US OPEN SOURCE MODEL FOR IT SECURITY THREATS Open Source Model for Security Threats - IT Observer: "Open Source Model for Security Threats
A major security breach at CardSystems exposed the personal data of more than 40 million credit card holders to possible fraud. Marriott tried to explain how it misplaced personal data for some of its 200,000 customers. Other major companies including Bank of America, Citigroup, and DSW Shoe Warehouse had similar woes.

In addition to these events, companies endured an increase in the sophistication of threats, including virus-infected e-mails, worms, spam, spyware, computer theft, and network intrusions. These computer-related crimes cost U.S. businesses an incredible $67.2 billion a year, according to FBI estimates.

It would be easy for an organization to focus attention on any one security issue. However, the real threat for companies in 2006 won't be a single type of threat. Instead, it will be the explosive growth in the frequency and variety of attacks, and the amount of time, energy, and resources that will be required to defend against them.

Monday, 27 February 2006 14:01 EST"