Until some time back the anti-virus was our lifesaver. They protected us from virtual threats more reliably, but as time passed, technologies evolved as well as virtual threats, that is, computer viruses. As proof of this evolution one of the giants in the digital security business, Symantec has publicly stated that today anti-virus software is dead due to its protection methods that are often ineffective against attacks by advanced malware.
Symantec's senior vice president for information security, Brian Dye said the anti-viruses are no longer a money-making machine like they once were. He estimates that only 45% of cyber attacks are hampered by anti-virus software and so companies like Symantec are looking for alternative and more effective methods to protect customers from security threats.
One such approach is the creation of a new support team dedicated to helping companies affected by cyber-security attacks, and within six months Symantec will begin offering special intelligence reports to companies wishing to know why and how they are to be affected by threats. In addition, Symantec is also working on developing a security tool that focuses on searching for advanced malware within a company's network, going beyond the capabilities of traditional anti-virus software.
With revenue falling 5% every year, Symantec is hoping that the new tools will reverse this situation. Brian Dye revealed that there are currently no plans to abandon Norton as well as other similar products of the company since they are responsible for 40% of revenue from it, but more innovative security tools can become the big deal that need.
In addition to Symantec, other companies in the digital security business are already looking for alternatives to detect and minimize the damage caused by intelligent security breaches, one of them is the Juniper Networks which offers a service that makes it possible to distract sensitive data hackers.
Source: Techspot
