"Security Solutions" Initiative from Trend Micro Helps Middle East Businesses Protect themselves from Malware Threat
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A new study released by the Information Technology Solution Providers Alliance (ITSPA) reveals that small and medium businesses (SMB) are much more vulnerable to security attacks than larger companies, mainly due to the lack of an adequate anti-virus strategy.
To help to limit this threat, Trend Micro Middle East, a leading global provider of network anti-virus and Internet security software services, has launched a campaign to educate business people in the Middle East about the simple steps they can take to protect IT systems from virus attack.
Trend Micro's own research, targeting organizations with 500 employees or less, has shown that, while 77.5 percent of those surveyed have a security policy in place, 56 per cent of participants have been victims of a virus attack in the last 12 months.
The research also shows that participants reported costs of between US$15,000 and US$200,000 for repairing systems after a serious attack.
Trend Micro's 'Security Solutions' campaign aims to provide expert advice to small businesses which operate with limited dedicated in-house IT resources. The comprehensive guide to safer computing covers the three areas essential of a successful security strategy for small businesses: people, processes and technology.
"Start-up, small, and medium-sized businesses have a lot of technical issues to deal with on a daily basis," explained Samir Kirouani, technical manager, Trend Micro Middle East. "We want to make life easier for these organizations by passing on safer computing tips so that they can get on with day-to-day business."
According to Kirouani, the first critical step for organizations of all sizes is to develop a security strategy. In essence, this means developing guidelines that are easy to understand and to follow. A fall-back procedure should form part of this policy, with instructions for actions that should be taken if a security breach occurs.
"Before any action is taken, the management should sit down and define what it is they are trying to protect as part of a risk analysis project. After that, you have to look into what you are trying to protect your data or IT system from, including spam, viruses, hackers, and malware in general," said Kirouani.
"Our how-to information, developed in cooperation with successful businesses from around the world, is full of useful and practical advice that won't cost companies anything," he added.
With a practical guide for employees in place, SMBs also require IT tools to underpin these safety measures. As companies grow in size, their solutions should also change and scale up in step with physical expansion. While there are a range of products available today, it can prove difficult to pick a solution that provides security, ensures usability, and is simple to manage.
"There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right product: required features, ease of use and locally-offered support, in addition to cost. Companies need to look for products that are easy to install, can be used straight out of the box, and that are integrated," explained Kirouani.
Trend Micro offers a range of security solutions created specifically to fit the needs of SMB organizations. These products include InterScan VirusWall, NeatSuite, and Client/Server/Messaging Suite.
"Trend Micro was the first security company to bring to market solutions that meet the needs of the Middle East's SMB community," said Kirouani. "We will continue to remain fully committed to these businesses by launching further educational initiatives and applications that deliver real results and offer peace of mind to customers."
The 'Security Solutions' how-to guide can be downloaded from Trend Micro's website, http://www.trendmicro-middleeast.com/smb/products/strategy.php. Evaluation packs are also available from Trend Micro's Middle East offices, in Dubai.
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About Trend Micro
Trend Micro is a leader in network antivirus and Internet content security software and services. The Tokyo-based corporation has its European headquarters on Marlow, England and its operations span the globe. Trend products are sold through corporate, value-added resellers and managed service providers. For additional information and evaluation of copies of all Trend Micro products, please visit :www.trendmicro-europe.com.
P.O. Box 502281
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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© Press Release 2005
