Ascend Addresses Security Concerns Raised by Secure Networks, Inc.
Business Wire - March 17, 1998 08:18
%ASCEND ASND %CALIFORNIA %COMPUTERS %ELECTRONICS %COMED %TELECOMMUNICATIONS V%BW P%BW
ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1998--Ascend Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASND) issued a response today to the security concerns raised in a press release issued yesterday by Secure Networks, Inc. (SNI) of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. SNI's security concerns allegedly make Ascend's MAX and Pipeline products vulnerable to hackers when they are left in default configuration and when used in conjunction with Ascend configuration utilities without the use of supplemental static filters. Ascend believes that these security concerns may be dealt with by using a common sense network management approach such as changing the basic password configuration and by implementing a static filter on the products.
The first security concern addresses access into the router when it is left in its default configuration. This concern is easily addressed by simply changing the default password as stated in the Security Supplement issued with every product. As is true with any networking product, changing passwords is the first step towards providing a secure network environment. For further instructions on how to change default passwords, customers should refer to the hardcopy documentation that shipped with their Ascend product.
The second security concern addresses access into the router when used in conjunction with Ascend configuration utilities without the use of supplemental static filters. This concern can be immediately resolved with a local packet filter on the MAX or Pipeline products. For further instructions on how to implement this solution, please refer to Ascend's web site at ascend.com.
Ascend believes that all routers are inherently vulnerable when default configurations are left in place and when enhanced security features are not implemented. Ascend remains committed to providing a secure network environment for its products and its valuable customers. SNI's security concerns are easily addressed through the simple steps outlined above. For network administrators interested in additional security enhancements, Ascend offers numerous specialized filter configurations, as well its award winning Secure Access Firewall.
About Ascend Communications, Inc.
Ascend Communications, Inc. develops, manufactures, sells and services wide area networking solutions for telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and corporate customers worldwide. For more information about Ascend and its products, please visit the Ascend web site at www.ascend.com, or e-mail info@ascend.com.
Ascend is headquartered at One Ascend Plaza, 1701 Harbor Bay Parkway, Alameda, CA 94502. Phone 800/ASCEND4; Fax 510/747-2300.
CONTACT: Ascend Communications
Eric Warren, 510/747-6683
eric.warren@ascend.com
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