From the online mail bag
We're always happy to hear from you, our readers. Please send your comments, praise or criticisms to [email protected]. We reserve the right to edit letters.
In response to a December product review of AppGate Network Security:
They have an interesting approach but have constantly failed on revenue and profitability. They had a window of opportunity a few years back, but other more stable providers have now filled this gap and offer a broader offering around application access.
Interesting about the U.S. sales. They recently decided to de-emphasize U.S. sales after investing in the U.S. market, according to a recent analysis. How will they deliver 24/7, if there is not staff?
Alan Brown
Interesting comments, Alan. How do you know Appgate has constantly failed on revenue and profitability? They would not be in business still if that were the case. Appgate offers the only unified access control solution on the market today. Can you name anyone else who secures access from almost any device, no matter the OS, and handles thousands of concurrent users.
The window of opportunity is still large, as other vendors cannot tackle the issue of one security system for controlling all access. All other vendors need multiple products to do everything the Appgate can do in one. When you are talking about security and costs, the two don't go together. But with the Appgate system, your running costs to the business start to tumble and your security increases, especially if you deploy to protect the main corporate assets.
Gerry, a very happy Appgate customer
In response to a Jan. 5 online story, Phishing scam hits Twitter:
Remember to use common sense on Twitter, just like in “real life.” If a total stranger shills you on some business or on a product, your Spidey sense springs to action, reminding you that marketing doesn't equal reality. Also, if you have a friend who never evangelizes anything and suddenly is evangelizing some special thing, they have to have some reason to be doing so. You don't have to be confrontational, but you can call or directly email them and ask for some more information. Don't just Tweet back, as that would just add to the confusion.
Wolf Halton
In response to an Oct. 6 story, Hotel network security lacking:
This is news? Hotels are NOT in the business of being IT people. Business travelers were begging for an on-ramp to the internet. Hotels are giving their guests what they want.
However, there is no excuse in having a system wide open to siphon information from. This serves as a wake up call to all. Leverage a suite of products to protect yourself. If your SSN was on your laptop and your bank account info was there, wouldn't you want to protect it? Why then would you not protect your laptop?
Home owners: You think you cannot be a target as you are “under a hacker's radar.” News flash: you're next. Your thinking makes you the perfect candidate to install trojans, steal info from, and make your system a zombie for the master's bidding.
In short, ALWAYS practice safe computing – and keep your stuff up-to-date. Upgrade and be safer for it.
AJB
In response to an Oct. 22 online story, Compromised Halloween websites passing along rogue software:
Antivirus2009, WinAntivirus, XP Antivirus and whatever they are going under now is about the worst rogue software we have ever seen. It is so clever that most consumers have no idea that they are downloading and/or buying something that is not an antivirus program.
Arthur
The opinions expressed in these letters are not necessarily those of SC Magazine.
