Symantec CEO Raises Awareness of Cyber Terrorism
While physical security is top of mind, Symantec warns a cyber attack on
critical infrastructure could be just as real
SYDNEY --NSW - November 7, 2002 -- Symantec, the world leader in
Internet security, is encouraging industry and government to give online
security the same priority as the physical protection of its assets. In
Sydney this week to address the Symantec Security Summit, Symantec Chairman
and CEO John W. Thompson said the operation of much of a country's critical
infrastructure is dependent on the seamless running of its computer systems.
Neglecting the security of those systems can potentially reap significant
political and financial damage.
"Recent terrorist incidences have raised awareness and debate about the
physical security of Australia's critical infrastructure, but equally
important is the protection of the country's computer networks because an
attack on them is a threat to the backbone of the infrastructure itself,"
said Mr Thompson.
"No country or industry can afford to be complacent. With the ongoing
privatisation of utilities and other critical infrastructure, and the
increasing occurrence and complexity of security threats, private and public
sectors must make cyber security a priority," he said.
Citing the October denial of service attack on the Internet root servers and
the wide spreading Bugbear virus as the most recent examples of threats
against global industry, Mr Thompson said the potential for terrorist groups
to attack Australia's, or any other country's, information systems is real.
Government and industry groups as well as the general public must be
prepared for attacks of this nature.
According to a 12-month study of Internet security breaches, the Asia
Pacific region is one of the most prominent sources of hacking incidences,
accounting for 91 per cent of all attacks outside of the U.S. An Australian
study involving 95 organisations reported that financial losses of almost
A$6million resulted from computer attacks, crime or misuse within the 12
month period.
"Every business, small or large, and every individual who owns a PC and is
connected to the Internet, could be unwitting participants in malicious
cyber acts simply by not being protected against attacks. Everyone has the
opportunity and a responsibility to secure their portion of the global
virtual border," said Mr Thompson.
He applauded the Australian Government and relevant industries for their
proactive stance to date on developing strategies to counter cyber
terrorism. Symantec has been in active discussions with key industry groups
both in Australia and in other countries to ensure the integrity of global
infrastructures and that best practices are promoted in the general public
and business communities.
In Australia, Symantec has been working with the National Office for the
Information Economy (NOIE) and the Attorney-General's Department to raise
cyber security awareness for consumers and enterprises on the
Business-Government Critical Infrastructure Task Force.
NOIE General Manager (Regulatory), Tom Dale said: "It is clear that
governments, corporations and individuals around the world must be prepared
for the very real threats to our electronic security. The Australian
Government has been working with Australian industry groups to ensure cyber
security is a priority for the corporate sector and for SMEs and home users,
so that a trusted and secure electronic operating environment is available
to all."
Mr Thompson has called for a public education program to raise the profile
and significance of cyber security. He has encouraged the Australian
Government and industry to support the next U.S. Cyber Security Day on 30
March 2003, aimed at promoting safe online practices and encouraging
consumers and businesses to play their role in cyber security.
As part of its local public and industry education initiatives, Symantec
works closely with the Australian Computer Emergency Response Team, the
Internet Industry Association Cybercrime Taskforce, and regularly liaises
with State and Federal Computer Crime Agencies to exchange information about
computer crime.
Symantec cyber security initiatives
Symantec has provided a leadership role in several U.S. homeland security
initiatives including content recommendations on the U.S. National Strategy
to Secure Cyberspace recently released for public comment.
Mr Thompson was recently appointed to the (U.S.) National Infrastructure
Advisory Committee (NIAC) by U.S. President George W. Bush. The NIAC was
established by the President to provide advice on the security of
information systems for critical infrastructure supporting key sectors of
the national economy, including banking and finance, transportation, energy,
manufacturing, and emergency government services.
Additional activities include the 2002 Silicon Valley Blue Ribbon Task Force
on Aviation Security and Technology, chaired by Thompson. Symantec is a
founding member of The National Cyber Security Alliance, a coalition of
private and public entities to raise awareness of the value of cyber
security throughout the U.S. In addition, Symantec is also a founding member
of IT-ISAC (Information Technology Information Sharing and Analysis Centre)
and serves on its board of directors.
About Symantec
Symantec, the world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad
range of content and network security software and appliance solutions to
individuals, enterprises and service providers. The company is a leading
provider of client, gateway and server security solutions for virus
protection, firewall and virtual private network, vulnerability management,
intrusion detection, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote
management technologies and security services to enterprises and service
providers around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security
products is a leader in worldwide retail sales and industry awards.
Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has worldwide operations in 38
countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com.au
NOTE TO EDITORS: Symantec and the Symantec logo are trademarks or registered
trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Symantec
Corporation. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or
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acknowledged.
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