Wesfarmers Limited Protects its Resources with Symantec Managed Security Services

Organisations Choose Outsourcing Security To Improve Business Efficiencies

SYDNEY -- NSW - 18 February, 2004 -- Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, today announced a three-year agreement with Wesfarmers Limited to manage its corporate office security services. As part of the agreement, Symantec will manage and monitor Wesfarmers Limited's security environment remotely from its North Ryde-based Symantec Security Operations Center (SOC) that provides monitoring, analysis and response from its global team of security experts 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Based in Perth, Wesfarmers Limited, is the holding company for businesses including Bunnings, Blackwoods and Kleenheat Gas.

In response to increased e-business activities, Wesfarmers Limited sought an advanced security solution that could manage and monitor their perimeter security. Wesfarmers Limited chose Symantec's Managed Security Services (MSS) solution because it delivers enterprise-wide, real-time threat analysis and policy-based responses to guard against Internet security threats.

"Symantec identified ways to improve our overall security posture and better manage vulnerabilities that could potentially threaten our network," said Paul Jeffreys, manager, Information Systems, Wesfarmers Limited. "Symantec's Managed Security Services ensures our existing IT resources and investments are supported from a security perspective by delivering real-time monitoring, enhanced reporting functionalities and complete management of our network."

Symantec will provide full protection across Wesfarmers Limited's network perimeter by monitoring and managing their intrusion detection solution and also monitoring its firewall.

"Symantec demonstrated a unique and highly cost-effective solution that entailed skilled SOC personnel and best-practice processes and procedures. One of the key features of this solution is the ability to login into an online security portal and retrieve real-time reports. Symantec Managed Security Services provides us with a flexible, vendor-neutral offering that meets our business requirements. We are confident that we will be alerted to potential risks immediately," Jeffrey's added.

"Wesfarmers Limited's decision to entrust its corporate office network security to Symantec is indicative of a growing trend by many organisations who are choosing managed security services to enhance their security posture," said Gavin Lowth, operations manager, Symantec's Managed Security Services, Asia Pacific.

"Enterprises globally are choosing Symantec's managed security services model to increase business efficiencies, improve their security posture, and dedicate internal resources to core competencies that the business provides," he said.

Part of Symantec's Enterprise Security Services, Symantec Managed Security Services delivers industry leading security monitoring, management, and response to our clients. Its 24x7 real-time services enhance an organisation's information security posture through continuous monitoring and management, expert analysis, and immediate response to potential security threats. From Symantec's Security Operations Centers (SOCs) around the world, Symantec Managed Security Services provides flexible, vendor-neutral offerings to meet a variety of business needs. Symantec Managed Security Services provides organisations with a real-time view of their enterprise security posture and the analysis and commentary needed to adjust defences against emerging attacks, for optimal protection of mission-critical assets. For more information, please visit http://enterprisesecurity.symantec.com/SecurityServices/.

About Symantec
Symantec, the world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security software and appliance solutions to individuals, enterprises and service providers. The company is a leading provider of client, gateway and server security solutions for virus protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and security services to enterprises and service providers around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products is a leader in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 38 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.au

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