FutureSoft has released the results of its first endpoint security survey, which highlighted that UK businesses fear that iPods and other USB devices brought into the work place are a threat to corporate security.

Eighty-eight per cent of respondents, taken from a cross section of the key UK market sectors, have considered the risks of USB devices to the corporate network, with over half of them naming employees iPods as a particular concern.

A summary of the other key findings:

• 81 per cent cited flash memory sticks as being a threat to corporate security, 71 per cent PDAs and a further 76 per cent listed laptops brought in by visitors and consultants
  
• Two thirds (67 per cent) of respondents said they were concerned about both the possibility of infections being brought into the network and sensitive data being taken out
  
• Although 83.3 per cent have corporate policies relating to what USB devices can be used inside the organisation, only 16.7 per cent currently have technology in place to monitor their use
  
• Subsequently, 67 per cent have experienced serious spyware infections that have taken more than an hour to solve.

Threats to security go beyond simply cleaning spyware infections and running virus scanners. Infections from spyware and viruses may simply be symptoms of a wider problem: the inability to manage and control desktop systems and their users effectively.

[Papers in ISB has covered this area extensively and comprehensively, so ISB readers should have taken relevant precautions at least a year ago. --Ed].

Related links: (Open in a new window.)
www.futuresoftuk.com

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