SharePoint Security Fails To Protect Users

A study conducted by Trend Micro disclosed that majority of firms neglect to install Microsoft SharePoint-security specific, exposing them to malware attacks and data theft.

This negligence exposes SharePoint servers and staff computers to data-stealing malicious software. Clients, associates, and remote workers who use common collaboration operating system are also exposed to the rising complexity of Internet threats that silently spread but cause heavy losses.

As per the study carried out by Osterman Research and commissioned by Trend Micro, 269 information technology managers were involved in supervising the messaging and collaboration infrastructure of their firms. The study discovered that just 60% have installed security, putting 40% at risk. From those organizations that have security system in place, several firms are still unprotected as they are depending on file server antivirus programs, which do not adequately safeguard the SharePoint content and consumers.

The study also discovered that several of these firms permit outside consumers to log-in to their SharePoint servers. 48% of these external customers are contractors, 38% are business partners, 30% are associates and 20% are clients. This puts endpoint security beyond a firm's control and increases the possibility of information loss and vulnerability.

The study further indicated that around 72% of the surveyed SharePoint consumers feel safeguarding business-sensitive data as the most important requisite for SharePoint security, and 43% said checking malware is their top priority.

The study which included firms from France, Germany, North America, Sweden and the United Kingdom proved that e-commerce face the greatest security threats from hackers. Besides, cybercrime is now the world's fastest developing crime, with the involvement of organized criminal gangs from all nations.

It is a multifaceted monster, attacking via email, Internet, and through other associated flaws like the Universal Datagram Protocol. Once the actual magnitude of this danger is recognized, it might have a huge negative effect on the customers and purchasers in the e-commerce world.

Besides, for several firms, SharePoint security is regarded as quite "effective". However, some firms believe that security installed at the port, server and final level are adequate for defending SharePoint servers from malware and other dangers.

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» SPAMfighter News - 2/11/2009