Trend Micro appoints new marketing manager, a major push in the war on malware

Ian Cochrane joins Trend Micro at a time when the threat landscape is shifting towards Web-Based. Whereas the computer viruses of old were designed to produce spectacular crashes and widespread annoyance, new menaces work undetected to steal data and facilitate fraud.

Changes in cyber-crime give Trend Micro's marketing activities an unusual character. Although a highly profitable business, there is also a strong public service element to Trend Micro's work in the region. By warning of the dangers of malicious software and new forms of hi-tech fraud, the company hopes to ensure that the rapid expansion of new technology and internet access in the Gulf region will not be accompanied by a parallel growth in fraud.

"Malware authors will exploit any weakness on the part of the public and businesses in order to obtain access to personal and financial data," said Ian Cochrane, Marketing Manager, Trend Micro Middle East and Africa. "A credible response requires a combination of robust software solutions and raising awareness of fraudulent strategies," he added.

Ian Cochrane brings in-depth experience to his new post. Starting his IT career as a computer systems engineer in 1980, while at Sun Microsystems, he occupied management, sales and channel development positions. By late 2003 Cochrane was employed by Citrix Systems Middle East, as their Dubai-based regional marketing manager. The move to Trend Micro represents part of a continuing search for new challenges.

"Appointing Ian Cochrane represents a major investment for Trend Micro. We are delighted to have him onboard and bringing with him such a wealth of experience," said Justin Doo, Managing Director Trend Micro Middle East/North Africa.

"Too often the stereotypical marketing manager is a recent graduate in a T-shirt and combat trousers, but Ian's solid industry background and undiminished enthusiasm mean that he brings something very different to the job," he added.

Mr. Cochrane takes up his post effective 1 August 2007.