IBM report reveals computer threats spreading to other devices

Internet Business News, Feb 10, 2005

INTERNET BUSINESS NEWS-(C)1995-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

IT company IBM has reported that viruses and worms that used to only attack traditional computers are broadening their range of targets and are spreading to mobile phones, wireless networks, embedded computers and handheld devices.

IBM said that the trend is one of the findings in its 2004 Global Business Security Index Report. The company said that these devices are the 'new frontier' for viruses, and that during 2004 attacks on PDAs and other mobile devices increased significantly. Analysts are predicting that copycats will use threats such as the Cabir worm to target new devices.

The report also foresees problems for VoIP services - expected to increase dramatically in 2005 - with service disruptions and eavesdropping incidents increasing due to the spread of new worms and viruses.

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