Dental Group Stops Wired and Wireless Security Threats with SonicWALL

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SonicWALL, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNWL) today announced that Palo Alto Dental Group has implemented the SonicWALL TZ Series of Internet security and firewall appliances to protect computer systems and secure private patient data. Recently, the dental group partnered with an outsourced IT partner, Block Data Systems, LLC (BDS), to backup and secure its data for compliance with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and California S.B. 1386 regulations for protecting consumer data. BDS selected SonicWALL appliances to create a secure wired and wireless network, including guest wireless services for patients, staff and visitors.

The Palo Alto Dental Group previously used its computer systems for patient records, billing, and other applications, but avoided accessing the Internet directly because of security concerns. "We heard of several other dentists who've had catastrophic virus problems costing thousands of dollars, which made us very leery of taking our practice online," says Steven Keller, DDS, partner in Palo Alto Dental Group.

"When we initially put in our computer systems, it was primarily to maintain all our patient treatment records within an internal network. That changed and we needed to get online for more activities, such as billing, ordering supplies and patient communications. Securing our systems, especially our patient data, was of the utmost importance."

BDS installed SonicWALL TZ Series technology in the dental office for secure Internet access for business activities, such as insurance processing and communications with business partners. In the dental office, the SonicWALL TZ 170W is a total security platform delivering enterprise-class wireless security to small networks, integrating secure 802.11b/g wireless, firewall and VPN technologies in a cost-effective, easy-to-use solution. SonicWALL also offers a separate port on the firewall to allow Palo Alto Dental Group the ability to offer wireless access that doesn't touch the secure internal network.

BDS also installed an additional SonicWALL firewall at a dentist's home office as part of the dental group's disaster recovery plan with a data backup system. Previously, the practice's business manager had to make a copy of all computer files and take the copy offsite each day to prevent data loss. Now a SonicWALL TZ 150 connects with the main office, creating a secure VPN connection for data exchange and backup, and simplifying and automating what was once a burdensome manual backup process.

According to Tom Block of Block Data Systems LLC, "This secure setup allows Palo Alto Dental Group to manage risks and maintain control of their data assets, keeping things in the family, so to speak. We have successfully implemented SonicWALL products in 15 dental offices, to date. We recommend SonicWALL because it is cost-effective and offers the utmost protection for patient privacy and security."

"Now that we're secure with SonicWALL, we're also looking into new ways to improve patient service. We're implementing a new online patient confirmation system that also allows patients to view their account, make payments, and process payments. With a secure network thanks to Block Data and SonicWALL the possibilities are endless," adds Dr. Keller.

About Block Data Systems, LLC

Founded in 2005, BDS designs, installs and supports computer systems and digital solutions for dental offices, specializing in privacy and data protection. BDS is headquartered in Hayward, CA and can be reached at +1 (510) 733-6611 or by visiting the company web site at http://www.blockdata.net/ .

About SonicWALL, Inc.

Founded in 1991, SonicWALL, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures comprehensive network security, secure remote access, and continuous data protection solutions. SonicWALL, Inc. is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA and trades on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol SNWL. For more information, contact SonicWALL at +1 (408) 745-9600 or visit the company web site at http://www.sonicwall.com/ .

Safe Harbor Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding SonicWALL's ability to secure private patient data in compliance with applicable government regulation. These forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the time the statements are made and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward- looking statements. In addition, please see the "Risk Factors" described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, for a more detailed description of the risks facing our business. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based upon information available to SonicWALL as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements included in this release are based upon information available to SonicWALL as of the date of the release, and we assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.

NOTE: SonicWALL is a registered trademark of SonicWALL, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.