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During the extensive build-up to the World Summit 2002, many valid concerns were raised about the security of the networks for the event and what the potential negative repercussions of a hack would be. However, while the traffic over the networks proved to be mammoth, the systems remained uncompromised throughout the Summit. This is according to Chris Davis, executive for NamITrust, the security specialist division within the NamITech group.

"NamITech was contracted by MTN Network Solutions, who designed the network security and integration, to assist with the systems security for the Summit," says Davis. "NamITrust provided comprehensive Intrusion Detection Services across all the JOWSCO networks. "A comprehensive defence mechanism incorporating network-based intrusion detection devices were deployed at critical network points and monitored around the clock by dedicated security analysts to ensure that no 'hack' was successfully carried out. The IDS system monitors network traffic in realtime to detect any misuse or abuse allowing us to respond to the attack in an appropriate manner before any major damage occurs. This was complemented by incident response procedures and mechanisms to ensure that any incident was effectively managed and contained."

The monitoring was run 24 x 7 out of NamITech's Secure Operations Centre (SOC), housed in the company's Trust Centre. These centres are designed to provide high availability and high security for information systems round the clock. Bunker type construction, a 7-tiered biometric access to secure areas and strict delegation of responsibilities provides a physical and logically secure environment.

In addition, two secure content management products, provided by Networks Unlimited, were installed across the networks to ensure integrity of e-mail content and URL filtering.

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