The Internet has opened up new commercial opportunities and new markets.  One in three of the world's top 200 consumer brands now have a business presence on the Net.

There is no doubt that the Internet is changing the world of commerce today. With over 100 million people already connected - and the numbers rising daily - it provides opportunities for a whole new way of doing business serviced by entirely new business concepts such as on-line information brokerage and data warehousing. It has been a major driver of e-mail and electronic commerce.

The risks of openness
The Internet is an open environment, whose whole purpose is to facilitate the exchange of information. Using the Internet and other communications services brings tremendous benefit in increasing competitiveness, but its very openness also makes it vulnerable to security threats. For example, it attracts hackers - people who like the challenge of attempting to access other people's computer systems and information, by looking for weak spots.  Even though only a very tiny minority of users will disrupt businesses by stealing, deleting or altering information or even attempting fraud, that risk will always be there. Protecting credit card and other financial transactions on the internet is therefore a particular concern.

Businesses need robust information security management in order to reduce the risks to an acceptable level. This includes using a safe and reliable connection to the internet, with the right security controls. This will protect the company's most valuable asset - its information.