Blue Coat launches Encrypted Traffic Management Ready Certification Program

Blue Coat Systems, Inc. has launched the Blue Coat Encrypted Traffic Management (ETM) Ready Certification Program. The ETM Ready Certification Program is designed to prepare Blue Coat Business Assurance Technology Partners to integrate interoperable SSL visibility solutions into the Blue Coat architecture, resulting in best-in-class security products to effectively detect, prevent and eliminate the hidden threats in encrypted traffic.

The use of encryption across a wide variety of websites—both business and consumer -- is increasing as concerns around personal privacy grow. For example, Google, Amazon and Facebook have all switched to an “always on HTTPS” model to secure all data in transit using SSL encryption. This growing use of encryption to address privacy concerns is creating perfect conditions for cyber criminals to hide malware inside encrypted transactions. In addition, Blue Coat researchers have found that it often reduces the level of sophistication required for malware to avoid detection; thereby making it easier for malware to get onto the network.

"Protecting privacy while keeping an enterprise network safe can be tricky," said Jon Oltsik, senior principal analyst with Enterprise Strategy Group. "This certification program is a way to enable companies to achieve both security and privacy with proven security solutions that are well integrated; thereby providing an added benefit of a potential return on investment."

ETM Ready Certification enables Blue Coat technology partners to build solutions that combat security threats hidden in encrypted traffic, while preserving the ability of enterprise customers to manage privacy, policy and regulatory compliance. By integrating their products with the Blue Coat SSL Visibility Appliance, Blue Coat technology partners can offer solutions to detect, prevent and eliminate the hidden threats in encrypted traffic.

“The use of encryption is increasing to protect consumer privacy. While this is a great thing, we’re already seeing malware hide behind encryption to evade detection, so it is crucial that we provide solutions that account for the needs of our enterprise customers to protect privacy while also shoring up a growing security vulnerability,” said Peter Doggart, vice president of business development for Blue Coat. “Blue Coat is the trusted architecture for security to many of largest enterprises across the globe. The ETM Ready program continues to deliver on this mission by enabling top-tier companies to integrate with our architecture, producing solutions that protect networks while eliminating encrypted traffic blind spots. The ETM Ready program benefits all types of enterprises from financial institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, oil and gas producers, retailers, manufacturing and more.”