Spyware defense deployed by just one in 10

Fewer than one in 10 US organizations have deployed effective defenses against invasive spyware programs, pollsters are reporting, despite a year in which spyware attacks have hit the headlines almost as often as phishing attacks.

By CBR Staff Writer

Remotely installed spyware can be used to record key-logging events, it can track cookies or simply deliver some unrequested advertising supported message or adware to a PC screen. Most people consider that an invasion of their privacy, but in the context of enterprise email it is yet another security concern.

According to a new survey that has canvassed opinion from 275 IT executives in the US, less than 10% are deploying corporate solutions against the growing threat, yet nearly 82% report their desktops are currently infected with spyware.

The poll was backed by privately-held anti-spyware technology provider Webroot Software Inc to push its Spy Sweeper Enterprise anti-spyware solution.