Computer security experts detect over one million unique viruses
Computer experts revealed today that they have detected one million internet viruses, including trojans and other malicious codes which can play havoc with hi-tech consumer products.
Software company DriveSentry, said the viruses could attack PCs and mobile devices such as phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and memory sticks - which are used to download or store personal data.
Specialists at the firm say they can prevent files that contain sensitive data such as bank details and photos, from being affected by computer viruses. Computer hackers regularly plant viruses on home computers to collect personal details which key use connect identity fraud.
In less than three years, the security experts captured the unique signatures of one million pieces of malware – (malicious software programs) – on a vast database. The discovery is a stark indication of the growth of activity by criminal gangs and hackers in cyberspace.
John Safa, DriveSentry’s chief technology officer, said: “Internet usage has shot through the roof over the last five years and led to the propagation of a new generation of computer viruses and malware.
“The fact that we have managed to trap over a million pieces of malware in such a short space of time is a remarkable achievement. But this number of threats only highlights the number of risks that internet users have to take every time they go online. The loss of data on our devices can be both financially and emotionally draining.”
He concluded: “The focus on malware has shifted from hackers breaking into a company network to prove to themselves that it could be done, to the more sinister criminal gangs that use unscrupulous methods to obtain personal information to commit identity fraud.”
DriveSentry, which has its UK offices in Nottingham, recently launched a new weapon in the fight against the computer bugs. Its GoAnywhere antivirus security software, which protects all removable devices from being infected, went on sale exclusively at PC World’s 171 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland last Thursday, April 3. The technology is unique in the way it protects the gadgets, such as MP3 players, no matter which system they are connected to.
It protects users who may be downloading files - such as music from the internet - by identifying and filtering out viruses and allowing access to only trusted applications.
John Safa continued: “This type of security measure is becoming more
essential as the use of the internet and social networking sites has become second nature to most people as a channel to communicate with friends and keep up to date with trends and current affairs.”
Niall O’Keefe from PC World said the product addressed the growing need for portable security “as the consumer demand to download data onto removable devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and memory sticks continues to increase.”
Ends
About DriveSentry Inc.
DriveSentry is a pioneer in software-based firewalls for hard drives that protect digital assets and personal data. The company was founded in 2005 with a mission to provide zero day protection against new and emerging security threats.
DriveSentry was recently commended for its innovative approach to IT security, after receiving a medal in the Information Security and Data Management Project Award category at the 2007 BCS IT Industry Awards.
DriveSentry is a privately held company with offices in Mountain View, California and Nottingham, England. Further information can be found at www.drivesentry.com.
For more information about DriveSentry, please contact:Laura Gillen or Matt Humphries at OCTANE PREmail: DriveSentry@octanepr.comTelephone: +44 20 7802 2662
Software company DriveSentry, said the viruses could attack PCs and mobile devices such as phones, digital cameras, MP3 players and memory sticks - which are used to download or store personal data.
Specialists at the firm say they can prevent files that contain sensitive data such as bank details and photos, from being affected by computer viruses. Computer hackers regularly plant viruses on home computers to collect personal details which key use connect identity fraud.
In less than three years, the security experts captured the unique signatures of one million pieces of malware – (malicious software programs) – on a vast database. The discovery is a stark indication of the growth of activity by criminal gangs and hackers in cyberspace.
John Safa, DriveSentry’s chief technology officer, said: “Internet usage has shot through the roof over the last five years and led to the propagation of a new generation of computer viruses and malware.
“The fact that we have managed to trap over a million pieces of malware in such a short space of time is a remarkable achievement. But this number of threats only highlights the number of risks that internet users have to take every time they go online. The loss of data on our devices can be both financially and emotionally draining.”
He concluded: “The focus on malware has shifted from hackers breaking into a company network to prove to themselves that it could be done, to the more sinister criminal gangs that use unscrupulous methods to obtain personal information to commit identity fraud.”
DriveSentry, which has its UK offices in Nottingham, recently launched a new weapon in the fight against the computer bugs. Its GoAnywhere antivirus security software, which protects all removable devices from being infected, went on sale exclusively at PC World’s 171 stores in the UK and the Republic of Ireland last Thursday, April 3. The technology is unique in the way it protects the gadgets, such as MP3 players, no matter which system they are connected to.
It protects users who may be downloading files - such as music from the internet - by identifying and filtering out viruses and allowing access to only trusted applications.
John Safa continued: “This type of security measure is becoming more
essential as the use of the internet and social networking sites has become second nature to most people as a channel to communicate with friends and keep up to date with trends and current affairs.”
Niall O’Keefe from PC World said the product addressed the growing need for portable security “as the consumer demand to download data onto removable devices such as mobile phones, MP3 players and memory sticks continues to increase.”
Ends
About DriveSentry Inc.
DriveSentry is a pioneer in software-based firewalls for hard drives that protect digital assets and personal data. The company was founded in 2005 with a mission to provide zero day protection against new and emerging security threats.
DriveSentry was recently commended for its innovative approach to IT security, after receiving a medal in the Information Security and Data Management Project Award category at the 2007 BCS IT Industry Awards.
DriveSentry is a privately held company with offices in Mountain View, California and Nottingham, England. Further information can be found at www.drivesentry.com.
For more information about DriveSentry, please contact:Laura Gillen or Matt Humphries at OCTANE PREmail: DriveSentry@octanepr.comTelephone: +44 20 7802 2662
posted by DriveSentry Inc at
13:55 
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