Bit9, a Waltham, Mass-based security software maker best known for its trust-based endpoint and server security solutions, this week announced an enterprise-class security solution for Mac OS X.
Developed from scratch for Mac OS X-based systems, the Bit9 Security Platform for Mac continuously monitors and records activity on desktops, laptops and servers while working to stop advanced threats and zero-day attacks that specifically pose a threat to Macs.
Bit9 for Mac offers many of the same features of the Bit9 Platform for Windows and is claimed to be the first signature-less enterprise security solution for Macs.
Additionally, Bit9 says it is offering the first security solution for Macs that integrates with network security devices such as FireEye and Palo Alto Networks to accelerate incident response and help protect against potentially malicious files working their way to endpoints and servers in enterprise networks.
“The proliferation of Macs in the enterprise has exposed organizations to a fast-growing security challenge,” said Brian Hazzard, vice president of product management at Bit9 in a prepared statement. “For the past 20 years, Windows endpoints and servers have been the target of most malware. Now, with Macs being deployed in record numbers, enterprises urgently need new solutions to stop threats targeted specifically at Macs.”
Macs, which have enjoyed the reputation of being a safer alternative to Windows when it comes to the threat of malware, have had limited enterprise security products made available, and those that are, are for the most part dependent on malware signatures and behavioral patterns, something that makes them less effective against today’s advanced threats and targeted attacks, the company said.
With the Bit9 platform, enterprises can now manage endpoints and servers running Bit9 for Windows and Bit9 for Mac from a single console.
According the company, Bit9 for Mac protects delivers benefits for advanced threat protection and compliance purposes, including:
• Visibility: Immediately know what’s running on every Mac OS X endpoint and server.
• Detection: Real-time, signature-less detection of advanced threats and zero-day attacks.
• Protection: Stop untrusted software from executing on any Mac.
• Forensics: A complete recorded history and full audit trail of all threat-related activity on every Mac for immediate incident analysis and response.
• Network security integration: Integration with security solutions from partners including FireEye and Palo Alto Networks for accelerated incident response and remediation.
“Macs are a reality in the enterprise IT ecosystem, and as they proliferate, they are increasingly vulnerable to advanced threats and targeted attacks,” said Fran Howarth, security practice leader at Bloor Research . “It’s a big mistake for enterprise security teams to underestimate the potential risks their Mac deployments represent.”
“Bit9 has delivered a version of its platform for Mac that addresses this growing problem with a true enterprise-class security solution that offers real-time monitoring and recording and the same level of protection against untrusted software it offers for Windows.”
The Bit9 Security Platform for Mac is available immediately.
