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Webroot Report Details Growth and Severity of Worldwide Internet Malware Threats

SB Informer
Thursday, March 29, 2007; 02:42 AM

Webroot Software, Inc., a leading provider of Internet security software for the consumer, enterprise and SME markets, today unveiled a report to alert companies of all sizes to the growth and increasing sophistication of malware. According to the Webroot State of Internet Security report, 43 percent of companies surveyed globally have suffered a business disruption due to malware. The report also details the significant cost and legal implications of inadequate protection and offers businesses best practices to thwart unnecessary data security breaches.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the organized nature, rapid growth and severity of cybercrime has moved it to their number three priority behind only counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence. Webroot research, using its Phileas automated spyware research system, has discovered that 1.7 percent (4.2 million) of 250 million URLs around the world harbor malware. Almost 3 million of those malicious sites were discovered in 2006 alone.

“Our research has shown that the methods of infection, which just a short time ago were considered incredibly advanced, are now commonplace, demonstrating how quickly today’s threats are evolving into a global security concern,” said Peter Watkins, CEO, Webroot Software, Inc. “Despite the growth and severity of malware, over 60 percent of businesses don’t have an information security plan. Businesses need to control this threat by adequately protecting themselves and their customers.”

According to Webroot’s study, over 40 percent of the companies surveyed reported business losses from a variety of spyware related issues. The most unsettling finding is that 26 percent of enterprises reported that confidential information had been compromised as a result of spyware. At the heart of this alarming trend is the rate of spyware infection:

1. 39 percent of companies reported Trojan horse attacks;
2. 24 percent reported system monitor attacks; and,
3. 20 percent reported pharming and keylogger attacks.

Despite this growing threat and the legal and regulatory compliance measures in place, the latest Small Business Technology Institute report has found that 20 percent of all companies don’t even have adequate virus protection, two-thirds did not have an information security plan, and many only make a security decision after suffering a damaging information security incident.

“It’s obvious from this research that businesses worldwide are operating under a false sense of security. Because of the impact on corporate revenues and reputation that unprotected users can cause, proactive security should be a top priority for every company,” added Watkins. “To help support this effort, the State of Internet Security report will also offer some basic best-practices that companies can follow to help secure them against malware and cybercrime.”

The State of Internet Security report is issued quarterly as an in–depth review and analysis of the most pressing computer and data security-related concerns. Each report focuses on a specific aspect of information security, and provides industry data, trends and best practices in light of the threat landscape.

The complete State of Internet Security report is available at www.webroot.com/soisreport.

About Webroot

Webroot Software, Inc. provides industry leading security software for consumers, enterprises and small and medium-sized businesses worldwide. Globally recognized for its award-winning Spy Sweeper® line of anti-spyware products, Webroot recently incorporated anti-virus protection into two new products for consumers and SMBs, respectively: Spy Sweeper® with AntiVirus and Webroot® SME Security. The company also recently expanded into the parental controls software market with the introduction of Webroot® Child Safe®. The Boulder, Colorado based company is privately held and backed by some of the industry's leading venture capital firms, including Technology Crossover Ventures, Accel Partners and Mayfield. Webroot's software consistently receives top review ratings by respected third-party media and has been adopted by millions globally. Available as either branded solutions or on an OEM basis, Webroot products can be found at www.webroot.com and on the shelves of leading retailers worldwide. To find out more about Webroot, visit the website or call 1-800-772-9383.

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