Open source innovator and SNORT® creator, Sourcefire, Inc. (Nasdaq: FIRE), a leader in Enterprise Threat Management, today at VMworld announced its vision for increasing security for virtual environments, enabling customers to leverage the Sourcefire 3D™ System as a single solution for protecting both physical and virtual environments.

Available immediately, the initial offering under this strategy, Sourcefire RNA™, can now identify both physical systems and new VMware-based virtual machines as they are added to the network. In addition, the company joined VMware's Technology Alliance Partnership (TAP) and VMsafe™ Partner programs to ensure that its leading security solutions support the latest virtualization developments and breakthroughs.

“In today's economy, Sourcefire understands that customers do not want to purchase yet another solution to help protect their virtual environments,” said Martin Roesch, Founder & CTO of Sourcefire. “By providing enterprises with a single solution for increased visibility into both physical and virtual systems, RNA is enabling organizations to contain their IT costs without sacrificing the security of these new investments.”

VMware Detection for Constraining VM Sprawl

RNA's new VMware detection capability, available now, enables customers to easily identify and monitor virtual machines, addressing the growing concern over VM sprawl. Organizations are now better equipped to increase the security of their virtual machines and ensure compliance with corporate IT policies.

“The deployment of virtual systems can be like the Wild West, with new machines being constantly added without regard for corporate policies. Enterprises need to have real-time visibility into these systems if they want to ensure that they are properly managed and protected,” said Mike Montecillo, Security and Risk Management Analyst at Enterprise Management Associates. “By offering customers a single solution for providing visibility into both physical and virtual environments, Sourcefire RNA is increasing security, while also addressing critical management issues, like VM Sprawl.”

Strategic VMware Partnership

As a VMsafe Partner Sourcefire will have access to VMware's VMsafe API, which enables third-party security products to gain visibility into the operation of a virtual machine. This will allow Sourcefire's solutions to identify and eliminate malware, such as viruses, trojans and key-loggers, that may otherwise not be visible.