Cyber threat a problem to SA businesses

Actually over the period, 61% of the attacks were due to spyware infection, 48% of firms have spotted a rise in the quantity of cyber attacks and 30 percent of corporations have lost vital business info. This statistical data are not surprising if one considers that worldwide, two bn. network attacks are blocked monthly, two 000 application weaknesss were noticed in 2010 alone, seventy 000 malevolent programs appear daily and one new malignant programme appears each second. Asserts Alexander Erofeev, Head of Market Intelligence and Discernment at Kaspersky Lab ; "Each year, the industry of cybercrime develops with new threats developing at a pace that is virtually impossible to follow.

And from a business standpoint, it is quickly becoming, not only a must have, but a vital component for future business viability." From a South African viewpoint, the statistical data mirror worldwide trends : 79% of affiliations surveyed have been attacked by viruses, worms, malicious software and other noxious programs 39% have experienced info loss from malicious software attacks 43% of respondents now see cyber threats as one of their top three vital business hazards, while 53% see it as a developing business risk in the subsequent two years What's more, 54% believe that their organisation is under resourced in term of staff, information and funding in dealing with IT threats. Of this %, 91% say that twenty five percent or even more investment is needed for security. "In line with such statistical data, it's engaging to notice that many organizations are limiting social networking applications to reduce possible hazards.

What's more they're regularly averse to adopt new technologies due to the security risks," adds Erofeev. "In fact, South African statistics show that 67% of respondents worry about the inclusion of arranged criminal gangs in cyber attacks and world events are good instances of such threats with the likes of the DigiNotar and Comodo hacks to name just a few." A solid security solution is the root of any success security technique, but firms shouldn't forget that an antivirus protection must be accompanied by a firewall, an intrusion detection system and a security scanner that can be utilised to find weaknesss in the system and can suggest paths to fix them. It's also necessary to have backups, which can revive information in the case of a tragedy. In addition, tools permitting controlling applications, web content and removable devices raise the security level. Having a centralized management approach to security inside an establishment can help in this being achieved. And naturally remember the human component.