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Risk

It won't happen to me....

Statistically, it could.

The BERR Information Security Breaches Survey 2008 found that virus infection is now only the fourth most common type of security breach suffered by UK businesses. However, the threat is by no means extinguished - for two thirds of companies that had a virus infection, it was their worst security incident of the year. The 2008 Survey indicated that use of virus defence software is high, and malware (viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware) has itself changed - infection is no longer the end goal, it is more likely the first step in a process designed to obtain confidential data or open holes in security defences for hackers to exploit. Spyware (software which typically downloads when a user visits an unscrupulous site) now accounts for one in six of the worst malware infections.

 

What was the worst security incident faced by UK businesses?
Problem
ISBS 2008 -
large businesses
ISBS 2008 -
overall
ISBS 2006 -
overall
Virus Infection or disruptive software
10%
21%
50%
Systems failure or data corruption
20%
35%
19%
Staff misuse of information systems
20%
12%
10%
Unauthorised access by outsiders (including hacking attempts)
15%
13%
10%
Physical theft of computer equipment
22%
6%
7%
Theft or fraud using computer
9%
9%
2%
Theft or unauthorised disclosure of confidential information4%4%2%

 

The cost of infection

The costs incurred for virus prevention  are small compared to the possible costs of dealing with a virus infection. These may include:

  • Removing the virus
  • Catching up on work
  • Lost orders and sales opportunities
  • Loss of reputation

Quick check

If you answer NO to any of the following questions, you need to address the problem. Start by reading the Virus Prevention page.

  • Do you have virus defence software installed on your computer system?
  • If yes, do you scan all incoming e-mail file attachments? Do you regularly update your virus defence software?
  • Do you (and your staff) know how to identify likely sources of viruses?
  • Do you know who to call if your machines become infected?

If you already have virus protection software but answer NO to any of the following questions, you should review the suitability of the software and/or configuration. Start by reading the Virus Protection Software page.

  • Has your software been updated in the last month?
  • Do you subscribe to any virus alert services?

It is important to keep any virus defence software up to date, and make sure that you are aware of any new viruses that are currently in circulation.

However careful you are, virus writers are constantly striving to beat protection measures. It is almost inevitable that some will get through. It is in your best interest to minimise the chances of this happening to you.

 

BERR became the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), June 2009
 

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