Security services provider TruSecure launched a risk management system last week to help organisations take a proactive approach to IT security.

Experts said the software could also help firms to comply with laws and rules such as the new Combined Code on Corporate Governance, which defines procedures for dealing with operational risk.

TruSecure's Risk Commander offers firms a dashboard view of security data.

The software collects information from sources such as intrusion detection systems and presents it in a single view. The application uses this data to rate system vulnerabilities according to business impact, helping IT managers to prioritise actions against the most serious problems.

The risk analysis can be carried out against companies' own policies, as well as regulations and industry standards such as BS7799, according to TruSecure.

The company's chief executive, John Becker, said the product focuses on the analysis of security information. "It predicts risk and helps companies to allocate resources well in advance of an attack," Becker added.

Risk Commander will be available from November, priced from $150,000 (£90,000) for an enterprise licence.

The software could prove a wise investment, according to Mark Lillycrop, chief executive of research firm Arcati. "Risk management is a big concern for companies, particularly those that are under regulatory pressure to assess operational risk," he said. "Tools like this can help in making sure that existing security policies are adequate and appropriate."

Another company offering proactive security solutions is Symantec, which unveiled the latest version of its early-warning system last week.

New features in this edition of Symantec's Deepsight Threat Management System include integrated data on viruses.