RSA: Cisco reconfigures for reputation-based security

Cisco is reconfiguring its software architecture around reputation-based code as part of an attempt to foil malware writers.

The SystemX architecture is built on context-aware systems designed to mitigate malware attacks by recognising threatening behaviour.

Cisco's philosophy is that a multitude of devices will be accessing the internet, and a common security policy is difficult for IT administrators to manage. This can be mitigated by sharing security policy statements.

"We need to rethink the entire security architecture," said Ambika Gadre, senior director of Cisco's security business unit. "The endpoint is fracturing into a million directions."

Cisco is not the only company to come up with this solution, and Symantec is working on a similar system.

Cisco will add context-aware facilities to its Adaptive Security Appliances via a software upgrade. The system will be rolled out across the network shortly.

"The success of this will depend on how partners are treated," Neil MacDonald, vice president of Gartner, told V3.co.uk. "The company needs to build up templates IT mangers can use."