Security: What's going on?
Source: ZDNet
Are we winning the battle against computer viruses and security threats, or getting swamped by an epidemic?
Although corporations and individuals are taking more measures to inoculate against computer viruses and online vandals, security experts disagree over whether they're stemming the tide or simply keeping heads above water in the face of a growing number of hackers and ever more virulent code.
Assessing the situation is tough, say experts, because of the lack of conclusive data about viruses and their effects.
"We need more data, better data and different kinds of data," said Richard Power, editorial director for the Computer Security Institute, which produces a yearly survey that contains some of the most often cited--and occasionally maligned--data on security incidents.
"Having the right data would help debunk a lot of the crap out there: predictions of an electronic Pearl Harbor and the waves of hype that follow virus attacks like I Love You," Power said, adding that CSI's poll can't be considered scientifically accurate.
