Tag Archives: Network Box

Data protection on cloud platforms cannot act alone, experts claim

August 6, 2010

Security experts are warning that businesses cannot rely entirely on data protection platforms which operate on the cloud while neglecting their in-house security, as a combination of the two is believed to be the best solution to the problems of data loss and theft.

Security vendor Network Box has published a report into security within the cloud and it’s concluded that businesses can be misled into believing that their data is completely safe when they make the leap to cloud computing for backup and storage.

It believes that businesses should not only choose a time that is most appropriate for cloud adoption on an individual basis, but that they should also short up internal protection even as they harness the cloud.

Businesses can still face threats against their internal systems, with cybercriminals looking to breach firewalls and bypass detection and with the prevalence of portable storage and smartphones allowing the potential for data loss and theft to grow exponentially in the modern world, according to Network Box.

Despite its warnings, the firm praised cloud computing for its ability to offer unrivalled security in many areas, with a particular focus on email, data backup and encryption services which can rarely be matched by in-house alternatives.

Network Box also said that cloud computing services could filter web access to an appropriate degree, giving business users adequate access while protecting them from malicious sites and software.

Concern was expressed about the ability of the cloud to offer adequate security when acting as a conduit for remote working and device management, with the security experts claiming that in-house platforms are needed to supplement it in this respect.

Network Box’s Simon Heron said that cloud computing was becoming an integral tool for many businesses, particularly when data protection and security are involved. However, he still remains unconvinced that any business can rely totally on the cloud for all their security needs and as such supports the call for hybrid strategies which harness in-house and cloud security.

Phishing attacks remain high post-Christmas

February 2, 2010

IT security firm RSA has released new figures suggesting that criminals are heightening their efforts to target unsuspecting consumers in order to steal their personal data, with a 21 per cent rise in the number of phishing websites hijacking established brands to gain misplaced trust.

RSA said that in December 2009 a fifth more brand-based phishing sites appeared than in the previous month and in total 275 brands were mimicked by malicious hackers in the run up to Christmas, which is a new record within the industry.

Despite this news, it appears that in general the number of phishing attacks are actually growing at a slower rate than in the past, with a 3 per cent increase in the total number between November and December 2009 being far lower than the 17 per cent growth that was predicted for the year in whole.

The Global Online Consumer Security Survey that RSA commissions every year has shown that general awareness as to the dangers of phishing sites is increasing, with over 75 per cent of average internet users being wise to the most common tactics employed. This is up from around 33 per cent three years ago.

The UK is second in volume when the total number of phishing attacks are calculated, with the largest number of attacks being in the USA.

Phishing sites always rise dramatically in numbers during December as shoppers are targeted, but according to a recent report by Network Box the number is not abating as it usually does at the start of a new year. In excess of 50 per cent of the malicious emails posted over the last month were revealed to have contained links to phishing websites, indicating that the criminal fraternity is remaining persistent in its attempts to steal identities and harvest sensitive information from consumer’s computers.

Security analyst Simon Heron said that the UK’s emergence from the recession was causing more phishing sites to open their doors, as many people continue to look for bargain-basement deals on the internet with more interest in a low price than in the safety of their personal information.

Festive season sees Phishing boom

January 9, 2010

Predictions as to the increasing prevalence of phishing sites during the last month of 2009 have been proven correct by a survey carried out by Network Box.

The study found that attempts to gather consumer data by phishing sites accounted for more than 50 per cent of all the online criminal activity that took place in December.

According to the statistics, under 30 per cent of web-borne threats were phishing sites in November 2009, but that doubled to nearly 60 per cent the next month as the promise of millions of innocent online shoppers looking for a bargain created easy targets for the criminals behind the sites.

Internet security analyst Simon Heron commented that the vast amounts spent online before Christmas had always attracted the attention of the unscrupulous element looking to exploit the trust and naivety of the average shopper.

Mr Heron suggests that although Christmas has been and gone, the number of active phishing sites is going to remain high for the duration of January as the sales period gets into full swing. As such, consumers are advised to keep on their guard, protect their personal information and beware of bargains that look too good to be true.

The problem of phishing sites and malware is an international one and the country harbouring the most sites in December 2009 was Brazil, which was the nation of origin for over 20 per cent of viruses and just under 10 per cent of spam emails with phishing ties.

India is increasingly being used as a base for phishing sites and virus creation by cybercriminals according to the study, with nearly 7 per cent of December’s spam generated there, which is an increase of 2 percent from the previous month.

Phishing sites can be problematic for businesses as well as for home users, particularly as the Christmas rush sees many shopping from their place of work when they have free time. In order to prevent personal data theft and infection from viruses, it is essential that anti-virus software is installed and kept up to date.