Teros Upgrades Web Security Appliance

Teros, which last week changed its name from Stratum8 Networks, on Tuesday released version 2.0 of its Teros-100 APS security appliance. The device, which helps protect Web servers and applications from attack, adds protection to secure Web apps against attackers trying to steal credit-card numbers or deface Web sites. It also lets companies enforce strict security and password policies for each individual application in their Web environment.

The Teros-100 Secure Application Gateways is a rack-mounted appliance that runs on a hardened Linux operating system and resides within the data path to protect Web servers and apps from attacks.

Two new modules, SafeCommerce and SafeAccess, help companies improve password and credit-card security, says Bob Walters, president and CEO of Teros. SafeCommerce inspects content as it leaves a Web application and can block unauthorized access to credit-card numbers. The SafeAccess module lets Web-site administrators establish stronger password settings and can test user passwords for those that may be too easily crackable, adds Walters.

Eric Beasley, a senior network administrator with Baker Hill, a services provider for the financial industry, says the new version's ability to protect multiple applications, each with its own unique level of security requirements, is a plus. "You can create specific security zones for specific applications," says Beasley, who adds that the new version's ability to have one Teros unit protect a single Web site or multiple sites is "a major improvement."

An additional benefit of the unit, Beasley says, is that the Web application security appliance helps Baker Hill take a more-sensible approach toward software security patches. "We no longer have to wait to see what patches are coming out every day," he says. "We can take our time and test the patches without having to worry about rushing them onto our systems and possibly disrupting services."

The Teros-100 APS version 2.0 is available now. Pricing starts at $25,000.