Novell Acquires Immunix To Add A Security Layer To Linux
In a move to improve the security of applications running in Linux environments, Novell has acquired Immunix Inc. and its AppArmor software. Novell announced the deal Tuesday, but didn’t disclose how much it paid for Immunix.
AppArmor is used to prevent applications operating in the Linux environment from being co-opted by viruses, worms, and other malware into doing things they shouldn’t. Using application-containment technology, AppArmor keeps applications from “masquerading,” or using ill-gotten permissions to do malicious things, says Ed Anderson, VP of product marketing for Novell’s platform group.
That complements Novell’s existing Linux security, Anderson says. Novell’s SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 already has a Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level security certification of 4+, out of a possible 7, which reflects the operating system’s access controls and password protections. AppArmor offers a layer of protection if those protections are compromised.