G DATA Software AG: Antivirus, Virenschutz, Virenscanner, Internet Security

Bochum (Germany), 29 February 2008 - The world’s largest computer trade fair could prove to be rich pickings for data thieves, according to G DATA. At no other trade fair can such a high density of laptops and unsecured WLANs be found. G DATA therefore advises all visitors and exhibitors at CeBIT to double check the security of their portable PCs before the fair starts. One of the data spies’ most effective tricks is to advertise their computers as free WLAN hotspots and, as the man in the middle, then capture the victims’ entire data traffic.

Laptops are lucrative targets for light-fingered cyber-criminals since they can contain customer lists, calculations or access data for corporate networks, not to mention the user’s private data. However, mobile offices often have insufficient protection against attacks. A common reason for this is obsolete signatures since laptops are only protected in corporate networks. Outside the boundaries of the network, they have hardly any protection at all. Many laptop owners prefer to use unsecured WLANS for reasons of cost. This is a fact of which data thieves at CeBIT 2008 will certainly take advantage.

Ralf Benzmüller, Head of G DATA Security Labs
“Criminals will use various tricks at CeBIT to attempt to infiltrate unsecured computers with special malware in order to access company and business data in grand style. At trade fairs, the thieves often purport to be free WLAN hotspots. Unnoticed by the victims, who are quick to take advantage of a supposed bargain, the entire data traffic will be captured or malware infiltrated. Therefore we can only advise CeBIT visitors not to use unsecured WLANs. The use of powerful and up-todate Internet security suites with an integrated firewall is essential, especially for business travellers.”

Three tips for CeBIT visitors
1. Don’t use any unsecured WLANs. If you use your own laptop on WLAN hotspots or hotel networks during CeBIT, make sure you are also using an Internet security suite with a powerful firewall.

2. Encrypt personal data and company information on your laptop. This information will then be protected against unauthorised access even if your machine is stolen.

3. Perform regular backups of your data to limit the possible damage to you and your company in case you lose your laptop.