Ageing software fuels cyber-attacks

Organisations are placing themselves at risk of cyber-attack because of poor data protection, with a study from consultant KPMG finding that more than three-quarters of businesses listed in the Forbes 2000 are using outdated software that is ‘leaking data’, making them prime targets for hackers.


The research found that 16 per cent of companies are vulnerable to attack due to out of date server software used to host websites, with those in the technology sector most likely to inadvertently disclose information in posts to social media and newsgroups in the form of metadata. For example, KPMG found in this sector alone more than 400,000 potential usernames across 2000 websites.

The UK however performed well in the test and appears to be better protected than its international counterparts, avoiding a place in the top ten most vulnerable countries.

“Attackers are aiming for an increased competitive edge or to gain better access to greater intellectual property – whatever their level of sophistication.  While it’s difficult to stop these groups, companies can, at the very least, deny them ‘open all areas’ access to their secrets which unwittingly, they may have laid bare,” says KPMG director Martin Jordan.