02 Apr 2009

Hackers 'becoming more sophisticated'

Companies are being warned of the danger of cybercriminals, who are improving their techniques to avoid detection and apprehension.

Organisations are at risk from new breeds of cybercriminals such as keyloggers, who can gain access to sensitive information by studying users' key strokes, claims internet security expert Webroot.

The company, which provides protection against rootkits and Trojans, says staff must be wise to attempts to compromise sensitive information.

"Our advice to all PC users is to make sure you are running the latest version of a reputable antivirus program or an internet security suite," says Nick Banks, managing director for Webroot's consumer business unit in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

He adds that practicing safe online habits when dealing with any confidential and financial information is a further means of bolstering protection.

Cybercriminals such as keyloggers are constantly updating their means of gaining access to private data and avoiding detection, highlighting the need for enhanced awareness, the expert concludes.