The anti-virus companies are the unsung heroes of the modern PC. Back in the day when “normal, everyday people” were only starting to think about buying a PC for home use, the anti-virus companies were ramping up their marketing efforts. And by the time PCs for the home had become a norm, anti-virus software had been transformed from a paranoid-geek’s utility to an essential tool. As important to a PC as a lock on a building’s door.
It’s important not to underestimate the scale of this achievement. Back in 1997, when I was just starting to work in online marketing, I used Norton AntiVirus to protect my PC, as did many of my friends and colleagues. At that time, I’d never seen a virus, and it was to be many years until I even received one as an email attachment. But we all saw the importance of protecting ourselves from what was realistically a very unlikely threat. All credit to the marketing arms of the anti-virus companies.
Fast forward to today, and protecting your PC is an incredibly complicated process. As a technically-advanced PC user, I use a range of products and systems to protect my PC from viruses, unauthorised access, spyware and malware. I also keep my operating system up to date with Microsoft’s fixes to protect myself from vulnerabilities and security flaws.
It’s complicated. And if truth be told, I can’t be certain that my PC is in fact 100% secure.
A recent report on cybercrime in the UK, by UK-based garlik, suggests that cybercriminals have adapted to the social and economic changes in the UK to find new ways to exploit their victims:
“One of the most significant changes in cybercrime has been the 207% increase in account takeover fraud indicating that criminals have now shifted their efforts from opening new accounts with stolen identities to accessing existing accounts. Savvy criminals have got round the drying up of available credit in the current economic climate to maintain their illegal activities.
The report also highlights that online banking fraud has increased by a staggering 132%, with losses totalling £52.5 million, compared to £22.6 million in the previous year. This sharp rise can be mostly attributed to nearly 44,000 phishing websites specifically targeting banks and building societies in the UK.“
This is a criminal’s dream come true. New opportunities. New vulnerabilities. And consumer complacency.
We’ve already seen the anti-virus companies generate demand by creating fear. So who’s going to tap into this very real and lucrative opportunity?
Software security products don’t block ports, detect intrusions or report outward communication attempts. They buy a good night’s sleep, and look after your email, photos and files.
Consumers and businesses will always pay for peace of mind and security. If they know the risk is real.
So who’s going to seize the opportunity here?
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