Aladdin takes on BO2K

Aladdin Knowledge Systems has released an Internet security product it says is capable of consistently protecting computers from BO2K.

Released at this month's DefCon hacker convention in Las Vegas by the hacker group Cult of the Dead Cow, Back Orifice 2000 was billed by its creators as a remote administration tool. The group was subsequently embarassed that several copies of CDs it has distributed containing the program were found to be infected by the CIH virus.

Actually, BO2K allows hackers to gain unauthorized control of Microsoft Windows-based PCs and networks, steal passwords, delete files and redirect network traffic, says Aladdin.

Aladdin officials say their eSafe Protect product line isolates BO2K, then notifies users of an access violation before the program can be used to wreak havoc within a targeted system. Unlike other security programs, however, Aladdin claims eSafe Protect will continue to protect against variations of BO2K without additional patches or updates.

eSafe Protect products for home and corporate users are available at www.esafe.com .