Has Security got you Hopping?

Regardless of size, businesses have been hit hard with security attacks. Data theft, worms, and e-mail nuisances such as spam and phishing have all been on the rise.

Will things get better? Security experts say probably not. In fact, they believe threats will only get worse. Because as security systems become more sophisticated, the threats become more innovative by trying to stay one step ahead. Here's just a sample of what experts believe is in store:

Gone Phishing

Experts expect phishing — sending fraudulent e-mails to encourage users to divulge personal or financial information — to begin targeting customers of smaller businesses. Until recently, victims have usually received e-mails from larger institutions, but Joel Smith, chief technology officer for AppRiver, a Florida-based spam and virus filtering service provider, believes that's going to change.

"We are going to see more regionalized, localized targeting," he said. "Scammers will look for subscribers of regional ISPs and send them e-mails purporting to be from the local credit union."

Worms Strike Businesses

Zotob, a worm that targeted Windows 2000–based computers, was one of the first to attack businesses. It installed malicious software, then searched for other computers to infect. Attacks on businesses are expected to increase because these hackers are after financial gain.

This new breed of cyber-thieves will target proprietary information like trade secrets, or personal data, such as social security numbers, that can be sold through online black markets. For businesses, the spread of worms means they'll have to tweak security policies to institute new protocols that can react faster to threats.

Inside Advantage

Poor security measures have resulted in many data leaks for businesses. And, while companies spend millions securing their networks from intruders, they often ignore one of the most likely sources of seepage — employees who inadvertently or intentionally share information.

Many companies that have off-site call centers managed by third parties don't routinely review their systems to stop leaks, said Joseph Anasanelli, privacy expert and chief executive officer of Vontu, a San Francisco-based company that works to prevent data loss. This insider threat will force more companies to add a layer to their network that will monitor information accessed and distributed by employees.

Wireless Access

Workers take advantage of wireless devices — and so do hackers, who find this an increasingly easy way to steal information. Wireless technologies may be more widespread, but many users are still ignorant about security measures they need to keep their information safe. As Wi-Fi expands throughout public locations, cyber-criminals will seek to exploit a lack of knowledge about mobile security measures used to gain access to user information. A prime target? Laptops carried by business users.

Both businesses and consumers will continue to see security attacks on the rise. But, like all potential threats, the best defense is planning and preparation.

Click here for a printable version of this page.

LEGAL NOTICES | CONTACT US