Symantec to be key advisory partner HKPC's new computer security initiative, CERT

Symantec to be key advisory partner HKPC's new computer security initiative, CERT

Hong Kong -- February 16, 2000 - Symantec, the worldwide leader in Internet security, has announced that it will be a key advisory partner for the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) which will be formally launched next Tuesday by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

Supported by a budget of more than HK$10.7 million, CERT is the SAR's first co-ordination centre responsible for information security, acting as a key resource for businesses and the community in the battle against hackers, global virus attacks and associated computer crime.

As one of the world's leading suppliers of Internet security solutions, Symantec will be offering CERT information and expertise in the fields of virus alerts and protection, content and network security as well as risk management. CERT will operate a comprehensive help desk service and disseminate information from Symantec and other advisory members on virus outbreaks and other information security incidents.

A recent HKPC survey of 3,000 local companies revealed that viruses are the most common type of computer complaint with one in five companies reporting damage. One company said that it alone had suffered HK$1 million in damage from lost data and damage. The survey found the average damage to be a few thousand dollars.

"We are pleased to have Symantec as one of our advisory members," said Mr. K. T. Yung, General Manager, Information Technology Division of HKPC. "As a leader in anti-virus and Internet security technology, Symantec will bring us the latest information and developments in the industry. Information from Symantec's network of worldwide AntiVirus Research Centres will provide a comprehensive and timely landscape of global virus activities and help the team to investigate local security issues."

Mr. Yung said that the success of CERT depends on the co-operation and support of IT professionals, vendors, officials and academics.

CERT is responsible for maintaining stable and continued communication with Symantec and industry vendors, government departments, universities and similar organisations overseas. In cooperation with the above parties, the CERT will roll-out educational and training programmes to raise public awareness for information security.

"More than 90 percent of small-to-medium businesses don't have advanced security systems," said Daniel Cheng, managing director of China and Hong Kong, Symantec. "Working closely with the HKPC and CERT, Symantec hopes to take a significant step towards educating the local business community about the need for a protected Internet environment."

Symantec was one of the first vendors to support the CERT during its inception and was named by the HKPC in the CERT proposal submitted to the HKSAR government last year.

In a survey of Asia Pacific companies last year by international security consultant Pinkerton, computer crime was the number one concern. It is estimated that up to six new viruses are generated each day, but probably more threatening is the evolution of their efficiency. The increased use of the Web and the growing adoption of more Internet technologies provide fertile ground for viruses to spread quickly.

One of the first recognised viruses, Jerusalem, in 1990 took three years to become the world's most prevalent bug; in 1995 Concept took four months; in 1999 Melissa took four days and in 2000 ILOVEYOU took just five hours.

To equip organisations with the tools to fight viruses, Symantec has announced Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5. The solution provides customers with enterprise-class anti-virus protection at the desktop and server tiers of the corporate network.

Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5 is the first anti-virus product to feature the Digital Immune System, a closed loop automation technology for automatic detection and cure for security threats. The Digital Immune System greatly improves system uptime by providing automatic, reliable and hands-free virus detection, analysis and delivery of virus cures to an infected PC or an entire organisation. Symantec's Norton AntiVirus Corporate Edition 7.5 also includes Symantec System Centre that allows centralised management, implementation and maintain of security policies across mixed-desktop and server platforms.

About Symantec
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, risk management, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management and mobile code detection technologies to customers. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Symantec has worldwide operations in more than 36 countries.

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Issued on behalf of Symantec Corporation by Newell Public Relations