Web filtering pioneer helps enterprises cope with surge in streaming media, as Euro 2008, Wimbledon & Beijing Olympics kick-off

London, UK 8e6 Technologies, the leading independent provider of Web filtering and insider threat management solutions for mid-size to large enterprises, today announced the release of a new set of application control filtering patterns for its R3000 Internet filter, designed to block streaming media applications in time for the summer of sport ahead.

The set provides IT departments with the ability to categorise, monitor and block streaming media applications, the use of which is expected to soar as employees turn to the Internet to keep up-to-date with and watch live action and highlights from the major sporting events taking place over the next few months.

“With Euro 2008 entering the knock-out phase, the first ball at Wimbledon about to be served, and the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony just weeks away, online video will be an irresistible draw for many keen sports fans this summer – especially as most of the competition in Beijing will take place during UK working hours,” said Eric Lundbohm, vice president of marketing, 8e6 Technologies. “But streaming media of this kind is a real headache for both human resources and IT managers, reducing productivity and consuming bandwidth, as well as leaving networks vulnerable if users turn to unlicensed sites for live streaming, which can often harbour malicious content.”

Concluding, Lundbohm commented; “It’s important that companies are proactive in addressing the threats that streaming media can bring. However, if they don’t already have Web filtering technology in place to combat streaming, then putting a TV in the staff room may be the best way to keep staff happy, and protect their networks, this summer.”

In addition, to streaming media, 8e6’s Web security research department, 8e6 Labs, has also announced two new sets of pattern detection capabilities for remote access control applications and online games. The development of these patterns directly addresses the growing use of applications in the workplace and schools that decrease productivity and use up large amounts of bandwidth.

Applications in and outside of Web browsers have become increasingly popular as developers of all industries are realising and harnessing the power of the Internet as an application platform. Many of these applications exist outside the Web browser, but still require a connection to the Internet. These include:

•       Streaming Media – Supports filtering of bandwidth-draining streaming media through Windows Media Player, Quick Time, Sopcast, TVAnts, and all streaming protocols.
•       Remote Access Applications – Allows control over popular remote desktop applications, including GoToMyPC, pcAnywhere, Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and Remote Desktop.
•       Online/Network Games – Patterns address World of Warcraft, Second Life, Lineage, Legend and the Steam Network (Half-Life, Counter-Strike, Team Fortress).

These patterns work in tandem with other blocking capabilities of the R3000 Internet filter such as blocking online games through simple URL filtering or blocking access to Web-based applications that rely on HTTP or HTTPS. The three new categories broaden the coverage of application control for the R3000 Internet filter which has existing blocking capabilities of Instant Messaging, P2P and Web-based proxies.