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Kaspersky Lab: Safety first on the InternetAbingdon, Feb 10, 2009 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- One day, one topic, 40 countries all over the world: Safer Internet Day 2009 on February 10th, 2009 underlines the importance of security matters on the Internet. The times of careless surfing on the Internet are definitely over. Online gangsters are launching more and more targeted attacks against end users and companies of all sizes. Their only interest: Making money."The era of script kids, playing around with viruses and worms for fun has come to an end. Nowadays, a whole industry of highly organised cyber gangsters has taken their place" explains David Emm, Senior Technology Consultant, Kaspersky Lab UK.It is very worrying statistic that during 2008 there were500 new cases of online child abuse reported every month, an increase of 67% on 2007. Meanwhile, last year one in ten were said to be affected by online fraud, with victims losing an average of GBP875 each. "Education regarding the current level of delinquency on the Internet is extremely important to users of all ages", Emmcontinues. "Thus, we at Kaspersky Lab think that Safer Internet Day is a great initiative." Safety equals behaviour It is not only the level of professionalism among cybercriminals that puts personal data at risk; it is also the behaviour of the user himself that puts him in danger. For example on social networking sites: Finding new friends online is fun but what about the other side of the coin? Everything that is becoming more and more popular, such as social engineering or even smartphones, is on the list of cybercriminals. "Social networking threats have become a serious danger recently", says David Emm. "The idea behind it is simple: The cyber gangsters might steal the identity of an online friend and impersonate him in order to attack a larger group of people in the network that trusts in the known contact. This is pure social engineering. To be protected against this and a number of other threat scenarios, it is not only important to have ones machine always patched with the latest updates, but it is crucial to use the comprehensive protection system that is only provided by an up-to-date Internet security software" To learn more about safety online and to join in the "Safer Internet Movement", take a look at the broad range of activities that are being carried out around Safer Internet Day at http://www.saferinternet.org/ww/en/pub/insafe/sid.htm. About Kaspersky Lab Kaspersky Lab delivers the world's most immediate protection against IT security threats, including viruses, spyware, crimeware, hackers, phishing, and spam. Kaspersky Lab products provide superior detection rates and the industry's fastest outbreak response time for home users, SMBs, large enterprises and the mobile computing environment. Kaspersky technology is also used worldwide inside the products and services of the industry's leading IT security solution providers. For further information, please visit www.kaspersky.com.For the latest on antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and other IT security issues and trends, please visit www.viruslist.com. 2009 Kaspersky Lab. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for Kaspersky Lab products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. Kaspersky Lab shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. CONTACT: Graham Thatcher / Simon Hewitt / Fiona Brewer / Emma Cross, MCC International, for Kaspersky UK e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1962 888 100 Tel: +44 (0)871 789 1634 Fiona Brewer, Director Tel: +44 (0)1962 888 100 Fax: +44 (0)1962 888 125 WWW: http://www.mccint.com M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [email protected]. |