Published Wednesday, March 26, 2008 5:10 PM by Websense Connect Newsroom

Thomas Weisel Partners Group, a valued Websense customer for more than three years, has upgraded to Websense Web Security Suite software to protect its critical business information, nearly 700 employees and additional network systems from emerging Web security threats, especially those caused by Web 2.0 applications such as Skype, Facebook and instant messaging tools. As a result, the leading investment bank can focus less on Web security and more on providing investment banking, brokerage and asset management services to clients globally.

"As our business grows and as our security needs have progressed, so has the Websense security solution. Web 2.0 applications and other community-driven tools can pose security risks today and in the future, but Websense's proactive approach and technology portfolio has us covered -- meaning we can focus IT teams on business-generating projects and less on putting out the latest 'security fire,'" said Chief Security Officer Beth Cannon of Thomas Weisel Partners.

Thomas Weisel Partners began doing business with Websense in 2005 by selecting Websense Enterprise, after deciding alternative Web filtering products were not adequate for their business needs. At the time, the now public company was focused on automating compliance tasks, such as the enforcement of the Internet use policy. Over time, Thomas Weisel Partners' security needs have changed as Web threats and the attackers behind them have gained momentum. The company recognizes the fact that Websense has also changed over time to meet their needs, and they continue to trust Websense to protect their network and essential information.

"An e-card scam was circulating during the 2007 holiday season -- one pointing employees to malicious code on Web sites," said Cannon. "We didn't even know it was going around until we received a notification from Websense Security Labs that a threat was discovered and then automatically protected the systems. Our administrators didn't have to change any rules or do any extra steps to block the malicious Web sites."

"One of the best things about Websense is its continued investment in innovative security technology, which has resulted in an expanded, yet focused portfolio of information protection technologies," continued Cannon. "I honestly can't imagine what our security posture would be like if we didn't have products backed by the Websense ThreatSeeker Network, which is the best set of security categorization and detection technologies we have seen available on the market. I look forward to evaluating other Websense security products throughout the year."