Is your content secure? 
Security is an increasingly important part of a law firm’s computer systems. Recent intrusions to high profile companies and virus explosions have focused the attention of network administrators and IS directors on the security capabilities of their computer systems. Most firms realize the need to have a firewall between themselves and the Internet. However, additional measures are necessary to provide the highest level of confidence and security. One of these measures is content security.¹

Content security involves controlling what data enters and leaves your computer network. This differs from firewalls which control who is able to access your network; content security controls what they are allowed to do. One of the largest means of access to a firm’s computer systems is through email. Two products currently on the market, Baltimore Technologies MAILsweeper and Tumbleweed Communications MMS (Messaging Management System), provide content security for email.

MAILsweeper and MMS both provide content security for email. These products scan email before it reaches the firm’s email server and address a variety of security concerns. They will scan all attachments for viruses before a user ever gets a chance to access the attachment. They can also block attachments by file type, allowing administrators to block potentially dangerous VBS files and even EXE attachments that may contain viruses. They can even scan emails for potentially dangerous phrases or commands, greatly reducing a firm’s vulnerability to viruses like the I Love You virus while also drastically reducing the firm’s window of exposure to widespread viruses. In addition to their security capabilities, MAILsweeper and MMS allow an administrator to enforce the firm’s computer use policies.

Many firms have computer use policies that include everything from “Don’t reveal confidential information” and “Add the firm disclaimer to all out going email” to “Be sure you remove all metadata from documents leaving the firm” and “Don’t install unapproved software.” However, enforcement of these polices has been limited to constant reminders and they often are forgotten or outright ignored. Content security products like MAILsweeper and MMS give administrators the ability to actively enforce these computer use policies. The content of all incoming and outgoing email is scanned and actions can be taken for many different scenarios. A firm disclaimer can be added to all outgoing email. Metadata can be removed from all documents leaving the firm before they reach their recipients. Dangerous or unwanted file attachments can be blocked and removed. Emails can even be scanned for offensive language or confidential information. Through the use of content security packages, administrators can be sure users are adhering to the firm’s computer user policies.

Content security is an important part of a firm’s security strategy. Products like MAILsweeper from Baltimore Technologies and MMS from Tumbleweed Communications Corp. enable administrators to intercept and remove many threats to the computer network before they have a chance to do any damage. They also allow administrators to enforce computer use policies by controlling the firm’s email. Content security is an aspect of network security that many administrators should consider when addressing their firm’s computer security.

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¹ Please note the services and products mentioned in this article do not necessarily reflect KKL's recommendation of the products or services listed. This listing is done for informational purposes only.