Counterpane Internet Security Announces Continued International Expansion

Network Security Services Leader Opens New Office in Europe; Appoints Industry Veteran to Expand Operations and Support Growing Customer Base

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., December 17, 2003 - Counterpane Internet Security, Inc., the leader in Network Security Services, today announced continued expansion in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) with the opening of a new office in the Netherlands, Europe, and the appointment of Peter L. Ruyters as managing director of EMEA operations. The new office, which will serve as headquarters for EMEA operations, will enable Counterpane to keep pace with significant customer demand and provide localized support to partners and customers spanning 32 countries. Currently, 15 percent of Counterpane's installed base is located in EMEA.

As in the U.S., companies in EMEA are recognizing the cost benefits and higher security levels associated with outsourcing critical security functions to experts for round the clock network protection. According to Gartner, Inc., the managed security services market in Europe is expected to grow to $1.2 billion in 2006 from $547.8 million in 2002. 60 percent of European enterprises will outsource monitoring of at least one perimeter security technology by 2005. (Gartner, Inc. "European MSSPs Value Trusted Relationships Not Just Technology," Alain Doug Van Mien, Khalda Parveen, March 18, 2003.)

"With strong operations in North America and Europe and a growing international customer base that reaches the Middle East and Africa, we're aggressively expanding our footprint in the market with the addition of Peter Ruyters and the establishment of EMEA headquarters within easy reach of our international customers," said Paul Stich, president and CEO of Counterpane. "With Peter's security expertise and established relationships with potential customers and partners in the region, we will continue to grow our international presence and provide our existing and future customers with the highest level of security protection, service and support."

Peter L. Ruyters

As Managing Director of EMEA operations, Ruyters will head the Netherlands office and oversee all EMEA operations. Ruyters brings more than 30 years of international sales, management and business development experience to Counterpane, having worked with several leaders in the information security sector. Prior to Counterpane, Ruyters served as managing director of ServGate Technologies, a provider of integrated Internet security solutions, and as MD EMEA at SonicWALL, a provider of modular, high-performance security appliances. Ruyters has also served as vice president of Enterprise Networks, Europe at LANDIS, a billion dollar distribution and systems integration company and prior to that, he was general manager of International Operations at Triple P Networking for more then 11 years.

"With cost controls remaining a top priority worldwide and system vulnerabilities and security threats increasing at a furious pace, outsourced security management is a compelling proposition for companies lacking the internal resources and expertise to effectively safeguard their IT assets," said Ruyters. "Counterpane is an established and leading player in the EMEA market due to its comprehensive suite of managed security services, the reputation of its security analysts and proven track record of effectively protecting customers' networks. I look forward to building on Counterpane's current successes and developing an even wider customer and partner base within Europe, the Middle East and Africa."

About Counterpane

Counterpane is the recognized leader in Network Security Services, providing customers with a single source for complete network security. Counterpane mitigates network disruptions caused by both internal and external attacks, human error and regulatory compliance demands so customers can focus on running their businesses. As enterprises extend their networks to suppliers, remote offices, partners and customers around the world, Counterpane protects critical assets and optimizes network security by preventing attacks as they happen in real-time using 30,000 unique event rules developed for 300 supported devices. Counterpane's Enterprise Protection Suite of complementary managed security services includes Managed Security Monitoring, Vulnerability Scanning, Device Management, Active Response and Security Consulting Services. The company is privately held and headquartered in Mountain View, CA.

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