Almost two-thirds of Irish companies have no internet usage policy, leaving them more exposed to viruses, worms and hackers, according to a new survey.
The survey results - by research firm Amárach - were announced at an event yesterday marking "Make IT Secure" day, the start of a national campaign supported by a Government and industry consortium.
The campaign will include the distribution of leaflets, research, advertisements and an information website (www.makeITsecure.ie).
Some 55 per cent of businesses in the survey said they had been affected by worms and viruses.
Meanwhile, more than 40 per cent of home and work PCs have suffered virus infections in the past.
"What we have found is that, even in cases when there is awareness among PC-users about security risks and threats, they still partake in activities which unwittingly leave them exposed," said the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Dempsey, at the launch.
The Make IT Secure consortium includes the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Microsoft, Eircom, HP, Dell, Symantec, Esat BT, Ward Solutions and the Information Society Commission.
