The cyber threat landscape is evolving by the second. And according to Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) 2013, a variety of trends are underscoring the importance of having a layered approach to security.

For most, this begins and ends with the installation of a basic antivirus protection program. However, this approach is no longer effective as cyber criminals are shifting gears from single, high-profile attacks to finely-targeted assaults using little-known malware mutations. A lone antivirus protection program is simply obsolete with the immense complexities of the modern-day threat landscape. The only way to successfully thwart these viral security breaches is with a layered approach to security—one that only Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1 can offer. Symantec’s multi-layered approach is a mix of intelligence-based technologies that scour files, the Web, and your network to ensure that malicious malware hasn’t intruded. With five...

Reference: http://www.symantec.com/business/support/index?page=content&id=TECH205767

Symantec will post update to the AV Engine in Multiple Daily Virus Definitions on Tuesday May 21st 2013.

Beginning with the Virus Definitions that include the update AV Engine version 20131.1, additional files will be added. That update is expected to post in MDD1 on Wednesday May 21st.

Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1+ and Norton AntiVirus/Norton Internet Security 2011+ customers will see 4 new index files.  Symantec Endpoint Protection 11+ and Norton AntiVirus/Norton Internet Security 2007+ products will see 8 additional index files.

As a result of the additional files, the size of each dated definition folder will increase. Note the size increase noted below will be the size that is added to the dated definition folders as they exist...

Over the last year, the threat landscape has radically changed as cyber criminals diligently find new ways to attack encrypted data through various channels.  The annual Symantec Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR) revealed that Web-based attacks increased 30% in 2012. Surprisingly though, is that a majority of those attacks targeted small business with less than 2,500 employees, proving that no matter what size your business is, it’s vulnerable to potential attacks. Other results from the ISTR indicated a rise in targeted attacks, sub-standard website security increases risk, mobile malware is a growing concern, and that new tactics, like ransomware, will continue to evolve. To read more about the ISTR findings and learn how to better protect your small business from malicious attacks, follow this link: http://bit.ly/14QmmJ6     

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak to an esteemed group of people at the Fordham Law Center on National Security.  My topic revolved around the latest Cyber Security Trends and Threats, relying on stats from Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report (just released last month).  The link to the report is here: http://www.symantec.com/security_response/publications/threatreport.jsp. 

Areas of discussion included the rise in highly targeted attacks, increased threat to small businesses, ransom ware, and the Elderwood Project. Attendees ranged from venture capitalists, law firm partners, law enforcement officials, business consultants, policy analysts, among others.  This was a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and stress the importance of "shared responsibility".  We each have a role to play...