Security attacks 'can hit hard'

19:51 7th September 2009

While consumers can get away with not updating their security software in a number of instances, they could suffer worse-than-expected attacks, it has been claimed.

Simon Heron, internet security analyst at Network Box, said that while some figures in the IT industry may be putting security on the back burner as a result of increase pressures elsewhere, dangers do still exist.

"It is difficult for IT managers who are trying to update stuff," he said, noting that projects that are not critical often get left at the bottom of the pile.

"You can live on the edge a little bit and most of the time you'll get away with it," he said, adding that when problems to occur, they can come quickly and can be larger than expected.

His comments follow research from PC Tools which showed that while many internet users are aware of some potential sites of infection, they are not aware of threats from newer soruces such as social networking sites or instant messaging services.

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