Although computer viruses and worm attacks are still a huge problem for company security, they are a lot less commonplace than a year ago. But before companies and Internet users start celebrating, the bad news is that surfing the Internet has opened a whole new security threat as hackers and other unscrupulous companies are now engaging in what is being termed "browser attacks".
This warning comes from Christopher Riley, CEO of Pretoria-based notebook and accessories retailer, The Notebook Company (www.notebook.co.za).
Citing a recent survey conducted by CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association - where 900 organisations were polled - a total of 36.8% revealed that they had encountered one or more browser-based attacks during the past six months. This is up from 25% last year.
"This is a worrying phenomenon," said Riley," because it opens up a whole new security risk for companies and individuals - and will make it markedly harder for companies to safeguard their computer systems."
He said browser-based attacks use browser systems and user system permission to disrupt computer functions.
"The attacks take place when someone visits a Web page that, on face value, looks totally innocuous. Some of these so-called innocent Web pages, however, might contain malicious code which is there to hijack a computer and invade a company`s, or person`s, privacy - including the ability to hijack vital information. This new type of security attack is hard to detect as the only sign might be a crashed browser; but, meanwhile, a computer thief has actually invaded your information and obtained access to vital information."
Riley said that while a lot more companies have recognised the utter importance of securing their networks, this new form of browser-hijacking is not yet common knowledge. "Right now anti-virus applications, firewalls and proxy servers are the most common ways companies use to fight off security threats. However, it is proved time and time again that hackers and virus-creators - and now browser hijackers - are often one step ahead of companies. Because of this, security is one of the hottest industry sectors right now as more and more companies are conducting ongoing security audits and are employing security specialists to try and crack into their Web sites and networks in order to expose any potential weaknesses. The security industry is going to remain a big game," he said.
"Companies are going to have to carry on spending to safeguard their information. Cyber theft and cyber crime are the new kids on the block," he quipped.
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