IBM has introduced a security service that offers a
concise, monthly global-network threat report designed to help
organisations assess security needs and vulnerabilities from a
business perspective.
The IBM Global Business Security Index compiles threat
information from some 2,700 IBM security professionals and half a
million monitored devices, the company said. The data is then
analysed by IBM security intelligence and consulting experts to
rate the potential severity of IT threats.
IBM is selling the report to businesses as a new IBM Security
Intelligence Services offering. The report can be customised by
industry and starts at a base price of around $10,000 (£5,446) to
$15,000 a year. A portion of the report will also be available
every month for free on the company's website, a spokeswoman
said.
The Global Business Security Index was introduced on the same
day that the company named Stuart McIrvine as the new director of
its Global Security Strategy division.
McIrvine said that the Global Business Security Index is the
kind of new service customers can expect to see more of under his
reign.
"We are getting a lot of feedback from customers that they need
help with a company-wide security strategy," McIrvine said. The
Index is aimed at the "boardroom" rather than IT departments
because it helps companies assess their security vulnerabilities
from a business perspective, he added.
The monthly report has threat level scores and a few lines about
how to resolve critical issues, McIrvine said. Its advantage over
security warnings issued by various anti-virus companies is that it
is concise and avoids "information overload", he said.
IBM's introduction of a new security offering comes amid
warnings from the company that network attacks have surged in
recent months.
Attacks against critical infrastructure providers such as
telecommunications companies, utilities and government agencies
increased 55% from July to August of this year, IBM said.
Meanwhile, overall attacks against enterprises and businesses IBM
monitors have increased 27% since July, the company said.
The most prevalent attacks came from worms such as Sasser and
Korgo and attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in web
server software, IBM said.
Scarlet Pruitt writes for IDG News Service