Symantec Provides Internet Security Threat Report, Volume 19

With its commitment to provide security, backup, and availability solutions to vital information, Symantec Corp’s Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR), Volume 19, shows a significant shift in cybercriminal behavior.

“There has been a decline in the Philippines’ cyber security threat profile, ranked 32nd globally last year. A key observation is while the level of sophistication continues to grow among attackers, what was surprising was their willingness to be a lot more patient – waiting to strike until the reward is bigger and better,” said Luichi Robles, Senior Country Manager, Symantec Philippines.

In 2013, there was a 62 percent increase in the number of data breaches from the previous year, resulting in more than 552 million identities exposed – proving cybercrime remains a real and damaging threat to consumers and businesses alike.

The size and scope of breaches is exploding, putting the trust and reputation of businesses at risk and increasingly compromising consumers’ personal information, from credit card numbers and medical records to passwords and bank account details.

“The potential of huge paydays means large-scale attacks are here to stay. Do not expect cybercriminals to slow down but rather, they will be more innovative and efficient in their attacks, targeting Small and Medium Businesses with less than 500 employees, in particular the wholesale and manufacturing sectors in the Philippines,” said Christina Tee, Technical Consultant at Symantec Philippines.

Targeted attacks were up 91 percent and lasted an average of three times longer compared to 2012. Personal assistants and those working in public relations were the two most targeted professions – cybercriminals use them as a stepping stone towards higher-profile targets like celebrities or business executives.

For a copy of Symantec Internet Security Threat Report, Volume 19, go to www.symantec.com/threatreport.