Internet threat levels in the region are reaching alarming proportions, with 70 percent of Middle East users under attack on a daily basis. Trend Micro, a leader in content security software and services conducted a survey of GCC-based organizations and individuals, which showed that in the past three months alone, 80 percent of users were affected by spam, 31 percent were affected by viruses, and 23 percent were affected by viruses and Trojans. Startlingly, 25 percent were unaware of the threats impacting the region. Out of the 500 GCC respondents surveyed, 81 percent checked personal emails at work and 54 percent checked their personal financial data online. The survey also shows that 87 percent 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 Raimund Genes, chief technology officer, Trend Micro. “Our survey reveals that organizations 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,” added Genes. Web threats are deployed to a PC without the user's implicit knowledge and permission, and, with 72 percent of employees browsing web sites not directly related to work, the chances of downloading malicious software are highly increased. Unprotected hot spots are particularly dangerous, and the study shows that 73 percent of employees use laptops outside of work, increasing the chances of infection. “Alarming levels of internet threats are affecting the GCC. Having the right tools for a secure web world is crucial, and with 82 percent of users relying only on software for protection, more needs to be done to educate users,” added Genes. Trend Micro is present at Gitex Technology Week to highlight the risk the region is facing. Gitex is taking place at Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) on Oct. 19- 23. __
