21 Feb 2009

Security threats 'a big concern'

Organisations should implement security measures to ensure protection against malicious software, an industry expert asserts.

Pat Clawson, chairman and chief executive of security specialist Lumension, claims a "dangerous mix" of internal and external threats is a major issue for firms.

He comments: "Although everyone is impacted by a slowed economy, the level of new and re-energised malicious attacks hatched each day is a major cause for concern for companies in the coming year."

Companies can help to "win the war" against cybercrime by utilising technical security expertise and communicating regularly with service providers, Mr Clawson adds.

According to research by the company, the increased use of laptops and removable devices by employees is providing hackers with a gateway through which to launch network attacks – a practice which will continue to rise for unsecured firms in 2009.

Ryan Farmer, consultant with information protection firm Acumen Consulting, recently warned firms that investing in security solutions now will save substantial costs incurred through data theft in the long term.