LAS VEGAS, July 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanguard Integrity Professionals(TM), the leader in mainframe security solutions, today announced that it is currently undergoing evaluation for Common Criteria EAL3+ certification for Vanguard Enforcer(TM), an intrusion detection software solution for the IBM zSeries mainframe.

Vanguard Enforcer is a proven intrusion defense and management solution for IBM System zSeries mainframe computing environments. As a world-class security management solution, Vanguard Enforcer protects critical data and other resources by ensuring that the operational security standards, policies, rules, and settings defined by an organization's security and compliance experts are continuously enforced. Combining the IBM z/OS Encryption Facility, which helps customers protect personally identifiable information, with Vanguard's Enforcer provides a robust security solution for clients' audit, compliance and privacy requirements.

"The coveted EAL3+ certification will provide our enterprise and government customers the highest confidence level when using Enforcer to build secure environments for sensitive information systems," explains Ronn Bailey, founder, CEO and CTO of Vanguard Integrity Professionals Inc. "It's all about delivering intrusion management solutions for our customers by integrating Enforcer into their environments."

To achieve certification, Enforcer is being rigorously evaluated in the areas of product functionality, development environment, security vulnerabilities, security related documentation and product testing. The certification process, which will have taken more than one year and a significant financial investment to complete, also scrutinizes Vanguard's corporate processes, procedures and systems. This investment will provide Vanguard government and enterprise customers assurance that Enforcer's functionality has been certified by independent security software experts, thereby reducing the customer evaluation period and subsequent deployment costs.

The Common Criteria (CC) is an internationally recognized ISO standard (ISO/IEC 15408) used by the Federal government and other organizations to assess security and assurance of technology products. The CC provides a standardized method of identifying security requirements and defining the set of criteria by which the product will be evaluated. It is widely recognized among IT professionals, government agencies, and customers as a seal of approval for mission-critical security software.

The final Enforcer EAL3+ evidence package will be submitted this month for certification/evaluation by atsec information security corporation, one of the world's leading vendor-independent IT security consulting companies, and accredited in Germany by the Bundesamt fur Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik (BSI). BSI evaluates and certifies IT products and systems to be deployed by government agencies and is a signatory/member of the International Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement.

Vanguard selected atsec because it is a world leader in Common Criteria evaluations and has mentored some of the largest technology companies through the certification process, including certification of IBM's z/OS operating system.

"Vanguard's Enforcer product is an important part of an automated security monitoring process," said Sal LaPietra, President and CEO of atsec. "The Enforcer product monitors and protects the z/OS and RACF(R) security implementation. The integrity of security subsystems cannot be suspect. The Common Criteria EAL3+ certification gives institutions the assurance that the product's security functions have been carefully scrutinized and perform as represented."

According to Jim Porell, IBM Chief Architect, System z Software, "We are delighted that Vanguard Enforcer will be Common Criteria certified and that Vanguard selected atsec for this important project. Vanguard's products are key components to IBM's initiatives with the US Government and other organizations with high security needs."

About atsec information security

atsec information security is an independent, standards-based IT (information technology) security consulting and evaluation services company that combines a business-oriented approach to information security with in- depth technical knowledge and global experience. atsec launched its U.S. business in May 2003, building on extensive success in Europe dating back to 2000. Atsec leverages its deep security, process, and standards expertise to consult on a wide range of IT security needs, enabling clients to establish integrated security management procedures in order to manage security risk and improve data, product, and business process reliability. atsec works with leading global companies such as IBM, HP, Audi, Philips, Siemens, T-Mobile, Sony Ericsson, and Vodafone. For more information, please visit http://www.atsec.com/.

About Vanguard

Vanguard Integrity Professionals - Nevada is a pioneer and recognized world leader in security solutions for critical infrastructure computing. Since 1986, customers have looked to Vanguard as the single-source solution for increased security through robust software products, comprehensive support, in-depth training programs, expert consulting, and security system migrations. Vanguard's Professional Services specialize in assisting organizations with the process of ensuring and protecting the integrity of their Information Systems and the confidentiality of their data. Each year, Vanguard produces the world's pre-eminent security conference: the Vanguard Enterprise Security Expo(TM) taking place this year July 8 - 12, 2006 in San Diego, CA. More information on these and other Vanguard Integrity Professionals products is available online at http://www.go2vanguard.com/, or by calling 1-877-794-0014.

Vanguard Integrity Professionals is a trademark of Vanguard Integrity Professionals - Nevada. All trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Andrew Lavin, +1-646-283-3251; or Greg Stecher of Vanguard
Integrity Professionals, Inc., +1-702-794-0014, greg.stecher@go2vanguard.com

Web site: http://www.go2vanguard.com/