The company suggests five "doors" to security flaws that it can help businesses close.
Internet security firm AVG launched its latest weapon in the fight against
corporate cyber-crime, the Online Security Audit. The free audit is designed to
provide SMBs (small and midsize businesses) with tailored reports on their
security needs, helping them to understand and protect against the dangers of
cyber-crime. Businesses can access AVG's platform to get their tailored
security plan by visiting the company's Website.
According to recent research from the company's Market Landscape Report
2010, SMBs are increasingly becoming targets for cyber-criminals: The report
found 25 percent of SMBs have been subject to a security breach, and more than
14 percent of SMBs do not have security software installed, leaving their
business open to potential attacks.
"Our Online Security Audit is a major step forward in our battle against
corporate cyber-crime. In line with our bid to help small businesses, we've
also highlighted five doorways through which cyber-criminals can access company
data," said Robert Gorby, AVG's global head of small business propositions.
"These doors need to be slammed shut, to prevent businesses from becoming the
latest victims of cyber-crime."
Those five doorways include threats to companies from social networking
sites, instant messaging and spam chat, insider threats, unsecured remote
machines, and USB security threats. AVG's
LinkScanner helps companies avoid clicking on infected leaks. Users are far
more likely to click an infected link if it comes from a trusted colleague or
friend. Forty percent of companies allow access to social networking technology,
but only 23 percent say that they have appropriate security policies in place,
according to the company's research.
Since viruses and other malware can be hidden in files sent via instant messaging
and because some IM services link the screen name to the e-mail address when a
user registers, this can result in an increased number of spam and phishing
attacks: AVG recommends avoiding use of an e-mail address that can be
identified by an IM username. Although businesses might be more concerned about
shadowy cyber-criminals, employees are responsible for introducing the majority
of malware onto company networks, which AVG says can be reduced by using
advanced tools to conduct criminal history and social security searches to
ensure employees are totally trustworthy.
AVG also recommends using virtualization technology to create a virtual safe-zone
within company hardware-such as an embassy in a foreign country-but noted it
might be simpler and more effective to establish a strong set of security, antivirus
controls and audit procedures. Finally, AVG warned plug-in memory USB
sticks are particularly good at spreading malware. They appear innocuous
compared to a laptop or smartphone but can hold several gigabytes of code-some
of which may be malicious: Removable devices can be automatically checked using
AVG software or users can choose to run a manual scan before accessing any of
the files on the stick.
Earlier this year the company announced the launch of its Business Resource
Centre, a free online resource for businesses, including guides, tips and
software downloads, aimed at helping them combat the dangers of Internet crime.
Internet Security 2011 Business Edition and Anti-Virus 2011 Business Edition
are based on the company's People Powered Protection design model;
incorporating feedback from AVG's global community of more than 110 million
users, the product suite includes enhanced Web and social network protection, a
user-friendly interface, and a faster, nimble and more powerful design.
Nathan Eddy is Associate Editor, Midmarket, at eWEEK.com. Before joining eWEEK.com, Nate was a writer with ChannelWeb and he served as an editor at FierceMarkets. He is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
Email
Print
