ICSA Releases 1998 Computer Virus Prevalence Survey Despite Increased Use of Anti-Virus Software, Incidence of Infection Increases CARLISLE, PA (September 14, 1998) — ICSA, Inc. today released results from its 1998 Computer Virus Prevalence Survey which revealed that the rate of infection in 1998 is 48 percent higher than reported in l997. The annual survey is based upon interviews with technology professionals drawn from 300 corporations and government institutions in the United States representing some 750,000 PCs and servers. The survey examines the state of computer viruses today. One of the most disturbing trends uncovered by the report is that despite increased use of anti-virus software, computer virus infection rates continue to increase. Of those surveyed, almost 100 percent have anti-virus software installed and running continuously. The main reason for the increase in prevalence appears to be ineffective policy management across the enterprise. More specifically, regular software updates, email policies, improper installation and policies governing remote computer use. The survey revealed numerous findings of interest to computer users around the world. The report explored topics such as infection trends, the top ten viruses, the top sources of infection, the effects of viruses on business productivity, anti-virus software usage trends, ActiveX controls and Java applets, and the impact of the Internet on virus proliferation. "The dramatic increase in the incidence of computer viruses is being driven by the rapid proliferation of macro viruses," said Peter Tippett, president of ICSA. "The primary infection vector for a macro virus is as an email attachment. Macro viruses spread easily because the infected files often exhibit few if any obvious symptoms. Because computer users need run time, anti-virus software needs to continuously scan email attachments for viruses." ICSA Computer Virus Prevalence Survey Sponsored by Leaders in Computer Security ICSA’s 1998 Computer Virus Prevalence Survey was sponsored by several of the world’s leading computer security vendors and consulting firms. Sponsors included Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT), Anywhere Software, Computer Associates (NYSE: CA), Network Associates (Nasdaq: NETA), Intel (Nasdaq: INTC), Panda Software, Price Waterhouse, LLP, Symantec Corporation (Nasdaq: SYMC), Dr. Solomon’s Software and Trend Micro, Inc. Pricing and Availability Thanks to the support of the report’s sponsors the ICSA 1998 Computer Virus Prevalence Survey is available at no charge, as a public service, from ICSA’s web site. The report can be found at http://www.icsa.net. Hard copies of the 105 page report can be purchased for $19.95 each by contacting ICSA’s Professional Resource Library at 717-241-3210 or via email at prayat_private About ICSA, Inc. ICSA, Inc. is the worldwide security assurance company. Established in 1989 as an independent corporation, ICSA has successfully led the security industry in the development of high quality security products through product certification programs and in establishing better security practices through management of multiple security-focused consortia. ICSA certifications and security standards are accepted globally. ICSA provides security assurance services including TruSecure™, an integrated and continuous service that reduces the risk and damage from malicious attacks directed at a company’s valuable information and information systems. TruSecure™ helps clients dramatically reduce Internet security risks on their Internet perimeter. ICSA currently has offices in North America, Europe and Asia. ICSA can be reached by phone at (800) 488-4595 or on the Internet at http://www.icsa.net. -o- Subscribe: mail majordomoat_private with "subscribe isn". Today's ISN Sponsor: Repent Security Incorporated [www.repsec.com]
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