Network security drives value

Many valuable business models depend vitally on secure networking. These business models include:

* Delivery of content (music, movies, TV, radio and interactive games);

* IP Network-enabled virtual enterprises, including work-at-home;

* E-commerce (retail, financial services, travel services and many transaction-oriented activities); and

* Messaging services such as e-mail and instant messaging.

Each model imposes its own unique security and performance requirements that influence economic success. Content delivery went nowhere until the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) was satisfied that the technology existed for secure content distribution. Network-enabled enterprise models are gaining favor now that IP traffic can be handled securely and privately in conformance with federal laws such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley and HIPPA.

Network security challenges include going beyond perimeter-based security, bad behavior by authorized applications, SPAM, patching, content filtering, vulnerability analysis and application traffic management.