FIRMS GUILTY OF NEGLECTING REMOTE WORKERS' IT SECURITY, REVEALS SOPHOS SURVEY

'Out of sight, out of mind' approach to remote users leaves businesses at risk of virus attacks

Lynnfield, MA April 29, 2003 - Sophos, a world leader in anti-virus solutions for businesses, released a survey, which revealed that many companies are neglecting the security of their remote workers' IT systems. The result of last month's poll of 3,000 IT systems administrators found that companies are diligent about updating their office-based anti-virus software - 66% of firms are doing so on a daily basis. However, a staggering 70% of companies are only updating their remote workers' anti-virus protection weekly or less frequently. 45% of businesses polled are relying on monthly updates alone to update their remote workforce's protection. This is in spite of Sophos issuing protection for every virus considered to be a threat, which could be several each day.

Today's business world has proven to be more flexible in terms of employees' schedules and work location. Many employers are allowing employees to work from home offices and this is likely to increase. Sophos is concerned that, by failing to update anti-virus protection for remote users, companies are creating a critical hole in their networks, which will be exacerbated by an increased number of remote users.

"Neglecting remote users' IT security is like having a bucket with a hole in it," said Chris Belthoff, senior product marketing manager. "Businesses are largely aware of the importance of applying anti-virus updates in-house, but this mindset hasn't extended to incorporate off-site workers. Diligent IT administrators are seriously compromising their security efforts by not enforcing stricter security policies covering remote workers' computers."

With a rise in the popularity of home working, computers are often used for both work and leisure. Home workers using their laptops or work PCs to download web content or share files over peer-to-peer platforms further increase their vulnerability to virus infection.

Since viruses are capable of spreading around the world in a matter of minutes, it is essential that updates are as regular as possible. Updating remote workers' anti-virus protection can be managed with administration tools, which monitor company computers outside the network and update as required. Sophos's Remote Update can be deployed to update remote computers with the latest virus protection and upgrades of Sophos Anti-Virus software.

Sophos's poll was completed by more than 3,000 IT systems administrators at companies worldwide.

About Sophos:
Sophos is the only anti-virus solutions provider focused solely on businesses. Sophos products are sold and supported through a global network of subsidiaries and partners in more than 150 countries. Sophos solutions are specifically designed to protect businesses and organizations of all sizes against viruses and are widely deployed by corporations, financial institutions, government agencies and academic institutions. For more information, please contact Sophos at 1-888-SOPHOS-9 or visit the Sophos website at www.sophos.com.

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