Johannesburg, 04 Apr 2006
Symantec has announced the launch of the Symantec Internet Threat Meter. This free resource, available at www.symantec.com/home_homeoffice, provides consumers with up-to-date information on the risk level associated with their specific online activities including e-mail, Web access, instant messaging and file-sharing.
Therefore the Symantec Internet Threat Meter ensures consumers are aware of the most recent Internet threats and informs them about the steps they can take to safeguard their computers and personal data while transacting online.
Today's threats spread in many ways but use more silent, targeted methods than before. Symantec is seeing many more attacks launched with a criminal intent to steal users' personal data or to take over systems to launch targeted attacks that result in financial gain for cybercriminals.
The Symantec Internet Threat Meter helps consumers better understand the Internet landscape by taking an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities e-mail, Web activities, instant messaging and file sharing - on a low, medium, or high risk level based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks and spam.
According to the latest Internet readership results released by the Online Publishers' Association (OPA), South African consumers are using the Internet at a steadily growing rate, with a latest readership or unique browser figure being 4.6 million.
Patrick Evans, regional director of Symantec Africa, says: "While this local increase in Internet usage is encouraging as consumers are starting to trust the Internet as an information and commerce function, findings from Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report show high cybercrime threats (designed to steal personal information without the user even noticing) - which makes security a major priority and concern for consumers."
To date, there have been few resources that online users can draw on to understand what the immediate risks are and what they can do to more safely participate in their favourite online activities. The Symantec Internet Threat Meter will help keep consumers informed of the risk levels associated with common online activities and the precautions they can take to protect themselves.
"The Symantec Internet Threat Meter provides computer users with an essential resource that can be used on a daily basis to ensure they are aware of the latest threat information and have the best practices of a global security leader on hand, to prevent malicious attacks," concludes Evans.
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