Switch Vendors Join the Security Battle

The new switch capabilities should help with this process. For example, Alcatel's Automated Quarantine Engine switch technology works with IDSs (intrusion-detection systems) to isolate worm-infected machines for remediation. Cisco has enabled its Catalyst switches to defend against worms and DDoS attacks. And Enterasys' Automated Security Manager can use an IDS to help provide policy-based control on its switches.

These capabilities could be a new line of defense for enterprises fighting traffic-based attacks. IT departments should welcome switch vendors to the war.