Dimension Data Study Shows 73% of Networking Devices are Running with Known Security...

Dimension Data Study Shows 73% of Networking Devices are Running with Known
Security Vulnerabilities

Findings Highlight Risks Posed by Improperly Configured Network Devices and
End-of-Lifecycle Equipment

NEW YORK, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Dimension Data, a $4.5 billion IT solutions
and services provider, today released data showing that 73% of networking
devices have known security vulnerabilities that may expose organizations to
external and internal security attacks. The company also reported that each
device deployed - such as a router, gateway, switch, etc. - has an average of
30 configuration errors, exposing organizations to further risk and network
downtime, despite the fact that there are widely published and recommended
standards to safeguard against these problems.

These are some of the key findings in the "Network Barometer Report" released
today by Dimension Data. The report presents aggregate data from 152 Secure
Network Infrastructure Assessment (SNIA) services conducted by Dimension Data
in 2008 for small, medium and large organizations around the world and across
verticals. The SNIA is a network and security assessment service that
discovers, catalogues and provides remediation recommendations for hardware
and software across organizational networks. The composite picture from the
2008 assessments offers an overview of networks' configurations, security
vulnerabilities and device lifecycle statuses - underscoring the need for
improvement and awareness.

"While the implications are alarming, the problems we uncovered can often be
easily addressed," said Rich Schofield, global business development manager,
Network Integration, Dimension Data. "The most basic protection measures
against threats that could harm an organization, such as having proper access
and password configurations, are simply not in place. It's the functional
equivalent of leaving the doors and windows unlocked when you leave home.
Organizations must take action now, working to shore up their networks before
they incur reputational or shareholder damage."

Other significant report findings include:

-- Holes in configuration security - Of the 30 configuration errors found
per network device, 15 were related to security configuration. These
errors can directly expose an organization to risk of an internal or
external security breach.
-- Expiring support - 43% of all network equipment reviewed was found to
be
at least at end-of-sale status, signifying increased difficulty in
purchasing spare parts. When this occurs, organizations typically have
to procure equipment from alternate, so-called "grey market"
sources, which can be much less reliable than the original
manufacturer.
-- Headed towards obsolescence - Of the equipment that was at least at
end-of-sale status, 56% was beyond either end-of-software-maintenance
or
last-day-of-support. Aging IT and network assets are potential risks
for
organizations - incurring longer repair times in the event of failure
and eventual lack of support.

"Technology that is beyond end-of-sale will become increasingly unsupportable
and exposed to risk," Schofield continued. "Additional commercial implications
arise when an end-of-life device fails and must be replaced. Businesses may
then have to buy expensive technology in compressed timeframes, without the
customary due diligence which ought to be applied in such procurement
decisions."

Dimension Data's SNIA helps organizations take inventory of their Cisco
hardware and software. SNIAs are carried out to highlight any network problems
and present potential implications with regard to risk, cost and strategy for
both IT infrastructure and the business as a whole. In addition, a SNIA report
provides companies with recommendations based on Dimension Data's proven best
practice engagement methodology.

For more information on Dimension Data's "Network Barometer Report" and to
obtain a free copy, please visit www.dimensiondata.com/networkbarometer.

About Dimension Data
Dimension Data (LSE: DDT), a specialist IT services and solutions provider,
helps clients plan, build, support and manage their network and IT
infrastructures. Dimension Data applies its expertise in networking, security,
operating environments, storage and contact center technologies and its unique
skills in consulting, integration and managed services to create customized
client services. For more information: Call 866-DIDATA-US or visit
www.dimensiondata.com/na.

About the Dimension Data Network Barometer Report
The Network Barometer Report presents the aggregate data from 152 Secure
Network Infrastructure Assessments (SNIAs) conducted by Dimension Data for
organizations around the world during 2008. The report provides an overview of
networks' configuration, security vulnerabilities and device lifecycle status.
The report is available for download from
www.dimensiondata.com/networkbarometer.

Media Contacts:
Lisa Grimes Nathan Bordegaray
Dimension Data Davies Murphy Group
(703) 217-2692 (781) 418-2419
lisa.grimes@us.didata.com ddna@daviesmurphy.com

SOURCE Dimension Data

Lisa Grimes, +1-703-217-2692, lisa.grimes@us.didata.com; or Nathan Bordegaray,
+1-781-418-2419, ddna@daviesmurphy.com