Security roundup: Intel to wipe out workplace passwords, 97% of FTSE 250 leave customers at risk to phishing attacks

This week we take a look at how Intel and Intercede are aiming to eliminate workplace passwords, why FTSE 250 companies are leaving customers exposed to dodgy emails, and more.

Intercede and Intel aim to eliminate workplace passwords
Intercede has announced new security software designed for deployment alongside Intel’s latest hardware-based identity protection technology, Intel Authenticate, to replace password-based access control for networks, applications and services with certificate-based, highly secure and convenient hardware-backed protection.

“Intel Authenticate is a solid technology built to intelligently help secure Windows based platforms in today’s enterprise environments,” said Richard Parris, CEO of Intercede. “We are proud to be working with Intel to provide differentiating technology that works with their new generation solution. Intel Authenticate, coupled with MyID, enables end-user companies to focus on their business and to protect their workforce and assets with a more highly secure solution that is cost-effective, easy to deploy and manage across a global enterprise.”

97% of FTSE 250 companies are leaving customers at risk to phishing attacks
New data from Cyber Security Partners has revealed that only 17 companies in the FTSE 250 are using the DMARC standard to prevent email scams. And of those 17 companies, it appears only six are using this security standard as a means to quarantine or reject fraudulent email – leaving the customers of 97 per cent of FTSE 250 companies dangerously exposed to phishing attacks.

“Up until now, far too much emphasis has been placed on individuals to safeguard themselves online. All the while businesses have been getting away with providing an appalling level of protection for their customers,” said Stuart Robb, CEO and founder of Cyber Security Partners.

“We strongly believe that if businesses wish to use email as a channel for communication with consumers, it is their inherent duty to protect customers against the increasing threat of phishing.”

Norton win ‘best protection’ for consumers at AV-TEST Institute awards
Symantec’s Norton Security has won AV-TEST’s “Best Protection Award 2015” for “home user” security. AV-TEST Institute has recognised Norton Security for its ability to stop the most widespread cybercrime threats, including real-time malicious attacks and malware spread via the web and e-mails.

“Norton Security consistently demonstrated impressive security protection throughout our multiple tests in 2015, and particularly in comparison to competing solutions,” said Andreas Marx, CEO, AV-TEST.

“Norton Security blocked 99.9 percent of attacks in Windows testing cycles, whereas the industry average was between 97 and 99 percent. Our rigorous testing resulted in Norton coming out on top as the most secure solution for consumers.”

In other news
– Ethoca has announced a partnership with Pegasystems to enable card-issuing banks to quickly and easily automate the resolution of customer service and fraud related disputes.
– Dell has announced the launch of the Dell SonicWALL Capture Advanced Threat Protection Service, which enhances organisations’ ability to safeguard against today’s shape-shifting cyber threats.
– Cyber Security Challenge UK recently teamed up with Protection Group International (PGI) to create the ultimate insight into a cyber criminals mind – a life-size recreation of a hacker’s bedroom. This event formed the first in a series of competitions for Cyber Security Challenge UK, which aims to find the UK’s best cyber security talent.

Businessman unlocking laptop image via Shutterstock