CHECK POINT DELIVERS UNRIVALED ENDPOINT SECURITY WITH SSL VPN SOLUTION

Unrivaled Endpoint Security
First introduced in 2004, Connectra is the industry’s first and only Web security gateway to provide SSL VPN access and integrated endpoint and application security in a single, unified solution.  Continuing that momentum, Check Point is the only vendor to deliver the three essential components of endpoint protection for SSL VPNs: detecting and disabling spyware, ensuring session confidentiality and enforcing security policy compliance before granting remote access.  With the integration of a clientless version of Check Point Integrity™, the industry’s most trusted endpoint security solution, Connectra secures the network from remote PCs, whether employee or guest.

As the largest supplier of electricity, natural gas and natural gas liquids to customers in the U.S., Dynegy Inc. required a robust remote access security solution that would enable anywhere access to the corporate network for remote employees. They were especially looking for a solution that would scan remote PCs before an SSL VPN session begins in order to provide an additional layer of assurance that corporate data cannot be stolen at the end point.  

“Check Point Connectra 2.0 gets to the heart of what organizations want – to gain the flexibility that SSL VPN remote access provides without compromising security at untrusted endpoints,” explains James Hill, network security manager of Dynegy Inc. “With Check Point Connectra, the security policy for SSL VPN connections to the network is enforced, session confidentiality is ensured and our organization remains
secure.” 

Introducing Connectra 2.0
In addition to providing unparalleled levels of endpoint security protection, spyware and malware checking on a remote PCs connecting via the SSL VPN session, Connectra 2.0 adds several new features, including:

• Secure Browser and Cache Cleaning
  To enable secure access even in unmanaged environments such as an airport Internet kiosk PC, Connectra provides an integrated secure browser that encrypts session data on the remote endpoint.
  
  
• Endpoint Host Checking
  Connectra 2.0 can enforce an access policy requiring antivirus software and installed Check Point Integrity™ firewall on a remote PC before a user is granted access.
  
  
• Real-time Security Updates
  Check Point SmartDefense™ Service now provides real-time updates for endpoint security.
  
  
• New Platform Options
  In addition to the already successful Connectra appliance models, it is now available as    a software solution on Intel® and AMD®-based PCs and servers, as Connectra SW™.

“Endpoint security is an escalating problem as SSL VPNs go mainstream,” said John Girard, vice president at Gartner.  “Users need to be protected from the moment they start an SSL connection through the moment they have logged out.”

“By combining both connectivity and security in a single solution, Connectra allows organizations to deploy SSL VPNs safely and securely, with the peace of mind that only comes from Check Point,” said Gonen Fink, vice president of solutions and strategy, Check Point Software.  “With these enhancements to Connectra, Check Point is extending security to all endpoints, providing customers with reliability and assurance for their remote access users.”

Pricing and Availability
Connectra 2.0 is available immediately from Check Point’s network of more than 2,300 solutions providers.  It is available on a hardware appliance starting at $10,000 USD.  The convenient software version, Connectra SW, is priced based on a software licensing structure, starting at $8,000.  

About Check Point Software
Check Point Software Technologies (www.checkpoint.com) is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. It is the confirmed market leader of both the worldwide VPN and firewall markets. Through its Next Generation product line, the company delivers a broad range of intelligent Perimeter, Internal and Web security solutions that protect business communications and resources for corporate networks and applications, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets. The company's Zone Labs (www.zonelabs.com) division is one of the most trusted brands in Internet security, creating award-winning endpoint security solutions that protect millions of PCs from hackers, spyware and data theft. Extending the power of the Check Point solution is its Open Platform for Security (OPSEC), the industry's framework and alliance for integration and interoperability with "best-of-breed" solutions from over 350 leading companies. Check Point solutions are sold, integrated and serviced by a network of more than 2,300 Check Point partners in 92 countries.