An annual computer security survey by security company Central Command indicates that almost three-quarters of computer users feel cyber-warfare is very likely in the near future.
The survey, which polled more than 60 000 global computer users, asked a range of questions regarding computer habits and security awareness. It found that 67% of respondents feel their country is inadequately prepared to deal with an imminent cyber war.
However, Central Command product manager Steven Sundermeier says the survey indicates there is a growing awareness of viruses and the need for protection against them. He says 58% of respondents immediately delete attachments they receive from unknown sources, and 41% exercise "extreme caution" when opening all attachments.
"These numbers mark a great improvement from a year ago. We have relentlessly preached about the risks associated with e-mail attachments and we`re finally seeing that message sticking in users` minds. Unfortunately, the lesson doesn`t end with e-mail-based worms as other types of applications are now being targeted."
On a similar note, 29% of users claimed to have all the latest security patches installed, up 15% from a year ago.
Peer-to-peer computing has also had an impact on security risks. The growth of sharing applications like KaZaA, iMesh and Napster has seen a significant increase in malicious programs designed to exploit these networks. In the survey, 65% of respondents said they regularly use file-sharing applications, while 39% claimed to be unaware of the security risk associated with these networks.
Sundermeier says the growth in peer-to-peer instant messaging software is an area of concern for security companies as virus writers focus on exploiting this new area of communication.
The number one reported virus, according to the survey, was Worm/Klez.E,G. Nearly a quarter of home and office PC users responding said Klez infected their system over the last year. One in every 10 respondents said they have had a W32/Nimda infection. "This statistic closely mirrors the number of virus occurrences confirmed through our Emergency Virus Response Team."
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