Media Contact:
Thomas Bleier
Akaba Inc.
(408) 884-3765
PR@Akabainc.com

Akaba Joins Check Point's New OPSEC Security Assessment Initiative

Akaba's PointScan Integrates with Industry's Most Recognized Security Framework

Campbell, CA January 14, 2002 - Akaba, the next-generation security validation company, today announced that it will join the new OPSEC® (Open Platform for Security) Security Assessment Initiative of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.. Akaba's new AutoScan ™ feature enhances the PointScan™ service by automatically validating corporate network security policies after changes have been made to Check Point VPN-1®/FireWall-1® configurations. This enhancement will help customers ensure that their networks are securely configured on a continuous basis.

Bill Hunt, CEO of Akaba said "In the past, it was too time-consuming to check network security policies each time a firewall configuration was changed. Our new AutoScan feature allows customers to validate the network security policy after changing any firewall rules - with no additional effort."

Check Point's OPSEC program provides a rigorous certification process ensuring the interoperability of industry-leading security assessment tools and services with Check Point's Secure Virtual Network (SVN) architecture. "We will be integrating our web-service with Check Point's VPN-1/FireWall-1 to raise the standard of data network security ," said Mr. Hunt.

"We are pleased to have Akaba join the OPSEC Alliance Security Assessment Initiative," said Upesh Patel, manager of the OPSEC Alliance. "We look forward to working with Akaba as they integrate PointScan with the OPSEC interfaces to enable automatic network security scanning with VPN-1/FireWall1 to check the network status after maintenance, ensuring that policy reconfigurations are valid."

PointScan delivers next-generation security validation via a web-based service. PointScan operates on a scheduled basis, or ad-hoc if initiated by the end user. The new AutoScan will allow the network vulnerability scan to be initiated automatically on VPN-1/FireWall-1. Corporations using PointScan will be assured that their specific network configuration has been tested against the latest hacker threats and is secure.

PointScan provides the most useable reports in the industry, offering summary reports for executives and specific corrective actions for network technicians. An adaptive intelligence engine filters out extraneous or "false positive" findings, to ensure network mangers get more reliable and actionable information.

About Check Point's OPSEC®
OPSEC (Open Platform for Security) is the industry's open, multi-vendor security framework. With over 300 partners, OPSEC guarantees customers the broadest choice of best-of-breed integrated applications and deployment platforms that support Check Point's Secure Virtual Network Architecture. Products that carry the OPSEC Certified seal have been tested to guarantee integration and interoperability. For complete OPSEC Alliance program information, including partner and product listings, the freely available OPSEC SDK (software development kit) and evaluation versions of OPSEC Certified products, visit http://www.opsec.com. More information on the new OPSEC Security Assessment initiative can be found at: http://www.checkpoint.com/press/2002/securityassessment010802.html

About Akaba, Inc.
Akaba Inc. is a leading provider of automated security scanning systems. Established in 1999, Akaba addresses the critical need for ongoing vulnerability assessments of data networks. The PointScan Product line detects potential threats associated with the setup, integration or use of operating systems such as MicroSoft Windows 2000, NT or XP, SOLARIS, LINUX, and others; Firewalls and VPN's such at Checkpoint's Firewall-1 and Cisco's PIX, and applications such as E-mail, Web and E-commerce servers. PointScan is a web service and is designed as a complimentary tool for resellers and OEM's such as service providers and security equipment manufacturers.

Akaba Inc, is headquartered in Campbell, CA and has offices throughout the United States. For more information about Akaba, please visit www.AKABAinc.com. Akaba and PointScan are trademarks of Akaba Inc. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.