N.W.Telecom jointly with NVision Group completed another stage of implementation of the system for detection and suppression of network security threats (hereafter “Network Security System”.) In early February, 2010 the Antispam module was started up for operation, and now this system is able to track and automatically block unscrupulous subscribers of North-West Telecom circulating such email messages.

Earlier, in 2009, the Network Security System module for detection of malicious activity (viruses, malicious software etc.) on the basis of Juniper IDP 200 equipment was implemented in all of the N.W.Telecom regional branches ( see the press release of 10.02.2009 .) Thus, a common system of detection and suppression of network security threats is currently operating in all branches of North-West Telecom, to ensure the service of early detection of malicious network activity from a user’s computer including spam mailing, and notification of the user of such incidents.

Noted Anatoly Megvinov, Director of the Security Department, N.W.Telecom, “in 2009, N.W.Telecom became an active contributor to the “Safe Internet Year in Russia ” events, and will continue efforts in this direction in 2010 too. Why, the number of our Company Internet users is nearing one million, therefore we generate, and bear certain responsibility for, a rather large segment of the Runet, paying more and more attention to information security with every year. What is more, not only for our users, but for the Internet in general. Our noble goal in this direction is to protect the Internet space against illegal, unlawful and negative content, and to promote development of a positive web environment.”

The average number of complaints about spam dissemination by N.W.Telecom users from other provides and antispam organizations was 15,000 to 30,000 a month in 2009, with the most persistent spammers tracked and blocked by N.W.Telecom information security personnel manually.

Today, the Network Security System automatically detects abnormal activity via the protocol used to send email, and warns the user accordingly in the automatic online mode. That is, if the computer of an N.W.Telecom user mails spam, such user will be notified about such incident on-line, and will be automatically redirected to the information portal of N.W.Telecom, where the user will get comprehensive information as to what happened, why the Internet access is temporarily blocked, and what the user should do. This portal provides an automatic unblocking function enabling the user to restore connection to the Internet without assistance, and continue using the broadband access services. If the user cannot manage the tuning of his/her computer’s security systems, antiviral systems etc. without assistance, N.W.Telecom provides for consultation by the technical support phone, and a service of field engineers visiting the user (paid services.)

“The main goal we are achieving in implementing the system of detection and suppression of network security threats and related client services is a higher quality of the broadband Internet access service . Over the recent three or five years, not only the number of broadband access users , but also the access speeds and traffic sizes transmitted have grown multifold. And we deal with matters of technical support most seriously, in particular where security of network operation is concerned. Actions taken by N.W.Telecom to suppress malicious activity from users, and to restrict the spam rate remain within the framework of contractual relations with the subscribers. Implementing this system, we do our best to inform our subscribers in good time about the existing real threats in the global web, about the liability for violation of network operating rules applicable to every user, and about the actions to ensure their own security,” emphasizes Alexey Nikitin, Director of the Technical Development Department, N.W.Telecom.

The program of development of information security systems for N.W.Telecom users also provides for other actions to develop a positive Internet environment; N.W.Telecom will be informing you of their implementation during the year 2010.