Businesses have been warned that their networks are becoming more difficult to secure as they increasingly embrace Web 2.0 applications.
A three-year study by web security firm WatchGuard Technologies has found that the changing face of security threats brought about by Web 2.0 technologies is imposing far greater challenges on IT managers.
WatchGuard warned that web-based attacks usually target applications running on the web server by exploiting flaws in website design and that most attacks are carried out for profit, such as the sale of information or blackmail.
“The increase in the range and sophistication of threats, combined with more complex architectures and the move to Web 2.0, will make the job of securing enterprise networks more difficult than ever before,” said Steve Fallin, director of WatchGuard's Rapid Response team.
Other factors putting organisations at more risk include increased levels of remote access, continued poor user behaviour and the shift from 'hobby hackers' to organised crime, WatchGuard said.
“The last few years have seen a considerable change in the nature of security challenges faced by the internet enabled enterprise,” added Fallin.
“As we are now on the verge of widespread adoption of Web 2.0, with its promise of the collaborative enterprise, it is vital to adapt enterprise security to address the threats posed by a Web 2.0 world.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2007
