Trend

Anti-Spyware vendors gear up for SMBs

Anti-Spyware vendors are coming up with all-in-one dedicated solutions for SMBs to support the needs of small organisations. By Chirasrota Jena

Over the past year, anti-virus companies have attempted to counter the spyware problem by including some type of anti-spyware functionality into their applications. Some vendors sell patching and anti-spyware combinations. Others mix this functionality into anti-virus software. Either way, their code and “signature” files were not built to effectively remove spyware. To get rid of and actively protect against spyware, more sophisticated code and scanning mechanisms are required. According to several product reviews, many anti-virus applications have obvious deficiencies when it comes to cleaning anti-spyware and blocking routines making it difficult to recommend these solutions to companies and individuals battling the scourge of spyware. Also with spyware writers using newer techniques like rootkits to help intruders get access to systems while avoiding detection and staying there for a longer time to exploit illegal gains.

The anti-spyware Industry has a long way to go. This promises rapid growth and profit margins for those companies that are quick off the starting blocks. The focus is now shifting to focused effort in combating the spyware menace. Niraj Kaushik, Country Head (India & SAARC), Trend Micro says, “Malicious spyware has the ability to monitor a user’s computing habits and private information, sending information to third parties without the user’s knowledge. For most organisations, spyware is not only an invasion of privacy, but it also enables the theft of sensitive corporate data. Additionally, spyware can cause system instability, computer downtime, and unnecessary bandwidth usage.”

As usage of the Internet grows exponentially, Indian users have started feeling the heat with spyware emerging as a major issue. The majority of spyware infections are due to irresponsible Web browsing, followed by infections resulting from the careless use of peer-to-peer applications, instant messaging, and e-mail. As the spyware issue explodes organisations and end-users alike are looking to anti-spyware vendors for protection. Sanjay Pradhan, CEO and Co Founder, Max Secure Software says, “The desktop and perimeter anti-spyware solutions market combined in Asia is expected to grow from $214 million in 2006, to $1.4 billion in 2010, according to a new study by The Radicati Group. In India, a lot of education about spyware needs to be done over the next two to three years, before substantial market uptake can be seen.”

Vendors are crafting solutions with a multi-layered approach to the spyware problem through coordinated security at the gateway, server and client levels. There are clear indications that the consumer segment has begun to commoditise and it is expected that the industry will see a major change in product offerings and functionality that will affect this market as well as the enterprise segment. Although some vendors—Trend Micro, Symantec, McAfee—are doing well in the market, players like Max Secure, Lavasoft and Webroot are also trying their best to take a slice of this market segment. Vendors are providing solutions targeting the source and destinations of attack. Opines Kartik Shahani, Director, Sales, India and SAARC, McAfee Inc., “With the increasing use of the Internet for downloading music, programmes and games—virus attacks are rising. McAfee has different solutions for enterprise level spyware protection and total protection for small businesses to reduce the risks associated with spyware identity theft, network corruption, loss of productivity and slower Internet access. Our anti-spyware software comes in two versions. One blocks the spyware and the other cleans it.”

Spyware writers are often motivated by financial gain spurring them to use sophisticated techniques in spyware to modify legitimate PC functions, and even crash a PC when removal is attempted.

For SMBs only

For small businesses, the burden of managing unpredictable threats can be immense. Lacking the luxury of an IT support team these organizations want a single solution with one single install and one product to manage that can help them secure their business automatically. Kaushik says, “According to a recent Trend Micro study of small and medium businesses, 85 percent of the respondents said that they wanted a vendor to advise them about security threats and provide guidance in protecting their business assets. Additionally, 72 percent said they preferred limited involvement in responding to an outbreak and that they wanted a security solution to protect their computer network in a seamless, self-sufficient manner. With automated defence, companies can stay informed of their current security system status without committing valuable resources to everyday management tasks.”

There is still a tremendous untapped potential for anti-virus solutions in India. For example, if we go by statistics, the SMB segment is the fastest growing one today. It is estimated that in India, 44 percent of the total IT spend of Rs. 26,100 crores comes from this segment. Anti-spyware vendors are coming up with all-in-one dedicated solutions for the SMBs that support the needs of these organisations and provide a comprehensive, reduced cost alternative to many of the more complex, resource-hungry repackaged enterprise solutions often offered in the marketplace to smaller businesses. McAfee has launched a choice of solutions, dependant on infrastructure and business need. It has levered its expertise in enterprise security to develop new hardware, software and services that fit appropriately into the evolving SMB infrastructure. Informing about the company’s strategy to tap the SMB segment on which McAfee is focusing on. Shahani says, “There is no end to security solution. Our strategies revolve round point product strategy, security risk management, compliance and risk management. We provide one single console for the SMB houses through which they should get value for money.”

Spyware trends in 2007 reveal the likelihood of the threat growing as creators find newer methods for installing them on machines. More ingenious social engineering and software vulnerabilities will be the likeliest candidates for this. Malicious spyware has the ability to monitor a user’s computing habits and private information, sending information to third parties without the user’s knowledge. For most organisations, spyware is not only an invasion of privacy, but can also enable the theft of sensitive corporate data. Additionally, spyware can cause system instability, computer downtime, and unnecessary bandwidth usage. Security concerns including r egulatory compliance risks posed by spyware threats and the effect of spyware on worker productivity are driving the growth of this market.