Survey shows 70% of Middle East internet users attacked daily

Conducted over the space of three months, with participation from 500 respondents, the survey showed that 80% of regional internet users were targeted by spam mail, 31% by viruses, and 23% by Trojans.

The report highlighted that despite these figures, approximately 25% of respondents in the region were unaware of the potential threat.

The survey also showed that 54% of users check their personal financial information online, but 87% of corporate IT departments only use basic protection.

The survey also pointed to the lack of protection available at internet hot spots outside of office environments, specifying that 73% of employees are likely to use their laptops outside of work. Further, 72% of employees admit to browsing websites that are not directly related to work.

'Alarming levels of internet threats are affecting the GCC,' says Raimund Genes, Trend Micro's Chief Technology Officer. 'Globally, businesses and individuals are plagued by identity threats and loss of personal and corporate information. The Middle East is not immune to attacks. The threats are real and can be financially damaging.'

Earlier in the week, security company Symantec said that it finds up to 8,000 computer threats a day. It said that companies and individuals must ensure they regularly update their anti-virus software to stop malware reaching their systems.

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