13 Feb 2009

Businesses 'should be cautious' of malware

The security threat posed by malware is still a worldwide problem, according to an industry expert.

Protection specialist BitDefender says firms should be particularly wary of Trojans, the most common form of virus.

Sorin Dudea, head of anti-malware research at the company, claims that web-based hacking software is still the world's most successful form of e-threat.

"This confirms that the level of user awareness in terms of system security remains very low for defensive activities," she says.

Ms Dudea adds that measures companies could take to ensure protection include patching the operating the system.

Updating security suites and displaying caution when using the internet are further methods of safeguarding, the analyst concludes.

The company's e-threat landscape report reveals that Trojans represent four of the top ten most common viruses.

Software provider Steganos recently warned businesses to use digital shredders and encryption systems to enhance protection against threats such as malware.