Mydoom reminds businesses of the need to be virus-aware

Trend Micro, a world leader in Internet security with a regional base in Dubai, has issued a guidance statement to companies throughout the Middle East, urging them to be aware of the risks and take sensible precautions.

In keeping with its reputation for mounting a swift response to every new threat, Trend Micro is offering local businesses scanning and cleanup services to detect the worm and decontaminate systems that have fallen victim to it.

"We are already on the way to neutralizing this latest hazard, although it is vital that businesses remain conscious of the high damage and distribution potential associated with Mydoom and other such Internet threats. This outbreak should remind people of the need to implement defense mechanisms against unsafe and malicious content on the Internet, and ensure that they keep security software updated," said Justin Doo, managing director of Trend Micro's Benelux, Middle East and Africa operation.

Businesses in the region are conducting large volumes of transactions on the Internet, as professionals from all industries become aware of the web's potential as a commercial tool. It opens up global opportunities, but also exposes users to growing international hazards such as spam and viruses.

"People in business accept that the Internet is here to stay, but they must also recognize that the attendant risks will remain as well. Viruses and the methods they use to spread themselves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it has never been more important for IT managers to take precautions," Doo added.

"Fortunately, security solutions are advancing all the time, and our customers enjoy a refined level of protection. Trend Micro's message to the business community is that there are risks, but that reliable protection is available," concluded Doo.

Outbreak Management
Trend Micro's response to sophisticated attacks on network integrity is a step-by-step process of prevention, detection and cure. The company offers a range of services under its Enterprise Protection Strategy (EPS), designed to manage the entire outbreak lifecycle. It encompasses every process, from vulnerability prevention to elimination and cleanup.

Networks are assessed for potential vulnerabilities, allowing weak spots to be identified before an outbreak occurs. Any machines that have not been updated with the latest protection software can then be isolated, thereby neutralizing the risk of them acting as portals for harmful material. With scanning provided at both application and network layers, the EPS offers comprehensive network security policy enforcement.

Support from the TrendLabs global network of research facilities ensures that relevant information on outbreaks is swiftly circulated to customers. The pattern file and Outbreak Prevention Policy are deployed so the elimination process can begin, and automated cleanup procedures implemented in affected areas.

Trend Micro EPS was first introduced in 2002, and has been providing exhaustive protection for networks ever since. As viruses and other threats increase in complexity, new services are developed to match emerging problems, and a range of product enhancements has been developed for 2004. Designed to combat new dangers such as blended threats and network viruses, they offer advanced safeguards.

Since its inception in 1988, Trend Micro has been at the forefront of the international effort to make IT more secure. Now more than half way through its second decade, the company is leading the fight to make the Internet a safer environment for businesses.