New web threats could impede Mideast business growth

Dubai: Computer users in the Middle East are under increased pressure from web-based threats, according to some of the world's leading experts in security technology.

A security leader, Trend Micro, witnessed a dramatic increase in web threat activity during the first half of 2008.

Web threats peaked in March to 50 million from approximately 15 million in December 2007.

Such is the level of threat that security has now become a major area of investment, with research group IDC estimating that the total value of ICT (information and communication technology) security spending for the region will touch $9.3 million by 2009, with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain the top five investors.

Gitex

The threat to a company's network will dominate discussions at Gitex Technology Week, which takes place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, from October 19 to 23, this year.

Major security and networking companies are expected to participate in Gitex business solutions.

Hilal Saeed Al Merri, director-general of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the show, said, "Security is becoming a bigger concern for companies and individual users as the level of threats increases and the range of methods to breach security becomes more sophisticated. Because Gitex Technology Week brings together a critical mass of international security experts, we aim to use the event to focus upon the specific challenges facing the region."

Reflecting the comprehensive nature of the web threat landscapes, network security experts from around the world will be present at Gitex Technology Week.

New research from one of the security leaders Trend Micro confirms that large corporate websites were heavily targeted by hackers in the early part of 2008.

Cyber criminals launched attacks on thousands of webpages belonging to some of the largest companies, as well as government agencies, educational institutions, and well-known sites that experience heavy traffic.

"Criminals are keeping pace with technology and becoming more ambitious in selecting targets. Increasingly, they are trying to target the specific individuals within a business who can provide access to lucrative financial details and log-in credentials across the whole organisation," said Justin Doo, managing director of Trend Micro, Middle East and North Africa.

Do you think companies are prepared for disaster recovery in case of an IT crisis? How safe is your comapny's software infrastructure? Have you witnessed regular hinderances? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com