LONDON, December 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

A report from IsMal.net - a popular technology news blog - reveals malware could be installed on computers at factory level and argues that only back-ups provide the most reliable solution.

The report published here, shows that Microsoft have discovered malware software being installed on home computers and laptops whilst still at the factory/distribution level. Researchers in China discovered counterfeit software installed on 4 out of 20 brand new desktop and laptop PCs bought for testing. Many high-profile IT companies already keen to highlight the importance of clean, high quality data, see this latest threat to security even more of a reason for businesses large and small to have data streamlined and checked.

"Understanding the problem is the first step toward providing the solution. No computer is 100% safe no matter how secure the firewalls may be, so the best course of action is to back up all your data externally should the unthinkable happen."

Mary Doyle, DQ Global

A virus hitting an individual home PC or laptop is bad, but a virus hitting an entire network can cause havoc with a company's data. CRM and client data can be wiped out or irrevocably altered so as to be rendered effectively useless. Data can be duplicated, mailing lists stolen and years of marketing research tampered with or lost. According to the report malware is still on the rise despite the increased safeguards in place. In 2007 it was thought malware had peaked at 34.2% in the US. Despite statistics showing that levels have fallen since then, the hackers have merely altered their avenues of attack. This is supported by new statistics showing malware levels rising steadily again since October 2011 and expected to peak at over 500,000 reported infections per month.

This report and its findings are further supported by the BBC which recently published a significant lapse in data management control and the impact it had on people's lives after patient details were lost at one of the largest NHS Trusts in the UK. Out of date and archaic computer systems were blamed. With malware and virus threats coming in at the shipping level, before computers even reach the office, tighter and more focused data control is now essential. Specialists from leading IT companies would seem to agree.

"We are able to recover almost any data from a compromised hard drive, but do not let that fool you into thinking that you shouldn't back up your data either on the cloud service or on an external drive."

James Lovatt, Core Technical Solutions

According to the report, the only way to protect any computer from malicious code is to have as many safeguards as possible in place to prevent data loss. Whilst backing up your systems and ensuring security levels are up to date, there is no 100% guaranteed solution but as long as the back ups are there, any losses incurred due to malware should be kept to a minimum.

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