The only things multiplying faster than definitions for what constitutes spyware, is the malware itself and the opportunities for the enterprise to become infected.

Welcome to the new world of spyware, where we will no longer be overwhelmed by viruses, but instead will be grappling with the issue of spyware and rapidly expanding technologies such as corporate P2P, wireless networking, and instant messaging (IM), that by their very openness, interactivity and decentralized nature, expose the enterprise to a whole new level of risk.

While some continue to view activities such as file-sharing or downloading shareware as no more than annoying behaviors that may occasionally consume too much band-width or result in the occasional annoying pop-up ad, there is growing evidence that spyware (adware, badware) is on the rise and will soon become an even bigger headache than viruses.

The growing awareness of the threat from non-viral malware is undeniably entering the corporate environment. Top concerns for IT professionals are personal web surfing, software downloads and web-based email. 1 in 3 companies had detected spyware on their network and 70% believe peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing creates an “open door’ for hackers. In addition, Microsoft estimates spyware is responsible for half of all PC crashes and Dell says 12% of its tech-support calls involve spyware, a problem that has increased substantially in recent months.


Deb Brown
VP of Sales and Customer Support
Computer Associates

Deb Brown has twenty years of experience in enterprise sales, customer service, and sales training. In the early 1990s, she operated DLBRB, Inc., providing sales &Mac185;training for corporations such as Lucent Technologies, AMP Incorporated and Hershey Chocolate Corporation. Subsequently, Deb managed a $2 million department in the Internet Business Solutions Division of AMP, Inc. and held the position of VP of New Business Development at Everybook, Inc., where she established worldwide sales channels and assisted in securing investor funding.