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Stolen Log-ins are the Most Dangerous

According to a recent report, more than 80% of businesses computer attacks could be stopped if the machine logging onto the network was checked, and not only the user`s identity. A California research firm that conducted the study, paid by BIOS maker Phoenix Technologies, used data from cases prosecuted by federal authorities in the past 7 years in order to reach the conclusions.

Dirck Schou, the senior director of security solutions at Phoenix said: "We wanted to get an honest viewpoint that wasn`t opinion- or survey-based. The problem with acquiring data on computer attacks, including the amount of damage done, is that companies are often hesitant to admit to a breach. That`s the beauty of this [data]. It`s only looking at those who have actually suffered an attack."

The report says that attacks based on logging in with stolen credentials usually cost businesses far more than the typical worm or virus assault. When a privileged account is penetrated by an unauthorized user, the average damage runs to $1.5 million, the report said. The average cost from a single virus attack was much smaller: under $2,400.