast Restore is appropriate for customers of CellStream's Secure+ option, which provides customers with two (pr imary and s e c o n d a r y ) acces s c o n n e c t i o n s . CellStream Disaster Recovery is an appropriate option for cus tomers requi r ing r ecove ry f rom ei ther a customer site failure of the failure of a non-Secure+ access connection.

For further information, contact Jo Float or Yusuf Hatia on: +44 181 948 6611; E-maih jof@profilepr. co. uk or yusufh @profilepr. co. uk.

Computer Fraud & Security September 1998 3723/98/$19.00 © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved