The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

An interesting and seemingly credible rumor is making the rounds regarding a partnership between Apple and IT security specialists Symbiot working together to create the first security solution that not only repels outside hostile attacks against enterprise networks, but also gathers identity information about the attackers and then unleashes countermeasures to return the hostile love accordingly. An official press release acknowledges this much:

”Symbiot has introduced the first and only tool that intelligently and accurately responds to hostile attacks against enterprise networks,” said Richard Forno, former chief security officer for Network Solutions, and a noted information warfare specialist. “While other companies offer only passive defense barriers, Symbiot provides the equivalent of an active missile defense system.”

”Symbiot’s iSIMS running on Xserve G5 creates a compelling value proposition for enterprise customers that want to STRIKE BACK AGAINST NETWORK-BASED ATTACKS”!

The rumor regarding Apple’s serious involvement stems from the participation of several ex-Apple employees such as Mike W. Erwin (President for Symbioat, Inc.) and William W. Hurley (VP-Corporate Development), and also the official announcement of Symbiot selecting Apple Xserve G5’s for their iSIMS (Intelligent Security Infrastructure Management Systems) solution deployment. What isn’t verified is the talk about Apple investing $3 million of their own dinero to fund the information security project, and to what extent Apple has been involved in the development. All will be answered March 31st.