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Businesses 'must ignore internet security myths'

An expert in internet security has said it is vital that businesses learn the difference between actual risk posed by hackers and perceived dangers.

According to Gartner research director Andrew Walls, myths surrounding computer protection can actually lead to businesses not using IT security to their full advantage.

Speaking to IT Pro, Mr Walls said that security departments within firms "must become adept at identifying the real treats to ensure that security becomes an enabler for business innovation, rather than an inhibitor".

Mr Walls had previously said that he found it "encouraging" than new internet security threats are constantly being unveiled as "it means hackers are not succeeding, they're using new tools".

"It's fantastic that hackers are having to work harder and harder to find that new gap," he said at Gartner's IT Security Summit in Sydney last week.

Garter says that organisations spend between three and seven per cent of their IT budget on security.