Consumers clueless about IT security

PC owners remain dangerously unaware of the threats

Despite a proliferation in internet use, consumer PC owners remain dangerously unaware of the threats posed by hackers and viruses, industry experts warned today.

A newly published report from Frost & Sullivan said that one of the main dangers for residential broadband is the existence of a static IP address, which hackers can use to infiltrate systems.

Since the static IP address does not change, malicious hackers repeatedly explore the vulnerabilities associated with a particular host until they find one that is exploitable.

"This scenario has led to an increase in residential computer crime and has prompted vendors to improve consumer security awareness levels," said Frost & Sullivan industry analyst Jose Lopez.

"By networking with ISPs vendors are resorting to direct and email campaigns, as well as informative brochures and web links to highlight the need for greater security preparedness."

Frost & Sullivan's report noted that the growing popularity of home networking is affecting the world endpoint security markets.

As users become more technology savvy, they build valuable personal networks. The increased value of the network creates more of a perceived need to apply security to the network. As such, more development of the home networking market will further spur demand for security offerings.

"As the endpoint security matures and continues to expand into the future, natural forces of competition are likely to create price erosions," explained Lopez.

"With higher volumes of client licences being deployed to single customers, they can expect to pay lower per-unit prices."

In line with changing market trends, the study found that PC firewall functionality is often bundled with antivirus, content filtering, and privacy protection software.

While this is a driver for the installed base of such technology, it can lead to firewalls becoming a value-added feature.