SEEK implements Imperva SecureSphere for protection against automated client attacks

Imperva (NYSE: IMPV), a pioneer and leader of a new category of business security solutions for critical applications and high value data in the data centre, announced today that SEEK (ASX Code: SEK) has implemented Imperva SecureSphere Web Application Firewall (WAF) to protect the data it holds on both candidates and recruiters, and to improve overall application performance levels.

Following the successful pilot programme, managed by Imperva partner Dimension Data, SecureSphere WAF reduced site scraping issues by over 80% and was adopted as the primary security solution for SEEK.

Unlike most organisations, SEEK's core business is entirely online. With 150 000 jobs posted online at any one time, and over 25.6 million visitors to SEEK each month, this makes the successful and secure operation of the site critical for the organisation.

"One of SEEK's strategies is to be the single and core marketplace for candidates and recruiters," said Joe Powell, Managing Director, SEEK. "Our biggest asset is the data that is available through our Web site. The Web site is the life of the business, and that's why protecting it and being able to keep it online and as highly available as possible is critical to the organisation."

SecureSphere WAF combines multiple security engines into a single transparent Web defence, effectively sitting in front of an organisation's applications and Web site to protect them from technical attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting; from business logic attacks like application layer denial of service and site scraping; and also from e-commerce and Web-based fraud. It can block Web application attacks by identifying traffic originating from these bots and other malicious sources to stop automated attacks. Additionally, it is capable of virtually patching vulnerabilities through integration with Web application vulnerability scanners, reducing the window of exposure and impact of emergency fixes.

"SEEK's online business operations required a real-time solution that could identify and block automated attacks, which now make up over 50% of e-commerce site traffic around the globe," outlined Shlomo Kramer, CEO, Imperva. "By identifying the extent and sophistication of the site scraping issue, SecureSphere WAF has become a critical component of SEEK's overall business and security strategy."