Campbell, CA — February 18, 2002 — Akaba today defined a new set of standards that managed network security systems should deliver in order to give customers the most comprehensive assessment and validation solution. Akaba, founded in 1999 by a team of security technologists who designed firewalls and VPN devices for Novell, Avaya and Alcatel, recently announced the availability of PointScan™, an internal and external scanning system.

"In order to avoid the kinds of malicious attacks we expect to see in 2002, companies have to manage internal policies as well as external mandates by regulatory agencies, which may soon include cyber security actions under the Homeland Defense Initiative," said Jeff Wilson, Executive Director of Infonetics Research, a leading industry analyst firm. "Akaba is looking at the whole security picture as they build out their assessment and validation system."

Standard functionality offered with most vulnerability assessment services, including PointScan, is web-based scans of public-facing devices, frequently updated database of vulnerabilities which have been tested, and reports which outline historical trends and recommended correction action.

With the fast evolution of threats to data security, network administrators and security managers will require more than standard functionality when evaluating network security validation options. The new standard needs to include the ability to:

1. Scan private and public networks, server farms and hosted servers
2. Audit their e-business partners and supply chain networks before allowing interconnection of networks or deployment of ASP or hosting services
3. Deploy an architecture that enables rapid evolution to safeguard against the next generation of malicious attacks
4. Comply with existing regulatory standards such as the Gramm Leach Bliley Act and HIPPA, and future standards that may evolve from the US Government's Homeland Defense Initiative
5. Integrate their solutions with other applications and services using SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol), and XML protocols to ensure tightly knit security solutions

A new white paper entitled "Network Security Validation: 2002" is now available on www.akabainc.com. The white paper includes a buyer's criteria checklist to help establish standards that corporations can use to make decisions about network security validation products. It also explores the impact of new technologies applied to data network security validation.

"We have seen other network validation tools that seem to focus on a narrow range of basic features," said Bill Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of Akaba, Inc. "We are taking a more holistic approach to security and the evolving need for third party validation of network security policies. "Our ability to scan private and public networks, server farms and hosted servers is a big part of the overall strategy to deliver a comprehensive solution to our customers. We plan to address each of the other four components of the standard in the coming weeks."

About PointScan
Akaba's PointScan system ensures the protection of critical business data and provides a complete security solution by checking for over 1,500 vulnerabilities covering 300 applications, 20 platforms and network devices, including routers, switches, firewalls and VPNs. Akaba is the only web-based solution capable of validating internal networks, server farms, hosted servers, and VPN links between partners.

PointScan also generates three levels of analysis that detail network risks, recommend step-by-step fixes, pinpoint historical trends and more. CIOs and IT management can then make informed decisions about policy enforcement and prioritize administrative actions each week.

About Akaba, Inc.
Akaba® is setting the standard for data network security validation. Akaba gives companies an easy solution to implement frequent and automated vulnerability assessment, safeguard against internal/external threats and verify compliance of security policies.

Akaba was founded in 1999 by a team of security professionals who designed firewalls and VPN devices for Novell, Avaya (VPNet) and Alcatel (Internet Devices). Akaba's flagship product, PointScan™ is a web-based scanning service that audits internal, external and remote networks for potential threats. PointScan's comprehensive database checks for vulnerabilities across all operating systems, firewalls, VPN's and applications, including E-mail, Web and E-commerce servers. Through Deep Layer Scanning™ and innovative reports, CIOs, IT managers and administrators can verify compliance with internal/external policies, ensure security procedures are being followed and prioritize network fixes.

PointScan was developed for rapid integration with other products and services, as well as to provide value for service providers and OEMs. Open APIs compliant with SOAP and XML standards are available for simple integration with other security solutions.

Akaba is an OPSEC® partner with Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (CKPT). Akaba corporate offices are headquartered in Campbell, CA. For more information, please call (408) 884-3765 or visit www.akabainc.com.