Internet Security Top Priority for Canada's Fortune 800 Executives

Survey Shows an Increase in Security Spending

TORONTO, ON - June 10, 2003 - - Internet Security is a growing concern for Canada's "C-Suite" executives, according to a study on the "Pulse of Internet Security in Canada" conducted by Symantec (Nasdaq: SYMC), the world leader in Internet Security, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Released today, the study, which surveyed 150 "C-Suite" executives, shows that 73 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they are investing more in security than they were 18 months ago. The results also indicate that 61 per cent of Canadian "C-Suite" executives polled identified Internet security among the top five priorities in their organizations.

The survey was created to raise awareness around Internet security issues in Canada and identify the priorities of "C-Suite" executives at Canada's Fortune 800 companies in industries ranging from financial services to energy. The Branham Group, a leading Canadian research firm, in cooperation with Symantec and the RCMP, conducted the "Pulse of Internet Security in Canada" survey.

Additional findings indicate that while C-level executives view Internet security as a top priority, few see their organizations as being at significant risk of attack. "In February 2003, the Symantec Internet Security Threat Report* indicated that worldwide, companies averaged 30 attacks per company, per week during the previous six months," said Michael Murphy, General Manager for Symantec in Canada. "While Canadian C-level executives have recognized the need for improved Internet security tactics, this survey has drawn attention to the need for a greater understanding of Internet threats and the integrated approach that must be taken to prevent security breaches."

Respondents indicated that their top three security investments are firewalls, anti-virus software and security standards. Intrusion Detection Systems and security training appeared much lower on the list of investments, yet these are essential components of an effective integrated approach to security.

"We strongly recommend that corporations report Internet security breaches to address the growing number of complex threats on the Internet today. This enables the RCMP to investigate cyber criminals and curb their impact on corporate Canada," said Luc Filion, Officer in Charge, Technical Security Branch, RCMP. "We're encouraged by the fact that 86 per cent of those surveyed indicated they would admit to a security breach and also report it to authorities."

Highlights of the "2003 Pulse of Internet Security in Canada Survey" include:

• Of the respondents, 100 per cent identified IT security as an area of importance in their organization, 61 per cent rating it as among one of the top five priorities in their company. On a scale from one to 10 (10 being the highest priority) respondents on average rated IT security as 7.13, indicating the topic is top of mind.



• 45.6 per cent of respondents said they were more concerned about Internet security than they were 18 months ago, while 41.5 per cent said their concern remained unchanged.



• When assessing the level of priority that senior executives are putting on IT security, respondents indicated that the top three threats that come to mind are hacking, unauthorized access to information and attacks by viruses.



• Overall, respondents rated the risk of attack on their organizations as low, (10 being the highest risk and 1 being the lowest). The average CEO response was 3.75 while the average non-CEO response was 4.12.



• 50 per cent of respondents indicated that they would admit to a security breach while 32 per cent indicated that they would not.



• Of those that indicated that they would admit to a security breach, an overwhelming 86 per cent indicated that they would report a future breach to authorities. Leading factors that would dictate what was reported to authorities would be based on the breach's impact or cost to the company and/or legal issues.



• 72.6 per cent of respondents claim to be investing more in security than they were 18 months ago. Respondents indicated that the top three security technologies they are investing in include firewalls, anti-virus software and security standards.

* About Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report
Insights in the Internet Security Threat Report are drawn from Symantec's breadth of world-leading resources. Cyber attack trends are drawn from the analysis of attack data collected in real time from a subset of thousands of intrusion detection systems and firewalls. These sensors are deployed in more than 40 countries as part of the Symantec's Worldwide Managed Security Services Operations. Vulnerability trends are based on statistical analysis of Symantec Response Team's extensive vulnerability database, which houses more than 6,000 vulnerabilities affecting more than 13,000 distinct products. Finally, malicious code trends are based on analysis of information generated by Symantec Response Team's Digital Immune System, which draws submitted virus data from more than 100 million antivirus products. Symantec's Internet Security Threat Report is available on its Web site at www.symantec.com.

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 email 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.

Symantec’s Canadian operations are headquartered in Toronto with offices in Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver. For more information on Symantec products or current promotions, contact the Canadian office at (416) 441-3676 or access Symantec’s Canadian Web site at www.symantec.ca. Symantec is an active member of the Canadian Alliance Against Software Theft (CAAST).

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