Computer Security

Data processing managers and executives who oversee their companies' data systems remain concerned about the security of their systems, according to a recent Ernst & Young report.

The 1,320 survey participants reported significant increases in virus attacks and compromises by hackers-particularly from employees who had been terminated; from corporate spies; and from released temporary workers.

About one-third of the respondents reported serious losses caused by company insiders.

As more companies use the Internet for business purposes, more reports surface of attempted or completed attacks upon their systems-currently one in every four businesses using the Internet experienced an attack. This figure may be conservative because only a third of these businesses could tell if an attack took place.

If you are a network administrator who's been lobbying your board of directors for new security measures, contact Ernst & Young or your institution's accounting firm for some statistical ammunition to combat this ever-increasing risk.

Copyright © 1997 Bankers' Hotline. Originally appeared in Bankers' Hotline, Vol. 7, No. 2, 1/97