Every day, more sensitive information finds its way on to the network. It’s communicated through e-mail, the Internet and the mobile Web via WiFi – and 4G wireless technologies such as WiMAX and LTE (News - Alert) are rolling out.

 

To be sure, small- and medium-size businesses are painfully aware of the potential threats they face each time they access an application, or make a VoIP call.

 

Yet officials with one Louisville, Ky.-based technology procurement services company said that a solution from a Cincinnati, Ohio managed wide area network provider offers businesses peace of mind in the form of network security to prevent such breaches and threats.

 

Xponential Group officials said that Contingent Network Services' EverWorX solution gives organizations top network security using a different method to prioritize traffic. Contingent’s EverWorX uses an IPsec-based virtual private network, or “VPN” – the most common network layer security control. VPNs are typically used to protect communications sent via public networks such as the Internet.

 

The EverWorX solution encrypts each IP packet of data, voice and video streams that moves between the nodes of the network, Russ Maney (News - Alert), principal and co-founder of Xponential Group, told TMCnet in an interview.

 

“EverWorX is an inherently secure, wide area network offering,” Maney said.

 

The solution combines telecommunications, hardware, and software, remote and field support to help organizations streamline their communications and boost productivity. Unlike competitors’ offerings, EverWorX can be customized to fill gaps or outsource entire network operations, Contingent said.

 

For instance, the outsourcing option handles the transmission of personal healthcare data in ways that are fully compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or “HIPPA,” Maney said. In addition, EverWorX is also Payment Card Industry and Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) compliant and can securely handle credit card and other personal financial data transmissions, he said.

 

While many SMBs understand the importance of protecting the network against viruses, spam, and data breaches, a recent study found that a major disconnect exists between what SMBs claim they know and understand about security and what they actually practice.

 

According to the Symantec study, nearly 60 percent of respondents said they don’t have endpoint protection, which includes laptops, phones, PCs, servers. Another 42 percent said they don’t have anti-spam solutions and one-third said they don’t anti-virus protection.

 

Since Contingent’s EverWorX was originally designed to be a secure network, the company has been keeping a watchful eye to keep track of network security standards, Maney said.

 

“Continuing to investigate and implement the last network security technologies, while staying in compliance with all applicable network security standards is an ongoing, top priority for Contingent and permanent part of EverWorX’s overall value,” Maney said.

 

The timing of such a solution couldn’t be better. Security attacks appear to be growing.

 

A recent study of security professionals regarding critical security threats and infrastructure issues fielded by RSA Conference found that 72 percent of respondents indicated a rise in e-mail-borne malware and phishing attempts since the fall 2008. Another 57 percent said they have seen an increase in Web-borne malware.