ISSX Internet Security Systems

Internet Security Systems (ISS) (NASDAQ: ISSX), the worldwide leader in preemptive, enterprise security, today announced that it will highlight the criticality of Internet security in defending our nation when ISS President and CEO Tom Noonan addresses business leaders at The NASDAQ Stock Market Opening Bell ceremony on September 12. Noonan will reinforce the key role that the security industry plays in protecting the United States and other countries from potential attacks on critical infrastructures. "As a nation we must realize that the Internet is our country's most porous border," said Noonan. "However, security companies like ISS are working around the clock to preempt threats to our nation's networks and key Internet-connected resources such as water and electricity. By gathering strategic intelligence, developing protection solutions and collaborating closely with government organizations, the security industry is playing a major role in defending the U.S. from potentially devastating attacks." The number of vulnerabilities found in computer systems today has grown significantly since 2001, according to Noonan. In just the first half of this year, the ISS X-Force research and development team had already documented almost 4,000 vulnerabilities, compared to the 2,500 flaws reported in 2001. X-Force predicts there will be as many as 7,000 published vulnerabilities this year, almost three times the number uncovered in 2001. Because the private sector collectively owns and operates some 85 percent of the nation's critical infrastructure, the U.S. depends on security research from companies like ISS for its cyber security expertise. ISS has been a world leader in security since 1994. Its customer base of 11,000 organizations includes 17 of the world's largest banks, 15 of the largest governments around the world, 11 of the world's largest public insurance companies and 13 of the world's largest IT companies. In 2002, President Bush appointed Noonan to serve as a founding member on the National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC), a homeland defense initiative that protects information systems that are critical to the nation's infrastructure. Additionally, Noonan serves on the board of the Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA), a non-profit corporate membership organization whose mission is to improve cyber security through public policy initiatives, public sector partnerships, corporate outreach and public education. The NASDAQ opening bell ceremony featuring Tom Noonan of ISS will take place on Tuesday, September 12 beginning at 9:20 am Eastern. It can be viewed via the NASDAQ MarketSite Live Webcam at http://www.nasdaq.com/reference/marketsite_about.stm. For further information on ISS solutions for control systems, please go to: http://iss.net/solutions/utilities/index.html For further information on ISS solutions for government organizations, please go to: http://iss.net/solutions/public_sector/index.html About Internet Security Systems, Inc. Internet Security Systems, Inc. (ISS) is the trusted security advisor to thousands of the world's leading businesses and governments, providing preemptive protection for networks, desktops and servers. An established leader in security since 1994, the ISS Proventia(R) integrated security platform automatically protects against both known and unknown threats, keeping networks up and running and shielding customers from online attacks before they impact business assets. ISS products and services are based on the proactive security intelligence of its X-Force(R) research and development team - the unequivocal world authority in vulnerability and threat research. The ISS product line is also complemented by comprehensive Managed Security Services and Professional Security Services. For more information, visit the Internet Security Systems Web site at www.iss.net or call 800-776-2362. Internet Security Systems is a trademark and X-Force and Proventia are registered trademarks of Internet Security Systems, Inc. All other companies and products mentioned are trademarks and property of their respective owners.