How Much Should I Expect to Spend on Web Security?
When addressing the issue of web security there are two ways to phrase the question concerning what to spend on IT security. The first question is: How much should I expect to spend on web security? The second question is: How much will it cost the company if I don’t spend enough on web security? Of course a business not only needs to spend money on system security, but it must be spent on effective security systems and reviews.
In today’s economic climate the issues of security have come to the forefront as web site hackers and computer system attacks grow globally. When looking at the issue of systems and software security, you must consider potential company losses due to online theft, the return on investment for having adequate security, and the need to stay ahead of the brilliant hackers able to manoeuvre their way through even the most sophisticated muli-leveled software systems.
In March 2009 a hacker’s group proved that hacking can reach into a customer data bases without a company even knowing. A UK newspaper, “The Telegraph”, was compromised by a hacking group and the newspaper found out when the nameless hacking group posted screen shots and other information on the internet, gleaned from their hacking of a 700,000 customer base, as proof of their success.
Upon reading the story closer it seems The Telegraph was using a 2-year old third party code that simply was outdated in the world of sophisticated hackers. When hackers obtain access to customer credit card data, personal information, or government identification numbers, it won’t take long before a company finds itself losing business because the targeted market is unwilling to take a chance on accessing their website.