The importance of network and Internet security for all Irish businesses was highlighted today at the launch of the upcoming 'Trusted Network Security' conference, which will be co-hosted by e-security firm Entropy and Price WaterhouseCoopers.
Speaking at the launch of the conference, Mr Conall Lavery, managing director of Entropy warned Irish companies that the current level of investment in security processes and systems is inadequate as viruses such as the recent Nimda virus demonstrated.
He said that security threats such as viruses are becoming increasingly complex and difficult to avoid unless security is of the highest possible standard.
He also warned that the level of security spending in Ireland lags significantly behind comparative global spending levels that is an issue that could leave Irish companies lagging against its competitors
"Irish businesses of all sizes must recognise the need for a secure network to protect this valuable asset." Mr Lavery said.
"Business partners and consumers who are using the Internet to conduct business are becoming more sophisticated and are demanding evidence from companies that they are transacting business in a secure environment and that users are safe from intrusion and the misuse of information," he added.
Recent research issued by IDC forecasts that IT security sales will triple in value to $21 billion by 2005, compared to $6.7 billion recorded in 2000.
Industry experts estimate that the level of spend in Ireland is growing at only a fraction of that rate.
Mr Lavery said "Ireland, in its attempt to retain the position as an ecommerce hub, must ensure that any security concerns by consumers and business partners are negated if companies here are to be treated as truly global players."