Four-year-old Herzliya-based Sanctum has released a new program that provides users with automatic, ongoing protection against both known and unknown server-based worm attacks, including recent threats like Code Red and Nimda.

WORMShield runs autonomously and continuously to ensure the protection of Web applications, defending against the manipulation of core business data without the need for updating patches or installing new rules.

WORMShield proactively blocks and monitors all unusual or unauthorized behavior anywhere within a Web site, thereby preventing any type of application manipulation via the Web. The company describes the new solution as a one- time fix for all server-based worm attacks.

The program eliminates the need for IT and security administrators to apply new patches on every individual server each time a new worm attacks. Additionally, WORMShield attack logs provide users with information about the source of the attack to help end-users and officials immediately stop the epidemic.

It was estimated that in 2000, rampant Internet worms and viruses caused $266 billion in losses in the US alone, according to Peggy Weigle , CEO of privately-held Sanctum.

The recent Nimda attacks raised a lot of red flags regarding the security of US business and government core data residing at the application level. The potential financial loss associated with worms is significant," she said.

"The threat of malicious worms is only getting worse, making it more difficult than ever for IT and security staff to stay on top of new application attacks, such as Nimda and Code Red," added Jason Painter, Web Master at Coherent Inc., which purchased the software solution. WORMShield is on the market now.

www.SanctumInc.com