Industry News Home More stories like this... RSS Feed

Millions under threat from online criminals

A new study by researchers from Google, IBM and the Communications Systems Group in Switzerland has revealed millions of computer users worldwide are vulnerable to online security threats.

The vulnerabilities arise from consumers using web browsers that are un-patched and un-updated, they said, revealing that up to 40 per cent of internet users were at risk.

The researchers recommended the use of the auto-update mechanism employed by web browser Firefox, which they said was the most efficient patching mechanism and provided the most internet security.

Microsoft's Internet Explorer was found to be the least secure browser. Of 1.4 billion internet users worldwide only 576 million are using the most secure browsers, say the researchers.

A similar Endpoint Assessment Test by online security research firm Sophos reached the same conclusion.

"Sadly, the web is becoming more dangerous," said Carole Theriault, a senior security associate at Sophos.

"Sites become infected due to lax security, either due to poor maintenance or lack of understanding of the threat."

The lax security is not unique to small organisations only, it was revealed, but also affects almost 80 per cent of legitimate sites.

PC Tools anti virus software offers security and protection for your friends and family against latest viruses, worms and Trojans. Visit www.pctools.com to upgrade your protection