Websense and F5 Networks join forces

Websense and F5 Networks have today announced a long-term, strategic agreement to develop network security offerings.

After announcing the immediate availability of the first solution, both vendors say the integrated solutions will provide security in the flow between users and applications, wherever they exist.

“We are the first in the industry to build a consistent set of security services across application delivery controllers and unified access solutions,” says Ryan Windham, senior director of corporate development, Websense.

According to Windham, this will enable cloud applications, secure intellectual property and provide inline, real-time protection against advanced threats.

The architecture provides bi-directional, context-aware security based on identity, device and location as well as application, data and destination information.

“Our partnership with F5 allows enterprises to secure sensitive data from both inbound attacks and outbound exfiltration through a single, integrated security platform - combining security effectiveness with network scalability," he says.

The partnership also extends F5’s existing unified access solutions and by implementing these solutions in conjunction with F5’s application delivery firewall, organisations can effectively protect their entire enterprise footprint.

“F5 secures access to applications and data through a highly scalable, intelligent services framework deployed at strategic points in the network,” says Mark Vondemkamp, vice president of security product management and marketing, F5 Networks.

“Our partnership with Websense adds inline, real-time defences to detect advanced threats and data theft, making it safer for organisations to conduct business.”