Internet threat levels assume alarming proportions in region

Internet threat levels are reaching alarming proportions with 70 per cent of Middle East users under attack on a daily basis, according to a new survey.

Security software and services provider Trend Micro, which is taking part in Gitex, quizzed GCC-based organisations and individuals. The study revealed that in the past three months alone 80 per cent of users were affected by spam, 31 per cent were affected by viruses and 23 per cent were affected by viruses and trojans. And 25 per cent were unaware of the threats impacting the region. Out of the 500 respondents, 81 per cent checked personal e-mails at work and 54 per cent checked their personal financial data online. The survey also shows that 87 per cent of IT departments rely on basic protection.

"To operate in an internet era is not without peril – the threats are real and can be financially damaging," said Trend Micro's Chief Technology Officer Raimund Genes. "Our survey reveals that organisations and individuals are not taking the threat level seriously and that needs to change quickly.

"Globally, businesses and individuals are plagued by identity threats and loss of personal and corporate information. The Middle East is not immune to attacks."

Web threats are deployed to a PC without the user's implicit knowledge and permission, and, with 72 per cent of employees browsing websites not directly related to work, the chances of downloading malicious software are greatly increased.

Unprotected hot spots are particularly dangerous and the Trend Micro study shows that 73 per cent of employees use laptops outside of work, increasing the chances of infection.

"Alarming levels of internet threats are affecting the GCC," added Genes. "Having the right tools for a secure web world is crucial and, with 82 per cent of users relying only on software for protection, more needs to be done to educate users."