Symantec has launched Symantec Internet Threat Meter, a free resource that provides up-to-date information on the risk level associated with specific online activities, including email, web access, instant messaging, and file sharing. It warns of the most recent Internet threats and informs about the steps to take to safeguard computers and personal data while transacting online.
The Symantec Internet Threat Meter takes an activities-based approach. The index rates the four main online activities - email, web activities, instant messaging, and file sharing - on a low, medium, or high risk level, based on triggers related to malware, spyware, phishing/online fraud, vulnerabilities, online attacks, and spam.
According to the latest Internet readership results released by the Online Publishers' Association (OPA), South African consumers are using the Internet at a steadily growing rate, with a latest readership or unique browser figure being 4.6 million.
Patrick Evans, regional director of Symantec Africa says, "While this local increase in Internet usage is encouraging as consumers are starting to trust the Internet as an information and commerce function, findings from Symantec's latest Internet Security Threat Report show high cybercrime threats (designed to steal personal information without the user even noticing) - which makes security a major priority and concern for consumers.
