The festive season is upon us, which means that millions of computer-literate kids all over the world will have time to sit at home with their computers surfing the Web, playing games, hacking and writing viruses. Traditionally, between November and January, a surge of new viruses or permutations of old viruses attack computer networks, while the IT department is off to Clifton Beach.
A little caution could help you avoid a nasty Christmas present this holiday season.
Jason Norwood-Young, Technology editor, ITWeb
I`ve already visited one company that is trying to rid itself of one such new virus that came through over its international mail server from its London branch. The Goner worm, spotted for the first time on Tuesday, has already started its global rounds, hitting companies and individuals around the world.
The "always on" connections that are becoming more popular in First World countries without telecoms monopolies (where DSL is an option for the home) are expected to cause viruses to spread faster than ever.
According to the FBI/CSI Computer Crime and Security Survey, the highest reported loss to a virus this year was $20 million from one company, double the highest reported loss of $10 million last year. The average company loss for a virus this year was almost $250 000 per company. Viruses were also the most common form of security breach this year, and cost more than any other security breach.
Outside threat
Viruses are just the start of IT managers` headaches. The FBI and CSI have refuted the statistic that the majority of hacks occur from within a company. The original statistic that 80% of computer attacks originate from inside an organisation was released by the FBI 17 years ago. It is no longer valid and companies are urged to prepare for external attacks, predominantly from independent hackers, but also from local and foreign competitors.
Fortunately for us in SA, hacking is not a major threat. While the handful of local hackers still bothers with the occasional site defacement, we are a little too obscure for the international hacking community to pay much attention to us.
Viruses hit us equally hard, however, so before you head off to your beach holiday, I suggest switching off your machine, and not downloading your mail in January until you`ve updated your virus software.
A little caution could help you avoid a nasty Christmas present this holiday season.
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