Hannover, 11th october 2002 ? Just at the beginning of the IT fair Systems "IT's Secure" has been ready to start off. Impulse, a german business magazine, offers in close collaboration with iX, a magazine for IT professionals, an extensive IT security check to small and medium-sized businesses. And this security check does not require any specialized IT knowledge. It is demonstrated on the IT fair systems at stand no. 329 of the Heise Magazine in hall 3.

In many companies web-servers run at basic configuration. Improved versions that are recommended by producers are not always used. Such carelessness can possibly be very expensive for the companies. A virus that is detected too late could cause costs of several thousand euros. If the worst comes to the worst - the consequences of an industrial spying may ruin the company?s existence. "We intend to make a large group of users more aware of security problems?, gives Jürgen Seeger, chief editor of professional journal iX, as the motivation of this cooperative campaigne.

This campaign has ?Security starts at entry? as its motto and intends to test internet computers for potential security holes at their data entry. The first level of this security check is free of charge: A special port scan that has especially been developed for this campaign by DN-Systems, a company from Hildesheim, analyzes the internet connection. Afterwards the results of the test will be converted so that they are easy to understand for non-technicians.

The second level goes into details: Due to the use of special security tools security holes that had been found in level one can be examined precisely. Up to 31st December the detailed check costs EURO 72, after this date it will cost EURO 89.

"Thanks to this it security check we can add another reasonable tool to our website (http://www.impulse.de) and are now in the position to support managers in deciding important business matters. ", explains Michael Voss, managing director of G+J WirtschaftsPresse Online GmbH the aim of their cooperation with iX. "Because of this online security check even beginners are able to detect their companies? security holes ? quickly and free of charge. Furthermore it enables them to take appropriate steps if it is necessary?, Mr. Voss emphasizes the benefits of IT's Secure especially for small and medium-sized businesses.

Everyone who wants to take part in this security-check may look on the web for information and registration under http://impulse.de/itssecure or http://www.heise.de/ix/itssecure

In case you need support or have questions regarding ITs Secure? please do not hesitate to write to post@ix.heise.de